5 Best Ways To Write A Resume For an Internship Position

But what if you have not interned before? How do you apply for an internship when you do not have work experience? Here are some tips on how to build a resume for an internship position.

1. Know your strongest asset

Before starting your internship search, you need to ask this question first: what is your biggest strength as an intern? The answer to this question will guide the rest of your application. Once you summarise your skills and traits into your one strongest asset, then building a resume becomes easier.

Identifying your biggest strength is also the most effective way to get hired for an internship. Remember, most companies are looking at several applications. Your best chance of being shortlisted is by leading with your best strength. Employers look at resumes with their needs in mind, so if they happen to be in line with what you do best, then you are more likely to get hired.

2. Write a compelling Career Objective

Once you have identified your biggest strength, make sure you lead your resume with it. The Career Objective section is at the top of your resume. It is your best chance to communicate your best trait as an intern. It is usually 2-3 sentences long and it should summarise your skills and experience.

For an internship resume, your Career Objective should reflect your enthusiasm to learn and contribute. Most companies hire interns to infuse new energy into their teams and to add someone who can take on different assignments. Your Career Objective should be able to capture that eagerness and readiness.

Example:

Passionate content creator highly motivated to expand knowledge and experience. Energetic multitasker skilled in graphic design and video production, with considerable experience in writing and photography.

3. Make every experience count

If you are seeking your first internship, chances are you have no prior work experience. However, you can still fill out the “Experience” section of your resume with extra-curricular activities in school or even in your community. The purpose of the Experience section in an internship resume is to exhibit signs of leadership or the ability to work in teams. It is also your opportunity to show your level of passion in your chosen field.

Example:

Chief designer, James Institute student council

- Designed posters and collaterals for various school events

Member, James Institute Photography Club

- Participated in 2019 “Light and Vision” exhibit

4. Impress hirers with your achievements

An effective way to compensate for your lack of experience is by highlighting your achievements in school or in other outside endeavours. These could be academic distinctions, awards won in or outside school, contests you may have joined, or projects you were involved in. Make sure to cite concrete achievements.

Example:

1st Place Winner, Malaysian Poetry Week logo design contest

Directed and edited graduation video for James Institute class of 2020

5. Keep it short and simple

In internship resumes, brevity is important. Employers do not expect lengthy resumes from internship applicants. What they do expect is clarity of passion and purpose.

Limit your resume to one page and make sure every important detail is included. This restriction will not only make it easier for employers to assess your resume, but will also help you in narrowing everything down to the most important details. This guarantees that you will only include the best facts about yourself, which makes your resume optimal.

Ready to land an internship? Use these tips to write a resume that maximises your qualifications. This may also be the best time to create or update your JobStreet profile, so the right employers can find you as you seek passion and purpose in a new career. You can also search for the #JobsThatMatter to you on our website or app. Just remember to add #WorkNow to your profile, so you can get hired faster.

For more expert insights and helpful tips on growing your career, visit the Career Resources Hub.

At JobStreet, we believe in bringing you #JobsThatMatter. As a Career Partner, we are committed to helping all jobseekers find passion and purpose in every career choice. And as the number 1 Talent Partner in Asia, we connect employers with the right candidates who truly make a positive and lasting impact on the organisation.

Discover Jobs That Matter. Visit JobStreet today.

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