Step-by-step guide: How to write a resume for an internship

Joining the professional world through an internship can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking. It starts with crafting a tailored resume that speaks to your unique skills and aspirations. This guide will help you create a standout internship resume — from formatting to highlighting your most relevant experiences. Learn how to make a stellar first impression and launch your next career.

Understanding the purpose of resumes for internships

Your internship resume is about spotlighting your potential, not just your past. Unlike professional resumes that lean heavily on work history, an internship resume highlights your educational achievements, budding skills, and relevant experiences that demonstrate that, even without extensive professional experience, you bring valuable skills to the table. This resume is the key to bridging the gap between academia and your desired career path, serving as your introduction to the professional world.

How to create a resume for an internship

Creating an eye-catching resume for an internship involves strategically showcasing your educational background, skills, and experiences to align with the needs of potential employers. Here's what to include on your resume for student intern jobs:

1. Resume heading

The resume heading is your first connection with the recruiter. It should include your full name, a professional email address, and your phone number. You could also add a LinkedIn profile or personal portfolio link.

Resume heading example:

Name: Jamie Doe

Phone: (123) 456-7890

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamiedoe

2. Objective or summary statement

An objective statement is a brief declaration of your career goals and how the internship aligns with those goals. It's an excellent choice for those with limited work experience. A summary statement recaps your key achievements and skills, making it ideal for those with more experience.

Objective example:

Seeking a marketing internship where I can leverage my coursework in digital advertising and passion for social media strategies to contribute to Company XYZ's innovative team.

Summary example:

Marketing student with a strong foundation in content creation and social media management demonstrated through university projects and freelance work. Eager to apply strategic planning skills in a dynamic team environment.

3. Education

In the education section, list your degree, university name, and expected graduation date. Highlight relevant coursework or academic projects that demonstrate applicable skills or knowledge.

Education example:

B.A. in Business Administration

University of Townsville, Expected May 2024

Relevant Coursework: Business Analytics, Strategic Marketing, Organizational Behavior

4. Work experience

When detailing your work experience, include internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer positions. Describe your responsibilities and achievements using action words. Focus on experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle workplace tasks.

Work experience example:

Sales Associate, Retail Ocean

June 2022 - August 2023

Assisted an average of 50+ customers per day, providing information and resolving issues with a 95% satisfaction rate.
Spearheaded a weekend promotional campaign that increased store traffic by 30%.

5. Certifications and special projects

List any relevant certifications or describe notable projects that underscore your skills and interest in your field. Include projects from coursework or extracurricular activities that are relevant to the internship.

Certification and special projects examples:

Certified Digital Marketing Professional, DMA

Special Project: Developed a comprehensive social media strategy for a local startup, increasing their engagement by 50% over three months.

6. Skills

This section should reflect skills that are most valuable to the internship you're applying for. Categorize them into soft and hard skills, and be specific. Here are some of the most common skills employers look for when reviewing undergraduate resumes for internships:

Communication skills
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Time management
Technical proficiency
Analytical thinking
Attention to detail
Initiative
Interpersonal skills
Organization
Creativity
Research skills
Professionalism
Customer service

7. Awards and honors

Include any academic, extracurricular, or professional awards and honors that can demonstrate your competency and achievement level relevant to the internship.

Examples of awards and honors:

Dean's List, University of Townsville, 2021 - 2023

First Place, Regional Case Competition, Business Strategies, 2022

"This resume is the key to bridging the gap between academia and your desired career path, serving as your introduction to the professional world."

Formatting your internship resume

Choosing the optimal format for your internship resume sets the stage and allows you to showcase your strengths. Opt for a chronological format if your experience is linear, a functional format to highlight specific skills or a combination for a balanced approach. Stick to a concise one-page format, ideal for someone with a limited work history.

Use a font size between 10 and 12 points to maintain readability, and opt for classic fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman for a professional look. Ensure there's enough white space by setting one-inch margins, which helps to keep your resume from appearing cluttered. These formatting choices make your document accessible and engaging for potential employers. Plus, an aesthetically pleasing resume makes it easier for hiring managers to scan through your achievements.

Internship resume tips to stand out

Make your internship resume exceptional. With a few smart tweaks, your application will stand out in a stack of potentials.

1. Tailor your resume

Crafting a resume for each internship application might seem like a lot, but it's worth the effort. Start by picking out key skills and phrases in the job ad and echoing them in your resume. This technique shows hiring managers that you're a perfect fit. Tailor sections like your objective, skills, and experiences to reflect the internship's requirements, ensuring your resume speaks directly to the needs of the position.

2. Include hobbies and interests

Adding hobbies and interests to your resume can give you an edge, especially if they align with the company's culture or the internship's demands. This section makes your resume relatable and personable and highlights how multifaceted you are. Choose interests that demonstrate qualities like teamwork, creativity, or leadership. For example, if you're applying to a tech startup, mentioning your participation in hackathons can show your enthusiasm for coding and innovation.

3. Consider adding references

Deciding whether to include references on your internship resume can be tricky. Generally, it's space-efficient to keep them separate and provide them upon request. Mentioning "References available upon request" at the bottom of your resume can signal to employers that you have professional contacts who can vouch for your qualifications and character, adding extra credibility to your application. Including a particularly notable reference, especially one well-known in the industry, could be a smart strategic move.

Frequently asked questions

Navigating the internship application process can spark a lot of questions. Here are answers to some common queries that can help you craft an impressive internship resume:

Can I include unpaid internships on my resume?

Absolutely. Unpaid internships provide valuable experience and demonstrate your commitment to learning and growth. They should be included, especially if they're relevant to the internship you're applying for.

What format is appropriate for an internship resume?

For internship resumes, the chronological format is typically best, as it clearly highlights your education and relevant experiences. If you have a limited work history, a functional or skills-based resume might be better to emphasize your abilities and potential.

Is a cover letter necessary for internship applications?

While not always mandatory, a cover letter is an opportunity to make a personal connection with the hiring manager. It gives you a chance to explain why you're the perfect fit for the internship in a way that a resume can't. Always include a cover letter unless the application instructions explicitly say not to.

Crafting the perfect internship resume is about showcasing your skills, education, and potential. Remember to tailor your resume, focus on readability, and highlight relevant experiences. When you're done, don't forget to upload your polished resume to CareerBuilder to connect with potential employers and kickstart your career journey.