Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service

Interview Guide for Undergraduate Government Internships

This guide is designed to help you prepare for interviews with government offices and agencies. Informed by insights from Schaeffer Fellows program alumni and internship supervisors, it offers practical guidance on what to expect and how to present yourself confidently and professionally throughout the process.

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Pre-Interview Preparation

Prepare to put your best foot forward.

Research the office

Understand the mission, key issue areas, recent initiatives, and the role of interns within the office.

Consider your "why"

Be prepared to clearly articulate why you are interested in this role, this office, and public service more broadly.

Dress professionally

Whether in-person or virtual, interviewees should wear business professional attire. Examples: suit and tie, pantsuit, longer dress, or slacks with a button-down shirt, blouse, and blazer.

Common Government Internship Responsibilities

Schaeffer Fellow alumni commonly report internship duties in the following areas:

Policy and Research

  • Analyze legislation, trends, and data to inform decision-making
  • Draft policy memos, briefing papers, and comprehensive reports
  • Prepare talking points and position statements on key issues
  • Track and evaluate pending legislation

Constituent Engagement

  • Respond to constituent inquiries and manage correspondence
  • Connect community members to government resources and services
  • Organize and staff public-facing events
  • Lead office and facility tours

Strategic Communications

  • Draft press releases, statements, and media responses
  • Manage social media content and website updates
  • Compile daily news clips and media monitoring
  • Provide translation and language access support, including translating constituent resources and helping non-English speakers navigate government services

Leadership Support

  • Attend congressional hearings, briefings, and policy meetings
  • Prepare briefing books and meeting materials for senior staff
  • Take meeting notes and write post-meeting analysis
  • Support front office operations

Advice from Schaeffer Fellow Alumni

  • Cast a wide net. Apply early and submit applications to multiple opportunities.
  • Tailor applications. Personalize each application to the specific role and office, including your resume and cover letter.
  • Seek advice. Connect with alumni from your university or the prospective office to seek advice and insights.
  • Study up. Prepare thoroughly for each interview. Take advantage of your university's career services, including resume reviews and mock interviews.

Key Skills Valued by Supervisors

  • Adaptability and flexibility.
  • Positive attitude.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Clear, professional communication.
  • Critical thinking, analytical skills, and sound judgment.
  • Reliability, professionalism, and consistent follow-through.
  • Effective collaboration and teamwork.
  • Genuine interest in learning and contributing to public service.

The Interview

Navigate a meeting with an internship office like a pro.

Professional Conduct

  • Dress in business professional attire.
  • Arrive 10-15 minutes early.
  • Maintain good eye contact, posture, and professional tone.
  • Speak respectfully about elected officials, offices, and policies — even when you disagree.
  • Avoid speaking negatively about past supervisors or organizations.
  • Have notes available, but do not read directly from them.

Additional Tips for Virtual Interviews

  • Log on 5 minutes early.
  • Test your technology, camera, and microphone in advance.
  • Choose a quiet, well-lit space with a neutral background.
  • Look at the camera when speaking.

Common Interview Themes

Most interviews revolve around the following core areas:

About You & Your Motivation

Who are you and why are you interested

Learning Goals

What you hope to gain from the internship

Teamwork & Professionalism

How you work with others

Career Goals and Fit

How the role fits into your longer-term goals

Incorporate the Schaeffer Fellowship

When applicable, it is appropriate to mention you are under consideration for a Schaeffer Fellowship and to briefly describe the program. Many offices are interested to learn that the fellowship includes a substantial stipend, professional development, and mentorship.

Frequently Asked Interview Questions

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Self-introduction & Background

  1. Tell me about yourself.
  2. Walk me through your resume.
  3. Tell me more about your interests, passions, or hobbies.
  4. Share about your strengths and areas for growth relevant to this position.
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Motivation Towards Public Service

  1. Why do you wish to work for this office?
  2. Why are you interested in government or public service?
  3. What do you know about this member, district, or office?
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Policy Knowledge & Interest

  1. What policy areas are you interested in?
  2. How do your policy interests fit with this office's work?
  3. How would you navigate working on a policy issue where your personal views differ from the office's position?
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Experience & Skills

  1. Share about previous internships, jobs, coursework, or research that prepares you for this position.
  2. Share about relevant writing, research, technical, customer service, organizational or administrative skills.
  3. Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership.
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Behavioral & Situational

  1. Tell me about a time you worked on a team.
  2. Describe a challenge or conflict you overcame.
  3. How would you handle a rude or difficult constituent?
  4. How do you manage deadlines and stay organized?
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Career Goals & Fit

  1. What do you hope to gain from this internship?
  2. How does this role connect to your academic or career goals?
  3. Where do you see yourself in the future?
  4. When can you start the internship?

How to Answer Questions

In general, interviewees should:

  • Keep answers focused and concise (1-2 minutes per response when possible).
  • If you don't know an answer, be honest and explain how you would find the information.
  • Tie your answers back to the mission and needs of the office whenever possible.

Using the STAR Method

Use the STAR method for behavioral or situational questions that require an example. 

Example Question: Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership.

Situation

Set the context

Example: During a group project, we were tasked with producing a policy memo on a tight deadline. About halfway through the project, it became apparent that roles were unclear and we were behind schedule.

Task

Explain your responsibility

Example: Although I was not formally designated as the group leaders, I recognized that we needed more structure and better coordination to complete the project on time and at a high standard.

Action

Describe what you did

Example: I called a meeting to clarify expectations and our timeline. I proposed how we could divide the project into sections with group check-ins to ensure progress and quality.

Result

Share the outcome & what you learned

Example: As a result, the group became more organized and collaborative, and we completed the memo ahead of the deadline. Our professor provided positive feedback on our work, and some of the group members shared appreciation that I stepped in to help coordinate the group. This experience reminded me that even without a title, I can step in to help provide direction and support when it’s needed.

Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Always have 2-3 thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer, if time permits. Examples include:

  • What does a typical day or week look like for an intern?
  • How are interns supervised and supported?
  • What does success look like in this role?
  • What opportunities are there to learn or take on responsibility?

Questions to Ask Later

Avoid asking questions about pay, time off, or flexible work plans during the interview, unless the interviewer raises them. While these are valid questions, they are more appropriate to discuss at the time of receiving an internship offer.

Post-Interview

Conclude the interview on the right note.

Within 24 Hours

Send a prompt thank you email to the hiring manager reiterating your interest in the position and appreciation for their consideration of your application.

Within 3 Weeks

If you have not heard back about the position within three weeks, it is appropriate to send a polite follow-up email to the hiring manager to reaffirm your interest and inquire about your application status.

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You've got this!

Interviews are as much about fit and judgment as they are about experience. Approach them with confidence, curiosity, and respect. Prepare thoroughly, demonstrate professionalism, and show genuine interest in the position. After completing an interview, be sure to notify program staff at your university.