Good interview questions for hiring interns?

[Lilac]

I'm in charge of hiring summer interns for my department at work. What are some good/unique interview questions that would make a college student demonstrate their problem solving skills and creativity? I'm already asking the typical questions about their classes, projects, leadership experience... I want some backup questions that are a little challenging and can be answered fairly quickly.

More info: 30 minute phone interviews (nothing in person). All Electrical and Mechanical engineering students, typically freshman - juniors.

Any ideas?

[Deleted]

I was once asked a series of brain teasers during an interview process to demonstrate problem solving skills. I interviewed with about 6 people and they each asked a brain teaser. They allowed you pen and paper and you had to explain your reasoning. Two that I still rememer were:

1) www.hpl.hp.com/personal/George_Forman/LightPuzzle.html

2) There are three bins of marbles. They are labeled white,black and mixed (black and white).Each bin is incorrectly labeled. You cannot see inside the bins. How can you draw only one marble from one bin and then correctly label all the bins?

Answer: Pick one marble from the "mixed" bin. If it's black, then the "mixed" bin is the black bin. If it's white, the "mixed" bin is the white bin (since the "mixed" bin cannot be the mixed bin. Knowing which color is the "mixed" bin then allows you to figure out whether the "white" bin is black or the "black" bin is white. If "mixed" bin is black, "black" bin has to be white ("white" bin can't be white). If "mixed" bin is white, "white" bin has to be black ("black" bin can't be black). After you figure out two bins, the remaining one has to be the mixed bin.

I was also asked during this same interview process to tell the interviewer a joke. Caught me off guard but they wanted to see the ability to think on your feet and whether or not my personality would be a good fit.

[Deleted]

I find that for interns/entry level staff learning about their integrity and work ethic is most important.

I simply ask for examples of when they demonstrated creativity, had a problem working in a group--whatever. I am a big believer in behavioral interviewing.

[Deleted]

I find that resumes often speak for themselves, so most of my questions are targeted on "Is this person going to annoy me, or will I like working with them?" So I ask questions about classes and such, but also ask them about what they like about their school, their interests, etc.

[vanillacourage]

What do you know about the company?

Why do you want to work here specifically, beyond just needing an internship?

You'd be amazed at how these two questions will totally throw someone. It also gives you insight into their work ethic (I.e. a rock star performer is probably going to know you should research a company before interviewing with them, and will give the same consideration to your clients if hired).

[brooklyn]

Tell me about a situation that challenged your preconceptions and way of doing things. How did you react?

(I work for a mental health non-profit, and we ask our volunteers that one)

[brooklyn]

Tell me about a situation that challenged your preconceptions and way of doing things. How did you react?

(I work for a mental health non-profit, and we ask our volunteers that one)

[Deleted]

Jan 24, 2013 8:08:50 GMT -5 vanillacourage said:

What do you know about the company?

Why do you want to work here specifically, beyond just needing an internship?

You'd be amazed at how these two questions will totally throw someone. It also gives you insight into their work ethic (I.e. a rock star performer is probably going to know you should research a company before interviewing with them, and will give the same consideration to your clients if hired).

I agree with these too.  It is amazing how many people don't have good answers to that.

[Lilac]

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone! I especially love the light/switch brainteaser. It's perfect for EE students.