Whichever industry you choose, an internship is often the best way to get your foot on the ladder after graduation. This is usually a low paying job and sometimes you will find yourself working for free; make coffee or run errands for people in high positions. But it’s all about experience, and this type of placement will give you that first window into your chosen field.
While an internship will look great on your CV, it will also allow you to ‘try out’ working for a company in your chosen industry, giving you an idea of what the future role may hold. But remember: In addition to being an invaluable experience for you, it’s also an opportunity to show potential employers what you can do.
You should treat your internship like an extended interview. It is important to make a good impression from the beginning. Securing a position with a reputable company is no easy task, even if it is unpaid. There are likely to be hundreds of applicants, all with qualifications similar to yours, so it’s important that you stand out if you’re going to have a chance.
This means getting started with your application. Remember, your cover letter is the first thing a potential employer will see (even before your CV), so the pressure is on to make a great first impression and set yourself apart from other candidates. You may have a good interview, but you also need to look good on paper to get through the initial application stage.
First, spend some time studying other successful cover letters to get an idea of what employers are looking for. It’s helpful if you can access apps relevant to your chosen industry, or even geared towards the organization you’re applying for. You can ask family or friends who work in the field for advice, or you can look online.
There are a plethora of resources online to help candidates with job applications, but you may need to dig deeper to find the ones that are relevant to you. The best way to do this is by doing a Google search. If you’re applying for an internship at a bank, for example, try searching for ‘cover letter for financial internship’ and see what you find.
There are websites created for this very purpose, but you may have to pay a small fee to gain access to the information you need. This is usually a small investment and well worth the outlay. This way, you’ll gain invaluable access to insider knowledge of the industry you’re applying to, and maybe even the exact organization.
These platforms will allow you to communicate with people who have been in your shoes, but now have successful jobs in the industry. Their tips are an incredibly useful tool and can be used to help you target your application to certain employers and make the best impression.
Take note of the design and format of the cover letters you see – all of these little details will make a big impression on an employer and could make the difference between your application being the first or ending up unread.
Major organizations will receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications, and may not have time to read each one, so presentation is important.
If you’re unsure of your spelling or literary skills, why not ask a friend or family member to proofread your application for you? Alternatively, you can find a professional online to do it for a small fee. These investments are worth making if you want to be taken seriously in your cover letter.