Tips to help you shine in a US internship interview

Speak clearly and get to the point.

Americans value directness and clarity. Focus on being concise and don’t stress about your accent - what matters most is being understood. For example, if asked about handling a challenging project, skip the lengthy backstory and jump right into what you did and why it mattered. Think: “We were short on time, so I organised a team meeting, divided tasks based on everyone’s strengths, and we met the deadline. It felt great to see everything come together!”

Pro tip: If you are not sure about a word or phrase, it’s perfectly fine to pause and ask for a moment.

Mind your body language.

Even in virtual interview body language matters. Simple things like eye contact (by looking at the camera), smiling and sitting up straight show confidence and engagement.

Pro tip: Practice your virtual presence by recording yourself answering questions ahead of the interview to see how you come across.

Show genuine enthusiasm.

Enthusiasm goes a long way in US interviews. If you’re excited about the company's mission or a specific project they’re working on, let it show. “I’ve been following your company’s sustainability efforts, and I’m really excited about the chance to contribute to that.”

Pro tip: You don’t have to be super bubbly, expressing your excitement through thoughtful comments and genuine curiosity works just as well.

Don’t be afraid to chat

US interviews can be more casual than you might expect, often resembling a coffee chat rather than a formal Q&A session. Don’t be afraid to engage in small talk if the opportunity arises, just keep it friendly and professional—imagine talking to a mentor, not a best friend.

Pro tip: If small talk isn’t your thing prepare a few topics in advance, like recent activities or hobbies to help you connect on a more personal level.

Focus on results.

US employers love results. They want to know you can get things done, not just talk about it. When discussing your past experiences focus on what you achieved and how you contributed. For example, “I was part of a marketing campaign for my sports club on campus that increased our sign-ups by 50% in three months. It was great to see our strategy pay off like that.”

Pro tip: If you haven’t had professional experience or leadership roles, highlight your impact on team projects by focusing on how you contributed to the team’s success.

Embrace diversity.

The US is known for its cultural diversity and companies often pride themselves on inclusive teams. Be ready to share experiences where you have worked with diverse groups – whether in school projects or volunteer work or sports clubs.

Pro tip: Highlight the unique perspective you will bring as an international student, showcasing how you can contribute to the team’s diversity.

Preparing for an interview with a US company doesn’t have to be stressful. Remember, showing who you are and what you can do is the best way to land that internship.

Good luck—you’ve got this!

Before you put yourself in front of any employer, its vital that you’ve done your company research. Take a look at what homework you should be doing in preparation for an interview.