Why Should You Be Hired For This Internship Interview Question – 5 Winning Ways to Answer

According to a recent 2024 survey by Orbith Journal, which involved a study of 290 engineering students, many students experience anxiety when facing internship interview questions. 

But first, what is an internship?

Internships are like the first chapter of your professional story. They bridge the gap between the theories you learn in your textbooks and the practical skills required in the workplace.

Simply put, an internship is your hands-on training ground where you can apply your academic knowledge in real-world settings. But what exactly does that mean for you?

At their core, internships offer a chance to explore your interests, gain practical skills, and make valuable industry connections. They come in various forms, from formal programs organized by large companies to opportunities in startups or smaller organizations.

One question you're almost certain to face is: "Why should we hire you for this internship?"

While this question might stir up anxiety, think of it as your golden opportunity! It's your chance to showcase your skills and ambition and explain why you fit the role perfectly. A well-crafted answer can set you apart from the competition and leave a lasting impression on your potential employers. It can turn a simple "thank you for your time" into a coveted internship offer!

We'll walk you through industry-based answers, tips for delivering that perfect response, and much more. Let's dive in!

How to Answer 'Why Should You Be Hired for This Internship?'

Employers are looking for interns who show potential and enthusiasm for contributing to their organization. When answering internship interview questions, aim to showcase your skills and experiences confidently.

Align your strengths with the internship's specific requirements. This connection is essential for making a strong impression! Highlighting your relevant skills demonstrates how you can make a meaningful impact. A well-prepared response sets you apart and showcases your genuine interest in the role.

Preparing for the Question

Before the interview, prepare your answer by following these steps.

• Research the Company: Understand its values, culture, and mission. This knowledge will help you tailor your answer to fit the company's expectations.
• Analyze the Job Description: Identify key requirements and desired skills that the employer is looking for in a candidate.
• Outline Your Relevant Skills and Experiences: List your strengths and experiences that directly align with the internship's needs.

Pro Tips for Crafting the Perfect Answer

Focus on always personalizing your answer for different internships. That's because each internship is unique, and the answer must be tweaked to reflect the specific role and industry.

Here are some other pro tips to help you deliver that perfect answer.Incorporate Achievements: Highlight any accomplishments that showcase your skills, whether from school or volunteer work.

• Emphasize What Makes You Different: Focus on what sets you apart — your unique perspective, skills, or attitude.
• Show How You'll Use the Internship to Grow: Mention how this internship fits into your career goals and how it will help you develop professionally.

Also Read: Internship – The Road to a Promising Tech Career

Why Should You Be Hired for This Internship? 5 Winning Answers for Freshers

Nailing your internship interview questions is all about having the correct answers ready to go. As a fresher, you might not have a ton of work experience, and that's completely fine! What truly matters is how you showcase your potential, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.

Here are five tailored answers demonstrating different skills and approaches freshers can take.

Why Should You Be Hired for This Internship? Response 1

"Thank you for asking! 

During my final year project at college, I led a team of four to develop a mobile app that helps students manage their study schedules. We faced tight deadlines, but by organizing weekly meetings and delegating tasks effectively, we completed the project ahead of time. 

This experience honed my leadership and teamwork skills. I'm excited about this internship because it aligns with my passion for technology and innovation, and I believe I can contribute positively while continuing to learn."

Why Should You Be Hired for This Internship? Response 2

"Thank you for asking! 

I recently volunteered at a local NGO, where I organized fundraising events. By implementing social media campaigns, we raised 30% more funds than the previous year. 

This taught me the power of strategic communication and creativity. I'm eager to bring this proactive mindset to your marketing team and help create impactful campaigns."

Why Should You Be Hired for This Internship? Response 3

"Thank you for asking! 

In one of my courses, I had to present a complex topic to my classmates. I realized that simplifying information is key to effective communication. I created engaging visuals and interactive elements and received positive feedback from both peers and professors. I believe these skills will be valuable in this internship, especially in roles that require clear communication and presentation."

Why Should You Be Hired for This Internship? Response 4

"Thank you for asking! During an internship at a local startup, I was assigned to assist with data analysis. Although I was new to their software, I took the initiative to learn it quickly through online tutorials. 

Within a week, I contributed to the team's project by identifying key trends in the data. This experience showed me that I'm adaptable and a fast learner, qualities I believe are essential for this internship."

Why Should You Be Hired for This Internship? Response 5

"Thank you for asking! 

I have a strong passion for environmental sustainability. For a college assignment, I conducted a research project on renewable energy solutions in India. 

