How To Become A Successful Intern
An internship is a great way to break into the industry, gain valuable experience, and make connections that can last a lifetime. And contrary to popular belief, internships can be affordable and accessible. In this post we'll explore how to become a successful intern by breaking down the application process step-by-step. We'll also share some tips on how interns can make an impression on potential employers and ensure they get hired after their internship is up!
"Learn all about what you need to know before applying for your first internship - from cover letters, resumes and interviews. Plus, find out how to be a great intern and help your boss get you hired!"
• Understand The Application Process. Before applying for an internship, it's important to understand the application process. There are usually two paths you can take: submitting an application online (usually through the company website) or submitting an application in person at company headquarters. Some companies also might give you the option of emailing them your resume and cover letter. Regardless of which path you choose, it's important that your applications are thorough and well written! Write "Neatly." Another thing to keep in mind is that some companies may have specific requirements or formatting requests for your resume and cover letter (such as "Microsoft Word format" or "12 pt. Times New Roman) so it's important to be sure each of your applications are in compliance.
• Start Early. It's a good idea to start writing your resume and cover letter early! It can take time to perfect the right words and format that you think will impress potential employers. The earlier you start, the more time you will have to make revisions if necessary. Also, don't forget that if your school has a career center, they can help with all or part of the application process! Check out our guide on how to find an internship for more information about using a career center. • Write A Cover Letter. A cover letter should accompany your resume when applying for an internship and it can help you stand out from the other candidates! Your cover letter should be short and clear, highlighting a few key points from your resume that are most relevant to the internship. For example, if you have a strong academic background in a specific field but little to no work experience, emphasize this in your cover letter! This way you're showing potential employers that you've done your research and know what an internship with their company entails.
• Make Your Resume Eye-Catching. A big part of your application is going to be your resume so make sure it's impressive! A good way to keep your resume organized is to use categories. For example, in your resume you can have 4 headings: Education, Work Experience, Skills and Interests. It's also a good idea to make sure that you include specific dates and positions for each job at the bottom of your resume. Getting back to our cover letter, it's important that your cover letter also matches exactly what is on your resume! This way you are being professional and perfecting the details.
• Think About What You Can Show And Tell Employers. Not only should your cover letter identify which internships you've had but it should also show how those internships prepared you for the job at hand! Here are a few examples of how to showcase these traits: 1) Have volunteer work. If you've volunteered for a local non-profit, this is a great way to show how you can contribute while also learning valuable life skills. 2) Have extracurricular activities. If you participate in sports or other social/cultural organizations (such as the band) it shows that outside of work, you are active and engaged with other people. 3) Have school activity. If your resume includes college courses or extra-curricular activities, it shows that you are a hard worker with the ability to manage multiple things at once!
• Be Honest. Honesty is critical when filling out your resume! When you write your resume, be sure to include any volunteer work or other activity that shows you in a positive light. However, don't inflate your skillset or list false credentials. Employers are always looking for red flags and inconsistencies so be honest and truthful on your resume. • Get Your Resume In Front Of The Right People. When submitting your applications online it's usually a good idea to make sure the positions you are applying for are relevant to the job you want. For example, if you're applying for an administrative assistant position don't include any programming experience! Some organizations are more strict on this than others and some companies may not accept cover letters or resumes from all students. As a general rule of thumb, it's best to apply for positions that require a similar skill set to the internship that you want!
• Be Patient. When applying for an internship it's important to remain patient! It can take weeks, months, or even years before employers call you and accept your resume. The most important thing is to keep submitting applications until you get either a response or until your application has been completely rejected (in which case you should look at other options).
• Use Your Network. Your network can be an amazing resource when you are applying for internships! Whether you have a network of friends and family that know people in the industry, your career center, or a company website, use it to get your resume in front of the right people!
• Use Other Resources. If you can't find any internships on your own, don't despair! There are many resources out there that can help with finding internship opportunities such as: college career centers, private companies who post available positions on their websites, and even industry-specific sites like Career Careers!
• Ask Questions. It's also a good idea to ask questions about what it's like to work for a company, especially if you're serious about them! This way you can show an employer that you're interested and serious about the position. Keep in mind that employers will often conduct phone calls and interviews via the internet or over the phone so go ahead and ask any questions you have!
How To Build A Cover Letter
Click Here To Learn How To Build A Cover Letter
Now that your resume is ready, it's time to write a cover letter. But how exactly do you write one? In this article we'll be going over how to build a cover letter in just 2 simple steps.
Step 1: Always Format Your Cover Letter
While it may seem silly to start with formatting, it's important that you have the correct layout for a cover letter. Make sure your cover letter has the following elements: • Name Contact Information • Address • Email • Phone Number • Date And Time Of Completion Underneath this information should be your heading. The heading should include the name and address of the company you are applying to, as well as an indication of what position you are applying for (such as "Internship Application" or "Paid Part-Time Sales Associate"). Below this information, include a brief introduction about yourself or what you do for fun.
Conclusion
Now that you've completed your internship application, you're probably feeling pretty accomplished. But don't worry! There's still a lot of work you need to do before you can accept your acceptance letter.
The first step is to write a cover letter that connects with the organization or company to which you are applying.