Landing Top Internship Opportunities

Resume is the first step - You must go the extra mile if you want the offer letter! And the extra mile means 👇🏻 [1] Tailored Application:  Customizing your resume and cover letter for each job application, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific role and company. [2] In-Depth Company Research:  Researching the company's history, culture, recent news, and competitors, and using this information to ask insightful questions during the interview. [3] Networking:  Reaching out to current or former employees of the company on LinkedIn to learn more about the work environment, or even asking for informational interviews to gain insights. [4] Personal Projects:  Creating a portfolio, project, or presentation related to the job you're applying for to demonstrate your skills. For example, if applying for a marketing role, you could draft a sample marketing plan tailored to the company's product. [5] Post-Interview Follow-Up:  Sending a personalized thank-you note after an interview, referencing specific points from the conversation to show your genuine interest in the role. [6] Skill Enhancement:  Identifying any skill gaps the job requires and taking an online course or workshop to improve in that area, then mentioning this proactive learning during the interview. [7] Creative Application:  For roles in creative industries, going beyond the standard resume and cover letter by creating a video resume or an interactive portfolio that showcases your unique talents. [8] Mock Interviews:  Practicing with mock interviews, either with a mentor, career coach, or friend, to get feedback and refine your answers before the actual interview. [9] Industry Engagement:  Attending industry events, webinars, or conferences related to your field and mentioning these experiences in your application to show your passion and ongoing engagement with industry trends. [10] Value Proposition Email:  Sending a direct but thoughtful email to the hiring manager, explaining how your specific skills and experiences can solve a particular problem the company is facing. Best of luck!

MAKE EVERY EXPERIENCE IS RELEVANT. A lot of people struggle to articulate their non-corporate jobs as relevant experience. I landed my first corporate job without any: →Internships →Placements →"Relevant Experience" 1️⃣ McDonald's Crew Member →Working under pressure, delivering optimal service in a high-footfall store →Cross-trained across kitchen and front of house to cover skill shortage Bonus: Ability to make 8 double cheeseburgers at once. 2️⃣ Waitrose & Partners Supermarket Assistant →Interpersonal skills dealing with customers from all walks of life daily →Consistently fulfilled overtime requests to cover staff shortfall Bonus: Survived customer madness on sale reductions. 3️⃣ Ladbrokes Coral Customer Service Manager →De-escalated tempered betting customers to maintain store order →Signed up new customers to loyalty cards for online programme Bonus: Made it through the day without frustrated gamblers breaking the machines. 4️⃣ Personal Trainer → Curating bespoke plans to meet clients fitness objectives → Content Creation to attract and scale online coaching capabilities Bonus: Kept my cool when clients wanted results after one week of training. __ My 'not-so-relevant' experience can be translated into: →Sales →Marketing →Client Relations →Content Creation →Conflict Resolution →Resource Planning →Time Management →Service Delivery These are all viable skills used in the Corporate environment. It's all about how you position it. So, before you say, "I have no relevant experience..." Reference this post for some inspo.

I get a lot of questions from entry-level jobseekers and mid-career transitioners on how to land that initial global development gig. So, I thought I’d share the best bits of wisdom I’ve heard from recruiters and career coaches and weave in some of my own personal experience, as I think these ring true no matter what sector you are aspiring to break into: 🤝 Connections have the biggest impact, especially existing ones. When I think back on all the jobs, internships, or short-term assignments I’ve had (I count 16ish), only two of those came by applying cold, meaning no one flagged the opportunity or made a referral. In other words, nobody at these organizations had any prior connection with anyone I knew. And most of these fruitful connections were already in my network, ranging from old colleagues to my wife (always helps to have a partner working in the same industry). What to do: Keep your existing network warm. Set a little time aside each week to message old friends, colleagues, professors, and anyone else who you know and who is doing work that interests you. 💡 More tips - Reset your networking strategy in 3 steps: https://lnkd.in/eERbqaia 🙋 You have to show you’re seriously interested and qualified. Connections give you a huge advantage, but you have to close the deal. I’ve made the mistake of assuming that since I was referred by someone, the job application and interview process would just be formalities. This led to half-hearted CV prep and woefully unprepared for interviews. I didn’t get those jobs, in case you’re wondering.  What to do: Avoid copying and pasting from previous cover letters and CVs. Have one really long master CV (that you don’t apply with) that includes all your experience, then select the most relevant bits for the CV you’ll use for the job you’re applying for. 💡More advice - Top recruiter tips for development CVs: https://lnkd.in/eGtcmiPT 🛠️ Skills are transferable, if you can make the case - If skills weren’t transferable, I’d still be a sports journalist (not that there’s anything wrong with that). But I was able to communicate how what I previously accomplished applied to the next role I wanted, even if I wasn’t an “expert” in the subject matter. This is key if you’re a generalist or making a mid-career transition. What to do: Identify the skills or experience that may be relevant, even ones that a recruiter might not pick up on, and be prepared to explain why in your application or during an interview. It always helps to demonstrate results with numbers (h/t Kathryn Harper, MPA). 💡More tips - How to identify transferable skills: https://lnkd.in/emK_GZ3Q 👇🧵Would love to hear about anything that has worked for you that those looking to #GetStarted can benefit from!

