7 mistakes to avoid when applying for an internship

Ready to press send on your internship application? Toscane Vimal du Monteil talks about the the top 7 mistakes that you should avoid when applying for an internship. 

1. Mistake 1: Doing it alone.
   Applying to internships can be a long journey. Whether it’s the first or fifth time you’re completing an application form, don't hesitate to reach out for help from your parents, older brothers/ sisters, friends, and the career officers at your university. On top of that, don't hesitate to ask who is applying among your friends. Like studying, it can be more motivating to apply to internships together.
2. Mistake 2: Valuing quantity over quality.
   Although it is a smart strategy not to put all your eggs in the same basket, quality is key when it comes to submitting your applications. A great ‘Why EY’ question could be the difference between being called for interview or not. Spend some time on your answer to this question and make sure to tailor it to the company you’re applying to.
3. Mistake 3: Procrastination.
   It sometimes takes a couple of months between your first "how to get a summer internship" google search and the oh-so-waited-email that gives you a YES. On top of that, some companies hire interns on an on-going basis. In this way, the position can be full even before the deadline! Make sure to keep an eye on the deadline, as it can differ from company to company.
4. Mistake 4: Putting your own barriers in place.
   No one expects an undergraduate student to have founded a €10-billion-worth-company. It’s ok if you don’t have much work experience. Think about all the other experiences you have gathered. Whether it was a society you were involved in, charity work you took part in or even tutoring, every experience brings you some valuable skills.
5. Mistake 5: Underestimating the power of a tidy CV.
   Everything is said here. Recruitment teams can receive thousands of applications for an internship position. They tend to scan CVs and thus, a spelling mistake or poor formatting can be fatal for your application.
6. Mistake 6: Not doing your research.
   Don’t just scan the company’s website and copy-paste random information into your cover letter or application. Find something about the company that you’re truly interested in. What makes this company stand out for you? To address this question, check the company’s LinkedIn page, articles in the press and most importantly reach out to employees at career fairs and on LinkedIn.
7. Mistake 7: Giving up.
   There’s every possibility that you won’t get an offer with the first application you submit. It is key to keep the faith and never stop believing in your potential. After all, you only need one "yes". Take any feedback you receive on board and use it when submitting the next application.