Are you interested in an internship at Facebook? Landing an internship at Facebook can be an incredibly valuable experience and offer a lot of insight into the tech industry, as well as the inner workings of one of the world’s most influential and innovative companies.
In this blog post, we’ll outline the steps you can take to increase your chances of landing an internship at Facebook, including how to research the company, how to build your skills, what it’s like to work there, and how to apply for internships.
What Internships Are Offered At Facebook?
Before taking any steps to land an internship at Facebook, it’s important to know what internship opportunities are available. Facebook offers a variety of internships across various departments. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Software Engineering: Interns work on projects related to areas such as mobile development, web development, infrastructure, and data science.
- Product Design: Interns work on user experience and design, prototyping, and user research.
- Data Science and Engineering: Interns work on projects related to data mining, machine learning, and natural language processing.
- Business and Marketing: Interns work on projects related to product management, marketing, and business strategy.
- Research: Interns work on projects related to artificial intelligence, computer vision, and natural language processing.
- Hardware and Infrastructure: Interns work on projects related to data center design and operation, network engineering, and hardware prototyping.
- Legal and Public Policy: Interns work on projects related to privacy, security, and intellectual property.
- Community Operations: Interns work on projects related to safety, policy, and community support.
If you want to learn more about any of these roles or any other internships offered at Facebook, or apply to any of these positions, check out their career page.
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How To Get An Internship At Facebook
- Research Facebook and the internships they offer
- Build your skills for the role that you want
- Prepare your resume and cover letter
- Apply to the internship(s) of your choice
- Prepare for the interview process
- Follow up after your interviews
These are the 6 steps to take if you want an internship at Facebook. If you follow these steps, prepare yourself well, work hard, and make a great impression with your interviews, I’m confident that you’ll land one of these internships!
1. Research Facebook And The Internships They Offer
Facebook is a social media and technology company founded in 2004. The company’s flagship product is the Facebook website, which allows users to connect with friends and family, share photos and videos, and participate in groups and communities.
In addition to the Facebook website, the company also owns other products and services, such as Instagram, WhatsApp, Oculus VR, and the Facebook Marketplace. Facebook’s mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together.
When choosing which internship at Facebook is right for you, it is important to consider your interests, skills, and career goals. Research the different departments and teams within Facebook and the types of projects they are working on to find a good fit.
Look at the responsibilities and qualifications listed in the internship descriptions and align them with your own skills and experiences. Networking with current or former Facebook employees can also be a good way to learn more about the company culture and the different teams.
It’s also important to consider the location of the internship as well as the duration of the program and the available time in your schedule before making a decision.
Facebook has multiple offices around the world, so you may want to consider the location of the office you would like to intern at. It’s worth noting that the availability of internships may vary depending on location, time of the year, and the current situation, so be sure to keep an eye on the Facebook Careers website for updates.
2. Build Your Skills For The Role That You Want
If you want to land an internship at Facebook, you have to remember that it’s very competitive. As such, you have to build your skills in order to stand out from the crowd and position yourself as an expert in your field, even though you’re still a student.
These are several ways that you can build your skills in order to land a competitive internship at Facebook:
- Learn relevant programming languages: Familiarity with languages such as Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript is often required for internships in software engineering and data science.
- Build a portfolio: Build a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your skills and experience in the field you’re interested in. This can include personal projects, open-source contributions, or class assignments.
- Participate in coding competitions and hackathons: Participating in coding competitions and hackathons can help you improve your coding skills and demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.
- Take relevant classes and complete online coursework: Take relevant classes or complete online coursework to gain knowledge in areas such as machine learning, data structures, algorithms, and computer science.
- Network: Network with current or former Facebook employees, or professionals in your field to learn more about the industry and stay up to date on the latest technologies and trends.
- Get hands-on experience: Try to get hands-on experience working on projects that align with the field you’re interested in. This could be through internships, co-op positions, or volunteer work.
- Show your passion: Participate in open-source projects, build your own projects, or participate in coding challenges. This will demonstrate your skills and commitment to technology and increase your chances of getting an internship at Facebook.
3. Prepare Your Resume And Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter are likely going to be the first impression that you give the hiring managers at Facebook. Therefore, it’s important to have these be very well crafted in order to make a great impression.
These are a few tips to consider when creating your resume and cover letter in order to make a great first impression:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific internship you’re applying for at Facebook. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities of the role, and use language and terminology specific to the field you’re applying for.
- Show your relevant skills and experience: Highlight any relevant skills and experiences that you have on your resume and cover letter. Provide examples of projects you’ve worked on, and if possible, include links to your portfolio or code samples.
