Internship Training · Career level

Career level · Module 2: CV, Portfolio and Interview Preparation · Lesson 3 of 3

Preparing for Interviews and Placement Meetings

Prepare answers, questions and follow-up for a placement interview.

In this lesson you will

  • Answer common interview questions with examples
  • Ask good questions and follow up professionally

Key concepts

STAR methodinterview preparationfollow-upbody language

The lesson

Placement interviews check whether you are reliable, willing to learn and have the basic skills. Prepare short examples using STAR: the Situation, the Task, the Action you took and the Result.

Prepare questions to ask, such as what a typical week looks like or how interns are supervised. Asking good questions shows interest.

Arrive early, greet everyone politely and thank the interviewer afterwards with a short message. If you do not hear back by the agreed date, follow up once, politely.

Step by step

  1. Write STAR answers to five common questions.
  2. Prepare three questions to ask.
  3. Practise a mock interview.
  4. Write a short thank-you message.

Practice activity

Take part in a recorded mock placement interview and write a short reflection on two things you will improve.

Expected result: A completed mock interview with clear STAR answers and a reflection.

Check your understanding

  1. What does STAR stand for?

    Show answer

    Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.