12 answers
Saint
Student
Hinsdale, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
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How do I improve my resume for a better chance at getting into an internship?
I keep getting rejected from internships but it is hard to get experience as a first semester college freshman.
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12 answers
Sarina V
Business Analyst
4
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Sarina’s Answer
A Freshman year internship can be tough- do not lose motivation.
There are a few different approaches you can take when looking to get an internship- either through working on independent projects, exploring various open-source projects and contributing to projects of your interest in ways you can -- it can code review, writing/improving user-docs, etc. volunteering, doing research if applicable to your field, build up your skills, or taking on positions of leadership within your school or community.
You can also talk to your professors or school admins about projects that can help the school or start a new project that can implement any idea of your own and can benefit your parents or friends.
Doing this will allow you to create a focus area on a domain that connects to your undergrad courses and find where your passion is. Then you will identify your niche based on their courses and stand out from all the applicants.
Take those learnings with you into the next year (September to December is the best time to apply, so work on your application during the summer so you're prepared to apply once the year begins).
*Start early, many companies recruit interns 6 months ahead*
Think about what you want to write in your resume for the internship application for next year and do those projects this year. Build a pattern of what you eventually would like to do when you graduate and apply for a job.
-Get a resume review as well from a professor or career services, go beyond your classmates to get additional perspectives.
- Network, network, network! - Reach out to your friends, people already in jobs, connect with the career fairs, connect with professors for some direction on where to apply, create a small group within your class to create a focus group to share experiences. Reach out to the companies and people on linkedin. Create a draft email to seek out an internship. Connect with previous students/alums within your major who have completed internships.
Good luck!
There are a few different approaches you can take when looking to get an internship- either through working on independent projects, exploring various open-source projects and contributing to projects of your interest in ways you can -- it can code review, writing/improving user-docs, etc. volunteering, doing research if applicable to your field, build up your skills, or taking on positions of leadership within your school or community.
You can also talk to your professors or school admins about projects that can help the school or start a new project that can implement any idea of your own and can benefit your parents or friends.
Doing this will allow you to create a focus area on a domain that connects to your undergrad courses and find where your passion is. Then you will identify your niche based on their courses and stand out from all the applicants.
Take those learnings with you into the next year (September to December is the best time to apply, so work on your application during the summer so you're prepared to apply once the year begins).
*Start early, many companies recruit interns 6 months ahead*
Think about what you want to write in your resume for the internship application for next year and do those projects this year. Build a pattern of what you eventually would like to do when you graduate and apply for a job.
-Get a resume review as well from a professor or career services, go beyond your classmates to get additional perspectives.
- Network, network, network! - Reach out to your friends, people already in jobs, connect with the career fairs, connect with professors for some direction on where to apply, create a small group within your class to create a focus group to share experiences. Reach out to the companies and people on linkedin. Create a draft email to seek out an internship. Connect with previous students/alums within your major who have completed internships.
Good luck!
Abdullah Mohammed
Software Engineer
2
Answers
Santa Clara, California
Updated
Abdullah’s Answer
As a first semester college freshman it’s a bit harder to get an internship as opposed to juniors/seniors, however it can be done.
Beginning with your resume, you can try leveraging existing templates and tools such as Chat GPT to have a starting point and tailor your resume to the specific internship opportunities you are interested in. As a freshman you do not have much industry experience, but you can gain relevant soft skills through clubs and hard skills through work study, research opportunities with professors, volunteering, etc. It’s important to present your experience in a way that relates to the relevant opportunity. Don’t be afraid to brag about yourself!
Networking is also crucial when it comes to getting your first internship. If you have family and friends in the industry, a referral goes a long way when it comes to getting an interview. Apply broadly and try taking any interview that comes your way. Interviewing is a skill in itself and the experience you get from participating in interviews is invaluable. When interviewing, find something that sets you apart from other applicants. As a closing note, even if you do not get an internship as a freshman it’s important to make the most of your time and get relevant experience whether it be working a job for the summer.
Beginning with your resume, you can try leveraging existing templates and tools such as Chat GPT to have a starting point and tailor your resume to the specific internship opportunities you are interested in. As a freshman you do not have much industry experience, but you can gain relevant soft skills through clubs and hard skills through work study, research opportunities with professors, volunteering, etc. It’s important to present your experience in a way that relates to the relevant opportunity. Don’t be afraid to brag about yourself!
