CV for Internship Applications in 2024 – Get Noticed, Get Hired!

Hey there, future interns! Tired of your CV looking like a laundry list of classes and clubs? Want to stand out from the sea of applicants with resumes that sound like they were written by robots? Well, you’ve stumbled upon the right blog post!

Let’s be real, internships are the golden ticket to launching your career. But landing that dream internship isn’t just about having a stellar GPA and impressive extracurriculars. It’s about having a CV that grabs attention, showcases your potential, and leaves the hiring managers begging to meet you.

So, what’s the secret sauce to crafting a CV that screams “Hire me!” instead of “Zzzzzz…”?

The Internship CV: Not Your Average Resume

First things first, let’s clear up a common misconception: Your internship CV isn’t just a shorter version of your job or scholarship application CV. Think of it as your personal hype reel – a highlight reel of your skills, experiences, and potential.

• Ditch the Job-Speak: Save the fancy jargon and buzzwords for your job applications. For internships, focus on showcasing your enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, and relevant skills.
• Flaunt Your Academic Prowess: Internships are often about potential, so let your academic achievements shine. But don’t just list your classes; highlight relevant coursework, projects, or research experiences that demonstrate your skills and interests.
• Transferable Skills Are Your BFF: Even if you don’t have tons of work experience, you have transferable skills! Think about the skills you’ve gained from volunteering, leading clubs, or even working part-time at the local coffee shop. These skills are valuable and can set you apart.
• Show Your Personality: Let your CV reflect who you are! Share your passions, interests, and unique experiences. This will make you more memorable and relatable.

The Internship CV (vs.) Scholarship (vs.) Job Application CV

To help you understand the nuances of tailoring your CV, check out this handy table:

How to Make Your CV Sizzle?

• A Catchy Headline: Instead of a generic objective statement, grab attention with a headline that summarizes your value proposition. For example, “Marketing student with a passion for social media and a knack for crafting engaging content.”
• Show, Don’t Tell: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them with concrete examples. Instead of saying “Excellent communication skills,” describe how you led a team presentation or wrote a winning grant proposal.
• Quantify Your Achievements: Numbers speak louder than words! Did you increase club membership by 20%? Raise $5,000 for a charity event? Include those impressive stats!
• Visual Appeal Matters: Make your CV easy on the eyes. Use clear headings, bullet points, and white space. Consider adding a splash of color or a professional headshot (if appropriate).

Editable Template of an internship CV for Students

Here’s an editable CV template designed for students applying for internships:

[Your Name] [Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] | [Your LinkedIn Profile (Optional)]

Headline: [A catchy phrase summarizing your skills and goals. E.g., “Motivated Marketing Student Seeking Social Media Internship”]

Education [Degree Name], [University Name], [City, State]

• • Expected Graduation: [Month, Year]
  • Relevant Coursework: [List 2-3 courses related to the internship]
  • GPA: [Include if it’s 3.5 or above]
  • Academic Honors/Awards: [List any relevant scholarships, dean’s list mentions, etc.]

Skills

• • Technical Skills: [List software, languages, or other technical skills relevant to the internship]
  • Transferable Skills: [List skills like communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, etc.]

Experience [Job Title], [Company Name], [City, State]

• • [Start Date] – [End Date]
  • [Briefly describe your responsibilities and achievements using action verbs. Quantify your results when possible.]
• [Relevant Project or Volunteer Experience], [Organization Name], [City, State]
  • [Start Date] – [End Date]
  • [Briefly describe your role and accomplishments.]

Leadership & Extracurricular Activities [Club/Organization Name], [Position Held]

• • [Start Date] – [End Date]
  • [Describe your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on leadership, teamwork, and initiative.]

Additional Information (Optional)

• Relevant Certifications: [List any certifications related to the internship]
• Awards & Honors: [List any non-academic awards or honors]
• Interests: [Briefly list personal interests that showcase your personality or relate to the internship]

Wrapping It Up

Remember, your CV is your first impression. Make it count! By following these tips, you’ll create a CV that captures attention, showcases your potential, and lands you that coveted internship. So, go forth and write resumes that sparkle! And if you need a little extra help, don’t hesitate to reach out to your career center or a trusted mentor.

Good luck, future interns!

References

• https://icc.ucdavis.edu/materials/resume/samples
• https://www.mcgill.ca/internships/files/internships/Writing_Guide_for_Internship_CVs.pdf
• https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/cvs-cover-letters/internship-cv-examples
• https://www.pinterest.com/pin/17-best-internship-resume-templates-to-download-for-free-wisestep–682154674794619121/
• https://careers.cern/tips-cv
• https://www.canva.com/resumes/templates/internship/