- Emphasize your passion: Express your passion for technology, innovation, and/or the specific field you’re applying for in your cover letter. Explain what drew you to Facebook and the specific internship you’re applying for.
- Be concise and clear: Keep your resume and cover letter concise and easy to read. Use bullet points and simple language to make it easy for the hiring manager to quickly scan your application.
- Proofreading: Make sure to proofread your resume and cover letter multiple times to ensure that there are no errors or typos.
- Use the right format: Use a clean and professional format for your resume and cover letter, and make sure to save them in the correct file format (PDF is the most common)
- Follow the instructions: Make sure to follow the instructions provided on the Facebook Careers website, and submit all required materials, such as a resume, cover letter, and transcripts.
Example Cover Letter
Here is a great example of what a cover letter should look and sound like when applying for an internship at Facebook:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Today’s Date]
[Facebook Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Facebook Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Name of the Internship] internship at Facebook. As a highly motivated and dedicated individual with a strong background in [specific skills and experiences], I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to the team at Facebook.
I am particularly drawn to Facebook’s mission of giving people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. I am excited to apply my skills and experience in [specific field] to contribute to this mission and to learn from the talented professionals at Facebook.
I am currently a [year] student at [University name] pursuing a degree in [major]. I have gained valuable experience through my coursework, projects and internships, such as [specific skills and experiences]. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to work on [specific projects or technologies] at Facebook, as they align closely with my interests and skills.
In addition to my academic and professional experiences, I am also actively involved in the tech community. I have participated in several hackathons, open-source projects, and coding challenges, which have helped me to sharpen my skills and stay up-to-date with the latest technologies.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the team at Facebook and to learn from the best in the industry. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further in an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
4. Apply To The Internship(s) Of Your Choice
To apply for an internship at Facebook, you can visit their careers website and search for internships by location and field of study. Once you find a position that interests you, you can apply by submitting your resume and cover letter.
It’s also a good idea to research the company if you haven’t already and tailor your application to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with Facebook’s mission and values.
5. Prepare For The Interview Process
If your application is selected, you will likely be asked to participate in one or more interviews. Be prepared to answer questions about your qualifications, skills, and experiences, and to provide specific examples of your work.
Additionally, here are a few things you can do to prepare for the Facebook interview process for an internship position:
- Review the job description: Understand the responsibilities and requirements of the position you are applying for. This will help you prepare for questions about your qualifications and how you can contribute to the team.
- Brush up on your technical skills: Facebook is a technology company, so it’s important to have a good understanding of the relevant technical skills required for the position. Review any concepts or technologies that you may not be as familiar with.
- Practice behavioral and problem-solving questions: Facebook interviewers often ask behavioral and problem-solving questions to understand how you think and work. Practice answering these types of questions and come up with examples of how you have demonstrated skills like teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving.
- Prepare questions: Come up with thoughtful and relevant questions to ask the interviewer. This will show that you have done your research and are interested in the position.
- Dress professionally and be on time. Make a good first impression by dressing appropriately and arriving on time for the interview.
- Be yourself: Be honest, confident and be yourself. Show your enthusiasm for the company and the role.
6. Follow Up After The Interviews
After the interview, there are a few things you can do to express your appreciation for being considered for the role. There are many benefits to following up such as keeping yourself top of mind and leaving off with a good impression.
Here are some best practices for following up after an interview:
- Send a thank-you note: Sending a thank-you note or email to the interviewer is a good way to show your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position.
- Keep it professional: The thank-you note should be brief, professional, and well-written.
- Mention specific points from the interview: Include specific points from the interview that you enjoyed discussing, and how you think your skills and experience would be a good fit for the position.
- Timing is key: It’s best to send a thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview, while the interview is still fresh in the interviewer’s mind.
- Be patient: After the interview, it’s important to be patient and wait for a response. The hiring process can take some time, and following up too frequently can be viewed as impatient or aggressive.
- Follow up if necessary: If you haven’t heard back after a reasonable amount of time, you can follow up with a polite email or phone call to inquire about the status of your application.
- Keep a record: Keep a record of all the follow-up communications, so you can refer back to them if necessary.
Remember that following up is important to show your interest in the position, but do not be overly persistent. Follow up in a professional and polite manner.
What To Expect From Facebook’s Interview Process
The Facebook interview process typically includes a combination of phone screens, coding challenges, and on-site interviews. Phone screens often focus on technical skills and problem-solving abilities, while on-site interviews may include both technical and behavioral questions.
The number of rounds and specific format of the interview process may vary depending on the role and team for which you are applying. Overall, you can expect a thorough evaluation of your technical abilities and a strong emphasis on cultural fit with the Facebook team.
