Summer is near, and if you’re like most college students, you’re probably looking for a job. But not just any job — a dream internship that will look great on your resume and provide valuable skills.

But how do you find that perfect opportunity? Here are six tips to help you land your dream summer internship:

1. Don’t wait until the last minute to apply.

Applying for an internship can take a lot of time and effort, especially if you’re asked to submit multiple applications or complete an application form that asks for detailed information about past jobs and extracurricular activities. The earlier in the process you begin applying, the better off you’ll be; it won’t feel as overwhelming when there’s still plenty of time left before the deadline!

2. Utilize your network.

If you know someone who works at the company where you want to intern, get in touch with them and see if they can help set up an informational interview or an interview with the hiring manager. They may be able to provide information about what types of positions are available and what qualifications are required for those positions. Visit career fairs and networking events on campus. These events are great for meeting recruiters from different companies who will be attending school during the summer months looking for interns. You can also meet other students who may be interested in similar opportunities as yourself!

3. Follow companies you are interested in on social media.

If you’re looking for a summer internship, the first thing to do is start researching companies you’re interested in. In addition to reading their websites and social media accounts, you can also search for them on Glassdoor to see what current and former employees have to say about the organization. You can also search LinkedIn to see which employees work at the company and connect with them directly. You should also follow companies on social media, even if they’re not your dream company yet. If you follow and engage with an organization’s Twitter account, for example, they may reach out to you when a position opens up that matches your interests and skillset.

4. Make sure your application stands out.

A few months ago, we asked some of our favorite career experts and recruiters what they look for in a candidate’s cover letter or resume. One thing they mentioned was how important it is to get their attention right off the bat — that means making sure that whatever document they receive from you stands out from all the others on their desk or inbox.

Be honest about why you want this internship. When it comes down to it, hiring managers care about one thing: whether or not you’ll be a good fit for their company. Make sure your cover letter tells them what makes you unique as an applicant — and why this particular internship would be beneficial to both parties involved.

And, finally, show off your personality! According to our survey respondents, personality is one of the most important qualities when choosing interns — so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.

5. Highlight your *relevant* strengths and experience.

Make sure your resume shows off relevant skills, experience, and achievements in a clear, concise manner. Use keywords from the job posting when describing previous positions or internships so that recruiters can easily find you by searching databases like LinkedIn or Indeed.com. If you don’t have direct experience doing a similar job, show transferable skills through academic examples. Prove that you can do the work by referencing relevant academic projects you completed, including the purpose, goal, tasks, how you overcame challenges, and measurable outcomes.

6. Don’t be afraid to apply to jobs outside of your comfort zone.

Applying for jobs outside of your comfort zone or desired field can still lead to a great experience and a wealth of skills that may overlap with your future dream job. For example, if you’re looking for an internship in the fashion industry, don’t rule out tech companies. Plus, most companies these days are looking for more than just one skill set — they want people who can cross over into multiple areas and take on different responsibilities as needed.

Takeaway

If you already have an internship lined up, that’s great. However, if you are just starting the hunt and have yet to hear back from any potential employers, don’t be discouraged. These tips can help you land your dream summer internship. We wish you the best of luck!

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