You say that you want a good internship. One where you’re not the “coffee & copy kid”. One where you’ll learn the ins and outs of the business world. One where your friends will be envious. One like this one on YouTern.
Not so fast.
Before you apply, let me describe the 10 Steps I use to determine if you may be right for one of two positions I have open right now. I get dozens of applications for every opening, so I have to find a way to thin the piles down to a reasonable size – and select those who deserve an amazing internship.
Here’s how I do that, and ultimately select the two “winners” of this competition…
Candidates received: 103
Step 1: Are you local?
I appreciate people throughout the world want to be a part of our team. However, a big part of what makes it great is that you’ll be sitting down for meetings with CEOs – a heck of a commute if you’re in Chicago or New York. While I respect the concept of virtual internships… I am an eye contact kind of guy, and prefer my interns be local.
Candidates remaining: 40
Step 2: Do you pay attention to detail?
For instance, I asked for a cover letter describing why you felt that you would be a great fit for the position. Yet, a surprisingly large number of applicants fail to include a cover letter. In addition, a handful sent cover letters that were clearly form letters that failed to include the information requested.
23 candidates remaining
Step 3: That great cover letter…
This is always important, but especially so for college students who may not have a rich work history. Here is your chance to shine, to show me a bit about who you are as a person:
Not Shine…
- Is your cover letter too long? If so, you may not be good at getting ideas across in a succinct manner; you go into the “probably not” pile.
- Typos? Into the “probably not” pile.
Shine…
- Did you address it “Dear Mr. Herschberg” or “Dear Todd” as opposed to “To whom it may concern”? You’ve at least read the posting in full and learned my name; into the “for consideration” pile
- Is your cover letter engaging and provide reasons for me to bring you in? Also into the “for consideration” pile.
Candidates remaining (those who shine): 15
Step 4: Is your resume compelling?
Here’s where I decide on the people I’ll be interviewing…
Have you been involved in activities outside of class? Volunteer work? Summer jobs? Peer mentoring?
I am not looking for anything in particular, but I do want my interns to be well-rounded individuals versus academic automatons.
Candidates remaining: 8
Step 5: Do you show up for the interview on time?
This one is a biggie for me. I had an internship candidate call me 5 minutes *after* the time they were supposed to meet me to say that they were just leaving the house and were going to pick up breakfast along the way – would I like anything from McDonalds?
My response: Don’t bother showing up.
Candidates remaining: 7
Step 6: Do you dress appropriately?
Years ago, I was interviewing several people for a position where the dress code was extremely casual. The one dress code item that was required was “no open-toed shoes” as I’d be taking them of a tour of the warehouse. One of the candidates actually showed up in sandals. Really? Sandals?
Candidates remaining: 6
Step 7: Do you present yourself well?
When we sit down to the interview, do you present yourself in a mature, business-like fashion? The internship I have listed will put the interns in face-to-face meetings with CEOs – can you avoid using profanity when you speak? Will you giggle uncontrollably at the word “dictate”?
Candidates remaining: 5 (“dic-tate” always gets someone)
Step 8: Is there chemistry?
Here is where I start to make my final decisions. During the interview, do I get the feeling that we will be able to work together? Will you be able to interact with other team members? Will you be able to follow your peers as well as lead them? Some people refer to this as “company culture” – I just want to know that I and the other team members will enjoy working with you.
Candidates remaining: 4
Step 9: Who best fits into a “team of two”?
All four of the remaining candidates can do the job, have impressed me with their attitudes, etc. Now I have to decide which two will be able to work together well, will bring their unique skills to the team, have compatible availability and can help each other (and me) learn new skills.
Candidates remaining: 2
Step 10: Do you want the position?
Yes? Welcome to the team!
About the Author: Todd Herschberg is a seasoned entrepreneur who has served as founder, marketer, technologist and mentor for a number of start-up tech firms. Mr. Herschberg is one of the world’s 20 most connected individuals on LinkedIn and a frequent speaker on social media topics. In 2010, FastCompany Magazine ranked him as the 33rd “Most Influential Person Online”. He is also the President of Quantimark, an advisor to YouTern and a firm believer in mentoring. You can reach Todd directly on Twitter.
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