The Ultimate Guide to Interviewing
Interviewing in a new country can feel challenging—especially in your second language. But with the right preparation, you can walk into any interview with confidence.
This guide will help you prepare for internship and training interviews in the United States. You’ll learn how to research companies, answer common questions, make strong impressions, and follow up professionally. Whether you’re interviewing in person or remotely, these strategies will help you succeed.
Remember: you were invited to interview for a reason. The employer sees potential in you. Now it’s time to show them what you can do.
Before Your Interview: Research & Prepare
Do your homework on the company.
Preparation is very important for a successful interview. Do a lot of research about the company—learn their mission, values, recent news, and key people. Think of this like studying for an important exam. The more easily you can discuss company details, the more you’ll impress your interviewer. Make sure you understand how the position fits within the organization and have examples ready that show you share the company’s values.
Know yourself and your strengths.
After researching the company, focus on yourself. Make a list of your skills, qualities, and accomplishments. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate these traits—not just general statements like “I’m hardworking,” but actual stories that prove it. Think about how your background connects to this specific position.
Get your materials ready.
Bring these items to every interview:
- A copy of your resume
- A notepad and pen for taking notes
- A list of thoughtful questions to ask
If you’re interviewing remotely, test your video software and internet connection beforehand. Find a quiet, private location where you won’t be interrupted.
Making a Strong First Impression
First impressions matter. Arrive on time (or log in early for video interviews) and dress professionally for the position you want. Turn off your phone completely before entering the building or starting the video call. Come alone—never bring a friend, family member, or translator. Employers need to see that you can communicate in English independently.
Master your body language and communication.
Stay calm and speak slowly, especially if you’re nervous or English isn’t your first language. Maintain eye contact with your interviewer and use their name when greeting them. Write down the names of everyone you meet and use them throughout the conversation. Smile, be confident, and remember: you were invited to interview for a reason. Check out these tips on how to take your English skills to the next level.
Be honest and listen carefully.
Think about your answers before responding—you don’t need to rush. Interviewers with years of experience can tell when someone is exaggerating or lying. Listen to each question fully and answer what’s actually being asked. Be courteous and professional to everyone you meet at the office, from the doorman to the office manager—their opinions may be considered in hiring decisions.
Special considerations for video interviews.
For remote interviews, choose a professional-looking background without clutter or distractions. You want the interviewer focused on you, not your posters or decorations. Look at the camera when speaking, not at the screen. Be aware that microphones pick up small noises, so avoid typing or shuffling papers. If you need time to think, let the interviewer know so they don’t think the connection froze. Allow for small pauses after you speak to give them time to respond or take notes.
Answering Interview Questions Effectively
Use the STAR method for clear, concise responses.
The STAR method helps you give structured answers with specific examples. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Here’s how it works:
- (S)ituation—set the context with a specific event, not a general description. Be detailed enough for the interviewer to understand.
- (T)ask—what were you trying to accomplish?
- (A)ction—focus on what YOU specifically did. Use “I,” not “we,” even for team projects.
- (R)esult—what happened? What did you accomplish and learn? Use specific numbers when possible, like “my actions led to 10% sales growth.”
Many questions can be answered using the STAR method, even when they don’t seem behavioral at first. For example, if asked about your strengths, you might say: “I consider my greatest strength to be adaptability. For example, I was once in a situation where…” and then talk through a specific example using STAR.
How to answer common interview questions and prompts:
“Tell me about yourself.”
- Give a 60-second summary of your educational and professional background. Connect your experience to the position you’re interviewing for. The employer wants to know about your qualifications, not your hobbies or favorite foods.
“Why do you want to intern/train here?”
- Focus on key responsibilities that interest you or aspects of the company that appeal to your professional development. Explain what you hope to learn AND what you’ll contribute. Never say you only want the position because of its location or because it’s required for your degree.
“What do you know about this industry/company?”