Feeling like your job applications are disappearing into the black hole of ATS systems? Yesterday, I had a fantastic panel discussion for a migrant job seeker event and was struck by a shared frustration: talented graduates and migrants applying to hundreds of jobs without much success. It's the harsh truth of our market right now. Rejections pile up, and too often, applications seem to vanish without a trace. They all asked me for that one silver bullet, but I had to be honest—I didn't have one to offer. While there's no magic solution, I shared strategies that can improve your chances: → Tailor every application: Customize your resume (check out: https://lnkd.in/g9CfGXZE) with the right examples and achievements that are aligned with the role. Recruiters want to see relevancy. Otherwise, no bueno. → Optimize your online presence: Update your LinkedIn profile (check out https://lnkd.in/g5w2gYhs) to match your CV. The first impression counts. Clear profile pic, headline and about page. For tech roles, consider sharing your projects on GitHub or creating a personal portfolio. → Expand your network: Attend industry events, webinars, and join professional groups. Personal connections can open doors that applications alone can't. → Continuous learning: Stay current with industry trends. Pursue certifications, side projects or online courses to enhance your skill set. It's better than having nothing on your resume since August 2023. → Seek mentorship and feedback: Connect with experienced professionals for guidance. Constructive feedback on your resume or interview technique can be a game-changer (e.g. Careersy Coaching) → Consider alternative paths: Don't overlook internships, volunteer work, or freelance projects. These can provide valuable experience and lead to full-time opportunities. → Understand the local market: For migrants, familiarizing themselves with Australian culture and communication styles can make a significant difference. → Stay positive and persistent (avoid becoming bitter at all costs): Every rejection sucks. No doubt about it. But it's not the end of the road. Keep refining your approach and maintain a growth mindset. Remember, your journey is unique, and perseverance is key. There might not be a single silver bullet, but combining these strategies can significantly enhance your job search. 〰️ Eli Gündüz →🔔 for daily tips to improve your job search in Australia and NZ. I've written a lot about the above topics in the Careersy Coaching Newsletter If you are interested in diving deeper→ https://lnkd.in/gjbC2N7X

Dear Grads! I often speak to graduates who struggle to highlight their relevant skills and exprience when teying to enter the job market. I've summarized five impactful examples to include on a resume to stand out with "little working experience" whether you're in engineering, other STEM fields or any other field - it's relevant. 1️⃣ Relevant Academic Projects Highlight specific projects completed during your degree, especially if they demonstrate hands-on experience, problem-solving, or collaboration. Include the objectives, technologies used, and your contributions. Example: Designed and developed a robotic arm prototype for a project, using Arduino and CAD software to improve manufacturing efficiency by 20%. 2️⃣ Internship or Co-op Experience If you’ve interned or completed a co-op in a related field, emphasize your responsibilities, achievements, and the impact of your work. Example: Optimized assembly line processes during a 3-month internship at XYZ Manufacturing, reducing downtime by 15% through Lean Six Sigma principles. 3️⃣ Certifications and Skills List certifications or technical skills relevant to your field, such as CAD software, programming languages, or safety standards. Example: Certified in SolidWorks and MATLAB with hands-on experience in finite element analysis and data visualization. 4️⃣ Leadership and Teamwork Roles Mention leadership roles in student organizations, professional societies, or team projects that demonstrate your ability to lead and collaborate effectively. Example: Led a team of 5 engineering students in designing a solar-powered water purification system, managing timelines and securing project funding. 5️⃣ Awards and Recognitions Showcase academic awards, scholarships, or competition wins that reflect your excellence and dedication. Example: Recipient of the XYZ Scholarship for academic excellence, awarded to the top 5% of students in the program. Tailor these examples to the job you’re applying for, focusing on keywords and accomplishments relevant to the role! What tips do you want to see more of? ✅️ Like this post if you found it useful ♻️ Follow Zanele Nkomo for more useful tips. Visit my website zanelenkomo.com

