Here at the bakery we offer an internship program.  It is a very competitive program to try and get into.  We take on many students from the French Culinary Institute, Culinary Institute of America, Johnson & Wales and many other accredited pastry programs.  While most of the submissions I get follow our directions for the application process, I have to say some of the others need a little work.

Yes, today is another post where I am going to get on my soapbox and wax poetic about the dos & don’ts of submitting for an internship. (I hope you don’t mind…)

DO:

– Have a resume (It should be well written, no spelling mistakes and proper grammar.)

– When submitting a letter of recommendation from a pastry chef instructor, it should be on school letterhead with a signature.

– Show up for your trail date on time; research your directions to the location before hand.

– Show us a few examples of your best work.  It does not have to be a cake, but it should be well executed and something you are proud of.

DON’T:

– Write me a cover letter in “text speak” or with no capitalization or punctuation. (This is EXTREMELY unprofessional!)

– Do not send me links or Power Point presentations when I specifically have asked for a few samples of your best work.

– Do not lie about your previous internships or schooling.  We are a very small industry and we kind of all know each other.  We do call to check out references.

Before you even come into trail you are “auditioning” for the intern position.  This starts with the first email that is sent.  Keep in mind that a first impression is everything and that starts with your application process, not when you physically walk through the door to trail for the day.  I read a lot of resumes and see a lot of photos of work.  I have seen some really great things.  However, had to question many applications that come across my desk because of spelling mistakes or writing as if you are texting on a mobile phone.  Right off the bat this shows me you that you don’t take the extra effort to make sure you are presenting us with the best possible package, which is yourself.  We produce an exemplary product at the bakery and if you want to be a part of that team, you need to show us your skills upfront.  This starts with the submission of your paperwork to the bakery.

I am jumping off the soapbox now…