How To Land the Internship of Your Dreams...

When you’re looking for an internship finding the right one can feel a lot like looking for a needle in a haystack. If you’re looking for a spring internship while balancing classes or working it can all get a bit overwhelming. Here are some tips to make things a bit easier!

1.     Identify yourself.

Make sure that your toolkit (cover letter and resume) clearly outlines your personal strengths, skills, interests and values.

a.     Resume:

·      Do add the link to your LinkedIn profile.

·      Don't make it longer than one page.

·      Do use data. (People like to see numbers to see the real effects of your work).

·      Don't include an objective.

·      Do include soft skills!

·      Don't state the obvious - "skilled in Microsoft Offices."

·      Do include updated contact info.

·      Don't include "references upon request."

·      Do send the document as a PDF.

b.     Cover Letter:

·      Do tell a story.

·      Don’t bore the employer to death.

·      Do address your name to someone specifically (ideally the recruiter or hiring manager).

·      Don't forget your contact information.

·      Do personalize it to each company you're applying to.

·      Don’t repeat what’s in your resume.

·      Do state what you can add to the company.

·      Don’t make it longer than a page. No one wants to read an essay.

·      Do mention why you want to work for the company. Include their mission statement or what they’re about. It shows you did your research.

2.     Don’t overlook.

Once you’ve clearly outlined your experience and skills you can identify potential companies. Pick a location that best suits your field geographically. For example, interested in fashion? Look for opportunities in NYC, LA or Miami. Decide if you want to work unpaid or paid. Most of the time if an opportunity is unpaid, college credit is required (confirm that with your school). Know what you want to do long-term and how the opportunity will benefit you. It's also okay to start off small. Don't overlook the smaller companies with close-knit teams. Start-ups are great if you’re inexperienced and want to dive into an opportunity with a lot of responsibilities. Those environments are really where you learn the most. The best way to keep your search accessible and organized is in an Excel sheet.

3.     Network!

Update your LinkedIn. If you don't have one, create one. It's a great place to network with past and future employers. Recruiters are always looking for talent on there as well. It's also a great place to connect with someone in your aspiring field – send them InMail to ask for advice… that connection can eventually lead to a mentor relationship if you play your cards right!

4.     Don't loose momentum.

Internship search sites such as LinkedIn, Internships, SimplyHired or InternMatch really take the headache out of the search. Once you apply be sure to follow up! Send a thank you email or a hand written note to your interviewer.

Here are some extra steps:

1) Take your cover letter and resume to your campus’s career center or ask a mentor to review it. A second set of eyes for review can never hurt!

2) Think about creating a visual resume to really make you stand out.

3) Create an online profile (ISSUU) to publish your work samples and portfolio.

4) Confirm three references – academic or professional.

5) Make a list of interview questions for each potential employer.

6) Have interview-ready attire.

7) Be prepared for a phone, Skype or in-person interview.

8) Review your social media profiles to make sure there aren’t any “red flags.”