How to Land a Child Life InternshipCaroline Greene, CCLSSydney Lewis, CCLS

Application Packet

Resume● Organize and Personalize● Limit it to ONE PAGE. ● Align everything. Use a table if

necessary. ● Chronological order, present to past.● Check and double check for all

grammatical errors. Have another set of eyes look over it!

● Past tense .i.e. Helped, Facilitated, Created...etc.

● Traditional font, 10pt to 12 pt; largest thing should be your name.

● Margins appropriate to length of your resume. It's okay to manipulate them!

● Categories you can include, but do not have to:

a. Name and Contact informationb. Objectivec. Educationd. Child Life Experiencee. Volunteer Experience/Related

Volunteer Experiencef. Work Experienceg. Leadership Experienceh. Professional Experience (i.e.

applicable certifications, professional organizations, and conferences)

i. Research Experience

Cover Letter● Specific information i.e. mission

statement, something interesting ● Address to that child life team or

director. (Tip: Go to the hospital's internship page to see if they have an address you can use.)

● Incorporate the hospital's name ● ONE PAGE; composed of three

paragraphs. ● Don't be shy. Shine, brag and be

excited about this new opportunity. ● Discuss why you feel you would add

a great addition to their team. ● Future employees want someone

with big ambition and someone who isn't afraid to let their talents show.

● Name on top, same size as resume● Same font and size as resume, but

margins can be wider● Personal contact information aligned

right● Hospital contact information aligned

left● Addressed personally

o We recommend sending a cover letter to EVERY hospital you apply to. Personalize it based on that hospital. The tackiest thing you can do is send the wrong cover letter to the wrong hospital!

● Three paragraph structure● Hand signed by you on resume paper

Application Packet

Cover LetterResume

Child Life ApplicationHospital Requirements: Additional essays or

applicationLetters of Verification

CPR CertificationBackground Check

Interview

Interview Attire● Wear a suit, unless told business casual or to not dress up! ● Child Life Tip

o May have to get on the floor and play with a kiddo, go for the pants if you wear a suit

● Suit: o Skirts should be long enough to cover your thighs (preferably to your knees)

when seated and wear tights or hose! Tip: Try New York and Company or Kohl's if you are shopping on a budget!

● Rules on tops:o Collared shirt or a shirt with a high neckline. If you wear a sleeveless shirt

remember that you cannot take off your jacket during the interview.o Make sure your top isn't too tight or too loose.o Tuck in your top if needed.

Interview Attire● Jewelry:

o Simple is best. A nice watch, or simple necklace that isn't distracting to you is best.

o Pearl studs are always classic.● Shoes:

o Plain, clean, professional shoes are best. Remember you may be touring a huge hospital and be walking a lot.

o Heels should be no taller than about 2 1/2 inches.o Closed-toe shoes

● Hair: o Neat and well fixed. Naturalo Should not be in your face or where you are tempted to play with it.

● For Men: o Wear a suit, a long sleeved shirt (even in the summer) and a tie! o IRONED, clean and not wrinkled! o Dress socks and dress shoes

Preparing for Interview● Brush up on developmental theory● Have notepad and pen handy● Create portfolio● Turn off cell phone (unless it is a phone interview)

DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH ABOUT THE HOSPITAL. o Why you are interested in them?o Know something interesting about them so that you can refer to it

during your interview.o How did you find them? o Have they been in the news? o What specialties are they known for? o Keep your information organized so you do not mix up your

hospitals. o You should treat each interview and hospital like they are your

number one choice.

Interview TipsSkype1. Place with reliable internet connection and FREE FROM DISTRACTION2. Pick a spot with a plain or not very busy background. Never sit in front

of window. Check to see if your school's career office.3. Have in front of you: questions you want to ask at the end of the

interview, a working pen and a blank piece of paper.4. Dress for the occasion. 5. Be aware of technical difficulties. It may take time to set up correctly. Try

not to get frustrated or flustered if this happens.6. Smile and introduce yourself. Maintain eye contact. Also try not to

fidget.

Tip: Throw on some lip stick/gloss it changes your whole appearance through a webcam

Interview TipsPhone1. Reliable cell service, quiet, FREE from DISTRACTIONS. 2. Sit somewhere that you feel professional. Never have a phone interview

in a moving car. 3. Have in front of you: questions that you want to ask at the end of the

interview, a blank piece of paper and a working pen. 4. Be yourself, and be confident you know this stuff. Take time to answer

questions. If you need some time to think about a question simply say "that's a great question do you care if i take a minute to think about my answer." If you can't hear the person ask for clarification or say "can you please repeat that"

Tip: Just because the interview team can't see you doesn't mean they won't know if you are shuffling papers or through a book looking for an answer!

Interview TipsIn Person1. Totally different interview. Most likely last anywhere from 1-3 hours. 2. Eat a good breakfast, and stay hydrated 3. Dress professionally! Carry with you either a professional over the

shoulder bag, or a larger bag that looks more like a briefcase. 4. Clear directions. Parking information, directions once you get inside,

and contact person5. Turn your phone off. Introduce yourself. Feel free to ask questions on the

way. Try to get there early to use the restroom and freshen up. 6. Normally panel interviews. If you need some time to answer a question,

ask for it. If you need clarification, ask for it. Be confident! Bring a pen, paper, and your question list in your bag!

7. Tour the hospital. Another great time to ask questions and get comfortable in your surroundings. Make sure you ask about the tour.

Tip: If you have time and live near the hospital, make a trial run the night before so you know exactly where you are going. Don't live nearby? Check out the hospital's website for a virtual tour.

Questions to AskGet clarification and write it all down.

● Describe your internship program.

● How many and which rotations will I receive?

● Who will be my supervisor?● Is your program play based or

clinically based? ● Do you have a separate set of

assignments for your intern or do you go with what’s required from the university?

● What is the Dress code?● What shoes are allowed?● What are you looking for in an

intern?

Remember it’s YOUR internship. ● What experiences and resources

do you want to walk away with?● What is the percent passing rate

for previous interns taking the certification exam? Do you do exam preparation?

● Does your team do any community outreach projects or special events that I will be able to participate in our help out with?

● Is anyone on your team conducting any research currently?

● Do you provide in-services or other educational sessions for your interns?

After Interviews

1. How did it go? Write down all the information that they gave you about their program so you can refer back to it on offer day if they call.

2. Write a thank you note and get it in the mail asap

3. Hang up your suit or dry clean it if you are a chronic sweater.

4. Go eat ice cream

Offer Day

Offer Day AdviceRemember, the Child Life Council says that hospitals have until 5PM eastern time to call.The Child Life Council asks that internship candidates respond yes/no within 24 hours of receiving an offer.

● One offer: Accept it and start apartment hunting! ● Two offers: Go over your notes. Ultimately, choose the hospital

you feel like you are the best fit for, where you can learn and be your best self.

● More than two offers: Which hospital can offer you the best educational internship experience possible? Call people you know have worked or interned there in the past. Call your adviser at school for advice.

● None: Give yourself some time to be upset. Think about what you can do differently the next time around.

First Week as an Intern

● Get a good night’s sleep and EAT BREAKFAST!● Make sure you know where to park, parking

pass, etc. ● Don’t forget that paperwork you have to take to

hospital orientation. ● Have a water bottle! STAY HYDRATED. ● Get some good hand lotion and chapstick to

keep on hand. ● Take notes and soak up everything you can. ● Journal your experience so you can remember it

months later!

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