HR internships 2025

What you’d be doing in a HR internship is dependent on the employer, however, you could expect to carry out tasks like:

• identifying ways to improve the company’s HR efforts
• taking notes during meetings
• preparing documents i.e. job descriptions, staffing plans and exit documents

You’ll most likely also spend some time shadowing senior members while they work.

HR internships are typically paid, but always double check the description of the internship you’re applying for because in rare instances, they could be unpaid.

Interns who are classed as workers are entitled to the national minimum wage, but if your internship only involves shadowing then you may not be entitled to pay – read more about this in our ‘know your rights’ guide .

If you’re interested in doing a HR internship, you’ll want to do a bit of research to figure out which ones you’d like to apply for.

You’ll usually need to submit an online application for the internship you’re interested in - you can do this through targetjobs. If your application is moved to the next stage, you’ll be invited for an interview with a member of the organisation, and depending on the company, you may be given some sort of task to complete and discuss during the next interview.

There are some things you can do to improve your chances of being accepted onto a HR internship:

• Make sure you research the companies you’re applying for
• Have a look at the job description at least a couple of times so you know exactly what they company is looking for
• Practise common interview questions ahead of the interview so you’re well-prepared and confident on the day

If you’re invited to an interview for a HR internship, you’ll want to make sure you’re well prepared ahead of the day. You can do this by:

• Researching the company and the role to get clear on what it is the company is looking for
• Practice common HR internship interview questions using the STAR method – you can use our interviews and assessment centre hub to help you practice
• Preparing for the bits that aren’t related to the questions – i.e. your outfit and your journey to the interview (if it’s on a video or telephone, make sure your device is fit for the interview)

If you want to work in HR, doing an internship is a great way to boost the skills and knowledge you need in this sector – you’ll be able to work on things like:

• Communication skills to help you easily talk to people from different backgrounds
• Collaboration/teamwork to help you work with others to come up with solutions that benefit everyone
• Research skills so you can identify how you can improve the overall working environment