I presented my findings at a national seminar, which enhanced my research and public speaking skills. I'm excited about this internship opportunity because it will allow me to apply my knowledge and contribute to meaningful projects in this field."

These five responses highlight your unique strengths and enthusiasm. They showcase how you can effectively present yourself in an interview. Remember, confidence and a genuine interest in the role can make a lasting impression on employers!

Sample Responses Tailored to Job Roles

Ready to tailor your responses to fit the specific internship you're aiming for? The right approach can make all the difference!

Here are sample responses for different internship roles that will resonate with employers. Whether you're eyeing a digital marketing position or a role in engineering, here's how you can tweak your answers for various fields.

Why Should You Be Hired for This Internship? Response For Digital Marketing Internships

"I'm excited about the opportunity to join your team as a Digital Marketing Intern! 

During college, I managed social media accounts for our cultural fest, increasing engagement by 50% through creative posts and interactive campaigns. 

I also completed an online SEO course and understand how to optimize content. I'm eager to apply my creativity and skills to help enhance your brand's online presence."

Pro Tip: Highlight content creation and SEO optimization skills to make a lasting impact.

Also Read: How to Get Internship in Digital Marketing: 4 Steps to Follow

Excited about your career prospects in the field of digital marketing but new to it? Check out upGrad’s free Digital Marketing Courses and learn from the best industry experts. 

Why Should You Be Hired for This Internship? Response For Engineering Internships

"I'm thrilled about the chance to intern with your engineering team! 

In my recent project, I worked on designing a cost-effective water purification system for rural areas. I used CAD software to create detailed models and collaborated with my team to test prototypes. 

This project improved my technical skills and taught me the importance of practical solutions. I'm eager to contribute my problem-solving abilities and technical knowledge to your ongoing projects."

Pro Tip: Emphasize key skills, including technical know-how and problem-solving abilities. 

Why Should You Be Hired for This Internship? Response For Human Resource Internships

"Thank you for asking!

Throughout my studies, I've actively organized college events, recruiting and managing volunteers. This experience enhanced my interpersonal skills and understanding of team dynamics. 

I'm particularly interested in how HR strategies can create a positive workplace culture. This internship will allow me to apply my knowledge in a practical setting while learning from experienced HR professionals."

Pro Tip: Tailor your answer to make it abundantly clear that you're blessed with the rare quality of people management.

Why Should You Be Hired for This Internship? Response For Web Development Internships

"Thank you for asking! 

I've developed several personal projects, including a responsive website for a local charity using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. I enjoy tackling coding challenges and have recently started learning React to enhance my front-end development skills. 

This internship is an exciting opportunity for me to learn from experienced developers and contribute to impactful projects."

Pro Tip: Focus on problem-solving as your key skill alongside your expertise in coding. 

If coding keeps you hooked up and you want to take your stack development skills to the next level, upGrad’s AI-Powered Full Stack Development Course is the best choice for you. Learn from the best industry experts. 

Why Should You Be Hired for This Internship? Response For Data Science Internships

"I'm passionate about data science and the power of analytics! For my final year project, I used Python and machine learning algorithms to predict stock market trends. 

I love solving complex problems and finding actionable insights from data. I'm excited about the opportunity to gain practical experience through this internship and contribute my analytical skills to your team's data-driven projects."

Pro Tip: Communicate software proficiency clearly through your past projects. 

Also Read: How to Develop Analytical Thinking [A Complete Guide]

Why Should You Be Hired for This Internship? Response For Graphic Design Internships

"Growing up, I was always fascinated by visual storytelling. I designed posters and brochures for various events during college using tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. 

One of my designs was featured in a national competition. I truly believe that my creativity and attention to detail can contribute to your team's projects, and I'm eager to learn more about professional design workflows.

Pro Tip: Establish your expertise with creative thinking and attention to detail.

Why Should You Be Hired for This Internship? Response For NGO Internships

"I've always been passionate about making a difference in my community. I volunteered with Teach India, where I taught English to underprivileged children. 

This experience improved my communication and organizational skills. I'm excited about the chance to contribute to your mission and believe my dedication and expertise can help drive your projects forward."

Pro Tip: Emphasize your passion for social work and highlight all relevant volunteer experience. 

Why Should You Be Hired for This Internship? Response For Teaching Internships

"This internship feels like the perfect fit for me because I'm eager to share my knowledge with students using engaging and interactive methods. 

During my college years, I tutored junior students in mathematics, helping them improve their grades significantly. I see myself as a mentor who can guide students to reach their potential. 

This internship would also be a fantastic opportunity for me to learn from experienced teachers and develop my skills further."

