Making your accounting internship application stand out from the crowd

Acquiring an accounting internship is a very competitive business. It is imperative therefore when submitting an application for an accounting internship that you successfully stand out from the crowd of other potential candidates. The actual application procedure will of course be unique to the accounting internship you are seeking, but here are a few general guidelines which can assist you in successfully acquiring the accounting internship which will embark you on your accounting career

Application guidelines to ensure a successful accounting internship

1. Creating the perfect Cover letter for your accounting internship application

The cover letter you submit with your accounting internship application should ideally be short, concise and to the point. Ensure you adapt your cover letter to suit the accounting internship you are applying for and never submit a generic cover letter. An important point to remember is to check and recheck your cover letter for spelling and grammatical errors prior to submitting your application as this may jeopardise even the best planned out internship application.

When creating your cover letter a good rule of thumb to follow is to limit your cover letter to a single page and break down all the information you provide into four paragraphs. The first paragraph should explain the purpose of the letter. The second paragraph should explain how your combination of education, experience and background has equipped you to positively contribute to the accounting internship position. In the third paragraph briefly state your interest in an interview and your plan for action. And finally in the fourth paragraph make a succinct statement thanking the accounting firm for considering your application to their accounting internship program.

2. Submit a resume which compliments your ability to successfully undertake the accounting internship challenge

It is imperative to submit a sound, professional resume when applying for an accounting internship. It is not just your accounting qualifications and experience that will show the accounting firm your capabilities. The overall content and layout of your resume will provide the accounting internship recruiters a glimpse into your personality as well as the way you approach your accounting career.

Do not make your resume too long and ensure you only include information that will add value to your accounting internship application. Always check and re-check your resume for any grammatical or spelling errors prior to submitting your application, and never ever send in generic photocopies of your resume, but rather make sure you’ve adapted your resume for the accounting internship at hand.

3. Stay ahead of competition and follow up on your accounting internship application

You need to make the accounting internship recruiters aware of how much this internship means to you. It is therefore a good idea to show your interest in the internship at hand and follow up on your initial application. However, some organisations do not encourage this sort of behaviour, whilst some organisations actually appreciate candidates who make the effort to follow up on an application. It is therefore always a good idea to learn a bit about the accounting firm in question and its organisational culture and climate prior to following up on your application.

4. Prove your self-worth during the accounting internship interview

The best way to prove your self-worth during an accounting internship interview is to be prepared. Briefly prepare answers for basic questions which would likely be a part of an internship interview, such as ‘Why are your interested completing an accounting internship with our organisation?’ It is also a good idea to thoroughly research the organisation to which you have sent your accounting internship application as this will not only help you appear knowledgeable and well prepared during the interview, but it will also assist you in guiding the interview towards any particular area of interest within the organisation.