Landing an Internship?

Preparation is one of the keys to success! We would like to share more about the first challenge of making your way to get an internship, but far before that, how to land an interview. To apply for an internship or a job, some companies will ask for Resume, while others ask for a Curriculum Vitae. In this article, we would like to give you some explanation of these two types of documents, as well as some handy tips on how to make the best out of your first internship interview. 

Both CV and Resume are essential documents to apply for an internship; these are two different types of documents used to apply for jobs. A CV is a longer, more formal document that includes your education history and professional experience. A resume is shorter and focuses on your qualifications as they relate to the position you are applying for. Resume is usually a one-page summary of your work experience and background relevant to the job you are applying to. CV (literally means 'Course of Life'), is a longer academic diary breaking down your background, from education, certificates and publications.

In Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Asian countries including Indonesia, it is common to add photographs and personal details on your Resume / CV. This includes gender, date of birth, nationality, to marital status. But in the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Mexico and African countries, putting photographs is not recommended unless you are applying for a front line position.

After your CV/Resume gets considered, you will then move to the next phase, which is also very important: the first interview. This is your chance to prove that you will be a great addition to the company you wish to apply for. "Tell me about yourself!" Type of question is likely to pop up at every stage of the internship or job interview process. It can be an easy question to start with for the interviewer, or simply a test to know you deeper and whether you are suitable for the role in the company.

There is one main tip to remember for this phase: share a short summary about yourself that is relevant to the internship opening or the job opening. Remember to focus your answer on professional or work-related matters. No need to overshare about your personal life; family, siblings, lovers, pets, etc. Here are three of suggested points of doing an effective interview:

Since the interviewer has your Resume/CV, repeating its content will be a waste of time for everyone. Focus more on elaborating facts and information you want the interviewer to know about you and choose the one that is the most relevant to the required role in the company. Remember to research the company beforehand and learn about the role they offer as well. Prepare your answer within 1-2 minutes, focusing  on the skills and experience required by the company, and practice it accordingly prior to the interview.

Show how important the internship is to you and how excited you are to be a part of the company’s team. Making a proper Resume/CV and preparing well for your first interview shows how enthused you are for the role in this company. These aspects will be considered and appreciated by the company and interviewer when you are applying for an internship! Lastly, we always encourage everyone to be honest and personal when it comes to making a big decision such as applying for an internship abroad, sharing your honest goals in academic, professional and personal life would always add more value to your applications. Good luck and see you in Bali!