Networking is also crucial when it comes to getting your first internship. If you have family and friends in the industry, a referral goes a long way when it comes to getting an interview. Apply broadly and try taking any interview that comes your way. Interviewing is a skill in itself and the experience you get from participating in interviews is invaluable. When interviewing, find something that sets you apart from other applicants. As a closing note, even if you do not get an internship as a freshman it’s important to make the most of your time and get relevant experience whether it be working a job for the summer.
Koka Kliora
Proposal Manager
3
Answers
Gurnee, Illinois
Updated
Koka’s Answer
I would add that you should always "customize" your resume for the job you want -- including internships. This doesn't mean you have to create a resume from scratch each time, but rather make sure your resume highlights not only the career you're interested in, but also the company you're interested in. Make sure the necessary skills relevant to the internship stand out.
Additionally, be sure to customize your cover letter in the same way. One way to do this is to leave blanks that you fill in based on the position you're applying to. For example: "It's clear you're looking for an intern with demonstrated skills of _____, _____, and _____. I have experience doing _____ and _____ which have contributed toward these skills."
Finally, remember that many internships are in high demand, and sometimes it's the luck of the draw. Keep trying, and remember that you have a low chance (statistically) of being chosen for many positions. This is not a reflection on you, but just the numbers. One way to improve your chances is by networking, and looking for opportunities in unusual places.
Additionally, be sure to customize your cover letter in the same way. One way to do this is to leave blanks that you fill in based on the position you're applying to. For example: "It's clear you're looking for an intern with demonstrated skills of _____, _____, and _____. I have experience doing _____ and _____ which have contributed toward these skills."
Finally, remember that many internships are in high demand, and sometimes it's the luck of the draw. Keep trying, and remember that you have a low chance (statistically) of being chosen for many positions. This is not a reflection on you, but just the numbers. One way to improve your chances is by networking, and looking for opportunities in unusual places.
Miracle Achebe
3
Answers
Updated
Miracle’s Answer
As a freshman, all you have is your high school experience and the classes you're taking for your first semester. For your resume, have any clubs that you were a part of (high school or college; both are great)that you believe the internships would care about; maybe even tailor your involvement to the clubs to fit the need of an internship. For instance, if you did volunteering in high school and the internship was for tech support, speak on how many people you helped within a week and have the type of work that you helped them with as some internships like to know how well-rounded their potential interns are. Have your resume show the type of courses that you're completing so they know what experience you're gaining from your courses.
Hopefully, this helps, but it's good to know that some internships aren't tailored to those below the sophomore level in college (learned that the hard way too), but the job doesn't have to be an internship with a company; it can be a campus job, like a receptionist or a front desk worker, or even a tutor. All of these can be used to get the internship that you want later down the road if you don't find the one you want in your first year. Good luck!
Hopefully, this helps, but it's good to know that some internships aren't tailored to those below the sophomore level in college (learned that the hard way too), but the job doesn't have to be an internship with a company; it can be a campus job, like a receptionist or a front desk worker, or even a tutor. All of these can be used to get the internship that you want later down the road if you don't find the one you want in your first year. Good luck!
Karen Dolphin
IT Manager
6
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Hello Saint! Breaking into a new field can be challenging, but don't let frequent rejections dampen your spirit. When crafting your resume, one technique I utilize is to extract important keywords from the job description and incorporate them into my resume. This helps to customize it for the specific role. During interviews, remember to maintain a positive attitude and a warm smile, as a good demeanor can greatly influence your career trajectory.
To make your resume more appealing:
- Emphasize the skills and experiences that align most closely with the job requirements.
- Showcase your accomplishments and successes. Use numerical data to provide concrete evidence of your achievements.
- Include any pertinent coursework that showcases your abilities and understanding.
- Aim to keep your resume concise, ideally fitting onto one page. Use bullet points for clarity and ease of reading.
Internships can be highly competitive, and a well-crafted resume can give you an edge. Highlight specific skills you've acquired, relevant courses you've completed, and any experience you've gained to make your application more enticing. Researching the companies you're applying to and adjusting your resume to match any specific requirements in the internship description can help align your skills and background with the company's needs. Remember, companies are seeking interns who are keen not only to learn about the technology and gain job experience, but also show interest in the industry or products the company produces.