The Phone Screen
Phone screens at Facebook are often used as an initial step in the interview process to assess a candidate’s technical abilities. During a phone screen, you can expect to be asked a series of technical questions, which may include problem-solving or coding challenges.
These questions are typically designed to evaluate your knowledge of computer science principles, data structures, algorithms, and other key technical skills. You may also be asked about your experience working on specific technologies or programming languages.
The phone screen is usually done with an engineer or a technical recruiter, who will ask you some questions, and also give you a problem to solve. The problem is usually a coding problem and you can use a whiteboard or any online tool to share your screen. The interviewer will be looking at your problem solving skills, how you approach a problem, and also your coding style.
Overall, the goal of the phone screen is to determine whether you have the technical skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the role for which you are applying and to move on to the next step in the interview process.
The On-Site Interviews
On-site interviews at Facebook typically involve a combination of technical and behavioral questions. The technical portion of the interview is designed to evaluate your knowledge of computer science principles, data structures, algorithms, and other key technical skills.
You can expect to be asked a series of problem-solving or coding challenges, which may be similar to those covered during the phone screen. You may also be asked about your experience working on specific technologies or programming languages.
The behavioral portion of the interview is designed to evaluate how well you would fit in with the Facebook team and culture. These questions may focus on your experience working in teams, your communication skills, and your ability to handle ambiguity and change.
The interviewer may ask about your experience working on a project, your approach to problem solving, and how you handle conflicts with your colleagues.
Additionally, you may be interviewed by multiple people, including engineers, recruiters, and managers, depending on the role and team for which you are applying. During these interviews, they are also evaluating your fit with the team, your ability to work with others, and your ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Overall, the on-site interviews at Facebook are designed to be a comprehensive evaluation of your technical abilities, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit with the team.
The interviewers are looking for candidates who not only have the technical skills to excel in the role, but also the ability to work well with others and thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
What Is It Like To Work At Facebook?
Working as an intern at Facebook is a highly competitive and rewarding experience. Interns at Facebook have the opportunity to work on projects that have a direct impact on the company and its users.
They work alongside experienced engineers and have access to cutting-edge technology. Interns also have the opportunity to participate in networking events, workshops, and other activities that allow them to build connections with other interns and employees.
Additionally, they get to attend weekly speaker series and learn from some of the best engineers and industry leaders. Overall, interning at Facebook is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience, build connections, and learn from some of the best in the industry.
According to Chau H. Tran explains the pros and cons (which are actually just pros in disguise) of interning at Facebook:
When To Apply For An Internship At Facebook?
The best time to apply for an internship at Facebook is generally in the fall or early winter, as the company usually starts recruiting for its internship program several months in advance. Most internships are for the summer period, so the applications will be open at least 6 months before the internship starts.
However, it is recommended to check the company’s career website for the specific dates and deadlines for internship applications, as they may vary from year to year. Also, it’s worth noting that some positions may be open year-round, so it’s always a good idea to check the career website regularly.
Additional Tips
At this point, you should have an excellent idea of what it will take to get an internship at Facebook. However, there is always more than you can do to set yourself apart which may be a good idea when considering how competitive these roles are.
Here are a few additional tips in order to help you beat the odds and land the internship.
Show Off Your Skills
Highlight any relevant skills and experiences that you have on your resume and cover letter. Provide examples of projects you’ve worked on, and if possible, include links to your portfolio or code samples.
Network With Current And Former Facebook Employees
Reach out to current or former Facebook employees to learn more about the company culture and to get an insider’s perspective on the application process.
Show Your Passion
Make sure to communicate your passion for technology, innovation, and/or the specific field you’re applying for in your cover letter and during interviews.
Take Initiative
Show your initiative by contributing to open-source projects, building your own projects, or participating in coding challenges. This will demonstrate your skills and commitment to technology and increase your chances of getting an internship at Facebook.
If you have an opportunity to participate in hackathons, open-source projects, or other activities that show your commitment to the field you’re applying for, make sure to mention those in your application.
Be Persistent
The application process can be competitive and time-consuming, so be persistent and don’t give up. If you don’t get an internship the first time, try again in the future or apply for a different role.
Final Thoughts
Getting an internship at Facebook can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By researching the company, building your skills, and putting your best foot forward in your application, you increase your chances of standing out among the many applicants.
Remember that the internship is also an opportunity for you to determine whether Facebook is the right fit for you and whether you want to pursue a career in the tech industry. With hard work, determination, and a bit of luck, you could be on your way to an internship at Facebook in no time!
