The Internship Application Process

By Penny Loretto, your Guide to Internships

The internship application process may include filling out an application form, resume, and cover letter. In addition, interviewing, reference letters, and thank you notes are an important part of the process once an applicant has been selected as a potential internship candidate.

Resume
Cover Letters
Online Posting, Emailing, and Scanning Resumes
Thank You Letters

Interviewing
Letters of Recommendation
Scholarships and Fellowships
Summer Housing

Resume

A well drafted resume is one of the most important pieces of the internship (or job) application process. It is an opportunity to document your strengths, skills, accomplishments, honors, and experiences and, if done properly, convinces the employer that you have what it takes to be a successful intern. It is extremely important to target your resume based on the skills and qualifications the employer is looking for and to have your resume reviewed by your career center, faculty member, objective third party, or professional in the field.

Cover Letters

A cover letter is used to compliment a resume. It is a great opportunity to expand on your experiences and provide the employer with personal information in regards to your interests and specifically why you want to work for that organization. Although the information may be similar to your resume, it's important to focus on your skills and accomplishments by letting the employer know what you have to offer them. Although some employers do not require or prefer not to receive a cover letter, seize this opportunity if a cover letter is requested or if it does not specify in the internship listing.

Online Posting, Emailing, and Scanning Resumes

Today there may be many different versions required when submitting a resume. Companies may require applicants to post resumes online, email, or occasionally even produce a scannable resume. For best results it's best to prepare several versions of the same resume.

Thank You Letters

Thank you letters let employers know that you are interested in the job and that you value their time. They can also be used to review key point discussed in the interview and clear up any questions that might have been brought up.

Interviewing

Resumes and cover letters work to get the interview, but the actual interview is what gets the internship. There are important skills and techniques to use when interviewing and making a good first impression is crucial to getting hired as an intern.

Letters of Recommendation

Employers hiring interns or employees generally seek two to three personal and professional references from applicants. It's important to pick your references carefully to ensure that they will provide positive feedback to the employer.

Scholarships and Fellowships

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Summer Housing

Students looking to do internships in different locations often can find reasonable housing at local colleges and universities.

Internships