Intern job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is an Intern?
Interns are typically young individuals or graduates who participate in internship or training programs within their area of expertise provided by various companies.
They engage in different projects and initiatives designed to help them gain practical knowledge and experience and develop skills.
Interns usually work under the supervision of more experienced professionals.
They familiarize themselves with all aspects of the company, such as products, goals, customers, and brand, provide clerical tasks, conduct research on various topics, and provide ideas and solutions for the improvement of business performance.
The top Intern skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
The job description, ready to post.
Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
Our company is looking for an enthusiastic Intern to contribute to the business and gain experience. As an Intern, you will work under the supervision of more experienced employees and collaborate with other interns. Your job will be to learn about the company’s brand, products, customers, and goals, participate in projects and initiatives designed to expand your knowledge and skill set and research various topics related to business programs.
You should show initiative and confidence by sharing your ideas and thoughts on improving business growth and performance and receive guidance and direction from other company employees. Your other responsibilities will include clerical tasks, such as creating and managing reports, communicating with customers, drafting emails, and managing the company’s social media.
To be competitive as an Intern, you should have outstanding communication, adaptability, research, and teamwork skills.
Duties and responsibilities
- Learn about all aspects of the company, such as brand identity, marketing, products, customers, goals, etc
- Provide entry services under the supervision of more experienced employees
- Participate in projects and programs designed to develop skills and expand knowledge in a particular area of business
- Receive directions, guidance, and mentorship for professionals in carrying out activities and assignments
- Provide ideas and suggestions for business growth and improvement
- Research various topics and solutions for business-related projects and present results
- Engage and establish relationships with customers and colleagues
- Learn about the internal business operations and software systems
- Assist in the creation and management of performance reports and other documentation
- Perform clerical tasks assigned by the supervisor, such as creating presentations, drafting emails, etc
- Manage the company’s social media accounts, communicate with customers, and design social media posts
- Assist with the planning and implementation of projects and initiatives within areas of expertise
Requirements
- Recent graduate or a student in a final year of college
- Preferred basic industry knowledge
- A self-motivated individual willing to work in various departments of the company
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and PowerPoint mainly)
- Superb verbal and written communication
- Excellent research skills
- Ability to collaborate with employees and take instructions
- Initiative and confidence
- Adaptability
Take the template with you
Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
What education this role needs.
There are no specific educational requirements for Interns since they take entry-level positions.
However, based on a particular industry and area of expertise, employers would preferably hire recent graduates or students in their final years of college.
Interns would then receive on-the-job training and guidance from their supervisors and work on expanding their knowledge and skill set.
Generally, Interns should demonstrate excellent communication, research, adaptability, and teamwork skills to prove they are the right fit for the company.
Sample interview questions for an Intern.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- Could you tell us more about your personal background?
- What was your ideal job when you were in school?
- Where would you like to be career-wise in a few years?
- What interested you in applying for this internship program?
- What do you wish to accomplish during this program?
- Do you have any additional questions regarding this internship?
- Could you tell us about a project you managed in the past?
- How do you handle criticism from other people?
- How would you rate your communication and presentation skills?
- What is your experience with creating and managing content for social media?
- How do you typically conduct research and verify the information for a specific topic?
- How familiar are you with utilizing PowerPoint and other programs?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $6 at the 10th percentile to $23 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Trainee
Frequently asked questions.
What do Interns do?
Interns are typically young individuals who undertake internship programs in various companies and industries.
They work under the supervision of more experienced employees, participate in projects designed to expand their knowledge and skills, and perform a variety of tasks to familiarize themselves with industry standards and company operations.
How long do internships last?
Internships can last between a few weeks and a few months, depending on the nature of the internship and the company’s requirements.
What skills are essential for Interns?
Interns should have excellent communication, research, teamwork, adaptability, and organizational skills.
Who do Interns report to?
Interns typically report to their supervisor, who is usually an experienced employee within their area of expertise.
Other job description templates.
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