8 Tips to Help You Land an Internship Job Faster.
Job hunting can be stressful, and the process of trying to land an internship can be particularly challenging.
When you’re just starting in your career, it can be difficult to land an internship or entry-level job. But if you know how to work the system and navigate through the landmines, you can maximize your chances of getting that dream gig sooner rather than later. Here are 8 tips to help you land an internship job faster!
1) Read the company website
One of the first things you can do to help land a job faster is to follow the company’s Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. Doing this helps make sure that you know everything that is going on with the company and its updates. Also, this will allow you to reach out in a direct message if need be. If the company has a specific timeline for applying and they don’t accept applications outside of their allotted time frame, then make sure you apply within that timeframe or risk missing out on an opportunity with them.
2) Create a target list of companies
Ideally, you want your target list of companies to reflect the scope of your career goals. Ideally, you want internships that would allow you to explore different aspects of a profession as well as build a network of connections who might be able to help you land a job after graduation. However, if time is tight and finances are limited, look for internships in departments that can offer potential leads full-time jobs. For example, if you want to work in marketing but haven’t had any luck with the firms that advertise on campus, check out marketing internships at start-ups or tech companies.
3) Completely research companies
The first step in your search for the perfect internship is determining what company you want to work for. This can be a tricky decision if you are not sure what type of business you want to focus on. Determining the specific industry that interests you will help you decide where to look for internship positions, and allow you to pinpoint a few companies where it would be beneficial for them to have interns. Research each company thoroughly before applying, especially if they are hiring college students because these internships are more competitive than most, and every little detail matters.
4) Use your network
But where do you start? Networking. Whether it’s in person or online, leveraging your current connections is the easiest way to get your foot in the door. Reaching out and meeting someone is daunting and takes effort, but not as much as scrolling through a LinkedIn page looking for people who you don’t know but who might be good contacts. An initial connection that turns into a lead can go further than something you post on Facebook for all of your friends to see.
5) Submit applications
Applying for a job is one of the most important tasks you will have as a college student. Your application should be thorough and tailored to the position, providing enough information about your skills, abilities, and experience that the hiring manager can’t wait to meet you. If they don’t know what they’re getting with you by the time they’ve made it through your resume, why would they bother interviewing you?
6) Avoid common mistakes on resumes
Grammatical mistakes Some people believe that if they make a few small grammatical errors, it will not distract the employer. This is not true. The first time someone sees your resume, you have one shot at getting noticed. If there are any mistakes on your resume or in your cover letter, then you might as well pack up and go home. A hiring manager who might be wading through dozens of resumes has enough things to do without having to decipher your meaning for themselves. It only takes one error for them not to want you on their team. It’s just easier for both parties if you make sure that everything is perfect before submitting anything.
7) Ask for advice from people in the industry
Seek advice on what has worked for others. How did they land their first internship? What are some of the things people should do before applying for their desired internship? Ask all these questions from people who have gone through the process.
8) Add value to their inbox
Brush up on your resume. Make sure you have a well-written and polished resume. Recruiters know the importance of a clean, quality resume, and if yours looks sloppy or unprofessional it can turn them off right away. You want them to be excited about what they see in your future! Write two different versions of your cover letter: one for a company you’re applying for internally and one for external positions. It’s always important to customize your letter as much as possible so make sure it’s clear you’re applying for this specific position and that it includes any skills that are directly related. If you include these details, you’ll set yourself apart from other applicants! *Take initiative when engaging with the employer.
