How to Be a Good Intern Candidate Looking for an internship can be a difficult and exciting search, but it can also be really stressful if you are concerned that you aren’t suited for the job. Though this stress can be problematic, it can be avoided if you familiarize yourself with the qualities of a good employee and a good worker. Whatever field you are looking into, there are many traits of a good intern that should cross over well from field to field without any difficulty. The first of these details is the ability to do a job well and pay attention to the details. If you learn to take every task you have seriously and do it to the best of your abilities, you will be a more ideal intern candidate. This ability will not only set you apart as reliable and efficient, but it will also show through in your resume and your cover letter—not necessarily by the things you say in those documents, but by the way you say them.
Have a Professional Resume To make this clear in your application documents, make sure to look over your work after you have finished. Check for any grammar or spelling mistakes, and correct them before you submit your application or resume. Having an impeccably put together resume will help you stand out from the crowd as someone who will get the job done right. Gaining experience in a field is another great way to ensure that you are an ideal candidate for a particular internship. Although you may not have the opportunity to get a great deal of experience before an internship, spending some time volunteering or otherwise preparing yourself for the duties of an internship can help you stand apart from the crowd and make a great impression. Also, finding experiences you have already cultivated and applying them to the internship is a great way to make it past employee screening software and get an interview.
Find Out Whether the Internship is Right for You The next thing you should do is try to select an internship that you are honestly interested in learning about. If you are passionate about learning, it will show through in the interview and you will come across as someone who will work hard and take instruction. These traits are a key to good employees and to spectacular interns.
It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the culture of the place to which you are applying. Each business, school, and group has a particular culture, and before you join a group, it is a good idea to become familiar with their views and attitudes. This can not only help you to fit in more easily, but it will also help you to make a better decision about whether or not a particular job is a good fit for you and your belief systems. As you search for an internship opportunity, don’t be scared off by the threat of employee screening software. Be honest about yourself and your skills and make an effort to choose the best internship for you and your skill set. Photo Credit: Bureau of IIP, SalFalko