What NOT to Ask in an Internship Interview

By Brittany Loeffler on June 13, 2017

Interviews are very structured and there is an etiquette that college students must learn when going into an interview. There are certain mannerisms that are acceptable and certain questions that should not be asked during an internship interview.

Though interviews may be nerve-wracking and intimidating sometimes, you must keep in mind these questions not to ask during an internship interview.

What does your company do?

The first piece of advice you will receive when asked for an interview is to research the company that wants to interview you. Learn about the company like it is your new favorite obsession. Research the company statement and goals, products, stocks, history, and plans for the future. If you go into an interview and have no idea what the company does, then you show your interviewers that you really are not interested in the internship position at their company.

via Pixabay

Will this internship end with a job offer?

You’re all thinking it. The point of getting an internship is to hopefully show that you add value to the company so that they will offer you a job after your internship is over so then you won’t have to move back in with your parents after college.

Don’t let your interviewers know that this is the main goal of landing the internship though. Along with receiving a job offer, you are also looking for experience working in an office and in the field you are majoring in so that when it does come time to apply for jobs, you have some experience.

Why is this an unpaid position?

Unfortunately, many internships are unpaid. It’s the sad truth. However, you cannot ask your interviewers why the position is unpaid. In their minds, they would tell you to get a part-time job if you wanted something paid. The internship will benefit you, though not monetarily, but by adding skills to your resume and knowledge about the industry.

via Pixabay

Can I get paid?

Once again, asking about money in an unpaid internship position is rude and lessens your chance of being chosen for the position. If money is tight and you do not have the funds to get to your internship, you may be able to work out a stipend with the company. However, this should not be brought up until the company has offered you the position. While interviewing, you want to seem like the perfect candidate who will not cause any trouble for the company.

via Pixabay

Will I have to get coffee for everyone?

Remember, you’re the intern. You are the bottom of the food chain at the company. Sure, you have fantastic ideas and can add value to the company, but you have to recognize that you will be doing some meaningless tasks. Getting coffee, filing paperwork, and making copies, though they may not be listed in the job description, will have to be done and it won’t be by the executives who are running to meetings all day.

via Pixabay 

How often do you expect me to come into the office?

Millennials tend to prefer working from home rather than going into an office. It’s understandable, especially with the wonderful advancement of technology. However, when applying for internship positions, it is safe to assume that your supervisor will want you to come into the office every day of your internship.

There may be some wiggle room to work from home if you are not feeling well or due to inclement weather, but this definitely is not a question to ask during your internship interview.

Will anyone be looking at my social media?

It’s always safe to assume that employers will be reviewing your social media when you apply to a job. Keep your social media clean and have it represent a professional, exciting, and ambitious you! Before applying for jobs and internships, take a few hours and clean up your social media. If you ask this question during your internship interview, then it will sound like you are trying to hide something. So erase those pictures with red solo cups and keg stands before sending out applications.

via Pixabay

Do I have to pass a drug test?

Just don’t. This question should never come out of your mouth during any type of interview. Even if you do not take part in using recreational drugs and are just curious, asking this question seems like you do and makes it sound like you will fail a drug test if administered. This is another question that can make your interviewers deem you as untrustworthy and that you have something to hide. Assume that with any job, there is a possibility that you will need to be drug tested. Better safe than sorry!

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