How To Ace Your Co-op Application Process

Only 2% of co-op and internship applicants land interviews for competitive roles — but what if you could position yourself as part of that top tier? With the right preparation, execution, and follow-up, you can rise above the competition.

Drawing from my experience — securing 10 co-op offers in one round and ultimately landing a role on the social COE team at Cigna Healthcare, a Fortune 15 company — I'm here to share the strategies that can help you stand out and achieve your career goals.

Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success

When I began my co-op search, I realized the importance of taking charge of my development. My dream was to find a position that offered remote work, focused on social media and advertising, had a great company culture, and supported work-life balance. By following the strategies listed below, I turned that dream into reality:

Create Your Own Experience

Early in my college journey, I struggled to secure a traditional part-time job in my desired field. Instead of waiting for opportunities, I created my own — founding a social media agency. This gave me hands-on experience in content creation, client management, and analytics.

Take Online Courses and Certifications

To stand out, I added relevant certifications to my résumé. Many social media roles mentioned tools like HubSpot and Sprout Social, so I completed certifications within these platforms. Some excellent websites to register for free certifications include Forage, Coursera, and edX. This boosted my qualifications and gave me practical skills for interviews and on the job.

Research Your Dream Job

Before applying, I thoroughly reviewed job descriptions for roles that excited me. I noticed patterns in required skills — keywords like "targeted advertising" and "content strategy" stood out. I also researched my dream companies and roles to understand their values, mission, and culture, ensuring they aligned with my career goals. This research not only helped me prioritize the skills I needed to develop but also allowed me to tailor my applications to reflect the company's specific needs and stand out as a strong candidate.

Network Strategically

To create meaningful connections, focus on building genuine relationships rather than simply collecting contacts. Introduce yourself confidently and ask thoughtful questions. Show genuine curiosity, listen actively, and find common ground. The key to effective networking is following up after the event, staying in touch through email or LinkedIn, and cultivating relationships over time. 

Write a Cover Letter (Even if Optional)

Always write a cover letter, even if it's optional — it's your chance to tell your story and align your goals with the company's mission.

Leverage AI to Critique Your Résumé

Using AI tools such as ChatGPT, I refined my résumé by pasting it alongside my target job title to get feedback.

The Interview: Standing Out in the Moment

Here's how I approached mine: 

Prepare Your Space

For Zoom interviews, I organized my laptop screen with my résumé on one side, the interview window on the other, and a notes page open with keywords to reference during my responses. This setup helped me stay focused and ensured I addressed all the important details specific to the job. Additionally, don't overlook the basics — dress professionally and ensure your space has proper lighting.

Practice the Most Common Questions

• "Tell me about yourself?" — Share your professional journey in chronological order, key experiences and skills, and why you're excited about the role.
• "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" — Highlight relevant strengths with examples and discuss a weakness you're improving upon.
• "Why do you want to work here?" — Reference the company's mission or culture and connect it to your goals and contributions.

TIP: I asked a friend to help me by conducting a "mock interview." I gave them my document of questions and answers so that I could practice how I might respond in the interview.

Show Curiosity

I asked a handful of thoughtful questions. Be sure to not only ask questions about the job but also about the interviewer, company, and team. 

Write a Thoughtful Follow-up Email

After your interview, send a personalized thank-you email. Express your gratitude, reiterate your excitement for the role, and include a link to your portfolio or relevant projects to showcase your work.  

You Can Do This

During my first round of applications (A round), studying abroad made it difficult to prepare.  I received only one offer and one qualified  alternate (QA) ranking. I used this experience to improve.

For my B Round, I refined my résumé, practiced interviews, and leveraged AI tools. I secured 12 interviews, 10 job offers, and one QA offer — nearly a 90% success rate.

By following these steps, I landed my current role on Cigna Healthcare's social media team, a Fortune 15 company. This position aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. With preparation, execution, and follow-up, you can achieve your career goals too.