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For my study I do an internship each year, this year my internship was in Germany! Applying for internships and jobs can be difficult, so how do I prepare myself?
I want to begin with saying I am in no means an expert. I just want to talk about my own tactics. My education, work and internships are incredibly important to me and I appreciate each and every person who give their time to help me develop myself and to give me the chance to grow. Therefore, I find good preparation for job interviews very important.
How to start
So, how do you start? You know you would like an internship or a job, but that does not get you one. I personally look on the internet. In the Netherlands we have a website for internships (www.stagemarkt.nl), but I also receive e-mails from teachers where they mention companies that look for trainees. When looking for a job I also look on the internet. Using LinkedIn/your network is also a good idea. Those things may seem obvious, but they can also be easily forgotten. You may also just drive to a company and ask if they are looking for someone, it shows your interest and initiative!
I find it important to apply to companies that really speak to me, NOT just for the sake of having an internship or a job. I find it important, as I can truly show my interest in the activities of the company and it motivates me even more. I am a really motivated student. I give 100% in everything I do and I take my tasks very seriously. I love to learn and therefore want to know as much as possible. So, when I am really interested in a company, I am even more motivated. So, I would suggest you only apply for internships and jobs that really speak to you, with which you may even also find some sort of connection. Go look on their website, try to find all the possible information you can find. Show that you are interested! Put in time, it is worth it.
Okay, you found companies you are interested in, what is the next step?
You may want to update your CV. I updated mine and changed the lay-out completely when I got back from Germany. You change constantly and so should your CV, as I feel like your CV should reflect you! I changed the style and the way I wrote things down. I also made a better picture. I just made one with my IPhone camera, however each country is different. I know that in Germany for example, it is really important to have a professional picture made. You also need to bring so much more documents there than in The Netherlands for example. What did I include in mine?
Personal details
Education
Work experience
Language skills
Software skills
Accomplishments
Hobbies
Then, you write your motivation letter. I feel like this also is made to your personal preference. However, I will just say what I, personally, find important to mention and in which order. It may not be the correct one, as you learned it:
1. Short introduction of yourself. Who are you and why are you writing the letter? When writing the motivation letter for an internship, I also write down what I study and what the period of my internship is. When you don’t mention that, how can they know if they are available at that time?
2. Then I express my interest in their company. Don’t just say that you are interested, also explain WHY. I have heard that people also say that they just need an internship..don’t just say that. Try to express as well as you can, why you chose their company.
3. As last I talk a bit about myself. What kind of person am I? For me it is that I am motivated, I like to learn and that I put in a lot of effort, for example. This is just shortly explained. I also used examples of my last internship, for example that they said I fit well in their team. My hobbies, work experience etc. is mentioned in my CV, so I don’t mention that again.
I also made a document where I explained which tasks I need to carry out for my internship, so they fully know what to expect.
When I have all these documents ready, I send them to one or two friends! I let them take a look, as they may find mistakes I missed. They might also help you formulate some sentences in a better way.
After I let them read over everything and everything looks good, I will send the e-mail to the concerned sir or madam. I shortly write in the e-mail who I am (and what I study when it is for an internship). I explain I would like to do my internship/work there and I write down which documents I send with. As last I thank them for their time and I mention that I would like to hear from them soon.
You can also make a video to introduce yourself! I just find myself a bit too awkward on camera for that haha.
And now we wait..
YES! You have been invited for a job interview, what is next?
How to prepare
So, you made an appointment for your interview, but what to do next? I like to prepare (again). I will search for frequently asked questions and prepare my answers. I also like to search information about the company again. Most of the information I still remember while I was applying for the job/internship, however I like to revise that information again. When you are at the interview, the information about the company will probably be explained to you, but I want to be prepared and hopefully know most of the information they mention. I don’t understand how some can go to the interview, without knowing anything about the company itself.
I also try to search for a bit of information about the person with whom I have the interview. Just to get a bit of insight, like they already have from me!
I like to take documents with me to the interview. For my upcoming interview I will take this with me:
· My CV
· The practical training certification I received from my German internship
· My motivational letter
· The tasks I will be carrying out (that document that I made)
· My grades
I may not use all of those documents when being there, but it does not hurt to bring them with you!
Also, think of questions you can ask them.
Then, the other question is: what are you going to wear.
I dress quite professionally in my free time as well; it is just a part of my style. I chose 6 possible outfits! I like to use a bit of colour sometimes or to go full on professional, depends on the company I am applying for. In all honestly, I would also wear this to school or in my free time haha.
1. Wearing my black paperbag trousers (H&M), white top (H&M) and my dark blue striped Colbert (H&M). I like this outfit as it is really simple, professional and also effective. I just wear casual but neat shoes (Rieker). I am not the heel wearing type of girl and I also don’t have super professional shoes. However, I think these will do the trick as well.
2. Wearing my colourful blouse (C&A) and my skirt from (H&M). I think this outfit is cute but professional and it just has that pop of colour that I like. I do think this one is a bit more casual.
3. Wearing my black paperbag trousers (H&M) again, this time combined with a red top (H&M). I feel like this is also a very professional outfit, but it just has a bit more colour. I would combine this with my blue striped Colbert from outfit 1 as well. This is one of my favourites.
4. Wearing my green culotte trousers (H&M) with a white, black striped top (H&M). I love this outfit. It is more casual than professional, but still suitable for an interview. I love that it is a bit more different.
5. Wearing my black long skirt (H&M) with my red top from outfit 3 (H&M). I feel like this outfit is perfect for warmer days and again with the pop of colour.
6. Wearing my black long skirt from outfit 5 (H&M) with the white top and blue striped Colbert from outfit 1 (H&M). I like how professional this one looks and how it is also suitable for warmer days.
I love all of the outfits. Not quite sure which one I will be wearing to my interview. Which one(s) do you like best?
Additional information:
· Bag from: Wimona
· Jewellery from Lucardi (I like to wear subtle (a) earrings, necklace, bracelet, watch and rings)
In all honestly, I do wear my wig to the interview, as I feel most comfortable in that situation.
I will put on subtle make-up, take my bag with all the important documents and I am ready to go!
It is time: the interview
I just have a few things. First of all, be on time. If you don’t know how to get there, search that first, maybe even drive to the company a few days upfront, so you know how to get there. If you go with public transport, take the train or bus earlier, just to be sure.
Make sure you have all your documents with you, maybe even a notebook and a pen so you can take notes during the interview if you would like to.
As last, relax. Be yourself and give a firm handshake. Be polite and sit straight. Show that you are interested. But most of all, don’t stress too much. You got this!
I hope the tips helped a bit and I wish you good luck when applying for a job or internship :)
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