How to Write a Resume for an Internship: A Comprehensive Guide
Internships are vital for gaining real-world experience, developing skills, expanding professional networks, exploring career paths, and boosting employability. A well-crafted resume is essential for securing a desired internship. This guide provides a step-by-step process for creating an internship resume that impresses hiring managers.
Why Internships Matter
Internships help you gain real-world experience, develop industry-specific skills and enhance your professional network, all while exploring potential career paths and boosting your employability.
Choosing the Right Resume Format
Selecting a resume format that effectively highlights your skills and qualifications helps hiring managers see what makes you a great fit for the role. The choice of format depends on individual circumstances, career goals, and the internship requirements.
Chronological Resume Format
This format lists work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with the most recent job. It is suitable for highlighting prior work experience, such as a part-time summer role or an on-campus job.
Combination Resume Format
The combination resume format combines the chronological and functional formats, highlighting both work experience and skills. It is useful if you have relevant work experience and valuable skills gained through coursework, projects, or extracurricular activities.
Read also: Creating a Strong Student Resume
Functional Resume Format
This format focuses on skills and achievements rather than the work experience timeline. It is beneficial for students or recent graduates who want to showcase their academic achievements, coursework, projects, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate relevant skills and capabilities.
In nearly all cases, use a Combination (or Hybrid) resume because it’s easiest for hiring managers to learn about your pertinent skills and experience. With the Combination format, you highlight your most relevant skills and experience in your experience or work history section and an intro section. Your resume intro should usually include a profile summary and Key Skills section, but you may also add a career highlights or awards section.
Essential Resume Sections
Objective Statement or Resume Summary
Begin your resume with a compelling objective statement that highlights your career goals and showcases how your skills and experiences make you an ideal candidate for the internship.
Example: “High school student seeking a summer internship position to gain valuable experience in the field of marketing. A dedicated and responsible individual with a passion for digital marketing and social media, a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn. Aiming to make a positive impact on the company's goals and objectives while gaining practical experience in a professional setting.”
If you have relevant work experience or prior internship experience, consider using a resume summary instead. A resume summary is a brief statement that summarizes your professional experience, skills, and achievements, providing a quick overview of your qualifications and unique value.
Read also: Writing a Winning Scholarship Application
Academic Awards and Honors
Showcase your academic accomplishments, such as scholarships, dean's list recognition, academic excellence awards, or any other recognition for outstanding academic performance. List these achievements in the education section or a separate "Awards & Honors" section.
Examples:
- Dean's List
- Academic Excellence Award
- Outstanding Leadership Award
- Outstanding Community Service Award
- Scholarship Awards
- Research Grant Awards
- Study Abroad Scholarship Awards
- Honor Society Membership
- Academic Competition Awards
Volunteer or Work Experience
Include any work experience or volunteer experience to demonstrate real-world experience and the ability to handle tasks and responsibilities in a professional setting. Be creative with the work history section, including:
- Part-time or full-time jobs
- Previous internships
- Co-op programs
- Freelance work
- Volunteer work
- Student leadership roles
- Extracurricular activities related to the field
- Research assistant positions
- Teaching assistant positions
- Industry-related training or certifications
- Personal projects or entrepreneurial ventures
For internship resumes, the best resume verbs will show how you’ve quickly built and applied new knowledge - for example, “developed,” “gained,” or “implemented.”
Transferable Skills
Demonstrate that you possess the necessary strengths to succeed in the role, even with limited work experience. Focus on transferable skills applicable across different industries or roles.
Examples:
- Interpersonal skills (communication, teamwork)
- Problem-solving
- Leadership
- Time management
- Organization
Provide specific examples of how you have applied these skills in different situations, such as team leadership in college projects or customer service skills from part-time jobs.
Read also: Creating a Strong Brag Sheet
Certifications or Trainings
Including certifications and training on an internship resume can be a great way to demonstrate that you have pursued additional education or training related to the internship position and that you are committed to developing your skills and knowledge.
For example, if you're applying for an internship in the marketing field, including certifications such as Google Analytics or HubSpot Inbound Marketing can demonstrate your understanding of marketing analytics and digital marketing strategies.
