Stressing about finding an internship? Have you been dragging out applying to a job that you so desperately want? Don’t even know where to start? Look no further because here are some tips on how to look for summer opportunities!
1. Network!
You’ve probably heard this many times before but it’s so important to network! A great way to do this is to make a LinkedIn account and start connecting with past/present friends, colleagues and peers. LinkedIn is a great way to learn about new opportunities, roles or companies that may be of interest to you.
2. Reach Out to McGill Students or Alumni
Maybe you’ve found a role or company on LinkedIn that you really want to learn more about. Always try looking for a possible connection by seeing if there are any McGill student or alumni who have worked in that role or company. Once you’ve found someone to connect to, reach out to them and ask them about their experience, possible contacts, what their role entailed, etc. There’s no harm in introducing yourself and asking for a little advice.
3. Say Yes!
Can’t find a job position that perfectly matches what you want to do? That’s fine! Apply to as many positions as you can and don’t be afraid to branch out. It’s good to start somewhere even if that means not doing your dream job. Gaining experience from any internship is so valuable and will open opportunities for you later on. And who knows, maybe you’ll end up loving a role you never thought you would.
4. Review Your Resume
Your resume is one of the first things that will determine if you’ll be considered for a position. Make sure to look over your resume for any typos, redundancy and relevancy. You should also tailor your resume for each job you apply to and try to match your skills with what they’re looking for. This way, they’ll see that you’re a perfect candidate! You want your resume to be easy for the employer to read but sufficient enough to highlight all your key assets. It never hurts to pass your resume along to peers or campus resources like McGill CaPS who can review your resume and give you feedback.
5. Prepare Your Cover Letter
Although some people say this is optional, this is a great way to present yourself in a way different than on your resume. Here, you can talk about your goals, what makes you a great candidate by highlighting a particular experience or skill and why you want to work for their company. Don’t be afraid to show your personality through this letter as employers like to see this side of you. Just think about what makes you different and stand out compared to all the other candidates!
6. Stay Notified
On many job listing sites, there’s the option to turn on email notifications regarding new opportunities relating to your interests. This is a great way to learn about new postings as soon as they come out. Being among the first few applicants puts you at a greater chance of being selected for an interview, so be sure to apply early!
7. Nail That Interview
So, you’ve received a call and they want to interview you. McGill CaPS is an amazing free resource you can use to help practice for your interview. You should definitely review all the responsibilities of the role from the original posting and prepare how your skills and experiences make you suitable. You should also do your research on the company, their values, their mission, etc. and know why you want to work for them.
8. Follow Up
Once you’ve finished your interview or applied for a job, you should definitely follow up with your application. Reaching out to organizations by saying a simple thank you by email or phone, is a great way to show the employer your interest in the role. It’ll also make your application more memorable and stand out amongst the rest.
Helpful links to check out with past and present postings. Don’t be afraid to reach out to organizations directly and ask about current or future opportunities. https://mcgill.ca/osas/internships/undergraduate-internship-postings
Written by: Megan Raymundo
References: