10 tips to getting hired by the end of an internship

Many employers who offer internships do so as a way to try out and recruit new full time employees. Internships are a way for students to gain experience and learn more about a specific career field of interest and if you go about it the right way, your internship may lead to a full-time job offer down the line. If you are hoping to secure a full-time position with the company where you are interning, then think of your internship as a chance to prove you are ready, willing and eager to take on whatever comes your way.

See 10 tips to turning your internship into your full time job.

1. Make a Good Impression.

As an intern it is your responsibility to show your supervisor and others within the organization that you have what it takes, both personally and professionally, to fit in with the corporate culture.

2. Develop Professional Goals.

Internships are designed to prepare applicants for future jobs and careers; and finding an internship that will help you accomplish your professional goals will also assist you in being a more competitive candidate in your future job search. Also, there is no better way to get the inside scoop on a career path than to observe professionals in the field.

3. Develop a Strong Relationship With Your Supervisor.

Be sure to keep your supervisor abreast of your work and accomplishments by checking in frequently and making sure you are meeting his or her expectations. Once you have identified your job responsibilities and you understand your supervisor’s expectations, work hard to demonstrate your personal initiative and your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. You will also need a connection that can tell you when and if openings happen and what the company’s hiring cycle looks like.

4. Make use of your downtime. A lot of times, there isn’t much formal organization around internships – which means there may be days when you don’t have much to do. Instead of wasting your time on Facebook, make yourself useful. Ask around to see if there’s anything you can help with. Better yet, suggest your own projects. Your manager will notice, appreciate and remember the way you took initiative and showed enthusiasm for your job.

5. Complete Assigned Projects on Time.

If you foresee a challenge with a deadline on a project you are working on, make sure you notify your supervisor and ask for any input he/she might provide or ask for an extension to get the project completed. Be sure that you offer a valid reason for the project delay such as other unforeseen problems or other work priorities that needed to be addressed prior to getting the specific project completed on time.

6. Always Follow Company Rules and Established Guidelines.

Take your time to learn the rules and guidelines expected by the organization before jumping in and making any serious mistakes. Also, check out company policy on personal emails, phone calls, and internet use to avoid any awkward and embarrassing situations. This also means dressing appropriately, arriving on time and staying late if needed, staying off social media (unless it’s part of your job) and using it responsibly when you are on. If you take the job seriously, the more likely your boss is to take you seriously as a prospective future employee.

7. Ask for feedback. If it is not already scheduled, ask your boss for a performance review, which will give you an idea of what you did right and where you have areas you can improve. This will also show your manager your devotion to doing a good job and developing your skills. This input can be crucial in helping you to improve your job performance through clarification of the supervisor’s expectations.

8. Develop Rapport With Coworkers.

Take every opportunity to get to know your co-workers better. While this entails venturing outside your comfort zone, by doing so, you will build a network of people you can go to for help, guidance and insight both during your internship and beyond. Employers seek individuals who can work well in a team environment and who have particular strengths that will add to the overall accomplishments of the group. The people you meet during your internship may become valuable sources for references, job leads, or even mentors during your future job search.

9. Express Your Interest in Working for the Company.

By expressing an interest in the company, you will be letting the company know that you consider the organization a place that you would like to work. Put yourself out there and advocate for yourself. Even though there may not be any current positions available, by letting your supervisor know that you would be interested in working for the company, you will be more likely to be contacted once a position opens up.

10. Express Your Appreciation And Stay In Touch

Once you complete your internship, a short thank you is always appreciated and will leave a favorable impression with the employer. Write handwritten notes to your manager and anyone else in the company you may have worked with. Thank them for the learning experience and the time they spent with you.  Don’t let your relationships end when your internship does. Connect with your supervisor and colleagues as well as anyone else you interacted with at the company. Not only will staying in touch ensure you stay top of mind with these people should they hear of anything that might fit your skills and interests, they can also act as mentors or offer advice and guidance as you navigate your next steps.