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December 06, 2025
What Recruiters Look for in Internship Applicants (That Students Overlook)
Back to News and Updates
Internships in Kenya have become extremely competitive. With thousands of students graduating every year and only a limited number of openings, standing out takes more than just having a degree or a course certificate. Many students approach internships the wrong way, focusing only on grades, technical skills, or the name of their university. But recruiters look for much more.
Back to News and UpdatesThe truth is simple: most Kenyan students overlook the qualities that recruiters value the most.
Let’s break it down.Understanding the Recruiter’s Mindset
The Purpose of Internships for Companies
Internships are more than experience for you - they allow recruiters to assess whether you can grow into a valuable employee.
Identify future talent
Fill simple but important tasks
Train interns in internal systems
Reduce hiring risksWhat Recruiters Want vs. What Students Think They Want
Students often believe recruiters want straight A’s, fancy English, and a perfect CV. In reality, recruiters prioritize:
Reliability
Teachability
Clear communication
A positive attitude
Core Qualities Recruiters Prioritize
Basic Job Readiness
Willingness to start with basics
Communication Skills
Expressing ideas clearly
Responding on time
Listening before replying
Reliability and Punctuality
Consistency matters - late is still late
Ability to Follow Instructions
Learning quickly by following guidance
Skills Students Often Overlook
Soft skills over hard skills - teamwork, attitude, listening
Adaptability and willingness to learn
A problem-solving mindset
Importance of Presentation
A clean, simple one-page CV
Professional email and phone etiquette
Dressing clean, simple, and presentable
Attitude and Trainability
Humility - avoid acting like you know everything
Eagerness to grow by asking for guidance and seeking tasks
Respecting the work environment and staying focused
Understanding the Company
Know what the company does
Understand their customers and values
Align your interests with the company’s goals
Ask smart questions about growth and team structure
Practical Experience and Exposure
Volunteer work that shows initiative
School projects, clubs, and leadership roles
Online certifications that strengthen your CV
Digital Presence
Clean and professional social media profiles
Updated LinkedIn profile
Portfolio or work samples where applicable
Mistakes That Turn Recruiters Away
Poor communication or ignored emails
Overconfidence or lack of confidence
Sending the same CV to every opportunity
How to Stand Out in a Competitive Market
Build a simple, consistent personal brand
Write a strong, tailored cover letter
Follow up professionally after applying
In Summary
Recruiters do not expect interns to be perfect. They look for people who are willing, teachable, respectful, and reliable. When you focus on attitude, communication, presentation, and preparation, you dramatically improve your chances of securing internship opportunities.
Hundreds of internships, attachments, jobs, and scholarships are listed regularly. SSA Tenacity does not charge application fees unless stated.
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