Step Up - Inclusive Internship for law students
Step Up

Application Tips

Tips for a good application directly from the Step Up team.

1

The application mail

  • Refer to the internship vacancy and where you have found it
  • Why are you interested in the internship?
  • What makes you a good fit for the internship? Is the letter specific?
  • Make sure the letter reads as a story, with a logical beginning and end
  • Check your spelling (including grammar and consistency)
    • Ensure you have spelled all names right
    • Check for style: If you work on a letter longer, you typically end up moving sentences, which may result in repetition etc.
    • Avoid unnecessarily long sentences
    • Include a call to action at the end: e.g. suggest that you look forward to elaborating on your letter in an interview
2

The CV

  • Tailor your resume for the position: Why do you choose Step Up?
  • Highlight the items relevant for the internship
  • Remove items that may be of less relevance if otherwise the resume becomes too long
3

Social Media

  • Make sure your Linkedin profile is up-to-date
4

Before the job interview

  • Reread the copy of the job text
  • Prepare for the questions you could expect :
    • Prepare to give some examples with regards to the requirements in the job text
    • Prepare to explain why you would be the good fit for the function
    • Preference working alone vs. in a team?
    • Questions may be asked on where you live, would you be willing to commute, etc
    • Be prepared for the typical old school interview questions:
      • “how would your friends / family describe you”
      • “what are your weaknesses / strengths”
  • Ensure that you’ve read background on the program (of course, you don’t need to know every detail)
  • What questions would you like to ask? Though it is called an interview, it should go both ways.
  • Plan your travel so that you will be on time. On time is: at the reception at least 5 minutes early
  • What is the location of the job interview? Check the address on Google maps using Street View
  • How will you get there? Car, public transport, bicycle, etc?
  • If by car: check parking opportunities!
  • Having a drink / snack during travel? Be mindful of stains etc.!
  • Bring pen and paper
5

During the job interview

  • Scribble down the names & roles of the persons who interview you
  • Ensure to involve everyone
  • Remember that the interview is intended for both parties
  • Ask what the next steps will be and what the expected timing is
  • Last, but not least: Be yourself!
6

After the job interview

  • When you get home (or travel home), complete your notes
  • Assess your thoughts after the interview
  • Feel free to follow-up if you haven’t received any news when expected

Also view the application tips from some of our previous interns