Which of the following is the first step to be taken when searching for a job or an internship?

1. Finding a job
2. How to Ask for an Internship: Steps and Tips

By Indeed Editorial Team

Updated January 7, 2021 | Published January 3, 2020

Updated January 7, 2021

Published January 3, 2020

Related: How to Find an Internship: Network

In this video, Jenn explains how to network to find an internship, the top 5 ways to land the job and some great advice on what NOT to do.

An internship is a short-term, hands-on learning experience in a professional setting that offers practical work experience related to a student’s degree or potential career interest. This experience allows the student to experience their chosen career path in a real-world setting, putting to use the skills and principles they’ve learned in school. The employer offering the internship can benefit from the new perspectives and fresh energy interns bring to the workplace. They could also potentially develop a future full-time employee through the training they’re providing.

Because internships are typically unpaid and are a part of a student’s degree work, a proper internship should:

• Include less than 25% clerical duties

• Provide a clear description of the work to be performed

• Provide the opportunity for skills development and workplace culture introduction

In this article, we explain how to ask for an internship, offer interviewing advice and other tips for students seeking professional experience.

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How to ask for an internship

Follow these steps when asking for an internship opportunity:

1. Research companies

Discover businesses in your area that perform the work you’re interested in doing. Look through their websites and take note of the internship coordinator’s contact information for each company you’re interested in being an intern for.

2. Make contact

Reach out to the intern coordinator either by phone or email. Introduce yourself, touching on a couple of points that show you did your research on the company before contacting them. This not only conveys your true interest but also allows you to gain an understanding of the work you may be doing there. This can help you decide if it’s still an opportunity you’re interested in pursuing.

3. Share your resume

Include any relevant experience or interests you may have, as well as your availability and whether or not you’re looking to gain class credit from this internship. Relevant experience can include coursework, work experience or experience gained through volunteering.

4. Market your skills

Explain the benefits the company can expect to gain by hiring you as an intern, as well as any skills you possess that are relevant to the job you hope to do. You may also consider mentioning any academic achievements or related extra-curricular activities.

5. Be straightforward

Your subject line should clearly but briefly state the purpose of your email. Try something like “John Taylor, possible internship.” Having your name in the subject line may help ensure your email doesn’t end up in the recipient’s junk folder.

6. Be cordial and follow up

Finally, close the letter with a professional-sounding “Sincerely” or “Regards” along with the date you expect to follow up with them. For example: “I can be reached by phone at 555-555-5555 or email at . If you are unable to respond, I will follow up next Wednesday.” Make sure to follow up when you promise you’re going to.

Related: Complete Guide to Researching a Company

Interviewing for an internship role

Once you talk with an internship coordinator, immediately provide them with any requested materials, such as writing samples or previous projects. Your promptness says a lot about your delivery at work. You could be granted an interview if you align with what the company is seeking in an intern. If you’re invited to an interview, take the time to prepare by learning more about the company and finding areas where your views align. These will be good talking points to bring up in the interview.

Dress appropriately. Aim to dress just a bit more formally for an interview than the office’s everyday standard. When you arrive for the interview, introduce yourself to every point of contact you make during the process. For example, when you first arrive, you’ll speak to the receptionist with an introduction of who you are and why you’re there.

During the interview, ask questions about the internship. Inquire what a typical workday might look like for an intern. Avoid allowing the interviewer to do all the talking. Answer questions honestly, concisely and confidently. Indicate that you are ready to start work immediately if it suits the company. As in all interviews, thank the interviewer for their time and allow your eagerness to show through so they know you’re serious about this internship.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Interview Etiquette

More tips for getting an internship

Follow these tips for obtaining an internship that will be a great start to your career:

Tailor your resume

Aligning the information on your resume and cover letter to fit each company you apply to is something you will need to do throughout your career. Begin by researching the company you’re reaching out to. By learning everything you can, you’ll know how to tailor your cover letter and resume for maximum impact with that company.

Monitor your social media accounts

Set your privacy controls accordingly, and make sure any public information is appropriate and portrays you in the best possible light. This means setting to private or deleting material you would be embarrassed for an employer to see, such as photos depicting irresponsible alcohol consumption, political commentary or profanity.

Personalize your cold emails

When you researched the companies you were interested in, you took note of the name and contact information for the appropriate point of contact at the company. Be sure to use this information to address the email to the specific person. Use their name instead of "Sir" or "Madam" when beginning your email. Taking this step tells the recipient that you’re speaking specifically to them and not simply sending out generic messages in bulk. They’ll be more likely to keep reading if you use their name in the greeting.

Create a professional email address

Employers are far more likely to respond positively to "" than "." Additionally, putting the time and consideration into crafting a professional email signature lends credibility to your whole message. It also gives the impression that you care about your professional image.

Include details about yourself

Highlight the experience, education or skills that align with what the company is looking for to show that you’re a great candidate for an internship. Include specific examples that show your capabilities.

Provide references

As a student, your professors should be happy to provide a reference for you. Get their permission before offering their contact information, and let them know when you provide their name as a reference so they have time to prepare.

Be persistent

People are busy, and sometimes emails get lost or buried underneath many other emails that take priority. This does not mean that the recipient is uninterested in talking to you; it simply means they’re busy. Follow up with them if you haven’t heard back in a week or so. Persistence can pay off if it doesn’t become excessive.

Send an acceptance email

This reinforces your enthusiasm for the opportunity and also gives you a chance to thank the person offering the internship to you. Even if you don’t end up getting the internship, be sure to send an email thanking them for their consideration. Emphasize that you are still interested if an opportunity should come up soon.

Use professional language

Avoiding slang makes you appear more professional and a much more desirable candidate. Always be polite and do not use profanity.

Update your contact information

Make sure your contact information is immediately apparent. The first place someone will look for your information is the email signature. When crafting your email signature, be sure to include your most up-to-date contact information so they can quickly get in touch with you. You should also state how you can be reached in the closing paragraph of the email.

For example, “Thank you for your consideration. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my interest in your organization as well as answer any questions you may have about my qualifications. I can be reached by phone at 555-555-5555 or email . I look forward to speaking with you soon.”

Keep these tips in mind when you’re trying to get an internship, and you’ll be able to prepare much more confidently.

Related: How to Find an Internship: Determine Your Interests

In this video, Jenn explains how to find an internship, the top 5 ways to land the job, AND some great advice on what NOT to do.