How to Get Your Application for a Technical Internship Noticed During COVID-19, According to Recruiters

Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, students have been dwelling in uncertainties and looking for answers. Job-searching was hard enough pre-COVID-19, yet the crisis has added onto student’s challenges and anxieties. To help students find some answers, RippleMatch hosted a Virtual Recruiter Panel for about 100 students featuring recruiters from Palo Alto Networks, Citadel and RippleMatch. The purpose of the panel was for the recruiters to share tips and advice on how to approach searching for technical internships during the current circumstances. We pulled together the top tips suggested by recruiters during the panel – if you’re looking for a technical internship, be sure to follow these best practices so that your application stands out.

Including relevant keywords in your resume is crucial to getting noticed.

Recruiters use Application Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes. ATS are human resources software that serve as a database for job applications. Recruiters use ATS to ultimately organize and track their job applications, which should make their lives easier. Unfortunately, about 70% of job applications are disqualified by ATS. The number is daunting, but you can fortunately avoid this by including keywords in your resume so that your resume can be seen. Take a look at some keywords and phrases that will help your resume get noticed.

Don’t forget to include your GPA or graduation month and year.

While these may not seem directly relevant to your work experience, your GPA and graduation month and year are crucial aspects of the resume. In fact, according to the recruiters who participated in our panel, resumes without those two details are disregarded. Put your GPA and graduation month/year where recruiters can clearly see it (preferably at the top). Recruiters go through thousands of resumes a day, so making their lives easier can go a long way.

Include an objective statement at the top of your resume.

On the topic of making recruiters' lives easier, an objective statement will do just that. Recruiters like seeing objective statements because it clearly highlights why a student is interested in the job as well as what they are looking to do with their career. Consider adding an objective statement to make sure your resume stands out.

Back your language skills with evidence.

If you are listing technical skills or language fluency, make sure you include how you used certain skills or languages when describing your current or previous job experiences. For instance, if you are fluent in SQL and worked for Company X, then you want to include a description under your experience with Company X like, “Developed SQL tables that helped improve sales strategy”. This shows recruiters that you have actually applied the technical skill or language.

Be on the lookout for virtual events.

According to recruiters, one benefit from the transition to virtual events is that these events allow recruiters to include more people. While events were once constrained by their physical space, virtual events mean more students can participate. It is crucial for students to now be vigilant and on the lookout for these types of events. Recruiters recommend students to join campus organizations and clubs where they host information sessions, alumni groups, and to keep an eye out for events on LinkedIn. By RSVPing to and attending an event, you will get on the recruiter’s radar and can follow-up with a personal note to stand out.

Following-up with recruiters about application status is encouraged. 

Students have expressed concerns over how to reach out to recruiters asking about their applications. Recruiters who participated in this panel assured students that it is completely okay, and should be done. In terms of how to reach out, make sure you keep the message short and simple. Start the email off by hoping said recruiter is doing well and that hopefully they are adjusting to the crisis (remember, it’s an adjustment period for all). Then, be specific about when you applied to the position or when you last had your interview. Being specific will help the recruiter find your application. Lastly, mention you would love to know about the status of your application. It may seem daunting to reach out to recruiters, but let it be known that it is okay.

With all of the uncertainties COVID-19 has placed in front of us, it is normal to feel lost. While this situation is not ideal, it is reassuring to know that recruiters are working day-in and day-out to recognize student’s full potential. On top of that, students must not lose hope and work towards fully recognizing their own potential. While it may be difficult, it is important not to let these circumstances that are outside of your control define you. Know your worth and work hard towards it.