Intern Insider X BobaTalks (Part 1)

Welcome to Intern Insider!

Today, we’re bringing you Part One of an exclusive conversation with Jeff Nguyen, a former recruiter at Google and Amazon and the founder of BobaTalks. If you’re a university student looking to land an internship, we know how much hard work it can be. Keep reading to find out if you’re making some common mistakes in your applications, if writing that cover letter is really worth it, and the importance of networking, all from an industry professional who’s been on the other side of the recruiting process.

About BobaTalks:

BobaTalks is a nonprofit organization that helps students navigate their early career and personal development. Find mentors from technical and non-technical backgrounds, access resources, and join the BobaCommunity on Discord to engage with like-minded individuals!

What are some common mistakes you've seen students make during the internship application process, and how can they avoid them?

Jeff: Recruiting seasons are incredibly time-sensitive. A common mistake students make is taking too long to apply because they want their resume to be perfect, they’re waiting to optimize their website, a referral, or just procrastinating. Internships are often cohort-based and are continuously worked on until every last seat is filled - creating a loose first-come, first-serve nature in this high-volume space. 

To avoid this, I encourage my students to network the quarter before the recruiting season, activate referrals when needed, and apply with an already-optimized, peer-reviewed resume ASAP. Most companies allow retroactive referrals, and for those that don’t, you can reapply with a different email.

How much of an advantage do early birds have when it comes to internship applications? Is there truly a golden window for applying that can significantly boost your chances?

Jeff: Applying early provides a significant advantage. Internships are like any large project or program, with limitations on the number of people working on them, a budget, available seats, and a timeline that is beyond your control.

Most large companies do not structure internship recruiting by opening a role, waiting for a specific number to apply, closing it, and then interviewing the best candidates. This approach wouldn’t work in a high-volume space with limited interviewers and a short interview period.

Internships at most companies operate on a rolling requisition basis, meaning candidates are managed as they apply until all available "seats", or headcount, are filled. 

Once the headcount is met, there are no seats left, no time left for interviews, and no available interviewers (who have their own work to attend to). At this point, no matter how qualified or referred you are, there simply won’t be an opportunity to interview.

When it comes to internship applications, what sets apart a good project from a bad one in the eyes of recruiters at top companies like Google and Amazon?

Jeff: Recruiters look for certain signals or green flags. Positive signals include projects that are complex and involve multiple technologies, making them a good first start. Projects that are relevant to the real world and of personal interest also stand out. Conversely, red-flag projects are often those done inside a classroom that lack depth and originality. These are common and generally not enough.

Let's talk cover letters. Are they just a formality, or do companies like Google and Amazon actually take the time to read them? And if they do, what are they looking for?

Jeff: This is my hot take on cover letters: just do them. At the end of the day, cover letters are relatively low-lift to create, take little time, and have a great payoff when they are read. While it’s true that in high-volume spaces like Big Tech, the chances of your cover letter being read are slim, the option of uploading one allows you to add more context and color to your candidacy. If your cover letter is read, it can really set you apart, especially at smaller spaces like startups, clubs, and small businesses. 

Cover letters should provide context to your candidacy—it should allow the reader to understand how you directly relate to the role and include information that isn’t necessarily on your resume. If your resume/experience is limited, you can use it to provide more details about the things on your resume.

How important is networking in securing internships at top companies like Amazon and Google, and do you have any tips for effective networking strategies?

Jeff: Securing referrals is not too difficult. Thanks to websites, clubs, alumni programs, and kind people, it’s not uncommon for students to secure referrals during recruiting season. However, because internship hiring is high-volume and cohort sizes are very small, having a referral does not guarantee you’ll go through the interview process.

That said, having a referral is still better than not having one. However, other elements of the internship hiring process matter more, such as projects, resume content, and applying early.

Networking is important to secure and activate referrals when appropriate. It also allows you to learn about the company, its projects, and the hiring process, which can be valuable context.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of Intern Insider x BobaTalks, where we’ll learn more about the interview process at Amazon and Google, what makes a successful candidate, and some crucial advice for all students. Mark your calendars and join us next week for more with Jeff Nguyen!

Continue reaching for the stars and remember, the best is yet to come.

Warm regards,

The Intern Insiders Team 🚀