This Strategy Is Underrated for Getting Internships in 2025

Someone in your batch has already landed their summer internship 

While you’re still waiting for your turn.

Someone in your batch just got confirmation of their summer internship 

While you’re still waiting for your turn

It might be, you’ve applied to 200 places but have not heard back a single thing. 

And now we’re in the 2nd Week of May, and you’re thinking, is this it? 

Am I too late? 

Well, I am not gonna lie, major companies did close their hiring back in September-January, but there are companies still hiring, yes, even in this market. 

So, before you start comparing yourself and feel bad that you’re not up to it, let’s stop and change our approach. 

Because I see this all the time, deserving and powerhouse students like you are not getting seen because of the wrong method of application. 

I know this because I keep talking to students at meetups, conferences, events, calls and every chance I can get. 

Here are some of my conversations, 

1) Pranjal’s Story
2) Maya’s Story
3) Siddhi’s Story

So, what is the right strategy? 

Let’s break it down step by step…

Also, just like this strategy that I am going to share with you, I share multiple other tested ways to network, tweak your resume, and strategize to land an interview at your dream company in my ULTIMATE JOB HUNTING COURSE. 

1. Fix the non-negotiables as quickly as possible. 

► Make a One‑page résumé, U.S. style

– Header: name | U.S. phone | email | city | “CPT ready May 20 2025.”

– Each bullet: Result → Action → Tool in 20–25 words.

– Save the file as `Name-Role-May2025.pdf` so it’s crystal‑clear to recruiters.

► LinkedIn reset

– Headline: “MS CS ’25 | Data & Backend Projects | CPT May 2025.” (Example)

–About: three lines on each of these, the problem you solve, the stack you use, and proof (impact metric).

(Here’s a post on LinkedIn optimization)

►Simple tracker

–Open a Google Sheet with columns: 

–Company | Role | Applied (Y/N) | DM Sent (Y/N) | Follow‑Up Date | Status.

–Update it every night. If you can’t measure, you can’t improve.

It will take 2-3 hours, give or take, do it before you hit the bed. 

2. Filling the funnel with applications

So far, we have gotten the basics out of the way; from this point, let’s focus on the applications and how we’re going to apply them. 

Our Goal: 5–10 tailored applications and 10–15 focused DMs each weekday.

A. Daily Job Hunt 

1/ Open LinkedIn → Jobs.

2/ Top bar → type “Software Intern” (or your role).

3/ Left panel filters:

+Date posted: Past 24 hours

+Experience level: Internship

+Job type: Internship

+Location: “United States” (or target city)

4/ Hit “Show results.”
5/ Right‑click + open the first 10 fresh postings in new tabs.

You can also use this resource to get access to fresh job listings and apply from the Jobright platform itself. 

B. Resume Tailoring

1/ Skim the Responsibilities + Skills section.

2/ Pick 3–5 exact verbs/nouns (e.g., “Python, ETL, Snowflake”).

3/ Replace matching words in your top résumé bullet truthfully.

4/ Save as `YourName-Role-May2025.pdf`.

C. Apply & Log (2 min each)

1/ Click “Apply.”

2/ Upload the freshly saved résumé.

3/ Add the job to your Google Sheet tracker: Company | Role | Applied (Y) | Date.

D. Warm DM to Re‑posters (5 min total)

1/ On the opened job tab, check the people you can reach out to section

2/ Go to the LinkedIn profile of the hiring manager

3/ Send this 3‑line DM (edit brackets):

Hey, noticed you shared the [Role] opening today.

I’ve built [1‑line project + tool] and can start on CPT 20 May.

Open to a quick 10‑min chat this week? 

(Here’s another post on networking templates)

E. Mark DM Sent (Y) in the tracker

1/ Set Job Alert Once (1 min)

2/ In LinkedIn search results, toggle “Job Alert ON.”

3/ Choose Daily email at 7 am local time, fresh leads while you sleep.

4/ Daily Checklist (print & stick near your screen)

– 10 fresh postings filtered

–10 tailored résumés sent

–10 reposter DMs fired

– Tracker updated before lunch

– 30 min project work

Hit those five ticks = measurable progress, zero guesswork.

Stick to the script, iterate fast, and watch replies land in your inbox.

3. Warm outreach (very underrated)

Your network grows fastest when you step outside your dorm room.

A. Attend one event a week

Local meetups (DevFest, React Summit, BSides) or virtual if travel is tight. Aim to ask one thoughtful question during a session; people remember the voice that engaged.

B. Two‑minute résumé feedback ask

Walk up to speakers or sponsors:

“Loved your point on X topic. Could I grab two minutes of feedback on my résumé? I’m looking for a ten‑week CPT stint.”

They glance, they comment, and now you have permission to follow up.

C. Follow Up

Connect on LinkedIn that night: mention the specific tip they gave you.

Within 48 hours, email your updated résumé with a light ask:

“If your team needs an extra pair of hands this summer, I can start May 20.”

Track contacts, set reminders, and keep the chain alive.

4. Landing that internship

You’ll know the system is working when recruiters start replying.
Here’s how to make sure the call converts into a positive outcome. 

A. Technical prep, you can’t skip

Daily 30 minutes of working on your current skills 

Weekly mock interview with a peer; record and watch your thinking process.

Practice explaining a project end‑to‑end: goal, tech stack, impact.

B. Behavioral answers

“Tell me about yourself.” 

→ 45–60 seconds: present role, one key project, why this internship.

“Why our company?” 

→ Refer to a specific product, news release, or value you align with.

C. Close every conversation

Reply to recruiter emails within two hours.

Same‑day thank‑you notes: highlight a takeaway from the interview and one way you’ll add value in the role. Stick to the 5-10 applications / 10-15 DMs morning routine until an outcome comes out of it. 

 If June arrives and you’re still empty‑handed, pivot:

1. Target Fall co‑ops, budgets reset in July.
2. Propose a paid remote project to a Series A start‑up: automate one process in eight weeks.
3. Grab a campus RA or TA position to refresh your résumé bullets.

Rejections hurt, but a full pipeline cushions the blow.

Be prepared, I am rooting for you. 

Also, just like this strategy that I shared with you, I share multiple other tested ways to network, tweak your resume, and strategize to land an interview at your dream company in my ULTIMATE JOB HUNTING COURSE. 

We’ve got more than 1800+ international students like you in the job hunting community, so if you’re still struggling and want a hand to help you out. I am there, just come :)

Until Next Time, 

Keep pushing, smiling, and hustling. 

Yudi J