How
Do I Get An Internship?
By Renee
Ward, Founder & Executive Director
www.teens4hire.org
1.
Get the best grades possible in school.
Employers are more inclined to hire college students that are
doing well in school. In addition, employers look at the type
of classes you have been taking. Students with a rigorous academic
program are preferred.
2.
Participate in school-sponsored activities like clubs and sports.
Employers believe that this demonstrates an ability to get along
with others and that’s what they want.
3.
Participate in community activities.
Employers see this as a sign of your ability to serve others.
This experience provides them with insight about how you will
serve customers.
4.
Be aggressive. Ask around, surf the web and go out and look for
an internship
An internship will not fall in your lap. Most employers don’t
feel the need to advertise to students. Employers are expecting
that you will seek them out.
Ask everybody
you know—teachers, counselors, your parents, friends, (including
the people that your parents and friends know) about places that
are hiring students. Call or go to the location and apply.
Look for “now
hiring” signs at places where you’d like to work and
ask to speak with the hiring manager for the establishment. Ask
if they will hire teens and if so, offer to complete an application.
Employers
are impressed when students take the initiative to ask for an
internship. It shows employers that you are self-motivated and
really want an internship.
5.
Learn how to complete an application
Employers want to know about you but they are also looking for
neatness and accuracy in the completion of the application. Misspelled
words and sloppy handwriting are a turn-off.
6.
Be prepared to be interviewed on the spot.
Employers may not tell you this but they are sizing you up the
first time they see you so it’s best to be prepared. Dress
appropriately for business. While nose and tongue rings might
be cool among your friends, most employers still frown upon their
use in the workplace.
7.
Practice talking about yourself beforehand.
It helps to be prepared for the interview. The more comfortable
you are the better. Employers are impressed by teens who make
eye contact, shake hands firmly and are confident about themselves.
If you’re an above average student, say so. If you have
other talents, skills and abilities that would be helpful on the
job, make sure the interviewer knows it. Be positive and take
your time answering questions. Answer in full sentences and talk
about what you bring to the job.
8.
Learn something about the company where you want to work.
Employers are charmed when teens know something about the company
and share it. It shows you are really taking an interest in them.
9.
Follow up.
At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for the opportunity.
Ask when you will be notified if you have the job. Write a thank
you note to the interviewer. Follow up with the interviewer if
you don't hear back within a week. Employers need to know you
are serious.
10.
If you land the internship, be a good employee. Earn a positive
reference.
Employers
expect that you will a) be on time, b) be positive, c) work well
with others and 4) do the best job you can. This is important!
Getting good references will be a viable part of your ongoing
career. New employers will always ask past employers about how
well you have performed on the job.
Be Determined
If at first
you don't succeed, brush it off. Remain positive and move on to
the next possibility. The more you search and the more applications
you submit, the more likely you will land a job.
Consider Alternatives.
If you can
afford to, consider other alternatives to working for pay this
spring and summer. Attend summer school or volunteer. This experience
will look great on your application next year.
Taken
From Teens4Hire.org
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