How to Write a Great Resume for Internships

How to Write a Killer Internship Resume

Landing an internship? It's tough, but so worth it! Think of it: real-world experience, a boost for your future job hunt. And the key? A fantastic resume. This guide will help you craft one that grabs recruiters' attention.

Internship Resumes: The Lowdown

Your internship resume isn't like a resume for a full-time job. You probably don't have tons of work experience yet. That's okay! Show off your skills and positive attitude. Think extracurriculars, volunteer work, even personal projects. These show you're ready to learn and contribute.

What Makes an Amazing Internship Resume?

1. Contact Info: Put your name, number, email, and LinkedIn (if you have one) at the top. Keep it clean and professional.
2. Summary/Objective (Optional): A short summary of your skills and goals for this specific internship is great. Or, you could use a more traditional objective statement – what you want from the internship. Choose what works best.
3. Education: Your school, degree, major, GPA (if it's above 3.5), when you graduate, and any awards. High schoolers? Focus on your GPA and relevant classes.
4. Experience: This is huge. Even if you don't have a lot of "real jobs," you have something.
   • Part-time jobs: Show off skills like teamwork and communication. Did you handle customers well? Mention it!
   • Volunteer work: This proves you're dedicated and have skills. What did you learn?
   • Extracurriculars: Leadership roles? Teamwork? Project management? Brag about your accomplishments!
   • Personal projects: Show initiative! Did you build a website? Write a blog? These show you're proactive.
   Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe your accomplishments. Use numbers to show your impact – "Increased sales by 15%," for example.
5. Skills: List both hard skills (like coding or using software) and soft skills (like communication and teamwork). Match these to the job description.
6. Awards and Honors (Optional): Any awards or scholarships? Include them! It shows you excel.

Tips and Tricks for a Wow-Factor Resume

Your resume is your personal advertisement. Make it shine!

• Action verbs: Start each bullet point with strong verbs like "managed," "developed," or "analyzed."
• Quantify your achievements: Use numbers! "Increased efficiency by 20%," for instance.
• Tailor it: Customize your resume for each internship. Read the job description carefully!
• Proofread carefully: Typos are a big no-no. Get a friend to check it too!
• Use keywords: Include words from the job description. This helps Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) find your resume.
• Professional format: Use a clean font like Times New Roman or Arial. Keep it consistent.
• Keep it concise: Aim for one page, especially if you're just starting out.

Keywords That Work

Using the right keywords is important. Here are some examples, but remember to adjust them to the specific job:

Technology Internships:

• Software Development
• Programming Languages (Java, Python, etc.)
• Web Development
• Data Analysis
• Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cloud Computing
• Cybersecurity
• Agile methodologies
• Software Testing

Marketing Internships:

• Digital Marketing
• Social Media Marketing
• Content Marketing
• SEO/SEM
• Email Marketing
• Market Research
• Brand Management
• Marketing Analytics
• Copywriting
• Public Relations

Finance Internships:

• Financial Modeling
• Investment Banking
• Financial Analysis
• Accounting
• Auditing
• Risk Management
• Corporate Finance
• Data Analysis (financial data)
• Excel Proficiency
• Bloomberg Terminal

Always check the job description! Make sure your keywords match.

One Last Look

Before you send it, ask a friend, teacher, or career counselor to look it over. A fresh perspective can catch mistakes. Remember, your resume is your first impression!

Your Internship Awaits!

Putting together a great resume takes work, but it's an investment in your future. By following these tips, you'll boost your chances of getting that interview – and landing your dream internship. Good luck!