Internship Applications: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

In the early stages of your professional life, it may seem like everyone but you, has their career goals figured out. You might hear about the internships your friends have gotten. Yet, you’re confused about how to even get started. Well, don’t panic.

Everyone has their own pace of figuring things out. As for internships, here are few common mistakes you can avoid. So, before your start randomly shooting out your internship applications, let’s run through some common mistake to avoid while applying.

Mistake 1: Underestimating the Importance of Researching the Company 

Not researching a company before applying for an internship can lead to some unpleasant surprises.  

Take Jay’s example. He was required to do a summer internship as part of his final year assessment. After a brief last-minute search, Jay impulsively accepted a marketing internship without any research. 

As it turned out, the company was involved in a pyramid marketing scheme. And Jay was trapped. This situation could have been avoided if Jay had researched the company properly. Unfortunately, in this case, the internship was compulsory, and quitting was not an option. This just shows the need to do your homework before making a decision.  

When checking out companies in India, there are a few tips that you can use to firm up your research: 

1. Study the company’s mission and values — this can give you insight into the company’s direction and values and help determine if it’s a good fit for you.

2. Check the company’s website thoroughly. Pay attention to what they do and what they offer (products or services). Find their annual reports, or other official documents available online to check their financial health and growth prospects.

3. Research the company’s reputation and industry standing through news articles, press releases, and industry reports about the company. This can help you understand the company’s reputation, market position, and competitive advantages.

4. Look up the company’s recent achievements and milestones to get an idea of their capabilities. These can also provide talking points during interviews or networking events.
 

5. Connect with professionals who have worked with the company you’re researching. This can help you get firsthand insights into the company’s culture, work environment, and reputation. 

Mistake 2: Submitting Generic Internship Applications without Personalisation 

We live in an age of intense competition in the job market. Have you thought about how your internship application stands out from others?  

1. First, put in the effort to create a strong and relevant resume, and a compelling cover letter. The next question is, have you personalised your application?

2. Take some time to tailor your application to suit the company’s culture, values and role requirements. Do check out foundit’s resume writing service where you get professional assistance to revamp your resume and cover letter.

3. Always review your application and documents multiple times before sending them out. Grammatical errors or typos are a big “no-no”! They create a poor impression and can make your application appear careless or unprofessional. You can ask the help of classmates/mentors.

4. Use content review software to ensure your application is error-free. A polished application shows your attention to detail. It shows the effort you put in to present yourself in the best possible light. 

Mistake 3: Underestimating the Power of Networking in India 

The sad reality is that many internship opportunities are not publicly advertised. Here’s why network is important in securing internships. A good network allows you to tap into the ‘hidden’ job market. Referrals and recommendations from your network are a good way to access these opportunities.

Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, is the best example of someone who used networking to secure a successful internship. During her time at Harvard Business School, Sandberg approached her professor, Larry Summers, who offered her a position as his research assistant. This internship led her to work with other influential individuals. This in turn shaped her career and opened doors to new opportunities.  

Networking is particularly important in India because of the power of personal relationships and referrals. Building connections with industry experts gives your own profile some credibility.

 

You also benefit from their guidance, mentorship, and potential recommendations for internship opportunities.

If you’re wondering about how to go about building a formidable professional network, check out some tips on how to build professional connections from scratch. 

Mistake 4: Ignoring Specific Application Instructions or Formats 

Indian companies are flooded with internship applications. If companies have mentioned a format, that’s the first criteria they use to filter and reject applications. 

To avoid this, pay close attention to application formats, submission methods, and any additional conditions specified by employers. Some companies may have guidelines regarding the format of your resume, the information to be included, or the preferred file type for submission. 

Follow these instructions makes the life of the recruiter easier. It’s also the first indicator of your professionalism and attention to detail.  

Following up with the hiring manager or the company after submitting your internship application is important, particularly in the Indian context. If you don’t, you are letting good opportunities slip away.

 

A polite follow-up email or phone call shows your enthusiasm and commitment. It also reminds the recruiters about the application.

