What employers really look for in internship interviews

Mia Yoshimura
Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:58:30 +0000
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Career resources and advising materials are available for students at Ohio State University’s College of Arts and Sciences Career Success Center. Credit: Mia Yoshimura | Lantern Reporter

Fifteen minutes before her internship interview, Ashanti Harris, a second-year in public health, stood waiting outside the door, re-reading the company website.

She nervously adjusted her blazer and rehearsed answers one last time. Dozens of other applicants had similar resumes — but not all of them would make the same first impression.?

As competition for internships increases, employers and career advisers say hiring decisions are often based on more than grades or technical skills, but on the way they present themselves professionally and show up for their employer.?

Mary Sterenburg, an assistant professor of practice in the school of communication who hires interns annually, said that business professionalism is teachable on-site and necessary for every role at every stage.?

“When you’re hiring young people, somebody has to give you your first shot,” Sterenburg said. “A lot of what you learn in class isn’t going to exactly transfer to what you do in the job, so you are going to teach some of those hard skills.”

Similarly, Allison Adkins, a senior career advisor at Ohio State, said that employers are looking for candidates who show a willingness to learn and grow.?

Adkins said employers are looking for people “who are open to learning new things and open to feedback,” and adding that “with learning comes growth and constructive feedback.”

To Adkins, first impressions, such as manners and dress, play a major role in hiring decisions, with employers sometimes making up their minds.?

“Within the first five minutes, someone can tell if they want to hire you or not,” Adkins said.

To gain professional skills, Harris joined Buckeye Professional Advancement and Development and has observed and participated in interviews. She said that opening impressions can set the tone for the rest of the interview.?

“If you give a good impression, now you’re like ‘OK, I did a good job, I’m ready to do this,’” Harris said.?

Beyond first impressions, preparation is another important factor that makes candidates stand out. Adkins said strong candidates come into interviews having researched the organization and prepared specific examples of their skills.

“Standout candidates come into the interview having done their research,” she said. “They are also already prepared with examples of ways they’ve showcased or utilized the skills,” she said.?

Sterenburg emphasized that employers want candidates who show genuine interest in their specific organization.

“We want to know that you don’t just want an internship or job, you want ours,” she said.

Standing out through individuality is important. Harris said candidates should avoid blending in with others.

“It’s important to demonstrate personality and that you’re something different, not just a robot or another person, but that you can actually contribute something individual and unique,” Harris said.?

According to Sterenburg, what candidates do after an interview can also influence hiring decisions. Sending a thank-you message, following up professionally, and maintaining connections can leave a lasting impression.

“Maybe the top candidate says no or backs out at the last minute. Who do we want to go to next?” Sterenburg said. “That person who reacted professionally and maturely, and stayed in contact and clearly cared about building the relationship.”

Adkins encourages students to find a balance between professionalism and individuality.?

“Find a balance of being yourself while also being the ideal candidate for the role,” Adkins said.

For students, this can mean managing nerves and trusting their own experiences.

“You got selected for the interview for a reason,” Harris said. “You just need to take a deep breath and show what you know.”