So, it’s a bonafide brand new decade and the team at Inspiring Interns wishes you a happy New Year. Around the office people are striving to make 2010 their year, whether by giving up smoking (again), actually using that extortionate gym membership purchased last January, or simply thinking less and doing more.

Experts say the best way to achieve your new year’s resolution is to keep goals realistic and set measurable steps. If your resolution is to land your dream job you are unlikely to have one fall into your lap. An internship is the go-to route for most students and graduates to get ahead of the pack so here is our 5 point plan to help you on your way:

1. Make sure you and your CV are presented in the best way possible. Many candidates, especially those with very little work experience, miss out on jobs because of poor CVs. A main bug bear of recruiters are spelling and grammar mistakes so triple check this or it will go straight in the bin. Don’t sell yourself short either; bartending and supermarket work teaches great customer service skills but back this up with examples. Make sure your online persona is professional – it’s a good idea to ask yourself, “would I mind my mum seeing this?” before you put anything on the world wide web.
2. Keep up to date with world and industry news. Knowledge is power so read influential books such as Freakanomics, Socialnomics or Ogilvy on Advertising. Read newspapers and blogs daily and you’ll soon know who’s doing what to whom and how often! If you follow through with this you’ll reduce those ‘nod and smile’ moments significantly as well as have a starting point for the next step.
3. Actively seek out opportunities. Find three companies each week that you would like to work for and email their HR department to see if any internships are available. Check university job boards for new postings regularly. Of course, signing up to Inspiring Interns makes it easier by doing the leg work for you. It is a sure fire way to find opportunities a-go-go (check out our current vacancies here)!
4. Do something interesting. All work and no play makes you mind numbingly dull. Yes, you’re intelligent but so are other interns who want it just as much as you. Don’t forget that a lot comes down to how you’ll gel with the existing team. Make sure you seek out the extraordinary, socially and professionally, to give yourself an edge. For example, during the recession an ‘underground dining’ movement has really gained momentum. This point is particularly important for students who want to go into a planning role as you are expected to stay ahead of the game.
5. Don’t give up. Even though you may get what seems like endless rejections that slowly destroy your soul one ‘no’ at a time, have faith that at some point someone will say ‘yes’. Take knock backs graciously; you never know who you may end up working with in the future. Every rejection is an opportunity to learn what works and what doesn’t and most companies are very happy to provide feedback. As a former boss of mine once said, “If at first you don’t succeed, get a manicure, and try again!”