BEND, Ore. - TelAve -- The landscape is so competitive that large companies have already started posting internship applications and recruiting for next summer, so it's never too early to start researching and applying for internship opportunities.

1) Start your search a minimum of six months from your target start date.

2) Contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation department office to inquire about paid summer work opportunities and find out if you qualify for VR Services.

3) Make an appointment with your school's career center. Talk to a counselor or job coach about your goals for a summer internship, and find out if companies are recruiting through the career center.

4) Determine the type of internship you'd like to have, and how much you are willing to compromise to get the experience.

5) In what field do you want to gain exposure and work experience?

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If you are an accounting major, you can reach out to CPA firms near where you live, as well as to the accounting departments of local companies.

6) Identify companies where you'd like to intern.

7) Update your Resume and Create a Cover Letter specifically for internship applications.

8) Search www.workability.one and your target companies' websites for internship opportunities. If you don't see any internships posted, find the email address for the Human Resources department and send a message asking when applications will be available. Some companies have a general job application they use to collect resumes from prospective applicants. Attach a copy of your resume and ask if they will keep your information on file.

9) Attend job fairs and leave an internship-specific resume with company representatives.

10) Volunteering is a viable alternative to an internship. If you haven't secured an internship four months before your target start date, you should start submitting volunteer applications with local non-profit associations.

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11) Return Voicemail and Email Messages as quickly as possible, preferably within 24 hours. Activate the auto reply feature on your email  with a note that says, "Thank you for your email message. I'll get back to you within 24 hours."

12) Send thank you emails – or better yet, mail handwritten notes –  to anyone who has helped you in your search, especially if they work at one of the companies where you hope to intern or volunteer. Writing a thank you note is not like writing a text – it requires complete sentences, capitalization and punctuation.

Find more tips and recommendations on how to improve your job search strategies at https://www.workability.one/resources and https://www.workability.one/work-resources.

To search for internship and entry-level positions, visit our inclusive job board www.workability.one.