Securing an internship can be a crucial step in your academic and professional journey. Whether you’re aiming to gain industry experience, build a professional network, or earn university credits, a well-crafted CV can be your ticket to success. However, many students struggle to create a compelling document that highlights their skills and potential. This blog will walk you through actionable CV writing tips tailored specifically for internship applications to help you stand out from the competition.
Understand the Purpose of Your CV
Before diving into the structure and content, it’s important to understand what a CV is supposed to accomplish. For internship applications, your CV should showcase your academic background, relevant skills, and any extracurricular experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the role. Employers are aware that you’re likely a student or recent graduate, so they’re not expecting decades of experience. Instead, they’re looking for potential, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. That’s why CV writing is more about strategically presenting what you do have rather than worrying about what you lack.
Start with a Strong Personal Statement
The top section of your CV should include a concise personal statement. This brief paragraph—typically 3-4 lines—should summarise who you are, what you’re studying, and what you hope to gain from the internship. It should also include a sentence about your long-term career goals. Tailor this statement to align with the specific internship you’re applying for. Avoid generic language and make it clear why you’re interested in that company or role.
Highlight Your Education Effectively
As a student or recent graduate, your education will likely be your strongest asset. Include your university name, degree title, and expected graduation date. If you have a strong GPA, scholarships, or relevant coursework, include those details as well. You can also mention any academic projects that are related to the internship role. For instance, if you’re applying for a marketing internship, mention your coursework or projects in digital marketing, consumer behaviour, or branding.
Include Relevant Work Experience and Volunteering
Even if you haven’t had a full-time job before, any part-time work, freelance gigs, or volunteer experience can add value to your CV. Focus on transferable skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements in each role. Start each bullet point with a strong action verb such as “coordinated,” “developed,” “led,” or “analysed.”
Emphasise Skills That Match the Internship Role
Customise your skills section to reflect what the internship requires. If the job posting highlights skills like data analysis, social media management, or customer service, ensure those appear prominently in your CV—provided you truly possess them. Use specific examples to back up your claims. For example, instead of simply listing “leadership,” mention your role as a team leader in a university group project or club.
Showcase Extracurricular Activities and Achievements
Extracurricular activities can tell employers a lot about your interests, motivation, and interpersonal skills. Whether you’re part of a university society, sports team, or community group, include these experiences to show that you’re a well-rounded individual. If you’ve held any leadership roles, received awards, or organised events, be sure to mention those as well.
Use a Professional Layout and Design
A clean, professional design helps make your CV more readable and impactful. Stick to a standard format with clear headings, consistent fonts, and appropriate spacing. Avoid using flashy graphics or colours unless you’re applying for a creative role. Make sure your CV is no longer than one page if you’re an undergraduate, and two pages at most if you have more experience. Use bullet points, bolding, and italics strategically to highlight important information.
Tailor Your CV for Each Application
Sending the same CV to multiple companies might save time, but it’s unlikely to be effective. Tailor your CV for each internship by adjusting the personal statement, highlighting different skills, or reordering sections based on what the employer is looking for. Research the company beforehand and try to reflect their values and culture in your CV. Customisation shows initiative and attention to detail—traits that employers value highly.
Use Keywords and Action Verbs
Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan CVs before a human even looks at them. To get past these systems, use keywords from the internship description. These might include job-specific terms like “data entry,” “customer relations,” or “project management.” Also, make your bullet points stronger by starting with action verbs such as “implemented,” “designed,” “conducted,” or “organised.”
Keep It Concise and Error-Free
Clarity and accuracy are critical when writing a CV. Avoid long paragraphs and overly complex sentences. Keep your language clear and to the point. Proofread multiple times to eliminate spelling and grammar mistakes. Better yet, ask a friend, tutor, or career advisor to review it for you. Simple errors can make a bad impression and may even cost you the internship.
Add a Cover Letter for Extra Impact
Although this blog focuses on CV writing, it’s worth noting that a tailored cover letter can significantly boost your application. Use the cover letter to explain why you’re interested in the internship, how your background makes you a good fit, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Think of the CV and cover letter as complementary documents: the CV lists your qualifications, while the cover letter makes your case.
Include References or Write “Available on Request”
You don’t need to list your references on the CV unless specifically asked. Instead, you can include a line that says “References available on request.” However, make sure you have a couple of referees lined up—such as professors, mentors, or previous employers—who are willing to provide a positive recommendation.
Keep Your Online Presence Professional
Employers might look you up online before or after reviewing your CV. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and aligns with the information on your CV. If you have a portfolio website, blog, or GitHub profile, include the links in your contact section. Clean up your social media accounts to remove any content that could harm your professional image.
Final Checklist Before Submitting
Before you hit submit, go through this checklist:
- Is your CV tailored to the specific internship?
- Is your personal statement clear and targeted?
- Have you included relevant coursework, skills, and experiences?
- Are there any spelling or grammar mistakes?
- Is the format clean and professional?
- Have you used keywords from the job description?
- Is the file saved in PDF format to preserve formatting?
Conclusion
Creating a strong CV for an internship application takes time and effort, but the payoff is worth it. By focusing on your strengths, tailoring your content to each opportunity, and presenting your information in a clear, professional manner, you’ll greatly improve your chances of landing the internship you want. Remember, effective CV writing isn’t just about listing your qualifications—it’s about telling your story in a way that convinces employers you’re the right candidate for the role. Take the time to do it right, and your future self will thank you.
Need help crafting a standout CV for your internship application? Reach out to professional CV writing services to make a lasting impression and boost your career journey from the very beginning.
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