5 Things to Keep In Mind While Applying for Internships Online

Applying to internships is not simple. This is especially true in the case of online internships. The Application process might have been simplified and made convenient because you can participate without moving an inch from your bed. However, that is an only simple aspect of the online internship application. Rest everything is pretty much what a conventional paper-based application process is.

There is no gainsaying that the world is highly competitive, and the numbers only increase in the virtual world where everyone and anyone can apply. In order to stand out from the other applicants, you will have to consider the process differently. Firstly, take it seriously, and secondly, follow the few things I am going to mention in this article. These are just 5 in number, though there can be many more. These 5 things are absolutely important for you unless you are okay with mediocrity.

So, without further ado, let us take a look at these 5 things.

1. Dig deeper into your target internship(s
   There are thousands (and even more!) internships available online. All kinds of institutions offer internship programmes for different kinds of students and in different fields. You cannot be sure of the credibility of the internship programme just by reading up descriptions on the official websites. You must check up reviews online, contact the organizers directly and ask them relevant questions, enquire about them from your batch-mates and teachers, and whatnot. Only when you have done your research you should consider applying. The point is that you would not want to end up with an experience which means little in the professional world; for that, you must take as much caution as you can.
2. Work on Your Resume
   Online internships mean too many submissions to go through. This also means that the reviewers can only spare 10-20 seconds per resume. It is, therefore, important that you ensure that your resume is concise and on-point. Tailor your resume specifically for the internship you are applying instead of sending over your general resume. Include only that information which is pertinent to the programme you are applying to. For example, it means nothing to the reviewer that you scored the top spot in a national poetry competition when it has absolutely nothing to do with your IT skills.
3. Take “why you want to intern here” question very seriously
   It is quite likely that your application would require you to write down the reasons for applying to the programme. Most students sugarcoat their answer without adding any substantive information. Reviewers are experienced individuals and have read answers like these so many times that they know that you are trying to butter up. Instead, research in great detail what the organization is all about, its credentials (particularly achievements), and the details of the internship programme. Link this information with your academic goals and frame your answer accordingly. Such an answer reflects that the applicant actually bothered to study the organization and its programme.
4. Do not apply to every internship in existence
   It is natural for students to worry about progress as a result of which many of them end up applying to any internship programme that comes to their knowledge. The problems with the idea of “apply to as many as you can” are quite many: firstly, there will be too many applications to keep a track on; secondly, without a specific objective in your mind, your application will most likely be general; and thirdly, you might not choose an internship which actually has an impact on your resume. Only choose the programme you think you are most suited for. Desperation to secure internships anyhow makes you take reckless and wasteful decisions. A typical internship usually lasts for at least a month, and you would not want to waste so much time into doing something that gives nothing back.
5. Follow up but with patience
   You must make a good impression through the application form, but that is not the only way you do that. It may take a while before you receive a response from the authorities, and this could, expectedly, be very annoying. If we turn this annoyance into impatience and start spamming them with mails or phone calls, then it might cost you an internship opportunity. My advice is simple. Give them some time. If at all you want to know the status, send a mail first. In the event of no response, call them up. But, there should be a few days’ gap between the mail and the phone call.

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