When following up, strike a balance between being persistent and respectful. Here are some suggestions on following up effectively: 

1. Wait for an appropriate time. Give recruiters some time to review applications before reaching out. However, if the company has specified a timeline for their hiring process, you can follow-up accordingly.

2, Prepare a concise and polite follow-up message and keep it to the point. Don’t forget to thank the hiring manager or the company for their time and consideration.

3, Use professional email etiquette and ensure that your message is error-free and well-written.

4. After following up, allow the company some time to respond. Understand that they may have a busy schedule and plenty of applications to review. Avoid being too persistent and respect their process and timelines. 

These actions can greatly increase your chances of securing the internship opportunity you want. 

Mistake 5: Having a Bad Online Presence 

Your online presence matters. It’s the first thing recruiters look up when hiring you. Whether you like it or not, your online presence also becomes an indicator of your professionalism. 

Platforms like LinkedIn offer an excellent opportunity to showcase your professional profile and engage with the other professionals.

 

An updated and well-curated LinkedIn profile can boost your chances of getting hired. It also serves as a sort of digital resume.

Your skills, experiences, achievements, and educational qualifications are highlighted in a structured and visually appealing manner. 

To optimise your online presence, consider the following tips: 

1. Ensure that your LinkedIn profile is accurate and up to date. Add a professional photo and customise your profile URL to make it more professional and easier to remember.

2. Add relevant skills to your profile, focusing on those that align with your career goals and the internship(s) you are seeking. Include results-oriented descriptions in your work experience section to demonstrate your capabilities.
 

3. Actively seek to connect with professionals in your desired field or industry. Building a network of professionals can provide you with valuable insights, mentorship opportunities, and potential referrals for internships.
 

4, Take the time to review your social media profiles, blogs, or any other online platforms where you have a presence. Remove any controversial or unprofessional posts, comments, or photos that may reflect poorly on you. 

Checklist for an Internship Application: Do’s and Don’ts 

Before applying for an internship, go through this checklist of prerequisites to ensure that you are fully prepared. Here are some do’s and don’ts to consider: 

Do’s:

1. Research the company and requirements for the internship thoroughly.

2. Customise your application to match the specific internship and company.

3. Read and carefully follow the application instructions provided by the company.

4. Proofread your application thoroughly and avoid unnecessary errors.

5. Build a professional online presence.

6. Build and utilise your network; and seek referrals from reliable connections.

Don’ts:

1. Submit generic applications that lack personalisation.

2, Neglect following up but avoid being overly persistent or pushy.

3. Miss deadlines — particularly the ones provided by the company. 

So, with this, you should be all set on how to go about your internship application.  

By checking off each question, you can be sure that you’re ready to proceed with your internship application! 

FAQs on Internship Applications 

Q1. What documents are typically required for internship applications? 

Ans: Some common documents that are typically requested while applying for internships are: 

1. Resume 

2. Cover Letter 

3. Academic documents like marksheets/report cards 

4. Letter of recommendation 

5. ID proof like Aadhar card/passport/voter ID/driving license 

6. Pan card/bank passbook 

7. Passport-sized photograph 

8. Work samples/portfolio (if applicable) 

9. Technical certificates (if applicable) 

10. Certificates of achievement (if applicable) 

Any other specific requirements, such as a specific application form or statement of purpose 

Q2. Are cover letters necessary for internship applications? 

Ans: While cover letters are generally recommended for internship applications in India, their necessity can vary based on the company and industry. But it is advisable to submit one as you can use it to state your intent and highlight your suitability for the role, thus improving your chances of getting selected. 

Q3. How do I find summer internships in India? 

Ans: Zuno offers a range of genuine paid internships from some of the most exciting brands in India. You can register for free, fill out your profile details and apply for your desired summer internships. 

Q4. Which is the best internship app or website? 

Ans: Zuno is one of the best and fastest-growing platforms for paid internships, fresher jobs and upskilling opportunities in India. 

Q5. Are there paid internships for college students? 

Ans: Yes, all opportunities listed on Zuno are paid and carefully handpicked to ensure that students get the most out of their internship experience.