How to optimize your chances of securing your first Summer Internship!

Not so long ago, I, too, was challenged with the unavoidable Summer Internship struggle. I was unsure of where I was going wrong; I was applying through online applications, sprucing up my resume and networking as much as possible but I was receiving no fulfilling responses. Despite being offered first-round interviews, I wondered why I did not have a potential internship under my belt; there was something that needed to change.

Things turned around for me this reading week. Finding an internship that aligns with your goals of professional and personal development can be frustrating. My search began in my first year where I applied to multiple internships only to receive one online video, which was followed by a rejection. This year, I decided to adopt a different approach. After taking inspiration from LinkedIn influencers such as Mark Metry & Jonathan Javier and scheduling productive phone conversations with successful students across Canada, I devised my own process of applying for internships.

Months of exhaustion and zero responses later, here is what I learned: online postings and applications are only half the battle. Within two weeks of switching to an alternative approach, I secured 2 offers, one of which I have proudly accepted as a Business Development & Partnerships Intern for Knowledgehook - a leading SaaS company that, to my surprise, previously didn't hire interns.

Working at an early-stage/mid-sized startup is the ideal pathway to start paving your career. When you intern at a startup, you are exposed to significant networking opportunities with top executives and founders; in the hyperconnected world of today, do not underestimate the power of creating networks. Interning at a startup involves being engaged with multiple activities, which not only broadens your skillset but helps you figure out where your strengths lie and what you truly love. Startups encourage cross-collaboration and personal growth, and can remarkably ease your job hunt before graduation.

The rest of the article talks about the strategies I implemented towards my search for securing the ideal Summer Internship. I'm confident they will bring in positive results for you as well!

Traditional, Online Applications -

in my experiences, this is arguably the least effective way of securing internships but is one of the most important in understanding how recruiters shortlist your resume.

1. Draft an excel sheet where you list, filter and categorize potential employers. In order to save your time, make sure that you read the job descriptions and the minimum requirements. There is a very nominal chance that a recruiter will accept a resume that doesn't meet the minimum qualifications, so there is no need to waste your time on that! If you're highly inclined towards applying for these internships, try connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn and send them your resume in order to boost your chances of getting selected.

2. Tailored resumes - It is essential that you tailor your resume as per the provided job description. One quick way you can do this is by changing the skills as per the requirements (make sure you have sufficient examples in your resume to illustrate your relevant skills!) Since recruiters shortlist resumes through keywords, this will increase your chances of qualifying for the next round. Here's an example -

Notice how I've tailored my skills section as per the job requirements and further elaborated on these skills in the rest of my resume through my roles, responsibilities, and achievements.

RESULTS - Total number of days taken to apply (60+)

Positions applied for: 50+ -> Interviews/Next Step Invitations: 16 (3 companies) -> Offers: 0 (mostly in-progress). Thus, my conversion rate was 0.

I will now introduce you to the non-traditional approach I took. You'll be SURPRISED to see the outcome!

Non-Traditional Applications

After getting agitated with the slow and traditional recruiting process, I started connecting with startup founders on LinkedIn. I devised a standard template to help approach as many recruiters as possible, requesting to send them my resume via email. Here's the step by step approach of how I did it.

1. Revamp and update your LinkedIn profile - This is one of the most basic and important steps. You must've come across LinkedIn workshops in your college. If you were looking for a sign to get serious about it - this is it. In order to get recruiters to notice you, it is essential to update your account. I have recommended some steps to revamp your profile but I also strongly recommend you watch these 2 free LinkedIn Learning courses which will help you make the most out of your profile. https://www.dhirubhai.net/learning/rock-your-linkedin-profile/connect-to-opportunity-with-linkedin  https://www.dhirubhai.net/learning/learning-linkedin-for-students/cancel-pending-connection-requests

• Professional profile picture - make sure you're dressed formally + smiling in your picture.
• Engaging cover picture. - Include a picture that illustrates your passion. (Since I love public speaking, I've included a snapshot of me demonstrating a presentation about LinkedIn Learning.)
• Update your headline: Highlight 2 of your strongest skills.

• Leverage the "About" section to tell your story. Illustrate your passion through the art of storytelling. Utilize the character limit by including the skills you've developed through various work experiences that are relevant to the positions you're applying for. (eg: communication, content creation, web designing, graphic designing, etc)
• Update your work experiences in relation to your resume. Make sure your experiences are on-par with your LinkedIn profile. You can choose to describe your experience in your profile differently than you've done with your resume.
• Update your educational background
• Request recommendations on LinkedIn - This is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with your previous club president/employer to write you a recommendation. LinkedIn recommendations are proof that you are just as qualified as you claim to be and can make a difference to recruiters who are on the fence.

