Interviewing for Internships: How to Stand Out in Live and Virtual Interviews

Internship interviews are like a pressure cooker for nerves and expectations. You’ve done the work to secure an interview, but the real challenge is making sure that when you leave, your interviewer doesn’t just remember your qualifications—they remember you. The stakes feel high because, frankly, they are.

Internships can be the foot in the door to your dream career, yet the thought of competing with (often many!) equally or even more qualified candidates can be daunting. So, let’s dive into how you can harness that energy, those fears, and that ambition to stand out in internship interview.

7 Internship Interview Tips

1. Throw Out the Scripts and Show Your Real Self

It’s tempting to script out perfect answers. But here’s the cold truth when it comes to acing your internship interview: scripted answers make you sound, well, fake. Employers see through rehearsed lines; they want a real person in front of them. Imagine this: you’re sitting there, delivering a memorized answer, but inside you’re cringing because it doesn’t feel like you. Ditch the script and go for a genuine conversation instead.

When preparing, jot down key points for each answer, but leave room to adapt. Focus on sharing what excites you, what worries you, and why you’re motivated. Practicing with a friend, recording yourself, or even talking to the mirror can help you break out of the robotic tone and find your voice. This way, your answers won’t just sound good—they’ll feel real.

In virtual interviews, practice looking directly into the camera. It’s a bit uncomfortable at first, but it creates the impression of eye contact.

This is one of the most important tips to make a strong impression in your internship interview. Remember, you’re not just a name on a screen; you’re a real person with ideas, fears, and dreams. Show them that.

2. Let Curiosity Shine (And Show the Stakes Are High for You)

If there’s one way to stand out, it’s showing genuine curiosity. But being “excited about the role” is generic; why does it matter to you? Let them see that this isn’t just another interview for you—that you’re truly invested.

For live interviews, body language can speak volumes. Sit up straight, lean in when you’re talking, and keep steady eye contact to show that you’re fully present. Share specifics about why this role excites you, not just in a “this is cool” way but in a “this matters to me” way.

For instance, say something like, “I’ve always wanted to work with a team that’s committed to innovative problem-solving, and I can feel that energy here. That’s the kind of environment that challenges and motivates me.”

In virtual interviews, convey your interest with energy in your voice. A nervous edge in your tone isn’t a bad thing; it shows this opportunity matters. Let the interviewer feel that you’re not just filling an hour—you’re genuinely invested in this role. Let your nervousness work for you.

3. Dare to Be Different (Even if It Feels Risky)

It’s a risk, but one worth taking: don’t just go along with typical answers. The irony is that playing it safe often makes candidates forgettable. Acing your internship interview takes a bit of courage. When you’re asked a question, let yourself be honest and, yes, a little vulnerable. If you have a unique viewpoint, share it. Employers get tired of the same answers from every candidate—offering a different perspective can make you unforgettable.

Imagine the interviewer asks, “What’s your ideal work environment?” Sure, everyone says “collaborative,” but maybe for you, it’s more complex. Try, “I thrive in a collaborative environment, but I’ve also found that a certain level of independence fuels my creativity. A mix keeps me motivated.” Let them see the real you, even if it’s not what they expect.

In virtual interviews, a bold answer can be even more impactful. For instance, if they ask about a difficult experience, share a real (gut-clenching) challenge instead of a generic “learning opportunity.” Show them that you’re not afraid to be a bit raw; it’ll make you stand out and create a sense of trust.

4. Don’t Just Talk About What—Show Them the “Why” Behind Your Actions

Most candidates stick to sharing what they’ve done. But it’s the “why” that makes you memorable. Employers want to know what drives you, not just what’s on your resume. You’ll stand out in an internship interview more if you show the why behind your actions.

Imagine the difference between saying, “I led a team project,” and, “I led a team project because I’m motivated by finding new solutions to difficult problems.”

In live interviews, don’t just list experiences. Share why they mattered to you, why they were tough, why you grew from them. Maybe leading a group was uncomfortable at first, but you pushed through because you cared about the outcome. Let the interviewer see that you’re a person who’s not afraid to face challenges, even if they’re tough.

For virtual interviews, the “why” is essential—it’s what makes you feel real to the person on the other side of the screen. For example, instead of saying, “I’m excited about this role because it aligns with my goals,” explain how it aligns and why that matters to you. When they feel the emotion behind your answer, it sticks with them.

5. Make Virtual Interviews Feel Personal and Alive

Virtual interviews can feel flat and impersonal, but with a few adjustments, you can make them just as engaging as face-to-face meetings. Acing your internship interview means using everything in your power to make the experience lively and authentic.

First, set the scene: find a clean, quiet, well-lit space. This shows respect for the opportunity. If you’re nervous, lean into that feeling and let it motivate you to connect. For instance, look into the camera to simulate eye contact; it’s uncomfortable, but it’ll make the experience feel more real.

Incorporate small gestures to keep the conversation flowing. If appropriate, you might even bring up something in the background that speaks to you, like a poster or book. The goal is to remind the interviewer that you’re a real person with genuine interests and passions.

6. Ask Bold Questions (Even If They’re Scary to Ask)

Asking the right questions is one of the essential skills for a successful internship interview. It’s easy to ask safe questions, but what if you pushed beyond the ordinary?

The questions you ask show your level of interest and ambition, and daring to go a bit deeper can make a lasting impact. It’s a risk, but playing it safe rarely stands out.

For live interviews, ask questions that signal you’re thinking about contributing to the team, like, “What are some big challenges your team is tackling, and how could an intern make a difference?” or, “What’s a trait you see in interns who succeed here?” Stand out in an internship interview by asking the questions that show you’re envisioning yourself in the role, not just coasting through the interview.

In virtual interviews, where face time is precious, consider a brave move: ask for feedback. Try, “Do you have any advice for me as a candidate?” or “I’d love to hear your thoughts on my fit for this role.” It’s intimidating, but it shows you’re open, eager, and willing to improve—qualities that stick with interviewers.

7. Tell a Story They’ll Remember

Stories create an emotional connection that simple facts can’t. When you share a personal, memorable story, you allow interviewers to experience a slice of your life, making you far more memorable. Internship interview preparation will take a bit of thinking ahead. Pick a story that reflects your character, your struggles, or even a time you failed and got back up.

In both types of interviews, don’t be afraid to use body language and tone to bring your story to life. If it’s a story of triumph, let the excitement show. If it’s a tale of failure, show how it impacted you. Vulnerability in storytelling doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human and relatable.

Acing your internship interview isn’t about perfection. It’s about being willing to bring both your strengths and fears into the room, to connect on a level that most people shy away from. By sharing your curiosity, embracing a unique perspective, and telling the story of why you care, you turn an interview into something memorable and impactful.

Stand out in internship interview by embracing the nerves—they mean you’re pushing yourself. Let yourself be real, be raw, be unforgettable. With these strategies, you’ll step out of that interview knowing you showed up fully, and that feeling alone is worth everything.

If you’re unsure how to focus your job search and align your skills with the right roles, check out the Career Launch Masterclass, which covers everything from setting meaningful goals to researching companies that fit your values. This course can help you avoid the trap of applying to too many jobs and instead build a focused, strategic approach.