LIFE

So you just came across your dream internship...and you want to know *exactly* how to land it. From resume to interview, we've got you covered. Read on for all the tips and tricks you need to make your internship app stand out amongst the rest. 

When it comes to your resume...

Be creative with formatting 

Fire up your creative engines—it's time to create a resume that is out of this world. Plain black and white resumes are standard (especially for traditional fields like law, medicine and business)—but they can get old quick. If you're applying for a more artistic position (think: marketing, graphic design or communications), try a fun, colorful template on Canva to design your resume. Pick a template that speaks to you. Just be careful not to go *too* overboard on the design. You still want to keep things professional.

Tailor your resume to the specific internship you are applying for 

It's always good to have a resume on hand when you need it, but if you truly want yours to stand out, the best thing you can do is tailor your qualifications to whatever internship you are applying for. Include bullet points on your resume that line up with the skills needed for this particular internship. Read the internship description carefully so you know exactly what they are looking for—and see if your skills and accomplishments line up. 

Think outside the box 

Don't have a lot of experience yet? Don't sweat it. There is a lot of information you can include on your resume that will totally make you stand out aside from work experience. President of a club at school? Perfect addition. Made the honor roll? A great accomplishment to include. Volunteer experience is also a fab resume booster—so go ahead and brag about all the great work you've done in your community.

How about that cover letter...

Keep it short

When it comes to writing a cover letter, the shorter the better. Aim for a one-pager. Chances are, hiring managers are reading through a ~lot~ of letters, so keep it concise. Getting across everything you want to say in one page will help hold the reader's attention—and prove to a possible employer that you have *amaze* writing skills. 

Be personable 

A cover letter is *exactly* what it says it is—a letter. Be personable in your cover letter and let the reader get to know you. Keep it professional, but don't be afraid to add a little bit of your own personal flair. 

Touch on things not included in your resume

While it's important to touch on your experience and accomplishments in a cover letter, it's also another opportunity for you to expand on why you deserve this internship. Include skills you hold that might not be on your resume—or lessons you've learned from experiences outside of the professional realm. Be creative and tailor what you include to the internship you are applying for.  

The big day is here...

Congratulations! You've landed an interview (yassss, girl!). After your incredible application, an interview is well deserved. Here are some tips and tricks to help you prepare for your big day and totally ace it. 

Start the day off with some self-care

On the day of your interview, it's important to take care of yourself and unwind. Try doing a meditation, putting on a face mark or listening to your fave podcast to calm your nerves. The biggest thing to remember is that everything will work out no matter what happens, so try not to fret. 

Be cautious of body language

When the time has *finally* arrived for your interview, it's important to be aware of your body language. Sit up straight with your shoulders back in order to look confident. And don't forget to smile—everyone loves a friendly face. 

Be yourself

Although interviews are a time to be professional, it's important to still be yourself. Internship employers want to use this time to get to know you, o don't be afraid to let your personality shine through. 

Good luck and go get em' girl! 

In search of more internship content? Check out these posts:
📝How to rock your very first internship (from someone who's been through it)
📝How to deal when you don't get the internship
📝Score your dream internship with these 5 easy tips

Have you applied for any internships recently? Let us know your tips and tricks on Twitter @girlslifemag! 

All GIFs via Giphy
Slider image: @allisonbickerstaff
Top image: @lifeofema_

by Paige Mountain | 4/26/2022