Internships are a great way to kick-start your career, and London offers a vibrant hub of opportunities across various industries—from finance and media to technology and fashion. However, before you land that perfect internship, you’ll need to make it through the interview process.
Many students and graduates feel nervous about interviews, especially if they don’t have much experience. But with the right preparation, you can walk into any interview with confidence. This guide will walk you through some of the most common internship interview questions asked by London employers—and how to answer them in a thoughtful and professional way.
1. Tell Me About Yourself
Why It’s Asked:
This question helps interviewers get to know you beyond your CV. They want a quick summary of who you are, what you’re studying, and what you’re interested in.
How to Answer:
Keep it short and focused. Mention your current education, any relevant experience, and what draws you to this internship.
Example Answer:
“I’m currently in my second year studying Business Management at King’s College London. I’ve always been interested in marketing, and I recently worked on a university project where we created a social media strategy for a startup. That sparked my interest in digital campaigns, which is why I’m excited about this internship opportunity.”
2. Why Do You Want to Intern Here?
Why It’s Asked:
Employers want to know that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in their company.
How to Answer:
Mention specific things about the company—its projects, culture, or mission—that attract you. Be honest and enthusiastic.
Example Answer:
“I admire how your company combines innovation with sustainability. I read about your recent partnership with local charities, and it really impressed me. I want to be part of a team that not only focuses on business but also on making a positive impact.”
3. What Are Your Strengths?
Why It’s Asked:
This helps interviewers understand how you see yourself and what skills you bring to the table.
How to Answer:
Choose strengths that match the internship role. Support them with examples from your academic or personal experiences.
Example Answer:
“One of my strengths is communication. In my university debate team, I learned how to express ideas clearly and listen carefully to others. I think this will help me work well in a team and share ideas during the internship.”
4. What Are Your Weaknesses?
Why It’s Asked:
This is not a trick question. Interviewers want to see if you’re self-aware and willing to improve.
How to Answer:
Choose a real weakness, but explain how you’re working to overcome it.
Example Answer:
“I used to get nervous when giving presentations. But I’ve been practicing by volunteering to speak in class and taking a public speaking workshop. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m getting more confident each time.”
5. Describe a Time You Worked in a Team
Why It’s Asked:
Teamwork is important in most jobs. Interviewers want to know how you interact with others and solve problems together.
How to Answer:
Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Example Answer:
“In one of my university courses, we had to create a business plan in a group of five. I was responsible for market research, and we initially disagreed on how to approach it. I suggested we divide the work based on strengths, and I helped the team agree on roles. In the end, we got great feedback and scored one of the highest marks in class.”
6. How Do You Prioritize Your Work?
Why It’s Asked:
Internships often involve juggling multiple tasks. Employers want to see how organized and reliable you are.
How to Answer:
Share your strategy for managing time and responsibilities.
Example Answer:
“I like to make a to-do list every morning, ranking tasks by deadline and importance. During busy weeks, I also set time blocks to focus on each task. This system helps me stay on track and avoid last-minute stress.”
7. Tell Me About a Challenge You Faced and How You Handled It
Why It’s Asked:
This helps employers assess your problem-solving skills and resilience.
How to Answer:
Choose a real challenge and explain what you learned from it.
Example Answer:
“In my first year, I failed one of my assignments due to poor time management. I felt really disappointed, but I used it as a learning experience. I started using a planner, attended time management workshops, and improved my grades in the next semester.”
8. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
Why It’s Asked:
This is your chance to show interest and learn more about the role. Not asking questions can seem like you’re not curious or engaged.
How to Answer:
Ask about the team, training, or future opportunities.
Example Questions:
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“What does a typical day look like for an intern here?”
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“What kind of training or mentorship is provided during the internship?”
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“Are there opportunities for full-time roles after the internship?”
Bonus Tips for Success
Research the Company
Know what the company does, its values, and recent news. It shows that you’re serious about the opportunity.
Practice Common Questions
Rehearsing your answers helps reduce anxiety. Try mock interviews with a friend or career advisor.
Dress Professionally
Even for virtual interviews, dress as you would for an in-person meeting. First impressions matter.
Be Yourself
Interviewers understand you’re still learning. It’s okay not to have all the answers. Be honest, enthusiastic, and willing to learn.
Final Thoughts
Landing an internship in London can be competitive, but with preparation, you can stand out from the crowd. Understanding common interview questions—and how to answer them in a way that shows your personality, motivation, and potential—will go a long way in making a strong impression.
Remember, internships are not just about what you know, but also about your willingness to grow, learn, and contribute. So take a deep breath, prepare well, and walk into that interview with confidence.
Good luck with your internship journey!
