For some, finding an internship is a long-distance race, for others it's a sprint, and then there are those for whom it's a last-minute mission ("because you work better under pressure", they say).
No matter which group you belong to, we'll give you some tips on how to find THE internship you need!
Preparing your internship search
And yes, it does take some preparation! This way you will be organised and ready to apply faster than your shadow.
1. To begin with, think about updating (and looking after) your CV, your cover letter and your LinkedIn profile. Here are a few tips:
- It is important that you highlight the skills that will be useful for you to get the internship you want. The best way to do this is to adapt your cover letter to each offer, or company, you apply to (it takes a little more time, but it can make a difference).
- On LinkedIn, don't hesitate to fill in the "skills and recommendations", "achievements" and "interests" sections to give potential recruiters as much information as possible.
- Think about the presentation of your CV and cover letter, for example with Canva, or other design software (if you have more advanced skills), so that you can stand out.
- You can opt for original formats (a video CV in front of a camera, or a montage), because as we have seen, applying for an internship with a sign during a rugby match can be a winning strategy! So don't hesitate to use your creativity and your audacity. Adapt the format to the position and the sector in which you want to find an internship, but also to your training.
2. If you have a clear idea of what you want, you can target a sector, a department or jobs that you would like. You can also make a list of companies that inspire you and that you would like to work for.
3. Make a list of the sites you will be applying to in order to save time. There are several options:
- The career or recruitment section of the companies that interest you
- Your school's JobTeaser (or other platform that brings together partner offers)
- LinkedIn (you can set an internship alert and write it in your bio)
- Recruitment sites (such as Welcome To The Jungle, La Relève, Indeed, Meteojob or Wizbii).
Time for the big moment: apply
Now that you are prepared and motivated, it's time to apply! And here are some tips on how to do it effectively:
- A piece of advice that cannot be repeated enough: you have to anticipate. The best thing is to plan ahead (3-4 months or more), because we know it's tempting to procrastinate, but believe us, it's always better to be on time!
- Take advantage of your school's network, especially by contacting alumni who have completed internships that appeal to you, or who are currently working in a company that you like.
- On LinkedIn, connect with people, rather than companies. For example, if you know which company you would like to work for, look for people who have a job in that company (HR, but also sales for example, if you want to go into that department) and send them a message!
- You can also look for the e-mail or telephone number of the people in charge of recruitment to send them your application directly (do not forget to specify the subject of your request in your e-mail).
- Spend 30 minutes a day (more if you can) on your research to apply, be on the lookout for new offers, or follow up on offers you have applied for but have not heard back from (also if you are in process with a company, don't forget to show your motivation by sending an email after an interview, or when you have not heard back).
And of course, for the latecomers
And yes, at Smarto we never leave baby in a corner (because we know what it feels like to be in that situation), so here are some tips for you:
- Reach out to your network, post a message highlighting your expectations in terms of position, sector, company size (or not, if you have no preferences), and attach your CV.
- Send unsolicited applications (and this is also true for non-late applicants, it is very much appreciated and shows real motivation) which are similar to you and which show your enthusiasm for the company in question. Don't hesitate to put forward projects or experiences that could be relevant to the position you are looking for, or to the company's values.
- Widen the field of possibilities: apply for other jobs that are close to the ones you had thought of, look for offers in other cities (if you can afford it), find out about other sectors that might appeal to you...
- But above all, stay motivated and reboost yourself, don't worry, you're going to find that internship!
And that's it for us! We hope these tips will help you find your dream opportunity (yes, that's right) and that you will be happy in your new environment.
Come and share your tips and questions with other Smarties in our community right here!
