<p>I would really like to try to get an internship at a local business this summer. But I am not exactly sure how to go about doing this. I know I need to send out a letter to some companies. But do I only send out one letter than wait for a response or can I send out more than one. I need advice!</p>
<p>You can definitely send out more than one. As many as possible in fact to raise your chances of getting one.</p>
<p>But customize the letter to each. If it looks like a form letter, the companies won't take it seriously. It is more work but it pays off.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the response. Should I send a resume with a letter? Have you gotten an internship over the summer when in high school? I am afraid I will not appeal to any businesses because I am still in high school. What are the chances the internship will be paid?</p>
<p>You should send a resume with the letter but because you don't have much relevant experience, the important thing will be the cover letter. Showing enthusiasm and desire to learn are what will make them take you seriously in spite of the fact you're in high school. That said, yes, they may not want to hire a high school student. Or they may just not have any opportunities that would be appropriate for you. That's why the more places you try the better.
I didn't get an internship while in high school, but I know many people who have. Smaller, local businesses are better than larger ones usually and if you have a contact at one of them that would really help. (I have gotten several internships through friends of the family or people my parents know.) Also, if you are comfortable with it, you might call to follow up on the letters a couple weeks after you send them, they might take you more seriously that way and you might get an answer more quickly.
As for paid, most internships aren't and in your situation the chances are slim. The experience is often worth it though. I've been in my current internship for eight months now and will be working for the same organization in a different office this summer. I don't get paid but already it has opened a lot of doors for me and it just may help me get my first job. </p>
<p>Good luck</p>
<p>I sent out a lot of letters yesterday. Now I am wondering, being very hopeful, if more than one company says they will have me as a summer intern how exactly do I say no?</p>
<p>Tell the one[s] you are rejecting thanks for their time but you have accepted a position elsewhere. Do it by email if you want, sometimes that's easier.</p>
<p>Just to update everyone. I actually got a letter back today! I sent out my letters 2 days ago so I am really excited. I sent out 40 letters so now I am nervous on how much will actually respond. But of course, just for fun, I sent some out to Merrill Lynch, Edward Jones, and UBS just to see. So probably more than 15 are long shots. Does an internship look good on a college app?</p>
<p>It can. However, you should be doing this because it interests you, perhaps your learn something, etc - not because it looks good on a resume or an application.</p>