- Show that you’ve done your research. Discuss current trends in the field, recent news about the company, their mission statement, and major clients. Reference relevant internships, work experience, or coursework that connects to their industry.
“What is your biggest weakness?”
- Turn a negative into a positive using the STAR method. For example: “Staying organized used to be a challenge. In 2019, my supervisor asked me to take on an additional project while managing my current workload. I developed a time management system, breaking tasks into hour-by-hour chunks. As a result, both projects succeeded, with 15% and 10% growth respectively compared to the previous year.”
“Tell me about your strengths”
- Don’t just list attributes like “dependable” or “creative.” Instead, discuss specific skills or experiences directly related to the position. If you’re applying for a sales internship but have no sales experience, you might highlight your presentation skills or give an example of how you persuaded someone to take action. Always provide actual examples rather than lists of traits.
“What specific skills relate to this position?”
- Review the position requirements carefully and confirm you meet them. Connect specific responsibilities to your educational or professional experience. Employers understand they’ll need to train you, but they want to know you have a strong foundation for success.
“Why should I hire you?”
- Give specific examples of your accomplishments and explain why you’re the best fit. Discuss how your skills match the position’s responsibilities. Show enthusiasm by restating your strong interest in the role.
“What are your goals for the future?”
- Employers want to know the position aligns with your career aspirations—it shows you’ll be motivated to learn and work hard. Explain your goals and how this internship will help you achieve them.
Asking Your Own Questions
Show your interest and curiosity.
American employers expect you to ask questions about the company and internship. This demonstrates your genuine interest and helps you learn whether the organization is a good fit for you. Remember: while they’re evaluating you, you should also be evaluating whether you want to work there.
Strong questions to ask:
About the role and company structure:
- “What will my day-to-day responsibilities be? Can you give me an example of a project I’d work on?” This helps you understand specific tasks and your level of involvement.
- “What is the overall structure of the company and how does your department fit within that?” This shows you’re thinking about how your role connects to the bigger picture.
- “I saw online that three departments report to the Director of Programs. Do these departments collaborate on projects?”
About the work environment:
- “Can you describe the work environment and office culture?” You need to know whether the atmosphere is casual or formal, and if you can see yourself thriving there.
- “What do you like about working here?” This shows genuine curiosity about the interviewer’s experience and gives you firsthand insight into the company’s advantages.
About expectations and growth:
- “What would you consider the most important aspects of this internship role?” Use the response to emphasize how your strengths match their priorities.
- “What do you think is the most challenging aspect of this position?” This opens a conversation about expectations and gives you a chance to discuss challenges you’ve overcome in the past.
- “What is the typical career path for interns or employees in this department?” Connect this to your long-term goals, but be careful not to imply you see the position as just a stepping stone.
About cultural exchange:
- “Does the company participate in any team-building activities, traditions, or events?” Since Career Training USA focuses on cultural exchange, this question shows your interest in engaging with American culture and sharing your own.
About next steps:
- “What are the next steps in the interview process?” This is an appropriate way to ask what happens next without seeming pushy.
Questions to avoid:
- Don’t ask about salary, vacation time, or benefits until you receive an offer. You want these details agreed upon before accepting, but asking too early suggests you only care about perks rather than the work itself.
- Never directly ask “Did I get the position?” during or immediately after the interview. Be patient and follow up via email a few days later if you haven’t heard back.
After Your Interview: Following Up
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
Your interview doesn’t end when you leave the building or sign off the video call. Follow-up is just as important as the interview itself.
Within 24 hours, send a brief email thanking the interviewer(s) for their time. Reconfirm your interest in the position and mention something specific you discussed to help them remember you. Highlight an aspect of the role you find especially interesting or would look forward to doing.
This is your final chance to make a positive impression. Did you think of another question after the interview? Include it in your email. Even better, attach relevant work samples you discussed during the conversation. For example, if the interviewer mentioned an article you wrote for a student newspaper, attach it. This shows you paid close attention and took initiative to follow up professionally.