HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR APPLYING FOR THAT DREAM INTERNSHIP OR WORK EXPERIENCE OF YOURS, REMEMBER GOOGLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND TOO SO FOR ALL THINGS SUCH AS CV BUILDING AND WHAT TO DO IN AN INTERVIEW, SHOULD BE SEARCHED.
Written for Glide
By Maria Baker
1. List all your dream companies – Firstly, you got to know a bit about what you’re getting yourself into and why. List all the companies you wish to work with for either internships or work experience, also, write down why you picked each one. Afterwards, cross out the ones that are close to impossible to joining. Now think reasonable here and don’t be too hard on yourself. Is it another country? Are you able to save up? If not, if money is such an issue long-term then that counts as one to cross off, don’t worry that is why you should list a few. There could also be a head office in this country too, which leads onto my next point.
2. Research – You must every little detail about those remaining companies. You might also want to note their contact information. It is important to find out if the company is handling well- economically wise. You don’t want to say in your CV that you were in a company that was going bankrupt or worse that by the time you join everything starts crashing down. Make sure they’re fine and stable, you might just be getting a dream job after that internship/work experience you want it to last.
3. Prepare yourself – There is probably a lot of preparation stages, you want to prepare after research but also prepare after applying when you have an interview such as making sure you got everything with you such as your CV and making sure you’re wearing the appropriate the clothes. For now though, you should start preparing by getting your CV up to date or if you don’t have one you need to start making one. It should be specialised for each company if each of them are different fields of work. References are also very important, you should get at least two references. They can be used for other jobs and for your general CV too. Make sure you have a portfolio if they want you to have one, or if you have a feeling that with the subject the company is about, you would need to show one.
4. Applying – There are two ways of doing this and I suggest doing both. You can apply online but you should realise that everyone would choose this easier way and probably, everyone has. In which case, you should see them directly, go to their HR or ask at the desk, depending on the company. Doing this will not only show you that you put effort into your interests but also gives off a good first impression, and first impressions are important so make sure you’re dressed appropriately and smile!
And Good Luck!!
Maria Tzing Fung Baker 