How to Apply for an Internship

Internships play an important role in many students’ future success.

In 2019, the National Association of Colleges and Employers reported that over 70% of employers end up offering a full-time job to their interns. Another study found that applicants with internship experience had a 12.6% greater chance of securing a job interview.

How do you stand out from the hundreds of other applicants vying for the same internship? One way is to have a strong resume, cover letter, and portfolio, as well as solid references. Read on to learn more about how to apply for internships.

While many businesses require candidates to submit their internship applications through an online portal, others request that you send your documents through email. Follow submission guidelines exactly as stated in the listing.

If it’s a generic email address, call the organization or search on LinkedIn to find out whom you should address the email to. If they don’t request specific email formatting, include the name of the internship you’re applying for in the subject line.

Finally, make sure your email address is professional — ideally something with your first and last name.

It’s important to update your resume, since a strong resume and cover letter are often the deciding factors for a hiring manager. Don’t worry if you don’t have much experience in the field — hiring managers understand you’re looking for an internship in order to gain experience.

The following tips go over how to tailor your resume and cover letter to your prospective internship.

Your resume is where you can showcase your biggest professional and academic accomplishments, so don’t be afraid to get detailed here. In addition to your job title and date of employment, include the duties you performed as they relate to the internship you’re applying for.

Remember to describe impact when listing your skills and responsibilities. For example, instead of just saying you managed a social media account, describe how many views the site received under your guidance or how much you were able to grow the site’s following.

Study what each company seeks in an intern and the specific tasks or skills it wants based on the job description. Then, connect those areas to your own experiences and accomplishments. For instance, your job as a cashier might have taught you the intricacies of customer service, which you can apply to a community outreach or sales internship.

Some studies suggest that companies look at your resume for just a little over six seconds before moving on to the next. As such, be sure to keep your resume concise and avoid including irrelevant fluff.

Design your resume so that it can be read easily. Bullet points help draw attention to the most important information. Other ways to ensure readability include dividing sections clearly, using a simple font, and optimizing the top quarter of your resume.

A good cover letter can make all the difference when competing for an internship. This is your opportunity to showcase your personality and demonstrate your passion, as well as your skills, achievements, and writing talents.

Make your cover letter personalized and professional by explaining how your experience and personality make you a good match for this internship and organization.

If you’re applying to multiple internships, make sure to tailor your cover letter to each role, highlighting specific skills mentioned in the internship listings. Remember, this is your opportunity to convince the hiring manager that you’ll be an asset to that company.

Employers look for interns with enthusiasm and motivation. They want someone who is excited about joining their team. You can emphasize your enthusiasm by describing why you’re passionate about the company and/or role.

You might also include a brief story about your achievements or activities that further demonstrates your passion for this field.

Most employers require internship applicants to provide 2-3 references. Start collecting these names well in advance. Consider who will be able to speak to your personality, skills, and work ethic. Good references from teachers, professors, or previous employers are like gold in the quest for an internship.

Some internships may also require applicants to provide a portfolio. This collection of your best, most relevant work provides companies with concrete evidence of your skills. A few fields that typically require a portfolio include graphic design, web development, writing, and marketing.

Even for internships that don’t require a portfolio, submitting this extra bit of proof of your talents can help you stand out. Consider highlighting projects relevant to the internship, and select a sample of your best work.

You’ve polished off your cover letter and resume and gathered references. Before you submit your internship application, make sure to do the following.

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