[insidious]

I've been diving deeper and deeper into polishing my resume, looking at different internship opportunities, figuring out if i want to do an internship or go for research, etc etc.

I figured I'd post here and see if any of ya'll got some input

Right now i'm a second-year CS major looking at getting an internship in the summer. I've been through my U's internship directory, looked at different internet tips, bla bla. I was wondering if any of you had any experience or tips for applying to jobs? I'm looking at basically any programming job, (though preferably something with Linux/ and C/C++/Python/Java) or some kind of security position.

This is my first time really applying for anything. I've never really legitimately done interviews before, or worked in a programming environment. I have some experience with WebDev but that was for a local business/freelance, as well as general programming freelance.

Here are my main issues:
Where else can I look for internship opportunities?
What can I do to improve my Resume?
How the hell do I win at the application? Cover letter? Etc.?
How to cater to a specific companies mission/culture?
Stand Out?

fuck. I'm so lost.

[Dyme]

I recently had to go through this process to get my current job and yeah, it is somewhat daunting at first. While my advice for what you should include regarding programming is rather limited, I can tell you what I did for my application for info security positions.

Some tips for a security application:

• Include any CVEs/vulnerabilities you have found
  
• Include any exploits/PoC/Security tools you have made
  
• Give examples of projects that PROVE you know what you claim to know
  
• Explain why you are unique/more valuable than everyone else applying
  
• The more information the better
  

As a basic guideline - your resume should be the place where you briefly mention your skills/achievements/capabilities, and your cover letter is where you can expand on that information. For example, on my resume I listed that I had found a certain vulnerability, and in my cover letter I explained how I found it and the impact it had on the vendor and my career.

If anything is most important, it's making sure you STAND OUT. Employers get flooded with applications and if you look the same as everyone else then you will get treated like everyone else (rejected). To do this, you have to prove to the employer that you have done/created something special. For example, one of the things I mentioned in my resume is that I had created xss2shell, a tool that leverages XSS to RCE on Wordpress/Joomla installations. This was beneficial because no tool designed with that purpose had ever been released before, demonstrating my creativity, as well as proving that I had in depth knowledge of a common vulnerability found in web applications. As mentioned previously I also discussed vulnerabilities I found and exploited through unconventional means, in order to demonstrate that I could think 'outside of the box' and be a valuable asset to any security team.

If you don't have anything great to put on your resume yet that's perfectly fine, as you still have some time before the summer. But I would HIGHLY recommend you start working on something that will "wow" your employer. For info sec: Find a vulnerability in some open source software and report it. Participate in bug bounties. Create a tool that can be used for vulnerability discovery/exploitation. As far as programming goes, program something that could be of value and isn't already freely available. I wish I could be more specific for you, but like I said I'm more security oriented as opposed to programming.

As far as places to look, the only place I could really recommend is the r/netsec hiring thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/netsec/comments...ty_hiring/. It's mainly security focused but it's where I got my job and I do often see listings for programmers as well. You can also use sites like indeed/monster but I've found that employers on there are less responsive/interested.

If you wanna talk more I'd be glad to help. Send me a PM and we can talk over Discord or XMPP. GOOD LUCK WITH THE APPLICATION PROCESS ITS STRESSFUL AS FUCK LMAO.

[Aeolian]

I am actually currently writing a simple but effective ebook on how to create a stand out cover letter, mind if I use a few things you mentioned? valid points you made.

[millionandbell]

I am actually currently writing a simple but effective ebook on how to create a stand out cover letter, mind if I use a few things you mentioned? valid points you made.

I'd love to read this ebook he created, is it still a work in progress?

[Aeolian]

I am actually currently writing a simple but effective ebook on how to create a stand out cover letter, mind if I use a few things you mentioned? valid points you made.

I'd love to read this ebook he created, is it still a work in progress?

Still working on it, yes.

[mothered]

@"Dyme" has made some very valid points, I'd certainly take them under advisement.

In terms of your Resume "standing out" (more so prioritized) , If possible, don't send It via email. There may be hundreds of applicants, and emails tend to get overlooked In one's Inbox- particularly when It's flooded with applications.. Fax It through ( or send It by post) and after a few days, call and ask If they've received your resume. They'll look for It, find It, and place It at the "top" of all other applications received, hence you'll be first In line.

[millionandbell]

@"Dyme" has made some very valid points, I'd certainly take them under advisement.

In terms of your Resume "standing out" (more so prioritized) , If possible, don't send It via email. There may be hundreds of applicants, and emails tend to get overlooked In one's Inbox- particularly when It's flooded with applications.. Fax It through ( or send It by post) and after a few days, call and ask If they've received your resume. They'll look for It, find It, and place It at the "top" of all other applications received, hence you'll be first In line.

That's how i got my first job when i turned 16, i called the place to check on my application, within the next few days i got an interview and then after i realized i hated that job i applied somewhere else and called a few days after i turned in my application, and then I got my interview, same day actually. Checking on your resume is a must in my opinion, it shows that you are proactive. Try to think like you are the employer, what would you want the applicant to have and what would get your attention?

[mothered]

 Checking on your resume is a must in my opinion, it shows that you are proactive. Try to think like you are the employer, what would you want the applicant to have and what would get your attention?

This Is some very good advice right here, couldn't have said It better myself.

Putting yourself In the employer's standpoint, Is great In terms of expectancy from his/her potential workers.

[insidious]

Holy shit guys, @"Dyme", @"Mothered", @"Aeolian", @"millionandbell" this is amazing advice. I didn't really expect this but i'm floored.

I'm going to be actually applying for positions starting in a week, and this will prove very useful.

[mothered]

I'm going to be actually applying for positions starting in a week, and this will prove very useful.

I'm glad that all posts with their advisement are of benefit to you.

There's nothing worse (as with myself) having to work In a job that's of no Interest whatsoever. I wish you all the very best, hope you nail your application and get the job thereafter.