So, you’ve landed an interview for an internship—nice one! Whether it’s your first ever or your fifth go, internship interviews can still feel nerve-wracking. Your palms get sweaty, your voice goes wobbly, and suddenly you forget your own name. Sound familiar?
Don’t worry. You’re not alone. The good news? Most internship interviews follow a pretty predictable script. That means you can actually prepare for the curveballs before they even come flying your way.
Let’s break down the most common questions you’ll hear in UK internship interviews—and how to smash them with confidence, personality, and a sprinkle of charm.
1. “Tell me a bit about yourself.”
Ah yes, the classic opener. So simple… yet somehow terrifying.
What they’re really asking: Who are you, and why should we care?
This isn’t the time to recite your CV word for word. Instead, think of it as your elevator pitch. Keep it short and sweet—about a minute—and highlight:
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What you’re studying and where
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A few key interests or passions
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Why you’re excited about this internship
Example:
“I’m currently studying Marketing at the University of Leeds. I’ve always been fascinated by how brands tell stories, which led me to start a little side hustle on Instagram creating content for small businesses. I’m really drawn to this internship because it blends creativity with strategy, and I’d love to learn from a team that’s shaping real campaigns.”
💡 Tip: Practice this one out loud. Seriously—say it to your mirror, your dog, your gran, anyone.
2. “Why do you want this internship?”
This one’s a trap if you’re not careful. “I need experience” might be true, but it’s not gonna wow anyone.
What they’re really asking: Do you care about this role, or did you just hit ‘Apply All’?
Dig into what specifically excites you about the company or position. Do your homework. Check out their recent work, their mission, their vibe.
Example:
“I’ve followed your brand since your sustainability campaign last year—it was clever and really impactful. I’m passionate about ethical fashion, so I’d love to contribute to a company that’s making a difference and doing it creatively.”
🔍 Tip: Mention something unique about them—not just what you want out of the gig.
3. “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
Cue the internal panic. “Do I admit I procrastinate? Should I say I’m too much of a perfectionist? Ugh.”
Here’s the trick: Be honest, but smart.
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Strengths: Back them up with examples. “I’m organised” means nothing without proof.
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Weaknesses: Pick something real but fixable. Show self-awareness and growth.
Example strength:
“I’m great at breaking down big projects into manageable steps. For my coursework, I planned a whole group presentation timeline with tasks and deadlines, which actually saved us when one member dropped out last-minute.”
Example weakness:
“I used to struggle with speaking up in group settings. But I’ve been pushing myself more—volunteering to lead discussions in seminars—and I’ve noticed a big difference in my confidence.”
🤝 Tip: Think of this question as a chance to show that you know yourself—and you’re growing.
4. “Tell us about a time you worked in a team.”
This one’s practically guaranteed. Even if the role is solo, teamwork always matters.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your answer clear and structured.
Example:
“In uni, we had a group project where our presentation topic was super vague. Everyone was stressed. I suggested we split the research and regroup with drafts. I also created a shared doc to keep us organised. In the end, we actually got one of the highest grades in the class.”
✅ Tip: Focus on what you did, not just what the team did. Show your role.
5. “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
Let’s be real: most of us don’t have a 5-year plan. (And if you do, it probably changes every month.)
But that’s okay. What they want is to see ambition and direction—even if it’s not super specific.
Example:
“Honestly, I’m still figuring it out. But I know I’m drawn to creative problem-solving and working with people. In five years, I’d love to be in a role where I’m managing projects and making a real impact—maybe in brand strategy or creative marketing.”
🌱 Tip: It’s okay to not have all the answers—just show you’re curious and driven.
Bonus Round: Quickfire Questions
Here are a few others that often pop up:
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“What do you know about our company?”
(Do your research—this one’s easy to ace.) -
“How do you handle pressure?”
(Give a specific example, like deadlines or unexpected changes.) -
“Do you have any questions for us?”
(ALWAYS say yes. Ask about team culture, growth opportunities, or what a typical day looks like.)
Final Thoughts (And a Pep Talk)
Here’s the thing: interviewers aren’t out to get you. They’re just trying to figure out if you’re someone they’d enjoy working with—and who’s willing to learn.
So be yourself. Don’t try to sound like a robot from LinkedIn. Speak like a human. A prepared, thoughtful, slightly nervous but totally capable human.
And if you’re still trying to find internship in UK that’s the right fit, keep going. It’s a process. One rejection doesn’t define you, and the right opportunity might be just one email away.
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