Pro Tip: Highlight your instructional skills, as well as your mentoring and leadership abilities.

Why Employers Ask the Question "Why Should We Hire You as an Intern?"

When employers ask, "Why should we hire you as an intern?" they give you a chance to stand out. This is your chance to highlight your enthusiasm, potential, and readiness to make an impact.

Recruiters are looking for more than just skills on paper. They want interns who bring fresh ideas, adaptability, and a hunger to grow. Your answer offers them a glimpse into how you'll add value and become a key player on their team.

Here's what employers really assess when they ask internship interview questions.

• Communication: Can you clearly share your ideas and collaborate with others?
• Positive Attitude: Do you bring energy and a can-do mindset to everything you do?
• Teamwork: How well do you connect and collaborate with others?
• Creativity and Fresh Ideas: Can you think outside the box and offer new solutions?
• Adaptability: Are you open to learning and quick on your feet when things change?
• Academic and Extracurricular Activities: How have you used your experiences to develop your skills?
• Analytical and Interpersonal Skills: Can you solve problems while building meaningful relationships?

Ultimately, this question is about showing employers that you're more than just your resume — you're someone ready to learn, grow, and make an impact. So when you answer, let your enthusiasm shine through and show them exactly why you're the perfect fit!

Tips for Answering "Why Should You Be Hired for This Internship?"

When answering internship interview questions, it's essential to strike a balance between confidence and humility. You want to demonstrate why you're the perfect fit while showing genuine enthusiasm for the role.

One effective method for structuring your response is the STAR technique — which stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This helps you frame your answer in a clear, concise, and impactful way.

Let's see how you can structure a winning answer using the STAR technique.

• Situation: Start by setting the context. Briefly describe a situation where you faced a challenge or opportunity related to the internship.
• Task: Explain your responsibility in that situation. This shows what you were specifically aiming to achieve.
• Action: Talk about the actions you took to handle the task or challenge. Focus on how you applied your skills and the steps you followed to reach your goal.
• Result: Conclude with the outcome. What did you accomplish? How did your actions benefit the situation or contribute to success?

While the STAR method helps you structure your response, it's also crucial to tailor your answer to the specific company and internship. Highlight the skills you possess that align with the company's needs and explain how your contribution can support their goals.

For instance, if the internship is in digital marketing, mention how your creativity and experience with social media management can help boost the employer's online presence. Or, if it's an engineering role, discuss how your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge can contribute to a team project.

Always tie your skills and strengths back to what the company seeks in an intern.

Key Points to Include in Your Answer

Here are some key points to consider when crafting your answer.

• Briefly mention relevant experiences showcasing what you learned, like academic projects or volunteer work.
• Highlight key technical or soft skills that align with the internship requirements.
• Identify unique qualities or perspectives that set you apart and how they can benefit the organization.
• Share what you aim to gain from the internship, such as new skills or industry knowledge.
• Conclude by expressing your readiness to take on responsibilities and eagerness to contribute to the team.

By incorporating these points into your response, you will create a well-rounded answer that highlights your strengths and demonstrates your eagerness to contribute to the internship.

How Does an Internship Help Your Career?

Did you know? According to an NACE report, 70.7% of employers prefer hiring candidates with internship experience.

Hands down, internships are the launchpad for your career! Not only do you get to dive into the daily workings of your chosen industry, but you also get to connect with professionals who can guide and inspire you. 

This experience builds your confidence and makes you a more attractive candidate for future jobs.

Dive into some key benefits of internships, listed below.

• Real-World Experience: Internships provide hands-on experience in your field, helping you understand daily tasks and responsibilities.
• Career Exploration: You can test different roles and industries to find what truly excites you and aligns with your career goals.
• Resume Boost: Having internship experience on your resume makes you stand out to employers, showing you're proactive and committed to your professional development.

Also Read: How to Build a Resume for Your Dream Job?

Conclusion

Internships are more than just a line on your resume. They offer you a unique chance to learn, grow, and build connections within your field. You can leave a lasting impression on potential employers by highlighting your skills and enthusiasm.

Remember, every experience counts, and internships are a fantastic way to gain valuable insights and practical knowledge.

So, step into this journey with an open mind! Whether you land a role in digital marketing, graphic design, or any other field, each internship is an opportunity to discover your strengths and passions. 

If you're looking to enhance your skills and prepare for your dream internship, upGrad offers various courses and programs to help you succeed in today's job market.

You can also book a free career counseling session with our experts to identify which internships align with your talent. Remember, your future self will thank you for the efforts you put in today.