Your resume isn’t being rejected by people… it’s being rejected by software. I see this constantly with undergraduate students, graduate students, and career pivoters applying to internships and entry-level roles. Most resumes never make it past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) because they aren’t clearly aligned with the job description. Here’s what actually works: 1. Tailor your resume for every role Mirror the language in the job posting skills, tools, and keywords. If it’s not explicitly listed, the system assumes you don’t have it. 2. Translate your experience into relevant skills 💫Undergrads: Your coursework, projects, and campus involvement count; label the skills clearly (data analysis, research, leadership). 💫Grad students: Turn research into outcomes and impact, not just topics. 💫Pivoting careers: Reframe past roles to highlight transferable skills. 3. Keep it simple and structured Clear headings. Job titles. Dates. Bullet points. If the system can’t read your resume, it won’t count it. 4. Avoid generic, AI-sounding language “Detail-oriented” and “results-driven” don’t mean much. Show what you actually did. 5. Apply strategically Focus on roles where you meet most of the qualifications and tailor your application. Mass applying isn’t effective anymore. The bottom line: Your resume isn’t a summary, it’s a targeted document. And if you’re trying to pivot, you don’t need more experience. You need to better communicate the experience you already have. https://lnkd.in/e6S8JKwH Forbes #ResumeTips #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #ATS #CareerPivot #EntryLevelJobs #Internships #TransferableSkills

What no one tells you about recruitment is that most people don’t start with “relevant” experience. They learn how to make their experience relevant. A friend came to me today, worried because all her experience is in retail and food service. She said, “How am I supposed to make this sound like something a recruiter wants to hear?” Here’s the truth I told her: ➡️ You don’t need a corporate title to show professional value. ➡️ You need to show transferable skills, and you already have them. Retail teaches patience and people skills. Food service builds communication and time management. Balancing both with school shows commitment. Those experiences are your foundation. The key is learning to talk about them in the language of the industry you’re applying for. So if you’re going through recruitment right now and feel like your resume doesn’t stack up, remember this: every career starts somewhere. It’s not about having the perfect experience. It’s about learning how to tell your story. #NonTargetNoProblem #EarlyCareer #LinkedInCreators #CollegeAdvice

📢 As a Recruiter, I'd like to share an important tip regarding job applications. I've noticed some advice circulating out there, suggesting that mass-applying for any job is the way to go when you're on the hunt. However, as someone who evaluates countless applications, I would not recommend this approach. Here’s why: When we come across applicants who have applied for multiple roles that are unrelated to one another, it raises a red flag. It tells us that you may not have taken the time to carefully read the job descriptions. As recruiters, we value candidates who have thoroughly understood the requirements and expectations of the positions they are applying for. We love to speak with candidates who can clearly demonstrate how their skills align with the job at hand. We also appreciate candidates who respect both our time and their own. By mass-applying without consideration, it suggests a lack of dedication towards finding the right fit. We want to engage with candidates who are focused on a specific career path and have a clear understanding of the direction they need to travel to reach their goals. My personal advice to all job seekers is to take a moment to carefully read the job description before hitting that "Apply" button. If the position seems perfect for you and you find yourself missing some of the preferred qualifications, apply anyway. However, if you notice that you lack certain required skills or qualifications, I encourage you to apply only if you genuinely believe your other abilities can compensate for those specific requirements. As an example, imagine the job listing requires a minimum of 2 years of experience along with a bachelor's degree. However, you possess 8 years of experience and hold an associate degree. If this happens, I would love to read a cover letter acknowledging the disparity in your application. (I know! So old fashioned, but I really love a cover letter!) Remember, a well-crafted application that clearly articulates your qualifications and addresses any discrepancies can significantly enhance your chances of landing an interview. By investing the time and effort to align your skills and experiences with the job description, you demonstrate your commitment to pursuing a career path that truly resonates with you. Wishing you all the best in your job search! If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. I’d love to connect and help you find the right position! #RecruitmentTips #JobSearchAdvice #CareerDevelopment

