Learn how to elevate your internship application with expert tips on CV tailoring, cover letters, and interview prep for standout results.

Strong referrals are magical for your internship application. Be an energy powerhouse; people love fresh enthusiasm. Get creative, adopt a solution-oriented approach, and pursue relevant certifications. Go the extra mile: research the company and its competition, and bring fresh ideas. A solid LinkedIn presence is a must—connect before applying to make an impact. Keep your learning spirit high, and you’ll shine among candidates

Last updated on Jul 11, 2024

Here's how you can make your internship application shine among other candidates.

Landing an internship can be a competitive endeavor, but with the right approach, your application can stand out from the crowd. To make a memorable impression, you need to showcase not only your academic achievements and skills but also your passion for the field and your potential as a future professional. In this guide, you'll discover how to enhance your internship application so it shines among other candidates.

1 Tailor Your CV

Crafting a customized curriculum vitae (CV) is crucial when applying for internships. Your CV should highlight the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the position you're seeking. It's important to research the company and the industry to understand what they value most in an intern. Use this insight to emphasize aspects of your background that align with their needs, such as specific coursework, projects, or volunteer work. A well-tailored CV demonstrates that you've put thought into your application and understand the role you're applying for.

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Mannat Arora

HR Maven | Yoga Maestro | Author of 'Passion Game' | Committed to Continuous Growth & Learning
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Strong referrals are magical for your internship application. Be an energy powerhouse; people love fresh enthusiasm. Get creative, adopt a solution-oriented approach, and pursue relevant certifications. Go the extra mile: research the company and its competition, and bring fresh ideas. A solid LinkedIn presence is a must—connect before applying to make an impact. Keep your learning spirit high, and you’ll shine among candidates

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Monika Singh

Human Resources Specialist | Employer Branding & Corporate Communication | LinkedIn Top Voice
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To make your internship application stand out, tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific opportunity, highlighting relevant skills and experiences. Demonstrate your achievements with specific metrics and outcomes, rather than just listing responsibilities. Emphasize transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Include relevant coursework, projects, or volunteer work that demonstrate your skills in action. Finally, proofread and edit your application multiple times to ensure error-free and polished submission. By showcasing your unique strengths and experiences, you'll increase your chances of landing a competitive internship!

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Supriya Dodia

Assistant Vice President -HR at Konverge Technologies Pvt Ltd
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Include relevant certifications or training courses you have completed. Focus on the skills and experiences most relevant to the internships Covering Letter

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Kapil N.

Talent Acquisition Specialist @ 2iSolutions Inc. | HR expert with IT background
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Customized resume and cover letter for internship. Highlight relevant skills, achievements, and projects. Maintain a strong online presence with an updated LinkedIn profile and portfolio. Obtain strong recommendations, prepare well for interviews, and follow up with a thank-you email. Be enthusiastic and authentic.

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2 Cover Letter Tips

Your cover letter is your chance to tell a compelling story about why you're the ideal candidate for the internship. Start with a strong opening that grabs attention, and be sure to convey your enthusiasm for the field. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your skills and experiences make you a great fit. Remember, this is not just a repeat of your CV; it's an opportunity to show your personality and how you can contribute to the company's goals. Keep it concise, professional, and focused on how you can add value during your internship.

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Muhammad Faraz Khan

MBA | ACCA | General Manager Finance
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Highlight your education by mentioning your current academic status, relevant coursework, and projects. Showcase what you learned during your internship by describing your key responsibilities, achievements, and the skills you developed. Explain how your internship prepared you for the job. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job, use keywords from the job description, and keep it concise. Show enthusiasm for the role and the company, and maintain a professional tone. Proofread carefully for errors. By following these tips, you can create a compelling cover letter that highlights your education and internship experience, making you a strong candidate for the job.

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3 Research Thoroughly

Before you even begin writing your application, thorough research can give you an edge. Understand the company's mission, values, and recent achievements. This knowledge will not only help you tailor your CV and cover letter but also prepare you for potential interviews. Show that you've done your homework by referencing specific details about the company in your application materials. This indicates that you have a genuine interest in the company and are proactive in your approach to your career development.

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4 Highlight Soft Skills

While technical skills are important, don't underestimate the power of soft skills in your internship application. These include abilities like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Employers often seek interns who can seamlessly integrate into their teams and contribute positively to the workplace culture. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in the past, whether through group projects, leadership roles, or even in challenging situations. Illustrating your soft skills can make a strong case for your overall fit within the company.

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5 Showcase Creativity

In many fields, creativity is a highly valued trait. When appropriate, let your creative side shine through in your application. This could mean designing an eye-catching CV layout, including a portfolio of your work, or finding an innovative way to express your interest in the role. However, it's important to balance creativity with professionalism—ensure that any creative elements you include are relevant and enhance your application rather than distract from your qualifications.

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6 Prepare for Interviews

If your application earns you an interview, preparation is key to making a lasting impression. Practice common interview questions and develop clear, concise answers that reflect your skills and experiences. Consider conducting mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence. During the actual interview, remember to be yourself, maintain a positive attitude, and express gratitude for the opportunity. Your preparation will shine through, showcasing your dedication and making you a memorable candidate.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can make your internship application shine among other candidates.

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Tailor Your CV

2 Cover Letter Tips

3 Research Thoroughly

4 Highlight Soft Skills

5 Showcase Creativity

6 Prepare for Interviews

7 Here’s what else to consider

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Here's how you can make your internship application shine among other candidates.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Tailor Your CV

2 Cover Letter Tips

3 Research Thoroughly

4 Highlight Soft Skills

5 Showcase Creativity

6 Prepare for Interviews

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interviewing

Rate this article

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