When including certifications and training on your resume, make sure to list the name of the certification, the organization that provided it and the date it was earned. Provide a brief description of the skills or knowledge gained from the certification or training.
Relevant Hobbies or Extracurriculars
Include extracurricular activities that showcase your involvement, leadership, and skills relevant to the internship, such as clubs, sports teams, or community organizations.
Including hobbies on your resume can be appropriate in certain situations, such as when your hobbies align with the skills or qualities sought after in the internship position. For example, if you are applying for a marketing internship and you mention that you enjoy creating and managing social media content as a hobby, it can demonstrate your passion for the field and your ability to apply your skills outside of the academic or professional setting.
Avoid listing hobbies that are irrelevant or potentially controversial. For example, mentioning your love for extreme sports or political affiliations may not be appropriate and can potentially overshadow your professional qualifications.
Key Skills Section
Include a “Key Skills” section to show managers the various ways you could add value as an intern at their organization. These might range from general soft skills like teamwork to hard technical skills like Microsoft Excel. Make sure each one overlaps with your target role. By having a good mix of relevant skills in this section, you can emphasize your ability to build and harness new practical knowledge.
A quick and effective way to align your resume with each posting is through the Key Skills section. Identify the most important skills required. These often appear toward the top of the job post and/or are cited repeatedly. Among these required skills, highlight any you possess. Compare the skills you’ve highlighted to your resume’s Key Skills section and add any that are missing.
Profile
Your resume profile should catch hiring managers’ interest by giving the top reasons they can expect you to apply your college studies successfully. If you have a high major GPA or other academic honors, consider mentioning those in your profile. Also, note any relevant work or internship experience you already have, which can help you stand out from other applicants. The best interns are often curious, resourceful, collaborative, and adaptable.
Example: Dedicated accounting student with a 4.0 GPA to date. Completed 32 credit hours, including classes in auditing, cost accounting, and managerial accounting. Recent work experience in small business bookkeeping. Well-versed in accounting software such as QuickBooks and ProSeries.
Education
When you’re in school and pursuing an internship, your current degree program may be one of your top qualifications. So feel free to add any details about it that speak to your ideal internship.
Resume Writing Tips
- Tailor your resume: Research the specific role and company you are applying to and customize your resume accordingly. Highlight skills, experiences, and achievements that directly align with the internship requirements.
- Incorporate keywords: Carefully review the job description and incorporate keywords that align with your own skills, qualifications, and experiences. Including keywords in your internship resume increases your visibility to potential employers and demonstrates your fit for the position.
- Optimize for ATS: For an ATS-friendly resume, incorporate relevant keywords, use a clear and simple format, and avoid graphics or images that could confuse the ATS. Additionally, use standard job titles and avoid using acronyms or abbreviations that the ATS may not recognize.
- Use concise language and strong action verbs: Use strong action verbs to describe your experiences and responsibilities. Keep your sentences concise and clear, focusing on the most relevant information.
- Highlight relevant technology skills: Many internships require proficiency in specific software or technology. Mention any relevant computer skills or technical skills you possess, such as programming languages, graphic design software, or data analysis tools.
- Clean up your online presence: Review and remove any inappropriate or unprofessional content from your social media profiles and other online content.
- Include a cover letter: A strong cover letter allows you to express why you're interested in the internship and what makes you a strong candidate. It also lets you highlight skills or experiences that may not immediately appear in your resume.
- Proofread carefully: Before submitting your resume, thoroughly proofread it for any errors or typos. Pay attention to formatting, grammar, and consistency.
Resume Formatting Tips
For internships, a clear and straightforward resume template is usually best. Opt for a visual design that lets the hiring manager quickly review your best career details. Select a traditional resume font and avoid any template with an overly colorful or elaborate design.
A one-page internship resume is the best option for most candidates, as it ensures clarity and brevity. If you have significant achievements or over 10 years of experience, extending to two pages is fine-but only if the content is tailored and directly supports your application. Include your most recent 10 to 15 years of work experience. Older roles should only appear if they provide unique insights or align closely with the job requirements.
