Internship selection process - reasonable?

[Anonymous]

I got almost a hundred applications for an internship later this year, which is a massive increase from my last few. Normally I'd go through the applications, interview my top 4-6,and select one.

This time I went through with a scoring rubric and 24 were above my cutoff. This is obviously too many and I need to narrow it down, but I'm also thinking a multi-step process would help - i.e. reach out the 24, confirm whether they're actually available on the schedule we need, and ask for a writing sample to help decide who to interview. I'm just not sure this is reasonable for what's basically a 6 month job, I feel the hiring process shouldn't be too burdensome for a short term training-oriented position. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

I’m no expert, but my DC applied for internships this past year at places that attract lots of applications and they had processes that were clearly intended to weed out those who were not really interested. Must provide multiple essays, original transcripts, multiple letters of recommendation (including one from a professor) etc. They also required that the applicant provide dates that they are available. If the internship is highly sought after (and it sounds like it is) then what you’re suggesting is not unreasonable. I do think a lot of kids are just shotgunning resumes out - I’ve heard some sending out 100+ - so you do need some way to figure out who is willing to put in at least a minimal amount of effort.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m no expert, but my DC applied for internships this past year at places that attract lots of applications and they had processes that were clearly intended to weed out those who were not really interested. Must provide multiple essays, original transcripts, multiple letters of recommendation (including one from a professor) etc. They also required that the applicant provide dates that they are available. If the internship is highly sought after (and it sounds like it is) then what you’re suggesting is not unreasonable. I do think a lot of kids are just shotgunning resumes out - I’ve heard some sending out 100+ - so you do need some way to figure out who is willing to put in at least a minimal amount of effort.

Thanks. Out of curiosity were these highly paid internships likely to lead to full time job offers like for law students? Unfortunately mine is not- that awful combo of highly sought after and competitive, to get into a low paid nonprofit type field with no defined path to permanent hire. (Yes, I'd probably change my own life decisions in hindsight.) I feel like more intensive processes are more appropriate for internships that turn into career jobs.

At this point my plan is to weed down the 24 to 10-12, then do an availability check and ask for a writing sample, then interviews