Interview Question: Why Should You be Hired for This Internship? Tips to Answer

Securing an internship is the first step toward a successful professional journey. This is why cracking an internship interview is of the utmost importance. To excel in an interview, you must know how to answer the most commonly asked interview question, ‘Why should you be hired for this internship?’ This question helps interviewers understand how keen you are to get the role and how you will add value to the company. Therefore you should highlight your interest in the internship, strengths, and willingness to learn more and emphasize your collaborative skills. 

Explore tips and sample answers in this detailed guide to understand how to effectively respond to this interview process. Read ahead to ace your internship interview with confidence. 

Reasons Why Employers Ask, ‘Why Should We Hire You as an Intern?’

The following are the reasons why employers ask potential candidates why they should be hired:

• To evaluate their skills, self-assurance, and enthusiasm for the role.
• To understand their strengths and attributes through the way they tailor their response.
• To find out if their qualities align with the job’s criteria. 
• To analyze their work ethic and their way of working.

Tips to Answer, ‘Why Should You be Hired For This Internship?’

Here are practical tips to respond to, “Why should we hire you for an internship?”

1. Be Assertive:

This involves confidently expressing the skills, experiences, and unique qualities that make you an ideal candidate. You can also effectively communicate your value by matching your abilities and past experiences with the criteria for the internship. To enhance your chances of securing an internship, explore this quick blog on how to get an internship with no experience.

2. Mention Accomplishments:

Highlight your professional achievements while responding to the question. Consider mentioning periods you were able to accomplish a task within a specified timeframe. 

3. Be Enthusiastic:

Express your sincere enthusiasm for the opportunity to be a part of the team. Also, emphasize your determination to bring concrete results and reaffirm your willingness to exceed expectations. 

4. Demonstrate Relevant Skills:

When responding to the question, why should we hire you as an intern, demonstrate your technical and soft skills to showcase your ability to collaborate effectively with others and add value as an employee. Highlight your technical and soft skills to explain why you are the right choice for the business. 

5. Be Yourself:

By staying true to yourself, you can present an honest persona of who you are during the interview process. This demonstrates authenticity and fosters a genuine connection with the interviewer to showcase how well-suited you are for their team culture.

Sample Answers for Why Should We Hire You for an Internship

Here are some of the best responses to answering this question during an interview.

Sample Answers for Different Professional Scenarios

When asked, why should you be hired for the internship as a fresher, you do not have to worry about the lack of work experience. All you need to do is let your interviewer know about your acquired skills and how you will implement them in the job role. This will help you to showcase why you are the right fit for the role.  

Here are some other sample responses to this interview questions:

 Sample Answer 1: Generic Sample Answer

Based on the internship description, I believe this role is the right fit for me. During my time in college, I excelled academically and actively sought opportunities for continued learning beyond the typical coursework, as is evident on my resume. 

Managing various responsibilities has refined my time management abilities, enabling me to produce excellent results within specified timelines. I am excited about the prospect of contributing positively to your organization and look forward to the opportunity.

Sample Answer 2: For Freshers With No Experience

This response is for freshers applying for internships with no prior experience. To answer this question, you can emphasize your career goals aligning them with the internship requirements.

Here is how you can answer:

Based on the internship description, I believe this role is the right fit for me. Despite possessing a solid understanding of this field, I believe the most effective way for me to progress is by gaining hands-on experience in a reputable organization like yours. My goal is to develop, enhance, and acquire skills that will build me into a valuable professional within this industry.

Sample Answer 3: For Interns Seeking to Work With the Same Company

This response is mostly suited for candidates who have prior experience with the organization they are interviewing with.

During my graduation, I was allowed to work as an intern at your organization for a month. It provided me with valuable experience and helped me in improving my skills. I am now familiar with the work culture here and feel it aligns with my values as a professional. Considering these factors, I would say I am a suitable candidate for this internship role.

Sample Answer 4: Reply If You Are a Team Player

This response is well suited for candidates going for professional internships that require confidentiality and professionalism.

