Like many of you, I have faced the stress of the internship search and understand how competitive and frustrating it can be. From countless applications, denials, and acceptances, I have learned ways to truly make myself stand out in a large pool of applicants and to impress the internship coordinators. These hiring tips move beyond catering your resume and researching the company to truly give you the best chance possible to land your dream internship.
1. Develop your personal brand
This sounds a lot more complicated it than it actually is. In this increasingly digital age, it is easy for companies to find out information on potential hires through social media platforms. This has moved beyond just your LinkedIn profile to other accounts including Instagram and Facebook. Many, if not all of you, have been warned to be conscious of what you post on social media due to the increased tendency of employers to research their applicants. This is true, however, what many of you haven't heard is that it is not always a bad thing that your profiles are being examined.
Social media gives you the opportunity to illustrate your personal brand—the essence of who you are that must be authentic to you. A clear personal brand allows an employer to further understand your interests and values. Developing this brand can encompass many things including making posts that reflect your ambitions and values or increasing your personal visibility by speaking, writing, and participating in social media. For example, if you enjoy volunteering for different charities, document what you do and why and share it online. You can even go beyond that by reposting articles on a specific charity and sharing your opinion. This shows companies your value of charity and compassionate personality. Your personal brand is how you stand out in the increasingly digital world and will help you stand out in a competitive work environment.
2. Make your application stand out
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Cut through the black-and-white, Times-New-Roman-filled stack of resumes and cover letters on the hiring manager's desk by making your application more visually appealing. The easy to use graphic design platform Canva offers hundreds of free resume and letterhead layouts to make your application materials stand out from other applicants. The layouts vary from simple and modern to colorful and unique, allowing you to pick one that matches the industry the internship is in.
Communications majors, for example, have more creative freedom in the layout they choose, while business majors should stick to the more plain options. But don't be afraid to use Canva as a business major, there are plenty of professional layouts that will help get your resume and cover letter noticed. Canva is very easy to use even if you don't have any experience as a designer, and the online platform has tons of layouts beyond just resumes and letterheads
3. Optimize your words
When applying for a competitive internship at a large company, there could be hundreds or even thousands of applicants. Often the hiring team does not have time to read through each resume and cover letter to narrow the pool. Internships coordinators for these desired programs are now using a more effective tactic to note applicants with insufficient professional experiences—online programs that prioritize applicants whose applications use keywords that mirror the description and responsibilities of the internship.
You can take advantage of this weeding out process by ensuring that your resume and cover letter use phrases from the job description, including desired skills and personality attributes. This way, your application will demonstrate that you are qualified for the internship position and would make a great addition to the company.
4. Connect with recruiters
One of the most frustrating parts about the internship search is not hearing back from companies after submitting an application. A lot of internship hiring processes involve filling out an online application and receiving an email following submission that you will say something along the lines of 'Thank you for your interest in our internship program. Once a member of the talent acquisition team completes their review of your application, we may contact you to move forward in the process.' It is very common that you will not hear back at all after submitting your online application, especially if it is a large company that receives hundreds of applications.
One simple way to push your application through to someone who is likely to contact you is to connect with recruiters and employees of the company. The best and most professional way to do this is to message them on LinkedIn. Don't pester them or pressure them in any way, simply state your interest in the position and ask them if there is any further information they need to move you forward in the hiring process. Taking this extra step after submitting an application demonstrates that you care a lot about the opportunity and are willing to go above-and-beyond to better your chance.
5. Add a personal touch
Following up after an interview is an essential step in the hiring process. It is very important to thank your interviewer with a personalized note that addresses him or her, recounts what you discussed, and emphasizes one more reason why you should get the internship over other applicants. Most interviewees will send an email the following up the interview, but your thank you shouldn't be buried in a sea of 'thank you for meeting with me!' messages.
You can get a leg up on your competition by leaving a handwritten thank you note at the reception desk right after an in-person interview. There can be hundreds of applicants for one internship spot, and this tactic adds a personal touch to help you to stand out when the hiring managers are trying to recall each interviewee. It also illustrates a greater interest in the position and that you are a considerate person who will bring more kindness and respect to the office.
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