Job hunting as an international student may seem very hard, especially when you compete with local students who have no visa limits. I started my search without any contacts, with little work experience in the U.S. or any idea how to stand out. I learned some things that helped me get an internship - I hope they help you too.
Begin early. I applied five to six months before summer. Many companies set early deadlines, while CPT approval takes time, so do not delay.
Change your resume. I used jobscan.co to make my resume match each job description. A same resume does not work - employers expect a match.
Use LinkedIn well. I contacted alumni from my university who worked at companies I targeted. Most did not answer - a few offered useful tips, one even sent my name.
Practice questions for behavior interviews. I used the STAR method and stood before a mirror. It felt odd but proved useful. Good interview performance equals half the win.
Tell the truth about your visa. Some suggest keeping it hidden - I chose to mention it after my first talk. This saved time brought companies ready to support CPT.
It is hard but possible. I did not attend a top school nor rely on close contacts. Hard work proper study helped me succeed.