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Want to land the internship of your dreams but aren't sure how to distinguish yourself to potential employers? Students who plan to enter the workforce immediately after graduation often find internships indispensable, both for the practical experience they provide and the networking opportunities they provide. Having a degree is helpful, but having work experience is invaluable.
There are a lot of ways to mess up an internship application, but here are a few of the more popular ones to avoid.
Review Your CV Carefully
CVs are difficult to build, particularly for new candidates with no professional experience. You might add too many details to your CV as it is not adequate. Ask someone to go over your CV rather than tripping over hundreds of modifications and variances.
Did you know an Employer takes 7 seconds to accept or reject a CV? What does your CV look like? Are you seeking for feedback? At our sister project - Graduatewise.com, you will be able to build a structured and professional CV that will showcase the Employer all it needs to help them make a decision about your profile. Give it a try.
Applying to Internships Is a Numbers Game
In today's competitive market, understanding how to apply for internships effectively is crucial for standing out among graduates. and adds global experience to your CV. If you simply apply for a few options, stay assured that there would be fewer chances of getting any calls. To ensure that you get those calls, you must not stop applying. Here is a good metric to follow: On a daily basis, apply between 5 to 8 vacancies.
Over time, you will be able to "crack the code" in terms of applications; cover letter submissions as well as refine your search in terms of role, companies and location. Even after you hear back from companies, keep applying because you must test waters to create your career path. More importantly, as we all hear often times: "Don't put all your eggs in the same basket". Always keep your options open by applying to as many internships as you can.
Show How You Can Add Value to the Company
Over a decade of experience of dealing with Graduates and helping them secure an internship, we have understood that a strong cover letter is your best supporting document. Don't spam the potential Employers by "copy/pasting" applications and cover letters.
Read and understand the job spec before submitting any application; take time to tailor your cover letter and explain the Employer why you are applying for the role and what interests you. More over, justify to the Employer the value you will add to the organisation if they hire you; what skills do you bring to the table and how effectively your contribution will drive results. Create a comprehensive a cover letter that includes all the relevant points about your profile.
Don’t Take Rejections Personally – Keep Going
Do not allow the rejection received or lack of Employers' response to deter you from enrolling for other internships. If you followed our tip number 2, and if you kept applying for roles, the next one will come soon. It is vital that you do not become emotional with these rejections, because that will substantially decrease your drive and motivation! Keep in mind rejections are normal! Stay humble and go back to the organisation and ask them for the reasons that led to declining your application... we are certainly sure you will learn a thing or two. Improve from there.
Start Building Your Network Early
What you know is important, but who you know is critical! You already have a vast network on your circle of friends and family. Why not approaching these connections and simply ask them:
- Is your organisation hiring graduates?
- If I share my CV with you, will you please forward to your HR department?
Put yourself out there, don't be afraid of asking the question. You never know where your next opportunity is coming from.
Additionally, an Employee referral may place you in a privileged position; there is a personal connection and further insights on your character, values and behaviour can be shared. Do not discard the channels to promote yourself.
You Don’t Need to Accept the First Offer
It's really pleasant to receive an offer from an Employer as a result of your hard work and applications made. However, Internwise Career Coaches always recommend for candidates to reflect and confirm if this is the right move; talk to your family and friends and do confirm if this role aligns with your career path.
You don't want to jump jobs every now and then; you want to grow your skills; be committed and loyal to a company and grow within the organisation. Here's the tip: Step back, look at the bigger picture and address this simple question: Will this role help achieve my professional objectives?
Look for Internships on Niche Job Sites
There are plenty of resources out there to help you connect with Employers. This could be your university placements department; recruitment agencies or niche graduates job board platforms. Internwise falls within the latter option - use Internwise as your primary tool to search and apply for internships. With jobs posted on a daily basis, we are confident you will find what you're looking for.
Send your applications in right now. If you want to land your ideal internship, you need to be sure you don't commit these application blunders.Was this article helpful?
Candidate Journey
(select your stage)
Choose the Right Career
See allStart Your Job Search
See allGet Ready for Work
See allImprove Your Soft Skills
See allWrite a CV That Gets You Noticed
See allBuild the Skills You Need to Succeed
See allInternship Application Tips
See allInterview Preparation
See allIndustry Internships
See all
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