Get Your Dream Internship

I once read an application that said ‘aliens abducted me and told me I would be the best candidate for this post’. I understand that the candidate was trying to stand out from the crowd, but there are ways to do this, and ways (most definitely) not to do this.

3 Things To Avoid Doing (and What To Do Instead)

1) A really long résumé of irrelevant information packed with typos
Résumés should be no more than 2 pages of relevant information. Shape the content of your résumé for the job you are applying for. And proofread. Proofread, proofread, proofread and ask someone else to proofread also to ensure that there are no grammar mistakes or spelling errors.

2) Sending your request to a generic email address
Get past the gatekeepers. Get the name of the person who will be reading your application. First off, call the human resources team and explain what you are planning to do. Ask for the name of the right person. If you draw a blank (i.e ‘just send it to our blaa@blaa.com address’), go onto LinkedIn and do some research. Can you find someone who looks like they may be in the department where you want to work? Contact them directly. Prepare what you want to say and make it concise.

3) Forget to include a reference letter
Your starting point is this: what would my employer want me to be like? What qualities do I need? What experience and demonstrable skills do I need to outline? If you know the person who is going to write you a reference, why not ask them if you can draft something for them? That way, you retain a degree of editorial control. It’s actually quite common practice. If you are enthusiastic, professional and polite, you are already half way to getting a good internship.

Good luck and enjoy your summer!