If you’re preparing for an internship interview, you’re not alone if you feel a mix of excitement, nerves, and a bit of uncertainty about what to expect. Interviews can sometimes feel like a black box: you prepare as much as you can, step into the conversation hoping you’re “doing it right,” and walk out wondering how it actually went.
What if we told you the interview isn’t meant to be a mystery at all?
Every year, we meet numerous students, each with their own story, ambitions, and unique potential. And while the backgrounds and experiences differ, we consistently notice a few patterns: three specific mistakes that otherwise great candidates tend to make. The good news? They’re completely avoidable once you know what they are.
So to pull back the curtain, we’re sharing the three most common missteps we see, and, most importantly, how you can avoid them and walk into your interview feeling confident, prepared, and fully yourself.
Mistake #1. Not knowing why this internship is the right next step for you.
Almost every interview includes the questions “Why this opportunity?” Be ready to answer the question of what drew you to apply to the internship and be as specific as possible. Was it something in the job description? Did the company’s mission stand out to you? Is there a project or a learning opportunity that stood out? We are looking to understand what motivates you to apply and what you gain from the experience.
Mistake #2. Not being specific about your accomplishments.
When answering a behavioural question, make sure to be specific about your experience. Use a clear structure: What was your role? What was the challenge? What did you do? What was the outcome? And don’t forget one of the most important parts of your answer: the result. What did you accomplish? Some candidates stop after explaining what they did in the situation but forget to tie it back to the final outcome. Make sure to close the loop!
Additionally, don’t fall into the mistake of speaking in terms of what “we” accomplished. While team collaboration is valued, your interviewer ultimately wants to hear about what YOU did, not what the team as a whole did.
Mistake #3. Not asking questions.
Curiosity is very important at Coveo, we look for our employees at every level to demonstrate high curiosity. One of the best ways to show curiosity is by asking thoughtful questions during your interview. Don’t hesitate to ask your interviewers about upcoming projects, team goals for the next quarters, recent successes, or anything that sparks your interest during the conversation.This is your chance to understand more about the role beyond the job description.
Now that you know what mistakes are often made, you are prepared to avoid them! Remember, an interview is an opportunity to demonstrate your curiosity, your experience, and your potential.
Ready to rise to the challenge? Explore our internship opportunities and take your next step at Coveo. Apply today.