2. Filter recruiters through searching hiring on LinkedIn. Enhance your search by choosing your preferred location(in my case, Toronto), experience type(entry level/internships), and changing the search type to "people".

3. Reaching out to the recruiters by requesting them to review your resume

Here's the deal, not all recruiters are going to respond, but do not let that disappoint you. Some will and that is all that you need to get your foot in the door. While scheduling a call might seem like the best choice, illustrating your interest by utilizing written communication is the most efficient way to maximize your results.

A standard template will help you minimize your time and maximize the number of recruiters you can reach. It is important to modify your template as per the company and position you're applying for. Try to include relevant experiences that cater to the position you're interested in.

There are two ways of reaching to potential recruiters -

(a) InMail - Some recruiters allow people to send inmails. InMails are structured similarly to traditional emails and have a subject, body and no character limit. This method is ideal to start building a relationship with them. Here's an example -

(b) Personalized Invites - Unfortunately, not all recruiters provide you with an option to inMail them. In this scenario, it is important to utilize the 140 characters to maximize your responses. Here are two examples-

Most recruiters will ask you to send your resume via email. This is an excellent opportunity for you to make a direct impact. Realize the competitive edge you are getting by sending your resume directly as compared to traditional online applications which might take weeks, if not more, to get noticed.

I was fortunate enough to have been invited for an in-person interview from Suthen. Other recruiters forwarded me their email while some didn't respond.

4. Emailing your resume - This is your opportunity to make your mark. You've received the approval from the recruiter, this is an ideal chance to prove why you are the right candidate. Utilize the email by sharing everything the recruiter needs to know about you. Here are some points which will help you write the perfect email:

• Straightforward and precise subject - it is important to have the perfect subject. Be sure to include the position you're applying for (if the recruiter mentioned current vacancies)
• Educational background
• The position you're interested in (mention your department of interest if the recruiter hasn't specified anything)
• Attaching your resume
• Illustrating your passion through storytelling - highlight 1-2 experiences which make you the ideal candidate
• Emphasize on other relevant experiences (portfolio websites, certifications, etc)
• An empowering closing statement - end your email with confidence. Make sure you include all relevant contact details.
• Lastly, do not forget to proofread for spelling, grammar, and clarity.

(I encourage you to be more creative than I was in order to receive more conversions):

It is very important to follow up with the recruiter every 7 days. This'll help illustrate your desire to work with the company

5. Interview: - Most recruiters schedule a phone interview if they are interested in hiring you. Some might even be interested in scheduling an in-person interview. It is advisable to send an interview invitation from your behalf too! It'll show your interest and initiative towards the upcoming interview.

Tips to prepare for your interview

• Thorough research of the company - use the company website, social media platforms and articles to know more about the company. Learn more about the company culture and values. Reading the press updates will help impress the interviewer (example - mentioning a recent acquisition/merger/partnership )
• Practicing behavioral questions - it is important to answer your questions with the STAR(Situation, Task, Action & Result) approach. This will help keep your answers precise and structured. If you have time, record the duration of your answers and make improvements if you feel they are too long/too short.
• Preparing outside of your resume - yes, the employer is impressed by your resume. It's time for you to illustrate your experiences outside of your resume. This way, the interviewer will realize that you are not confined to your resume - there's so much more you can do!
• Ask questions - most candidates fail to ask any questions. This can potentially cost your internship. Make a list of questions you might want to ask the employer about. Asking questions will help reiterate the interest and research you've conducted prior to the interview.
• Mock Interviews - It's true what they say - practice does make perfect. Try scheduling a mock interview with your friend or your college advisor. Ask them for honest feedback, and incorporate it before the actual interview to help articulate your answers better. Another tip is to practice potentially asked questions such as why you would be the right fit for the company.

STRATEGIES TO USE AFTER THE INTERVIEW

• It is important to send a follow-up email after your interview. Thank them for their time and ask them to stay connected with you regardless of the decision.

6. Internship Offer - This is the exact moment you've been waiting for!

RESULTS - Total number of days taken: 14

Recruiters approached: 30 | Responses Received: 16 | Interviews received: 6 (with others still in progress) | Offers received: 2!

Conversation rate in 14 days: 6-10%

The numbers speak for themselves. It is important to diversify your approach in order to increase your chances of securing jobs. Traditional applications are just one part of the process; the real value lies in building relationships with people.

I hope this article helps you understand how LinkedIn can be leveraged to help get the job you've been dreaming of. Maximize your chances of getting an internship by using multiple channels to apply. Please don't hesitate to contact me via LinkedIn if you have any questions!

Thank you.