To enhance your resume and boost your chances of landing an internship, highlight relevant coursework, emphasize transferable skills, make the most of extracurricular activities, customize your resume for each internship, seek advice and feedback, and meticulously proofread. These strategies can significantly improve your resume.
To make your resume more appealing:
- Emphasize the skills and experiences that align most closely with the job requirements.
- Showcase your accomplishments and successes. Use numerical data to provide concrete evidence of your achievements.
- Include any pertinent coursework that showcases your abilities and understanding.
- Aim to keep your resume concise, ideally fitting onto one page. Use bullet points for clarity and ease of reading.
Internships can be highly competitive, and a well-crafted resume can give you an edge. Highlight specific skills you've acquired, relevant courses you've completed, and any experience you've gained to make your application more enticing. Researching the companies you're applying to and adjusting your resume to match any specific requirements in the internship description can help align your skills and background with the company's needs. Remember, companies are seeking interns who are keen not only to learn about the technology and gain job experience, but also show interest in the industry or products the company produces.
To enhance your resume and boost your chances of landing an internship, highlight relevant coursework, emphasize transferable skills, make the most of extracurricular activities, customize your resume for each internship, seek advice and feedback, and meticulously proofread. These strategies can significantly improve your resume.
Holly Ross
Business Systems Analyst
16
Answers
Sunnyvale, California
Updated
Holly’s Answer
Hello Saint!
The advice to tailor your resume to match the job description and utilize your connections is indeed valuable.
Networking is a powerful tool, with 85% of current job positions being filled through this method. LinkedIn is a great platform to connect with individuals who are part of industries that intrigue you and have attended your alma mater. Begin by searching for your school on LinkedIn and explore the alumni section. You can then narrow down your search by applying an industry filter relevant to the internship you're seeking. Identify individuals who are employed at companies offering internships and initiate a conversation, highlighting the shared experience of attending the same school. This approach has helped me connect with a diverse range of professionals. Check out my connections to see the variety - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollybross/
Alternatively, if you're applying through traditional channels, crafting a compelling cover letter can make a difference. This document should express your enthusiasm for the role and your dedication to the work. I secured my first marketing internship at a television advertising firm this way. I used my cover letter to convey my passion for enhancing brand reputation through storytelling, providing examples from my college assignments and personal projects to reinforce my point.
Best of luck on your journey!
The advice to tailor your resume to match the job description and utilize your connections is indeed valuable.
Networking is a powerful tool, with 85% of current job positions being filled through this method. LinkedIn is a great platform to connect with individuals who are part of industries that intrigue you and have attended your alma mater. Begin by searching for your school on LinkedIn and explore the alumni section. You can then narrow down your search by applying an industry filter relevant to the internship you're seeking. Identify individuals who are employed at companies offering internships and initiate a conversation, highlighting the shared experience of attending the same school. This approach has helped me connect with a diverse range of professionals. Check out my connections to see the variety - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollybross/
Alternatively, if you're applying through traditional channels, crafting a compelling cover letter can make a difference. This document should express your enthusiasm for the role and your dedication to the work. I secured my first marketing internship at a television advertising firm this way. I used my cover letter to convey my passion for enhancing brand reputation through storytelling, providing examples from my college assignments and personal projects to reinforce my point.
Best of luck on your journey!
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
355
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Great you are looking for an internship and ways to get there. Ask a couple of people you consider successful in their careers to take a look at your resume and make suggestions. In addition to a resume, networking can also get you the result you want. Be sure your family, friends and neighbors are aware of what you are looking for and what skills you will bring.
While waiting for an internship or in addition to having one, try volunteering for a variety of causes. Here you will gain connections, experiences and increased skills to add to your resume.
With every good wish.
While waiting for an internship or in addition to having one, try volunteering for a variety of causes. Here you will gain connections, experiences and increased skills to add to your resume.
With every good wish.
