How to Answer: 'Why Should We Hire You as an Intern?'

How to answer the job interview question: Why should we hire you as an intern?

Hiring managers ask this question to see if you're a good fit for the internship. They want to know if you have the skills and attitude to add value to their team. Answering this question well can help you stand out and show why you're the best intern for the job.

Key Takeaways

1. Show Your Skills: Highlight the skills you have that match the job description. Mention any specific tools, software, or abilities that make you a good fit.

2. Mention Relevant Experience: Talk about any past internships, volunteer work, or projects that are related to the position. Real-world experience shows you can handle the job.

3. Eagerness to Learn: Show enthusiasm for learning new things and growing in the role. Employers like interns who are motivated and want to improve.

4. Company Research: Share what you know about the company. Mention how their mission aligns with your personal goals. It shows you are genuinely interested.

5. Positive Attitude: Convey a can-do attitude and willingness to take on challenges. Employers want interns who are positive and ready to contribute.

Five Answers on How to Respond to 'Why Should We Hire You as an Intern?'

Answer 1:

You should hire me as an intern because I am a quick learner and have a strong work ethic. For example, during my last internship, I was able to pick up new tasks and responsibilities quickly and always completed them on time with high quality.

Answer Breakdown: The response highlights the candidate's ability to learn quickly and their strong work ethic, providing a specific example from a previous internship to support these qualities. This demonstrates to the interviewer that the candidate has relevant experience and skills that make them a valuable asset as an intern.

Answer 2:

You should hire me as an intern because I am a quick learner, detail-oriented, and passionate about gaining experience in this field. For example, during my previous internship, I was able to quickly grasp new concepts and contribute effectively to the team's projects.

Answer Breakdown: The response highlights the candidate's relevant skills and attributes that make them a strong fit for the internship position. By emphasizing qualities like being a quick learner, detail-oriented, and passionate, the candidate presents themselves as someone who is motivated and capable of making valuable contributions to the team. Additionally, providing a specific example from a previous internship helps to support their claims and demonstrate their ability to apply these qualities in a professional setting.

Answer 3:

You should hire me as an intern because I am a quick learner with a strong work ethic. For example, in my previous internship, I was able to adapt to new tasks and responsibilities quickly, and consistently delivered high-quality work within tight deadlines.

Answer Breakdown: The response highlights the applicant's ability to learn quickly and work diligently, supported by a specific example from a previous internship. This demonstrates their potential to contribute effectively and efficiently in a new role.

Answer 4:

You should hire me as an intern because I have relevant coursework and hands-on experience through a previous internship where I successfully managed social media accounts and created engaging content that increased follower engagement by 20%.

Answer Breakdown: The response highlights the applicant's qualifications and practical experience, demonstrating their ability to apply their skills in a professional setting. By citing specific achievements from a previous internship, the applicant provides concrete evidence of their capabilities and potential value to the company.

Answer 5:

You should hire me as an intern because I am eager to learn and contribute to your team. In my previous internship, I proactively took on new tasks and projects, and I believe I can bring the same dedication and enthusiasm to this role.

Answer Breakdown: The answer highlights the candidate's eagerness to learn and contribute, backed up by their past experience of taking on new tasks and projects in a previous internship. This demonstrates a proactive attitude and a willingness to contribute positively to the team.

Five STAR Method Answers on How to Respond to 'Why Should We Hire You as an Intern?'

STAR Answer 1:

Situation: As a marketing intern, I was given a project to increase social media engagement for a small business.

Task: My task was to come up with a social media campaign to attract more followers and increase interaction.

Action: I created a content calendar with engaging posts, collaborated with influencers for promotions, and analyzed data to optimize our strategy.

Result: The business saw a 30% increase in followers and a noticeable uptick in likes, comments, and shares, resulting in higher brand visibility and customer engagement.

STAR Answer Breakdown: The candidate should be hired as an intern because they have practical experience in developing and implementing successful social media campaigns that resulted in a significant increase in followers and engagement for a small business. This demonstrates their ability to take initiative, collaborate with others, analyze data, and achieve tangible results, all of which are valuable skills for an intern role.

STAR Answer 2:

Situation: During my junior year of college, I was seeking an internship to gain hands-on experience in my field of study.

Task: I wanted to secure an internship that would allow me to apply my classroom knowledge in a real-world setting and further develop my skills.

Action: I actively researched and applied to various internships, tailoring my resume and cover letter to highlight my relevant coursework and extracurricular activities. I also reached out to professionals in the industry for informational interviews to gain insights and advice.

Result: My efforts paid off when I was offered an internship at a local marketing agency. I excelled in the role, contributing fresh ideas and completing tasks efficiently. By the end of the internship, I had received positive feedback from my supervisors and was offered a part-time position upon graduation.

STAR Answer Breakdown: The candidate effectively highlights their proactive approach to seeking out internship opportunities, showcasing their dedication to gaining practical experience in their field of study. By emphasizing their tailored application materials and networking efforts, the candidate demonstrates their commitment to professional growth and readiness to contribute positively to a potential internship role. The successful outcome of securing a part-time position post-internship further reinforces their value as a motivated and capable candidate.

STAR Answer 3:

Situation: I recently completed a project where I had to create a marketing campaign for a local charity event.

Task: My task was to increase attendance and donations for the event within a limited budget.

Action: I researched target demographics, developed engaging content, and utilized social media platforms to promote the event effectively.

Result: As a result of my efforts, the event saw a 30% increase in attendance and a 40% rise in donations compared to the previous year. I believe my creativity, resourcefulness, and ability to deliver results make me a strong candidate for this internship position.

STAR Answer Breakdown: The response effectively highlights the applicant's relevant experience, showcasing their ability to successfully complete a project by increasing attendance and donations for a charity event. By providing specific details on the tasks undertaken and the positive outcomes achieved, the applicant demonstrates their skills in research, content development, and social media marketing. This answer effectively communicates the applicant's value and potential contribution as an intern.

STAR Answer 4:

Situation: I was seeking an internship in digital marketing to gain practical experience in the field.

Task: I needed to demonstrate my skills and passion for digital marketing to secure the internship position.

Action: I researched the company thoroughly, prepared a portfolio of my relevant projects, and highlighted my strong communication and analytical skills during the interview.

Result: I was offered the internship due to my enthusiasm, relevant skills, and clear alignment with the company's goals.

STAR Answer Breakdown: The candidate should be hired as an intern because they have shown enthusiasm, relevant skills, and a clear alignment with the company's goals. By researching the company, preparing a portfolio, and highlighting their communication and analytical skills, the candidate demonstrated their commitment and ability to contribute effectively to the organization.

STAR Answer 5:

Situation: I applied for an internship at a marketing firm to gain hands-on experience in the field.

Task: I needed to demonstrate my abilities and passion for marketing to secure the internship position.

Action: I prepared a portfolio showcasing my previous marketing projects, highlighted my strong communication skills during the interview, and expressed my eagerness to learn and contribute to the team.

Result: I was offered the internship opportunity as the hiring manager appreciated my enthusiasm, relevant skills, and potential to grow within the company.

STAR Answer Breakdown: The answer effectively highlights the applicant's proactive approach in preparing for the interview by showcasing their relevant skills and enthusiasm for the field. By focusing on their portfolio, communication skills, and eagerness to learn, the applicant demonstrates their potential value to the marketing firm as an intern.