(from Vermont
Business for Social Responsibility; adapted from www.hercampus.com)
You've spent the last few months sending out countless resumes and
cover letters, you've interviewed with hiring managers and you dutifully
followed up afterwards with polite emails. But before you know it, summer is around
the corner and that internship offer you expected to have is nowhere
in sight! What happened?
We all know that the internship world is extremely competitive, and
trying to land a summer gig at a great company can feel like trying to get an
acceptance letter from Harvard. Even if you feel like you have the total
package, there are a few things you might be doing (or not doing) that are
standing between you and an offer. Read on to find out
which mistakes you might be making during the internship application
process and how you can step up your game next time to make sure you get the
job!
1. You didn't research the company beforehand
One major thing that employers look for in a potential job candidate
is knowledge of the company and the position you're applying for, so getting
caught off guard by a basic question about the company's values or mission
statement is going to raise a red flag.
"A candidate can look fantastic on paper, but preparing for the
interview is critical," says Alicia Rodriguez, director of employer
relations at the University of Miami's career center. "Recruiters look for
candidates who know the organization in and out and can speak to how [their]
skill sets can benefit the organization."
Tip for next time: Research, research, research! Knowledge is
power, and knowing as much as you can about the company you're applying to work
for can only help you. Familiarize yourself with the company's mission
statement, know who the head of the company is as well as other important
employees and be prepared to discuss the company's values (and how they line up
with your own). A great place to find this information is the "About"
section on a company's website, as well as its LinkedIn page.
You should also find out if the company has been in the news
recently for any major accomplishments. Not only is this a great talking point,
but showing that you've read up on the company is a surefire way to impress
your interviewer.
2. You didn't seem passionate about the company
