So, you’re thinking about applying for an internship in the UK? First of all—go you! That’s a big step and definitely something to be proud of. But let’s be real for a second. The journey from typing up your CV to actually sitting across from someone in an interview room (virtual or not) can feel like running a mini marathon. In heels. While juggling flaming swords.
Okay, maybe not that dramatic, but still—there’s a lot to think about.
Don’t worry. I’ve got you.
The CV: Your First Impression (Make It Count)
Think of your CV as your personal highlight reel. It’s the trailer to your movie. If it doesn’t grab attention in the first 10 seconds, the recruiter’s clicking “next.” Brutal? Yeah. But true.
Quick CV Tips That Actually Work:
Keep it clean and simple. No rainbow fonts or WordArt headers, please.
Use bullet points. Recruiters skim. Help their tired eyes.
Tailor it! Don’t send the same CV to ten different companies. Make each one feel like it was written just for them.
Quantify stuff. “Organised an event” sounds okay, but “Organised a charity event with 80 attendees and raised £500” sounds like you mean business.
Pro tip: Get a friend to read your CV. If they can’t explain what job you’re applying for after reading it, rewrite it.
The Cover Letter: Less Painful Than You Think
No one loves writing cover letters. But here’s the deal—they’re your chance to show some personality. Your CV shows what you’ve done. Your cover letter shows who you are.
Be human. Be honest. If you're applying to a tech company because you built your own website at 14, say that. If you're excited about a company’s sustainability work, mention it! Avoid clichés like “team player” or “hardworking individual.” Everyone says that.
Think: “Why this company? Why this role? Why you?”
The Waiting Game: What Now?
You hit send. Your documents are polished, your email’s professional, and now… silence. Welcome to the “refreshing-your-inbox-100-times-a-day” phase.
Don’t let it drive you mad. While you wait:
Apply to other roles (yes, multiple eggs in multiple baskets).
Work on small personal projects or courses you can mention later.
Practice interview questions. Seriously. Future-you will be grateful.
The Interview: Time to Shine (Not Panic)
Congrats! You got the interview. Now take a deep breath—this is your moment. And no, you don’t need to become a different person or memorize a script.
Let’s break this down:
1. Do your homework.
Know what the company does, their values, recent news, or anything cool they've worked on. It’s like showing up to a date and knowing their favorite band—instant points.
2. Practice talking about YOU.
Sounds weird, but many people freeze when asked, “Tell me about yourself.” Have a 30-second “elevator pitch” ready. Practice out loud. Yes, actually out loud.
3. Use the STAR method.
Situation. Task. Action. Result. It’s the gold standard for answering behavioral questions like, “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge.”
Example: “At uni, I led a group project where two members weren’t contributing. I set up one-on-ones to understand their blockers (Action) and redistributed tasks fairly. We ended up getting a first. (Result).”
4. Ask questions!
At the end, they’ll probably ask, “Do you have any questions for us?” Don’t say no. This is your chance to show interest and learn. Try:
“What does a successful intern look like here?”
“How do you support learning and development?”
“What’s your favourite part of working at this company?”
Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Dress smart, even for Zoom interviews. (At least the top half.)
Check your tech. A dodgy mic or loud background noise can mess with your flow.
Have water nearby. Talking for 30 minutes? Hydrate like a boss.
Smile. It really does help you sound more friendly, even over the phone.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Look, the whole process—from crafting your CV to sitting through interviews—can be stressful. You’ll second-guess yourself. You’ll wonder if that typo cost you the role. You’ll overthink what you said when they asked about your weaknesses (spoiler: they probably don’t remember).
But also? You’ll learn a ton. Every CV tweak, every interview question, every moment of awkward silence teaches you something. It’s not just about landing this internship. It’s about growing into the kind of person who’s ready when the right opportunity shows up.
So breathe. Laugh at the awkward moments. Celebrate the small wins. And remember—you’re already doing great.