🤔 Not "Fully Qualified"? Apply Anyway! Here's How to Stand Out. If you’ve ever looked at a job posting and thought, I don’t meet every qualification, so I shouldn’t apply, think again. Companies don’t always hire based on a perfect checklist—often, they choose candidates who bring the right mindset, potential, and transferable skills. 🚀 Take the SpaceX engineer who landed his role amidst hundreds of applicants despite not meeting all the listed qualifications. While he lacked experience with a specific propulsion system, he demonstrated an exceptional ability to solve complex engineering challenges and a relentless drive to learn. SpaceX saw his problem-solving mindset as more valuable than checking every box, and they knew he would quickly acquire the missing technical skills on the job. So, how do you reflect your potential in your résumé to get past the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) and into the hands of a human? 📌 1. Focus on Transferable Skills Don’t have experience with that software? Highlight a similar one you’ve mastered. If the job requires Excel but you’ve used a wide variety of other similar software, showcase your ability to utilize spreadsheets for specific activities such as data organization, tracking, and visualization. Recruiters value adaptability over exact software matches. 📌 2. Address Experience Gaps Strategically If a role asks for 7+ years of experience and you have 5, don’t disqualify yourself. Show how your results in those 5 years outweigh what most achieve in 7. Use impact-driven bullet points that highlight measurable achievements and how they will add value to the role. 📌 3. Optimize for ATS & Human Eyes Mirror the job description’s keywords—especially in your Skills and Experience sections—but do so honestly. If you’re familiar with Excel but are not an expert, list it as Effective user of a variety of spreadsheet software including X, Y, Z and a familiarity with Excel rather than omitting it entirely. 📌 4. Show Your Learning Mindset If a technical requirement is missing from your background, show that you're actively learning it. Adding “Currently learning XYZ through Coursera/Udemy/Certifications” in your Professional Development section proves initiative. Always be growing in your field of interest to increase your employment value. 📌 5. Use a Powerful Cover Letter If you’re missing a requirement but bring something even more valuable, explain why you’re the right fit anyway. Highlight examples of times you’ve quickly picked up new skills and delivered results. Perhaps relate your need to think and make decisions quickly when playing professional level sports, or during crisis situation that resulted in success. 📢 Bottom Line: Many companies prioritize proven potential over perfection. If you believe you can bring value, apply anyway—but tailor your résumé strategically to get past the filters. Have you ever landed a job where you weren’t a “perfect” match? Share your story! 👇

💡 Job searching in 2024 is brutal, especially if you're a recent graduate, someone who's pivoting into a different role or industry or returning to the workforce after a career hiatus. And if you're trying to gain entry into the tech industry, it's exceedingly brutal. The cold, honest truth we hate but must content with is that companies are not charity organizations. They're a business and if they don't hire the best person for the job, they'll lose money. If there's anything that the last few years has taught us, everyone's either a value-add or a value-minus. Demonstrating that you can hit the ground running (and therefore be able to contribute to the company's bottom line very quickly) is crucial. If your biggest obstacle right now is that you don’t have extensive recent real-world experience, focus on showcasing your potential, eagerness to learn, and ability to contribute effectively within a very short amount of time. Here are some strategies to convey your preparedness: 1️⃣ Internships and Projects: Highlight any relevant internships, co-op experiences, or projects you’ve worked on during your studies, in bootcamp or on your own. Discuss the skills you gained, problems you solved, and outcomes achieved. If you don't have internships, go find a non-profit to volunteer your services to. If you don't have a project, start one ASAP! 2️⃣ Coursework and Skills: Emphasize relevant coursework and technical skills. Showcase your understanding of industry tools, programming languages, or software. For example, if you’re applying for a data science role, mention your proficiency in Python, SQL, or machine learning libraries. 3️⃣ Networking and Research: Show that you’ve researched the company thoroughly. Mention specific projects, products, or initiatives they’re working on. Attend networking events, connect with employees, and express your enthusiasm for their work. 4️⃣ Adaptability and Learning Agility: Highlight your ability to learn quickly. Discuss instances where you adapted to new situations, learned on the job, or picked up new skills rapidly. 5️⃣ Results-Oriented Mindset: Share examples of how you’ve contributed to achieving results. Whether it’s a successful class project, a volunteer role, or a personal project, quantify your impact whenever possible. 6️⃣ Soft Skills: Don’t underestimate the importance of soft skills. Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and a positive attitude matter. Provide anecdotes that demonstrate these qualities. 7️⃣ Passion and Enthusiasm: Express genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company. Explain why you’re excited about the opportunity and how you align with their mission. All that said, if there's one thing that I strongly recommend that you do, it's to use LinkedIn as your personal business billboard. There are features beyond the job board so make sure you use them to your advantage! #jobsearchtips #jobsearch #careercoach