Are you looking for a job in UX design but are having no luck? Getting a user experience internship is competitive. The demand for these positions is increasing, leading hundreds of candidates to rush to one job listing.

You'll need to stand out among the rest if you want a shot at an internship in this field. Here are four tips for landing that UX design internship of your dreams this year.

1. Write a Showstopping Resume

A showstopping resume is what's going to get you into that interview. Therefore, make it the best it can be. Add valuable information, keep these points short, and of course - ensure everything written is grammatically correct. If you're unsure what the standout highlights to mention are, only include information that demonstrates you have made a strong impact.

When you get called in for an interview, use your resume as a guide. You may even bring your own copy and write small notes on the sides to remember to bring up key points. Mention your qualifications, experience, and why you're the best candidate for the job. 

2. Share Your Own Research Project

This next tip will take some time, but your future employer will see you're dedicated, hard-working, and a self-starter.

Find something which needs improving. It could be something in your city, a device you purchased, or even something you saw on a video. Whatever it is, find a way to improve the UX design experience and bring in a report of your work to the interview.

For instance, let's say you investigate a local company and notice their website content is not organized and their customer service is poor. Demonstrate to your potential employer a plan to improve UX if you were working for that company. Suggest a complete website overhaul with what you would change, including LiveChat and optimization strategies. Go above and beyond and make additional suggestions to improve the company as a whole, like integrating call center quality assurance software.

When you put so much thought into a hypothetical project, employers will see the effort you will bring to their own projects.

3. Job Search Engines and Job Boards

Job search engines can be exhausting but worth looking through for opportunities you might not have heard about through word of mouth. Check out the websites of companies hiring UX design and reach out to them. If they're not hiring, ask if they have an internship program. This is a great way to get your foot in the door.

Job boards are also very helpful. Many businesses, particularly in the tech industry, are eager to work with interns, freelancers, startups, and other emerging companies and post their job listings on these websites. Consider sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor.

4. Networking is Key

Many people have led the field of UX design: Greg Bernstein, Jen Romano Bergstrom, Indie Young, and Jared Spool, to name a few. If you're not following them on Twitter, you should be.

User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA) provides networking and professional development opportunities for UX practitioners worldwide and via local chapters. If there is one in your city, take part in this excellent opportunity to create a structure forlocal UX experts.

Get the Job of Your Dreams

If you're struggling to land a job in this competitive field, remember that UX design is in high demand. You might not land a job at your first choice, but there are hundreds of other employers who need people just like you.

Until you're finally hired, keep learning about UX design, stay polished, continue to fill out applications, but most of all, remain positive and don't give up!