13 Internship Interview Questions and Answers To Prepare for in South Africa
In most cases, an internship is your first job in a real working environment, and being a first-timer can be nerve-wracking, which can cause silly mistakes during your first interview. The best way to prepare for an opportunity like this is to research what kind of question to expect, practice the answers, and find a professional way to answer them. South African employers are always eager to explore new talent, candidates who are willing to learn and can easily adapt to any environment. This article will highlight the most common 13 internship interview questions along with the best possible answers to give.
1. Tell Us About Yourself.
Why Do Employers Ask This?
They are giving the candidate the opportunity to sell themselves in the best way possible, looking at their professional background, personality, and if they are fit for the company’s work ethics and values.
Answer Tips:
Avoid unnecessary stories and hobbies that are not relevant to a working environment. Highlight your academic background, relevant skills, and what inspired you to pique an interest in the particular internship.
Example of the Best Answer:
“I am currently a third-year marketing student at the University of Cape Town who is passionate about digital marketing and social media strategy. I have gained experience managing social media pages for my university’s student association, and during that time I increased page engagement by 40% in six months. I’m highly interested in this internship because it aligns with my career goals and will allow me to apply my skills in a professional setting.”
2. Why Do You Want This Internship?
Why Do Employers Ask This?
To confirm your genuine interest in the role you have applied for and your knowledge about what the company does.
Answer Tips:
Highlight your excitement to gain experience in the role and apply the skills you come with.
Example of the Best Answer:
“This internship will give me the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience in software development and also apply the skills I have learned on my course. I am inspired by your company’s commitment to innovation, and it would be exciting to learn from industry experts while contributing my problem-solving skills.”
3. What Do You Know About Our Company?
Why Do Employers Ask This?
They want to see if you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested.
Answer Tips:
Talk about what you have researched and show off your knowledge about the company’s mission, values, work with, and recent projects they have completed that are relevant to your role.
Example of the Best Answer:
“XYZ Company has always taken my interest, mainly because it is a leader in fintech solutions in South Africa, helping businesses streamline their financial processes. I was recently impressed by your partnership with [Company Name] to develop a mobile payment platform, and I admire your focus on innovation.”
4. What Are Your Strengths?
Why Do Employers Ask This?
To know more about what you bring to the company and the skills you bring to the team.
Answer Tips:
Highlight the skills that are relevant to the internship role you are interested in, give examples when necessary.
Example of the Best Answer:
“One of my biggest strengths is adaptability and problem-solving skills. During a group project at university, I took the initiative to switch roles when a team member dropped out, so that the project was completed successfully. I believe this ability to learn quickly and think on the spot will help me contribute effectively in this role.”
5. What Are Your Weaknesses?
Why Do Employers Ask This?
They want to understand if you can take accountability, how self-aware you are, and if you are willing to improve on your weaknesses.
Answer Tips:
Be honest about a weakness you have and what you are doing to improve the weakness.
Example of the Best Answer:
“I have been struggling with public speaking, but I joined my university’s debate club to improve my confidence and speech in front of people. While I’m still working on it, I’ve become much more comfortable presenting in front of audiences.”
6. Tell Us About a Time You Worked in a Team.
Why Do Employers Ask This?
Since interns usually need supervision and working with others, they have to know if you are able to collaborate with others successfully for the company’s benefit.
Answer Tips:
To successfully answer this, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Example of the Best Answer:
“In my business studies class, we worked in teams to develop a marketing campaign. I was assigned to research competitors, and I successfully helped create a unique campaign strategy that led to us winning first place in the competition.”
7. How Do You Handle Deadlines and Pressure?
Why Do Employers Ask This?
To analyze your ability and skills in time management.
Answer Tips:
Provide an example of effective tools or methods you use to prioritize tasks.
Example of the Best Answer:
“A task management system has been very effective for me to organize my deadlines. During final exams, I balanced coursework and part-time work by setting clear priorities and giving priority to urgent tasks first.”
8. What Are Your Career Goals?
Why Do Employers Ask This?
The employers want to see if your goals align with the internship and the company’s best interest.
Answer Tips:
Explain where you see yourself professionally in a certain period and how the internship will benefit your career journey.
Example of the Best Answer:
“My goal is to become a data analyst specializing in financial technology. This internship will help me gain the technical experience needed to achieve that goal.”
9. How Would You Handle a Difficult Colleague?
Why Do Employers Ask This?
To analyze your problem-solving skills.
Answer Tips:
Explain how you can resolve conflicts while maintaining professionalism.
Example of the Best Answer:
“I would calmly try to understand their perspective and communicate openly in a way that both of us are satisfied. If the issue persisted, I’d involve a supervisor to mediate.”
10. What Sets You Apart from Other Candidates?
Why Do Employers Ask This?
To learn more about your unique strengths.
Answer Tips:
Talk about a rare skill you have or a unique experience you have.
Example of the Best Answer:
“I have an ability to learn new technologies by myself, which sets me apart. I recently taught myself Python in three months and built a basic data analysis project.”
11. Do You Have Any Experience in This Field?
Why Do Employers Ask This?
It is crucial for employers to know how much you know about the industry you are joining.
Answer Tips:
In cases where you don’t have any experience, mention any relevant projects and assignments you did in your studies.
Example of the Best Answer:
“I haven’t worked in finance yet, but I completed an investment analysis project at university where I analyzed stock market trends.”
12. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?
Why Do Employers Ask This:
To see how ambitious you are and whether you have a plan on being in the company for a longer period.
Answer Tips:
Try to be as honest as possible while including the company’s industry in your long-term goals.
Example of the Best Answer:
“I see myself in a leadership role within digital marketing, managing campaigns for global brands.”
13. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
Why Do Employers Ask This?
To gauge how interested you are in the role and the company you want to intern in.
Answer Tips:
Show interest by asking about the career advancements in the company, what is expected of you in your role, and what the company culture is.
Example of the Best Question:
“What is an individual expected to do to be deemed a successful intern in this role?”
Final Tips for Acing Your Internship Interview
- Research and learn about the company’s work ethics, values, mission, and vision.
- Search commonly asked questions in your industry and practice them until you are confident enough.
- Be appropriately dressed for the company you are interviewing at.
- Be punctual
- Show eagerness and enthusiasm
- Send a follow-up email and express gratitude for their time after the interview.
Prepare for your internship interview by practicing these interview questions so that you have the confidence to ace the interview and secure your an internship in South Africa
Meta Description: Preparing for an internship interview in South Africa? Here are the top 13 interview questions with expert answers to help you impress recruiters and land your dream internship.
