Applying & Interviewing for Internships

Student having resume reviewed by advisor — Get your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile reviewed during Express Hours at the Career Center throughout the semester Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Step One: Do Your Research/Get Organized

Research the targeted employer to personalize your application materials, gather fuel for your interview and confirm that it is the right fit

Check out the employer website to find the company’s mission and values
Use resources such as Glassdoor and Vault to find out about company financials, salaries, and more
View the employer profile on Handshake to read reviews from students around the country who have worked or interned with the targeted organization

Organize your findings and timeline

Use this Internship Search Organizer (Excel) template to organize information about the employers and application requirements and deadlines

Step Two: Prepare Your Application Materials

Create a resume

Check out our Resume information
Stop in to Express Hours to meet with a career peer advisor
Schedule an appointment on Handshake with a career advisor for a more in-depth review

Create a cover letter

Check out our Cover Letter information

Create a LinkedIn profile

Complete your LinkedIn profile so that recruiters can learn more about your experiences

Prepare supplemental materials for your application

Create a portfolio with writing samples, artwork, projects, lessons, etc.

Be sure all communication with potential employers is professional

Follow these Email Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts (PDF)

Step Three: Get Set for the Interview

Practicing for the interview

Check out our Interviewing handouts
Get interview feedback via a mock interview at the Career Center. Schedule a mock interview via Handshake
Grab a webcam and practice with Big Interview

Interview Prep

Prepare answers for some Frequently Asked Interview Questions (PDF)
Keep these questions in mind to ask during an interview
Need some ideas on what to wear? Review our Professional Attire (PDF) for suggestions.

Step Four: Assess Your Progress

Follow-up after your interview within 24-48 hours by emailing everyone with whom you interviewed

View these rules for Following Up (PDF) after an interview or networking event
If you need a little more help getting started, check out these Thank You Email After an Interview examples

What if I’m not hearing back? What if I’ve been rejected?

Learn from someone who is no stranger to internship rejections with What I Learned From Getting 12 Internship Rejections
Still unsure? Schedule an Appointment with a career advisor to review your application materials.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Once you've found an opportunity that interests you, be sure to follow these steps for:

Accepting & Maximizing Internships