the distribution of your resume. This will allow you to better track where and when you responded to a particular opportunity. Many firms utilize multiple channels in announcing job opportunities, and you will be acting unprofessionally if you apply for the same position numerous times.

 

Under this plan, you would incorporate various sources to ensure that you are aware of all opportunities available to you. These sources would include friends, family members, professors, and past employers. Tapping into these existing networks will often give you an advantage in obtaining an internship - who you know can be just as important as what you know.

 

You should also visit your college or university's career center and inquire about the resources they have available and your desire to be made aware of internship opportunities. In addition to resources provided in the career center, many colleges and universities also sponsor job fairs during the year where local companies come to present both their career opportunities and internship opportunities. When attending these job fairs, be sure to dress professionally, bring copies of your resume, and be prepared to market yourself - develop a 30 second commercial about you that can be given to companies of interest.

 

The web can also serve as a valuable source for learning about and applying to internship opportunities. Be sure your Internet search includes the general job boards, those specializing in the college segment (such as http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com ), as well as those focusing specifically on internships. These web sites can be located through a basic search on any of the major search engines.

 

Your search should also include the use of your local newspaper. Although technology has certainly impacted the way firms recruit, many still utilize newspapers as an important tool in recruiting. Many newspapers also operate web sites where they cross-post openings that appear in their print versions. There you will have the opportunity to apply for opportunities electronically, which can save you time and money.

 

With all of these sources, be sure to follow very closely the instructions for applying. In addition, with each opportunity you apply for, make note of the date you apply and whether you have contact information for a follow-up call or note. This will allow you to follow-up on the status of the internship as well as to restate your continued interest in the opportunity. Wait approximately 10 business days before you follow-up.

 

The Interview

 

If you have followed this advice, I am confident you will be interviewing in a short time. As with other steps in this process, interviews require advance preparation as well. When preparing for the interview, it is a good idea to practice your question/answer technique to ensure you are thorough and relaxed in your responses - there are numerous interview practice materials available, check your local library or college career center.

 

For the interview, you will want to dress professionally. For women, this would include a business suit, skirt or dress slacks and dress shirt. For men, professional dress would be a business suit or dress slacks, dress shirt, tie, and sport coat. In addition, you will want to be well groomed with hair neatly combed, and any facial hair clean and trimmed.

 

Before the day of the interview, obtain detailed directions, including instructions on what to do when you arrive (what door to enter, who to ask for, etc.). This information will allow you plenty of time for travel, planning to arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you are going to be late, call and apologize and indicate your estimated time of arrival. Although we can never fully plan for unforeseen events, advance planning can help.

 

Once you are at the interview location, conduct yourself in a professional and polite manner at all times. This is a very different setting from the college environment and demands a higher level of decorum and behavior. After each interview, be sure to thank the interviewer and state your interest, if you have any, in the internship opportunity. Before leaving, be sure you have business cards for all of those you interviewed with, this will allow you to send follow-up notes with a thank you for the interview opportunity.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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