Have you had any prior internship experience? If so, what role did you have and what were your responsibilities?

Sample answer to the question

Yes, I have had prior internship experience. During my internship at XYZ Company, I served as a Junior Editorial Assistant. My responsibilities included proofreading and editing articles, conducting research to verify facts, and providing suggestions to improve content quality. I also assisted in managing the content pipeline and meeting publication deadlines. This internship allowed me to develop strong attention to detail and organizational skills, as well as enhance my knowledge of editorial processes and industry best practices.

A more solid answer

Yes, I have had prior internship experience. I interned at XYZ Company as a Junior Editorial Assistant. In this role, I worked closely with the senior editors to ensure the accuracy and consistency of articles. I was responsible for proofreading and editing content, conducting research to verify facts, and providing constructive feedback to writers. Additionally, I assisted in managing the content pipeline and meeting tight publication deadlines. This internship allowed me to further develop my strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to adapt quickly to editorial guidelines and style guides.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details about the role and responsibilities held during the internship. It also highlights how the experience relates to the job description, emphasizing the candidate's proficiency in proofreading, editing, and working with tight deadlines. However, it can still be improved by showcasing the candidate's ability to collaborate with writers and utilize content management systems.

An exceptional answer

Yes, I have had prior internship experience. I interned at XYZ Company as a Junior Editorial Assistant. In this role, I collaborated closely with senior editors to ensure the accuracy and consistency of articles by thoroughly proofreading and editing content. I also conducted extensive research to verify facts and statistics, contributing to the credibility and reliability of the content. Additionally, I provided writers with constructive feedback and suggestions to enhance the quality and clarity of their work. This required a strong command of the English language and a keen eye for detail. As part of the editorial team, I actively participated in meetings and contributed creative ideas for new content. I also demonstrated proficiency in working with content management systems to organize and track editorial workflows, streamlining the overall process. This internship not only solidified my skills in writing and editing, but also further developed my ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet strict publication deadlines.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides even more specific details about the candidate's role and responsibilities, including collaboration with senior editors and the impact of their contributions to the credibility and reliability of the content. It also highlights the candidate's ability to actively participate in meetings and contribute creative ideas, as well as their proficiency in using content management systems. The answer clearly demonstrates how the internship experience aligns with the job description, showcasing the candidate's strong writing and editing skills, effective communication, and time management capabilities.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on your prior internship experience and identify the key responsibilities and skills you gained.
Highlight any achievements or successful projects during your internship.
Consider how your internship experience relates to the specific skills and qualifications listed in the job description.
Practice articulating your internship experience in a concise and engaging manner, focusing on specific examples and outcomes.
Research the company and familiarize yourself with their editorial processes and style guides to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during the interview.

What interviewers are evaluating

Prior internship experience
Role held
Responsibilities