Key Qualities Employers Seek
Employers seek candidates who possess a unique set of qualities that go beyond technical knowledge. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) identified the following as critical competencies for intern hires:
- Information processing
- Teamwork
- Planning and prioritizing
- Decision making and problem-solving
- Verbal communication
Strategies for Finding an Internship
- Use filters to narrow down your search by location, industry or specific keywords.
- Attend career fairs: Career fairs are a great way to meet employers and learn about internship opportunities in your field. Dress professionally, bring copies of your resume and be prepared to introduce yourself and ask questions.
- Check with your university: Many colleges and universities have career services offices to help you find internship opportunities. They may have job boards, networking events or connections with local employers. Reach out to your career services office for guidance and resources.
- Network with professionals: Networking can be a valuable way to discover internship opportunities. Attend industry events, job fairs and career expos to meet professionals in your field and learn about potential internships.
- Utilize your personal network: Let friends, family, professors and acquaintances know that you are seeking an internship. They may have connections or know of opportunities that could be a good fit for you.
- Follow companies and organizations you're interested in, and use relevant hashtags to search for internship opportunities.
- Leverage your alumni network: Reach out to alumni from your college or university who work in your field of interest. They may be able to offer guidance or help you find internships.
Be proactive and persistent, and take advantage of all available resources to increase your chances of finding the right internship for you.
Common Internship Interview Questions
- What is Your Availability: Highlights the importance of having a flexible schedule, which is often crucial for internships, allowing you to accommodate various responsibilities and tasks.
- What is Most Important to You in a Job: Insights into aligning personal values and priorities with the internship role, demonstrating your fit and dedication to potential employers.
- Describe a Time When You Were Forced to Think on Your Feet: Techniques for showcasing quick decision-making and adaptability, crucial skills during an internship where tasks and responsibilities can change rapidly.
- Give an Example of Accomplishing a Personal Goal: Methods for illustrating determination and the ability to set and achieve objectives, reflecting how you can contribute to internship projects and team goals.
- Describe a Time Where You Put Your Needs Aside to Help Another: Examples of teamwork and a collaborative spirit, critical for thriving in i…
Internship Resume Example
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Objective
Committed to contributing to an organization’s success through a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a passion for learning.
Education
Bachelor of [Degree], [Major]
[University Name], [City, State]
[Year of graduation]
Relevant coursework:
- [Course 1]: [Course description]
- [Course 2]: [Course description]
- [Course 3]: [Course description]
Skills
- Technical skills: [List relevant technical skills (e.g., programming languages, software proficiency)]
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills demonstrated through [specific examples, such as presentations or publications]
- Problem-solving: Ability to analyze complex problems and develop innovative solutions
- Teamwork: Collaborative approach to working with diverse teams to achieve common goals
- Adaptability: Quick learner with the ability to thrive in fast-paced and changing environments
- Organization: Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
Relevant Work Experience
[Company/Organization name], [Location]
[Position title], [Dates]
- [Responsibility 1]: [Describe your key responsibilities and achievements]
- [Responsibility 2]: [Describe your key responsibilities and achievements]
[Company/Organization Name], [Location]
[Position Title], [Dates]
- [Responsibility 1]: [Describe your key responsibilities and achievements]
- [Responsibility 2]: [Describe your key responsibilities and achievements]
Projects
[Project Name], [University/Company], [Dates]
[Describe the project, your role, and the skills utilized or developed]
[Highlight any notable achievements or outcomes]
Leadership and Extracurricular Activities
[Club/Organization Name], [Position/Role], [Dates]
[Describe your responsibilities and contributions]
[Volunteer Organization Name], [Role], [Dates]
[Describe your responsibilities and contributions]
Certifications
[Certification 1]: [Certifying authority], [Year]
[Certification 2]: [Certifying authority], [Year]
The Importance of a Cover Letter
When it comes to internship applications, a cover letter may not always be required (check the internship description for requirements) but it can make a world of difference. A carefully crafted cover letter has the power to make you shine amidst a sea of candidates and increase your chances of landing that coveted internship.
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