When youre in college, you cant turn a corner without someone talking about internships.
But if you dont have experience, that doesnt mean youre out of luck.
It just means you may have to work a little harder.
Caleb Woods/Unsplash
Use this roadmap to land an internship when youre a little thin on experience but filled with ambition.
No Interest Til Almost 2027?
Dont worry if you dont have a lot of job experience to add to your resume.
There areother ways to punch it up.
Highlight any courses, projects or student organizations that align with aspects of the position.
Did you know?
Write Your Cover Letter
Next, its time towrite a captivating cover letter.
Send out loads of applications, says Valerie Streif, senior advisor with career services companyMentat.
If you dont have experience, you cant be selective.
Ask friends, parents friends, other connections for a good word, says Streif.
But the goal isnt to memorize possible answers ahead of time.
Afterward, listen to your conversation and draw important details from it.
Is there a common theme?
Did you mention something that you forgot to put on your resume?
Another option is to ask a question about their background, she adds.
Step Three: Acing the Interview
Interviews make almost everybody nervous.
Here are some tips to help you get past your jitters and put your best foot forward.
Fake It Til You Make It
Dont let a lack of job experience shake your confidence.
Kim Grotto, owner ofGrotto Marketing, has hired several college-age interns and college graduates with limited experience.
Focus on having a conversation rather than simply answering questions says Grotto.
Its not bragging; it simply helps them understand why youre the perfect internship candidate.
We want to know you’re free to handle all types of scenarios.
Send your interviewer athank you note.
Its an important last step that just might seal the deal.
Lisa McGreevy is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.
Her college internship was a blast but had exactly nothing to do with the career she ended up in.
It sounds appealing right?
Check it out here!
