How to Build a Strong Resume for Internships

Getting your foot in the door with an internship can be a game-changer for your career. But how do you make your resume shine when you're just starting out? Let's dive into the steps to build a strong resume that showcases your potential and lands you that internship.

Key takeaways

• Tailor your resume to each internship by aligning it with the job description
• Highlight your education, relevant skills, and experiences effectively
• Use a professional format and proofread meticulously to ensure clarity

1. Understanding the job description

It all starts with the job description. Carefully reading the internship listing helps you understand what the employer is seeking. By identifying the skills and experiences they're after, you can tailor your resume to match their needs.

2. Choosing the right format

Not sure which resume format suits you best? For internships, a combination (hybrid) format is often ideal.

This format balances your work experience and skills, making it perfect if you have limited professional experience but a strong educational background and relevant skills.

3. Starting with a strong summary or objective

Think of your resume summary or objective as your elevator pitch. Start with a brief statement that highlights your career goals and what you bring to the table. Tailor this section to the specific internship, and mention any academic honors or relevant work experience.

4. Highlighting education

As a student, your education is one of your strongest assets. Include your degree, major/minor, GPA (if impressive), relevant coursework, and any academic achievements.

If you're still pursuing your degree, note your expected graduation date. If you've received any scholarships or grants, be sure to include them under academic achievements.

5. Emphasizing skills

What skills make you a standout candidate? Highlight both hard skills (like programming languages, software proficiency, or data analytics) and soft skills (like communication, problem-solving, or time management). Use action verbs and, whenever possible, quantify your achievements to add impact.

"But I don't have much experience!" you might say. Don't worry—relevant experience comes in many forms.

Include internships, volunteer work, part-time jobs, or extracurricular activities. Focus on accomplishments and skills developed rather than just listing duties. Even unrelated jobs can demonstrate transferable skills like teamwork or leadership.

Compare private student loans now

TuitionHero simplifies your student loan decision, with multiple top loans side-by-side.

[@portabletext/react] Unknown block type "component", specify a component for it in the `components.types` prop

[@portabletext/react] Unknown block type "component", specify a component for it in the `components.types` prop

Compare Rates

6. Interests and hobbies

There’s long been a debate in the professional world about whether to include interests and hobbies on a resume. When I was searching for my first job, my resume listed my interest in track & field and running, which helped get me in the door with a recruiter who ran college track.

Not everyone is comfortable adding their personal interests to a professional document like a resume. Remember, though, that personalizing your resume can also help humanize you in the eyes of a hiring manager, which might boost your chances of landing a job.

7. Including keywords

Did you know that many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes? To get past the bots, include keywords from the internship listing throughout your resume, especially in the skills and experience sections.

8. Customizing each resume

It might be tempting to send the same resume everywhere, but customization is key. Tailor your resume for each application by emphasizing experiences and skills that align with the specific internship's requirements. This effort shows you're genuinely interested and increases your chances of an interview.

TuitionHero Tip

Looking to make your resume pop? Adding sections like Projects, Certifications, Leadership Experience, or Awards and Honors can showcase extra qualifications.

9. Networking and references

While not always required on a resume, having strong references can bolster your application. Engage in networking opportunities through school events, online platforms, or professional organizations. Establishing connections can lead to valuable references and even uncover hidden internship opportunities.

10. Proofreading meticulously

Don't let typos ruin your first impression. Thoroughly proofread your resume to catch spelling, grammar, and formatting errors.

Consider asking a friend, family member, or career advisor to review it as well. Remember, an error-free resume reflects your attention to detail.

Resume formatting tips

Presentation matters! Keep these tips in mind:

• Keep it to one page: Conciseness shows you can prioritize information.
• Professional header: Include your name and essential contact info.
• Easy on the eyes: Use white space, bullet points, and clear headings.
• Legible fonts: Stick to professional fonts at 10-11pt for content, 12-14pt for headings.
• Consistent formatting: Ensure all headings, fonts, and bullet points are consistent throughout.

TuitionHero Tip

Did you know that recruiters spend an average of only 6 seconds reviewing a resume? Making yours clear and impactful is crucial!

Dos and don'ts of building a strong resume for internships

Why trust TuitionHero

TuitionHero helps students craft standout internship resumes with tips on tailoring content, highlighting relevant skills, and using professional formatting. We guide you in showcasing your potential to secure the internship opportunities that pave the way for your career success.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How important is it to customize my resume for each internship application?

It's very important to customize your resume for each application. Tailoring your resume to the specific internship shows employers that you're genuinely interested and have the relevant skills they're seeking.

Should I include my GPA on my internship resume?

Including your GPA is optional. If your GPA is strong (typically 3.5 or above), it can be a positive addition. However, if it's lower, you might prefer to highlight other academic achievements or relevant coursework instead.`

Can I add volunteer work as experience?

Absolutely! Volunteer work is a great way to showcase your skills and commitment. It demonstrates initiative and can highlight transferable skills relevant to the internship you're applying for.

How can I stand out if I have little to no experience?

If you lack experience, focus on your skills, education, and any relevant projects or coursework. Participate in extracurricular activities, online courses, or personal projects related to your field. These can all provide valuable talking points on your resume.

Is it acceptable to use a creative resume design?

While creativity can help you stand out, it's crucial to maintain a professional appearance. Overly complex designs may be hard to read or incompatible with ATS software. Unless you're applying for a role in a creative field, it's best to stick with a clean, traditional format.

Final thoughts

Building a strong resume for internships might seem challenging, but with careful attention to detail and personalization, you can create a resume that stands out. Remember to align your resume with the internship requirements, highlight your education and skills, and present everything in a clean, professional format. Don't underestimate the power of networking and always be on the lookout for opportunities to improve. Good luck on your internship journey!

Source

• Sample Resume for Internship with Template and Examples
• Internship Resume Examples and Templates
• How to Write an Internship Resume
• Intern Resume Examples and Templates
• Internship Resume Guide