The internship recruitment process is broken. The ease of applying online has resulted in an overwhelming number of applications for each position, sometimes reaching thousands for a single role. This surge of resumes can make even the most skilled recruiters struggle to vet candidates effectively, leaving many students lost in the crowd, no matter their qualifications.
In a system that doesn’t always favor merit alone, internship candidates must take control of their destinies. Standing out to hiring managers requires more than just submitting a polished resume. These strategies can help applicants rise above the noise:
Network, Network, Network
Relationships matter. Networking can open doors that an online application may never reach. Whether it’s connecting with alumni, attending industry events, or simply striking up a conversation with someone in your field, the power of in-person (or even virtual) networking cannot be overstated.
Make a Positive First Impression
Make a strong, positive first impression by greeting contacts with a smile and a firm handshake. Present yourself well, ask questions, and be present. After each interaction, send follow-up emails and thank-you notes to reinforce that positive impression.
Start Your Internship Search Early
Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to search for internships that match your goals. Having multiple opportunities to choose from is ideal. Remember, the early bird catches the worm!
Leverage Your Soft Skills
Technical skills and a strong GPA are important, but hiring managers want to know how you communicate, work on teams, and handle pressure. Your interpersonal abilities can set you apart, especially during interviews. Showcasing these skills can help bridge the gap between a crowded applicant pool and a select few.
Highlight Relevant Achievements
Don’t rely on your resume to do all the talking. When you land an interview, lead with your accomplishments. Explain the impact of your work and how it directly contributed to a project’s success. The ability to clearly articulate how you’ve added value in the past will increase your chances of standing out.
Big Companies, Big Marketing, Few Internships
Large companies spend significant resources building student brand equity—far more than they spend on providing internship opportunities. They invest in campus visits, branded swag, and impressive presentations to attract students to their companies, but when hiring freezes or limited positions strike, these companies have far fewer roles available than students may realize.
The hard truth is that the money spent on campus visits often far outweighs the resources devoted to paid internships. So, what can students do? One solution is to explore opportunities beyond the household names. Students should strongly consider researching and applying to organizations that have no presence on their campus. Smaller or less-known companies may offer valuable experiences with fewer applicants, increasing the odds of landing a position.
Minorities, Especially Women, Sell Themselves Short
In the process of recruitment, there’s a troubling trend that must be addressed. Anecdotally, many accomplished minority students, especially women, often downplay their skills and achievements on their resumes. They don’t see the connection between their own experiences and the results they helped achieve, which can hold them back during the application process.
Far too often, they fail to articulate how their experiences translate into skills that add real value to an organization. They may not have the confidence to associate themselves with the accomplishments of their previous employers, even when they directly contributed to those successes.
How to Combat This Trend
Find a Mentor, Coach, or Advocate
Having someone in your corner who can help you see your worth and guide you through the process can make all the difference. A mentor can help you reframe your narrative to highlight your contributions effectively.
Become a Mentor, Coach, or Advocate
Helping others can reinforce your own understanding of the skills and achievements you possess. It also builds your confidence as a leader and a valuable member of any team.
Don’t Be Afraid to Fail—Just Learn from It
Failure is a powerful teacher. Instead of letting it discourage you, use your failures as opportunities to grow. Internships are as much about learning as they are about contributing.
Your time is precious. Prioritize activities and projects that offer high-value experiences, and don’t waste time on pursuits that don’t align with your goals. Make every effort count.
While the internship recruiting process may be flawed, students still have the power to take control of their path. By embracing networking, leveraging soft skills, highlighting relevant achievements, and seeking opportunities off the beaten path, students can overcome the challenges of a saturated market and secure meaningful internship experiences.
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