Internships 101 – How to Make Your Student Internship Application Stand Out
Posted on August 2, 2011 | No Comments
Lisa Jenkins asked:
While some internship programs only receive a few applications every semester, the best programs always receive dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of applications. With so many students applying for just one or two positions, you have to really stand out to make it to the interview round of the company’s intern search.
When it comes to an internship application, experience is not what makes you a top candidate. Sure, you want to highlight anything relevant you’ve done in the past, but the focus here is on learning, not just on providing a service to your employer. So, if you have experience, you can let it shine, but that’s not the only way to stand out in the crowd. Start with the basics:
- Make sure that your resume and cover letter have no typos or other errors. That’s the fastest way to get your application thrown on the “no” pile right from the get-go. It shows the potential employer that you aren’t really serious about wanting the internship.
- Follow the directions completely. If the employer wants a list of your college’s internship requirements, for example, make sure you include it when you apply. Again, not following directions is a quick way to get turned down without any consideration whatsoever.
- Address the cover letter to the right person. In some cases, when companies put out an advertisement for an internship opening, they tell you exactly who to contact, but that’s not always the case. Don’t assume that you should send your application to the company’s owner – they might not be dealing with the internship program, and your letter may never reach the right hands. When in doubt, call and ask how to address the letter.
Once you have your bases covered, you have to take you application up a notch. After all, if 100 people apply for the internship, 80 – 90 of them will probably have well-written resumes and cover letters that follow the directions and are sent to the right person. It takes more than good grammar to get an internship!
One place you can definitely shine is with your recommendation letters. If possible, find people in the industry. For example, if you’re applying for an internship at an accounting firm, having an accounting professor write a glowing recommendation will serve you better than a recommendation from someone not related to the accounting industry, like your boss at the grocery store where you work.
In fact, if you can, find someone from the company itself to recommend you. During your college career, you’ll often get the change to go to alumni dinners, job fairs, and special events. Meet as many people as you can, and always follow up when you receive a business card. When you apply for an internship, if you know someone who works for the company, knows the president, etc, you’ll have an immediate golden ticket and likely be offered an interview. Sometimes, it is definitely about who you know, not just about what you know.
Another way to make your application stand up is to follow up with a phone call. Some internship employers ask specifically that you do not call, but if they don’t, you show initiative by following up. If you feel uncomfortable talking to someone on the phone, call at a time when you can leave a message, like on a Saturday. Thank them for taking the time to look at your application and reiterate your interest. If you get an interview, remember to send a thank you note or email!
accounting internship
While some internship programs only receive a few applications every semester, the best programs always receive dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of applications. With so many students applying for just one or two positions, you have to really stand out to make it to the interview round of the company’s intern search.
When it comes to an internship application, experience is not what makes you a top candidate. Sure, you want to highlight anything relevant you’ve done in the past, but the focus here is on learning, not just on providing a service to your employer. So, if you have experience, you can let it shine, but that’s not the only way to stand out in the crowd. Start with the basics:
- Make sure that your resume and cover letter have no typos or other errors. That’s the fastest way to get your application thrown on the “no” pile right from the get-go. It shows the potential employer that you aren’t really serious about wanting the internship.
- Follow the directions completely. If the employer wants a list of your college’s internship requirements, for example, make sure you include it when you apply. Again, not following directions is a quick way to get turned down without any consideration whatsoever.
- Address the cover letter to the right person. In some cases, when companies put out an advertisement for an internship opening, they tell you exactly who to contact, but that’s not always the case. Don’t assume that you should send your application to the company’s owner – they might not be dealing with the internship program, and your letter may never reach the right hands. When in doubt, call and ask how to address the letter.
Once you have your bases covered, you have to take you application up a notch. After all, if 100 people apply for the internship, 80 – 90 of them will probably have well-written resumes and cover letters that follow the directions and are sent to the right person. It takes more than good grammar to get an internship!
One place you can definitely shine is with your recommendation letters. If possible, find people in the industry. For example, if you’re applying for an internship at an accounting firm, having an accounting professor write a glowing recommendation will serve you better than a recommendation from someone not related to the accounting industry, like your boss at the grocery store where you work.
In fact, if you can, find someone from the company itself to recommend you. During your college career, you’ll often get the change to go to alumni dinners, job fairs, and special events. Meet as many people as you can, and always follow up when you receive a business card. When you apply for an internship, if you know someone who works for the company, knows the president, etc, you’ll have an immediate golden ticket and likely be offered an interview. Sometimes, it is definitely about who you know, not just about what you know.
Another way to make your application stand up is to follow up with a phone call. Some internship employers ask specifically that you do not call, but if they don’t, you show initiative by following up. If you feel uncomfortable talking to someone on the phone, call at a time when you can leave a message, like on a Saturday. Thank them for taking the time to look at your application and reiterate your interest. If you get an interview, remember to send a thank you note or email!
accounting internship