If you had told me just a month ago that I would have the opportunity to intern for Food Network Magazine in Manhattan this summer, there is very little chance I would believe you. However, as I type this, I am in the stages of officially securing an offer I received to be one of three interns for the magazine in the sales and marketing department. Not only have my dreams basically come true (I live for food⊠and taking pictures of it) but I can honestly say this was a job I worked on my own to get. To my surprise (and Iâm sure to yours as well), the steps to ensure consideration for such a position are easier than you think. Read on to learn some of my own tips, and tips I have been given along the way, to ensure consideration for and the attainment of your dream internship!
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How Do I Even Get the Interview?
Look to your schoolâs internship program and listings in your department. Emails from your department probably flood your inbox, but donât ignore them! They could hold information about something that you are interested in pursuing. Also, and I stress this point, take advantage of your schoolâs shadowing opportunities. Through this, I have seen the inside of The Pittsburgh Post Gazetteâs office numerous times, shadowed the crime beat reporter for a day (I definitely felt like Olivia Benson), and traveled to New York City to the Hearst Tower, which houses everything from Cosmopolitan to Food Network Magazine (which is how I got the connections I have!). Also, always always ALWAYS keep in touch with old employers. An email or call from time to time will not only look good but will mean a lot to whoever youâre keeping in touch with.
How to Stand Out When You Actually Get the Interview
When it comes to picking out your most stylinâ internship-getting outfit, you may feel like Cher from Clueless when she tears apart her closet before her driving test. I mean really, as IF we can go through with such important moments in our lives not dressed to impress. When meeting potential employers, whether for a shadowing event or an interview, I aim to look as put together as possible, while being able to stand out appearance-wise from my competition. For colder weather outfits, opt for a printed and bolder shift dress and tights, preferably ones that are black and opaque. Though the pattern and/or colors of the dress may seem a little out there, this is something that people will remember you by, especially if you keep in touch after the encounter. I wore a similar dress to the one below, not only to an interview but to my sororityâs executive board members meeting, where people to this day still remember me by the dress and not necessarily by my speech. Depending on your comfortability level, opt for sophisticated booties, closed-toe black pumps, or even flats. Keep the jewelry simple, as something too flashy will draw attention somewhere other than your face. When it comes to hair and makeup, also keep it simple. You definitely donât want to pretend or to portray yourself to be someone that youâre not. Top-knots are always sophisticated and will add a perfect touch to your outfit.
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SOS: What Do I Say?
So now that youâre dressed for the interview, the more important issues are at hand: What do I even say? Make sure that you research the company you are interested in working for as well as the person who will be interviewing you. Background knowledge will be an important component of the interview process, so you can not only know what the companyâs past has been like but so you can relay this information in the interview. This will really impress whoever is interviewing you because it shows your existing interest in the company. A big topic of your conversation will be accomplishments that you’ve had, especially ones that are listed on your resume (itâs important to have a kick-ass resume). Google has endless resume templates that will catch the employerâs eye. However, itâs important that you donât lie about anything on your resume, because a) liars get nowhere in life and b) your employer will 100% find out. Make sure that you have questions to ask at the end of the interview. This will show your further interest in getting the job and will also show the research you put into the interview process.
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The âAfter Stageâ
In the waiting stages after completing an interview or two, youâll be beyond impatient, especially when they tell you a specific time when you will find out about their decision. However, it is important to not just sit around while this happens. Following up is a huge and important part of this process. Sending a thank you email to whomever you spoke with can make all the difference. In addition, after this email is sent out, make sure that you write a hand-written, formal thank you note. Trust me: doing this takes less than five minutes and speaks volumes to the type of person you are.
So here you have it. Though there is no fool-proof way to obtain an interview, these are the steps Iâve found most successful. Remember to always have a smile on your face and to be yourself, because youâre amazing Jess the way you are.
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