Everyone knows that internships are needed to help set you apart from the rest of the girls vying for your dream job. So if you are wanting to work at Vogue, you have two options: Hope that Anna Wintour keels over and leaves her job to you in her will, or you can work your ass off in tons of internships that will one day assist you in pocketing the career you desire. Whether this is the very first internship you are applying for, or the one hundredth, I’ll share a few helpful hints I’ve picked up along the way. Hopefully, this will alleviate any application woes or pre-interview jitters you might feel!
1. Update your resume: This may sound like common knowledge to all of you amazingly talented and smart collegiettes, but I cannot stress the importance of this small task. Make sure everything is relevant! Did you move in the past year, learn a new skill, earn a new title in a student organization, or change your minor for the fourteenth time? Make sure all of that info is up to date. This is the first thing your future employer will see from you, so be sure it showcases all of your relevant talents and titles. Avoid using the stuff you did in high school. Don’t put it on pink paper and spritz it with perfume like Elle Woods (Legally Blonde) – that won’t help you. Your employer is looking for who fits the job best, and that can only be determined by your experience and determination.
2. Write an awesome pitch letter: I have learned over the years of applying for internships, how important a pitch letter can be. For each internship you apply for, you should write a NEW pitch letter. I have tried the fill-in-the-blank letter, but I have had the best responses when mine were sincere and organic. Tailor them with specific reasons you want to work with the company. If you like that they are big into environmental work, tell them! If you have read their magazine since you were 13, tell them. Whatever it is, do so in an honest way that will grab their attention. This is how the employer gauges your interests and personality. It is all about your voice and why you are applying, so take your time and shine through your words!
3. Do your research on the company: This is huge for interviews. You should skim for information when you have slight interest in the company, just to be sure it’s the right fit. But once you get an interview, dig deeper. You should know the in’s and out’s of what makes this business tick, that way you can nail your interview. Having more knowledge about the company allows you to highlight your strengths, and shows the company exactly what you bring to the table. Remember, it is all about what you can do for them!
4. Come prepared with questions: This might seem unimportant, but it can make a difference. Employers like when you have questions, especially when they ask for them. They want feedback to be sure they have been clear, but they are also looking for your interests and dedication to the position. Ask about the hours you would work, what a typical day looks like, various projects interns help with, what the work environment is really like, etc.? They want to see how invested and interested you are. Don’t feel like you are hogging their time; take advantage of the situation. Pick their brains! They are a wealth of information, and people love to talk about what they know. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions – you’ll miss out!
5. Know your strengths and weaknesses: I can’t say this enough! In every interview I have ever had – internships, paying jobs, student orgs – I am always asked what my strengths and weaknesses are. My biggest tip? Be honest. Don’t say that your weakness is that you are a perfectionist; they’ll see right through that. If you are forgetful, tell them how you have to write everything down in lists with deadlines. This puts your weakness in a positive light because you have a solution to the problem. When you talk about your strengths, show your interviewer what you have to offer to a group. Most businesses are looking for strengths that their groups are lacking, so skip the generic, “I’m a people person,” “I know how to use Microsoft,” and “I’m never late.” Be specific! Give an example to back up your statement. One of my strengths is staying up-to-date on social media trends for public relations; therefore I’m familiar with all different platforms. This past summer when I interned in LA, I managed multiple social media accounts for the agency’s clients, so that skill came in handy. Things like this allow you to elaborate on some of your top bullet points from your resume. All else aside, be brief! Do not turn your interview into a two-hour bragging session; modesty is a virtue!
Now that you have all that you need, take these tips, and put them to good use. Good luck with your applications and interviews, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
Rooting for you always,
Taylor