Stepping into an interview for your first internship or entry-level role can feel overwhelming. You want to impress, but you’re not sure what the recruiter or hiring manager will ask—or how you’ll stack up against other candidates. The truth is, while every interview is different, there are certain common interview questions for students that almost always come up.

If you walk in prepared for these, you’ll not only calm your nerves but also give yourself the best shot at landing the role. Below are 10 questions you’re likely to face, along with interview tips, sample answers, and context to help you shine.

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1. Tell me about yourself.

This is often the first question, and while it sounds casual, it sets the tone. The interviewer isn’t asking for your life story. Instead, they want a quick, confident summary of your background and what makes you a strong candidate.

How to answer:

• Keep it short (1–2 minutes).
• Start with your education or major.
• Highlight relevant experiences (internships, projects, leadership roles).
• End with why you’re excited about this role or company.

Sample answer:
“I’m a marketing major at the University of Minnesota, graduating this spring. Over the past year, I interned at a nonprofit where I managed their social media channels and grew engagement by 20 percent. I also served as president of the campus marketing club, organizing events with over 200 attendees. I’m excited about this role because I want to continue building my skills in digital marketing, and I admire the innovative campaigns your team produces.”

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2. Why do you want to work here?

Companies want to know you’re not just applying blindly. They want to see you’ve researched them and can connect your goals with their mission.

How to answer:

• Mention something specific about the company (their mission, products, culture).
• Tie it back to your interests and goals.
• Show enthusiasm.

Sample answer:
“I’m drawn to your company because of your strong focus on sustainability. As an environmental science student, I’ve spent the past four years researching renewable energy solutions, and I want to apply that knowledge in a company that’s actually making a difference. I love the idea of contributing to a team that’s both innovative and mission-driven.”

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3. What are your strengths?

This is your chance to highlight qualities that set you apart. But don’t just say you’re “hard-working.” Instead, share strengths with examples.

How to answer:

• Pick 2–3 strengths.
• Back them up with a quick story or example.
• Choose strengths relevant to the job.

Sample answer:
“One of my biggest strengths is communication. In my internship last summer, I regularly gave presentations to senior staff and wrote weekly reports that were shared with our clients. I’m also detail-oriented—something I developed through my research projects, where even small errors could affect the results.”

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4. What are your weaknesses?

Nobody likes this one. But employers don’t expect perfection. They want to see self-awareness and a willingness to improve.

How to answer:

• Pick something real, but not a deal-breaker.
• Show what you’re doing to work on it.
• Avoid cliché answers like “I work too hard.”

Sample answer:
“I sometimes get nervous about public speaking. But I’ve been working on it by taking a communication course and volunteering to lead presentations in class. Over the past semester, I’ve gotten much more comfortable speaking in front of groups, and I plan to keep improving.”

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5. Tell me about a time you worked on a team.

This is one of the most common behavioral interview questions. Employers want to know if you can collaborate, solve conflicts, and contribute to a group effort.

How to answer (STAR method):

• Situation: Set the scene.
• Task: Explain your role.
• Action: Share what you did.
• Result: Describe the outcome.

Sample answer:
“In one of my business classes, we had a semester-long group project. At first, our team struggled with missed deadlines. I suggested we set up a shared calendar and weekly check-ins. I took the lead in organizing our tasks, and as a result, we not only finished on time but also earned an A on the project.”

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6. Describe a time you faced a challenge or failure.

This question shows how you handle setbacks—something every job will include. Employers aren’t judging you for the mistake but for how you respond.

How to answer:

• Pick a real challenge, not something trivial.
• Focus on what you learned and how you grew.
• Show resilience and problem-solving.

Sample answer:
“During my first internship, I underestimated how long a research report would take. I missed the deadline, and my supervisor had to step in. It was tough, but I learned how important it is to plan ahead. Since then, I use project management tools to break big assignments into smaller tasks, and I haven’t missed a deadline since.”

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7. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Even if you don’t know exactly, employers want to see that you’re motivated and thinking about growth.

How to answer:

• Show ambition but stay realistic.
• Align your future with the company’s opportunities.
• Avoid saying you want to leave the field entirely.

Sample answer:
“In five years, I see myself in a role where I’ve grown into more responsibility, possibly leading a small team. I’m excited to keep learning in this field and contribute to projects that make a real impact. What I like about this role is that it seems like a great place to build a strong foundation.”

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8. Why should we hire you?

This is your chance to connect the dots for the employer. Think of it as your mini sales pitch.

How to answer:

• Summarize your skills and strengths.
• Link them directly to the role.
• End with confidence.

Sample answer:
“You should hire me because I bring a mix of strong academic knowledge and real-world experience. As a finance major, I’ve completed internships where I analyzed budgets and identified ways to save costs. I’m detail-oriented, collaborative, and eager to contribute. I believe I can quickly add value to your team.”

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9. Do you have any questions for us?

Always say yes. This is your chance to show interest and gather information. Good questions also help you figure out if the job is the right fit for you.

Questions you can ask:

• “What does success look like in this role after six months?”
• “What are the biggest challenges facing your team right now?”
• “What opportunities for growth or training does your company provide?”

Tip: Avoid asking about salary or vacation in the first interview unless the employer brings it up.

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10. Tell me about your relevant coursework, projects, or extracurriculars.

For students and recent grads, employers know you might not have years of experience. They want to see how you’ve applied your skills in class projects, clubs, or part-time jobs.

How to answer:

• Highlight something hands-on and relevant.
• Share your role and what you accomplished.
• Emphasize transferable skills.

Sample answer:
“As part of my computer science program, I worked on a capstone project developing a mobile app for a local business. I led the coding on the front end and collaborated with a small team to design the user interface. The business actually implemented the app, and it’s been used by their customers for over a year.”

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Putting It All Together

Interviews can feel intimidating, but with the right preparation, you’ll walk in with confidence. The key is to practice answering these common interview questions for students while weaving in stories that show your skills, personality, and potential.

Remember these final interview tips:

• Practice out loud, not just in your head.
• Use the STAR method for behavioral questions.
• Be honest, but always end on a positive note.
• Show enthusiasm—you want the job, and employers want to see that.

And when you’re ready for your next opportunity, don’t forget: you can find thousands of entry-level interview prep resources and job postings on College Recruiter.