My abilities and credentials align perfectly with those outlined in the job posting. If given the opportunity, I am confident in my ability to consistently produce high-quality work during my time as an intern. With strong communication skills, a team-oriented mindset, and a strong work ethic, I am eager to showcase my capabilities if selected for the position.

Sample Answer 5: Reply If You Are a Fast Learner

This response is mainly suited for behavioral situations interviews that involve hands-on experience and knowledge in careers such as fashion designing, cosmetics, etc.

My educational background has equipped me with a solid understanding of all the necessary subjects. I possess a keen ability to grasp new concepts fast. If I am given the opportunity, it would be my utmost priority to actively contribute and add value to your company’s growth. Additionally, I believe working alongside experienced professionals in your team would also aid in the development of my skills.

Sample Answers‌ For Various Job Roles & Domains 

Here are a few responses to the question, “Why should we hire you for an internship,” as per situations and job roles: 

Sample Answer 1: For Graphic Design Internships

This response is well suited for candidates going for graphic design internships that require creative thinking and fast learning.

My ability to think creatively, in addition to the fact that I am a fast learner, has been beneficial in various projects I have done in the past. Additionally, my proficiency in color theory and knowledge of the latest tools make me a suitable candidate for the role. I am eager to put my educational experience to practical use in this industry, with the guidance of your experienced team members.

Sample Answer 2: For Digital Marketing Internships

This response is typically suited for individuals undertaking a digital marketing interview.

During my academic years, I have been creating digital content like social media posts, blogs, and articles. In addition to this experience, I have also pursued certifications to enhance my skills in SEO optimization and crafting engaging content.

I believe the knowledge and abilities gained from these experiences will make me a valuable member of your team. Additionally, working alongside your team will enable me to continue learning new techniques within the industry. I firmly believe during this digital marketing internship, I’ll be able to give my best for the company’s growth.

Sample Answer 3: For Product Management Internships

This response is well-suited for candidates going for a product management interview.

I have recently completed a product management course with distinction. I believe with my technical knowledge and strong analytical capabilities, I can contribute immensely to your product management team. I am excited about this internship opportunity and look forward to it as it would allow me to gain practical experience in the industry.

Sample Answer 4: For NGO Internships

This response is designed for candidates who wish to apply for NGO internships.

Based on the internship description, I believe this role is the right fit for me. I have volunteered for an NGO as part of my college’s National Service Scheme and like interacting with people. With my strong communication skills, I believe I can contribute positively to this role and your organization.

Sample Answer 5: For Sales Internships 

This response is typically suited for candidates going for a sales position or a receptionist role. This is because effective communication and team-oriented are essential to success in this role.

Based on the internship description, I believe this role is the right fit for me. I possess strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills along with a positive attitude, necessary to excel in this role. If given this opportunity, I promise to deliver exceptional work and complete all assigned tasks throughout my time as an intern. I look forward to working with your organization as it will provide valuable experience in the industry.

Sample Answer 6: For HR Internships

This response is well suited for individuals going for an HR internship interview.

During my time in college, I have had the opportunity to serve as both a ‘campus ambassador’ and a ‘placement coordinator’, which enabled me to gain valuable experience in selecting the best individuals for specific tasks. I understand that finding the right person for a job is crucial, and my talent for identifying suitable candidates makes me well-suited for this internship/job role. Furthermore, I am currently taking a human resource management course, which makes me an ideal candidate for this position.

Conclusion

When asked, “Why should you be hired for this internship,” it is important to highlight your unique skills and experiences that align with the company’s values and goals. By showcasing enthusiasm, determination, and a willingness to learn. You can demonstrate why you are the best fit for this opportunity. Also, make sure to emphasize how securing this internship will benefit both yourself and the organization. 

You can explore these 22 common internship interview questions to prepare effectively for your upcoming interview. If you found this helpful, leave us your feedback in the comment section below.