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Landing an internship interview is a big step, but how you show up for it matters just as much—if not more—as what’s on your resume. A little preparation and a few intentional habits can set you apart from other candidates and help you walk in feeling confident instead of overwhelmed.

Here are six ways to make the most of your next internship interview process from programs recruiters Kathy Mason and Erica Lewis.

Research the organization (and the people) beforehand

Spend at least 10-15 minutes learning what the organization does before your interview. It’s a small investment that shows genuine interest and prepares you to ask better questions.

It’s also worth reaching out to alumni from your school who work there as they can offer insight you won’t find on the company website.

Use AI to prepare, not to perform

AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and CoPilot can be great for practicing answers and building confidence before an interview. But when it’s time for the real conversation, speak in your own words as natural, unscripted answers land better than anything read off a screen in real time.

Structure your answers with STAR

Interviewers may ask you to describe a real experience from your past, such as a time you solved a problem or handled a conflict. The STAR method is a simple way to structure your answer:

• Situation: Briefly set the context
• Task: Explain what needed to be done
• Action: Describe the steps you took
• Result: Share the outcome

Writing out a few likely scenarios ahead of time helps you feel ready instead of caught off guard. Once you’ve given a clear answer, pause—over-explaining or rambling past that point can undercut an otherwise strong response.

Ask specific, thoughtful questions

Go beyond “what’s the culture like?” Ask about the culture of the specific team you’d join, what a typical day for an intern looks like, or the path to converting to full-time after your internship. Specific questions like these show you’re seriously picturing yourself in the role. Even if you don’t have much internship or work experience yet, asking thoughtful questions is a great way to show your potential.

Treat every interview format the same way

Whether it’s a video call or an in-person meeting, the core expectations don’t change: show up on time, dress professionally, and look at the camera the way you’d look someone in the eye.

For video interviews specifically, take a few minutes beforehand to check your background. A blurred background or a clean, simple space works best. These small details shape a recruiter’s first impression before the conversation even gets started.

Follow up the right way

Send a thank-you note to the recruiter the same day if you can, or the next day at the latest. It leaves a strong final impression and can genuinely make a difference when a hiring manager is deciding between candidates. If you haven’t heard back after that, give it about a week before checking in.

Take the next step

If you’re ready to grow in your career and contribute to the team, we’d love to have you.

Check out our Early Careers page and apply for an internship.