What Recruiters Want in Interns: Advice from Career Services

Wondering why your internship applications aren’t getting a response? Or maybe you're applying for your first internship and want to get it right?  

As one of the Directors of Employer Relations at St. John’s University, I connect daily with recruiters eager to meet current students and support their early career journeys. While every company is different, I’ve noticed some common themes that come up repeatedly when hiring interns, regardless of industry. 

In this post, I’ll share some common qualities recruiters look for in interns and how to make your internship application stand out.  

What Qualities Do Recruiters Look for in Interns?  

So, what exactly are recruiters looking for when they hire interns? Take it from two hiring professionals who work closely with early-career talent: 

“For me, the best interns bring professionalism, strong communication, curiosity, and high energy, while presenting a willingness to learn. Those who show initiative, adapt quickly, and maintain a positive attitude really stand out. Those qualities often lead to long-term success.”  -Stewart Azor ’10CCPS, Inside Sales Manager, New York Yankees 

“Early-career candidates who demonstrate a strong work ethic, effective communication, a genuine desire to learn, and teamwork truly stand out to me as a recruiter. These qualities not only highlight their growth potential but also show their ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic work environment. This combination of interpersonal skills and dedication makes candidates memorable, signaling their readiness to contribute positively to our workplace culture.”  -Keith Hinds, Early Career Recruiting Senior Manager, Protiviti 

How to Make Your Internship Application Stand Out 

How can you ensure your application rises to the top in a sea of applicants? By taking a few key steps, you can help recruiters see your potential beyond the list of bullet points. 

Craft a clean, easy-to-read résumé. 

Formatting matters. Employers should be able to quickly scan your résumé and understand your experience. Beyond listing your responsibilities, aim to show what you did, how you did it, and why it mattered. Use bullet points that highlight outcomes, results, or skills gained. 

Use your cover letter to go beyond the bullet points. 

A common mistake is turning the résumé into a paragraph. Instead, your cover letter should offer something deeper: context, motivation, or a personal connection to the company or role that wouldn’t otherwise come across. This is your opportunity to share the reason behind your interest and help the employer see the person behind the application. 

Send a thoughtful follow-up. 

A thank you email after an interview can leave a lasting impression, especially when personalized. Try to send a note to each person you spoke with, referencing something specific from your conversation. 

Pay attention to spelling and grammar. 

This applies to your résumé, cover letter, and follow-up emails. Even minor errors can signal a lack of attention to detail. Always take the time to proofread. 

Maximize Your Internship Search   

Outside of résumés and cover letters, I’ve seen a few other strategies make a big difference in how students navigate their internship search:  

Exploring Unexpected Career Paths 

It's not uncommon for students to limit themselves to only the industries or roles they think they’re “supposed” to pursue. Internships are an opportunity to explore, not just to confirm what you like, but also to discover what you don’t. That’s a valuable part of the process. Sometimes students are surprised to find themselves enjoying a different path than initially planned. The key is being open to learning, even if a role or company doesn't match your dream job. 

Networking on Campus and Beyond 

Don't overlook the value of networking! Events like campus career expos, employer info sessions, and alumni panels are great opportunities to build connections and gain insight from people working in the field. Simply showing up, asking a question, or introducing yourself can make a strong impression and sometimes lead to unexpected opportunities. 

Leverage Your University's Career Services 

One of the best ways to land an internship is to tap into your university’s resources. St. John’s Career Services offers a dedicated platform where students can explore internship postings, register for employer events, and schedule one-on-one appointments for personalized career development support. 

The earlier you get involved, the more confident and prepared you’ll feel when the right internship comes along. 

Final Thoughts: The Key to Internship Success 

Internships are meant to be learning experiences. You’re not expected to have all the answers right away. What matters most is how you show up: prepared, curious, and open to growth. Every application, conversation, or opportunity to connect is a chance to learn more about yourself and where you want to go.