Emilie Schneider
Talent Acquisition
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Emilie’s Answer
Don't lose heart! It's common for internships to be tailored towards juniors and seniors, depending on the company. It's crucial to thoroughly read the job description and qualifications, especially to confirm that you fulfill the graduation requirements. Big corporations often provide opportunities for those at the start of their careers. So, I would advise you to focus on specific companies and meticulously read their campus careers sections to stay informed about the opportunities they offer. Also, consider consulting with your career services to find out which companies recruit at your school and when their recruitment events are scheduled on campus. This can help you build connections with various recruiters. I trust you'll find this advice beneficial!
Claire Martin
Senior University Recruiter
7
Answers
Hillsboro, Oregon
Updated
Claire’s Answer
I have 2 main pieces of advice for getting your application/resume reviewed for internships
1) Use relevant words or phrases from the job posting in your resume. This will help your resume pass through any filters that may be used to narrow down applicants.
2) Reach out to someone from the company you're applying to on LinkedIn! It's always helpful to make connections, have informational chats with current employees, and they could help you get your foot in the door.
1) Use relevant words or phrases from the job posting in your resume. This will help your resume pass through any filters that may be used to narrow down applicants.
2) Reach out to someone from the company you're applying to on LinkedIn! It's always helpful to make connections, have informational chats with current employees, and they could help you get your foot in the door.
David Fryrear
Head of Quality Assurance
39
Answers
Libertyville, Illinois
Updated
David’s Answer
Firstly, don't lose hope. Internships are in high demand and the competition is fierce. From my experience, I've noticed that many big-name companies prefer to hire older students for their internships.
When it comes to crafting your resume at this point in your career, remember to keep it concise. Don't just list the tasks you've carried out, but also highlight how your work made a difference or influenced a result. This will make your resume stand out and show potential employers that you're not just a doer, but a contributor.
When it comes to crafting your resume at this point in your career, remember to keep it concise. Don't just list the tasks you've carried out, but also highlight how your work made a difference or influenced a result. This will make your resume stand out and show potential employers that you're not just a doer, but a contributor.
Gwen Hurd
Customer Facing Technical Solution Engineer
8
Answers
Marietta, Georgia
Updated
Gwen’s Answer
Kick off with thorough company research and a meticulous review of the job description.
Ensure that your resume begins with a compelling introduction, including your name and a captivating statement about your interests and what you're seeking. The goal is to instantly engage the reader's curiosity.
Incorporate relevant keywords into your resume, reflecting the courses and activities you've engaged in that bolster your candidacy for this internship.
Craft an eye-catching title for your resume, positioned centrally at the top of the page. Your resume should be saved in a PDF format to prevent unwanted edits. Be mindful of the acceptable format for the company you're applying to.
Remember to ask insightful questions during the interview. Although you're the one being interviewed, you're also evaluating the company. The interview process is a mutual exchange - you're selling your skills and potential, while the company is showcasing itself.
Ensure that your resume begins with a compelling introduction, including your name and a captivating statement about your interests and what you're seeking. The goal is to instantly engage the reader's curiosity.
Incorporate relevant keywords into your resume, reflecting the courses and activities you've engaged in that bolster your candidacy for this internship.
Craft an eye-catching title for your resume, positioned centrally at the top of the page. Your resume should be saved in a PDF format to prevent unwanted edits. Be mindful of the acceptable format for the company you're applying to.
Remember to ask insightful questions during the interview. Although you're the one being interviewed, you're also evaluating the company. The interview process is a mutual exchange - you're selling your skills and potential, while the company is showcasing itself.
Karin P.
Lecturer
375
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Saint,
Are you applying for internships in your field of studies? Have you asked for feedback why you were not accepted?
I am just thinking that most good internships want 2nd and 3rd year students because they have already learnt something and can be given tasks . If you are in first year, you know nothing.
I would bet that by next year your chances will be better. But don't give up, you might still find something.
For your resume, even Word has some nice templates that show you the information that is relevant, how to organise it, and they are easy on the eye. Just insert your data.
Good luck!
KP
Are you applying for internships in your field of studies? Have you asked for feedback why you were not accepted?
I am just thinking that most good internships want 2nd and 3rd year students because they have already learnt something and can be given tasks . If you are in first year, you know nothing.
I would bet that by next year your chances will be better. But don't give up, you might still find something.
For your resume, even Word has some nice templates that show you the information that is relevant, how to organise it, and they are easy on the eye. Just insert your data.
Good luck!
KP