How to Write a Good CV for Internship

The key to landing that dream internship starts with a standout CV. The competitive nature of internships, especially in popular industries like tech, finance, and media, makes it imperative to craft a CV that not only highlights your skills but also sets you apart from other candidates. So, what makes a CV truly exceptional? Let's dive into the reverse-engineered strategy of writing a stellar CV, starting from the final product and working our way back to the preparation.

Section 1: What HRs and Recruiters Want to See at a Glance

One of the most critical insights is understanding what recruiters are looking for in the first 6 seconds. Studies show that most recruiters spend an incredibly brief time scanning CVs before deciding whether a candidate is worth considering further. Here’s a breakdown of how to optimize those initial seconds.

• Clear Contact Information: Your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile should be easy to find at the top of your CV. You'd be surprised how often candidates forget this basic step.
• Well-Defined Sections: Use headings like Education, Work Experience, Skills, and Projects. This structured approach helps recruiters quickly find what they are looking for.
• Relevant Keywords: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter CVs before they even reach a human. Ensure your CV contains keywords relevant to the role. For example, if applying for a marketing internship, mention tools like Google Analytics, SEO, or A/B testing.

By now, you might be wondering, what else can set my CV apart? Keep reading.

Section 2: Start with a Strong Personal Statement

Your personal statement is one of the first things a recruiter will read. It’s your elevator pitch — concise but impactful. This is where you summarize your experience, passions, and career goals in 2-3 sentences. Here’s a powerful formula to craft one:

• Start with your current situation: "I am a third-year computer science student with a strong interest in AI and machine learning..."
• Follow with what makes you unique: "...with experience building algorithms through my coursework and personal projects."
• End with your goal: "I am now looking for an opportunity to apply these skills in a dynamic internship role."

Section 3: Reverse Engineer Your Experience

Even if you lack professional work experience, you probably have done something relevant. The trick is framing your academic projects, part-time jobs, or extracurriculars in a way that highlights transferable skills. Here’s how:

• Quantify Achievements: Numbers speak louder than words. For example, "Led a team of 5 in developing a mobile app that reached 1,000+ downloads within the first month."
• Showcase Responsibility: If you’ve had any leadership or decision-making roles, mention them. "Managed social media campaigns that increased engagement by 25%."
• Highlight Skills Gained: You want to show growth, so be specific. "Developed proficiency in Python, SQL, and data visualization through project work."

Section 4: Tailor Your CV for Each Internship

Here’s a mistake to avoid: sending the same CV to every internship application. Each internship has unique requirements, and your CV should reflect that. Tailor it by focusing on the skills and experiences most relevant to the position.

• Research the Role: Read the job description carefully. What specific skills are they seeking? If you’re applying for a design internship, prioritize showcasing your experience with tools like Photoshop or Figma.
• Use the Right Format: Depending on the industry, CV formats might differ. A creative role might favor a visually appealing CV, whereas tech roles prioritize clear and concise formats.

Section 5: Skills and Certifications that Stand Out

Don’t underestimate the value of hard skills. Whether it’s coding languages, design software, or proficiency in foreign languages, these are what make you a competitive candidate. Some examples include:

• Programming: Python, Java, C++
• Design: Adobe Suite, Sketch, Figma
• Data Analysis: Excel, SQL, R

Moreover, online certifications can also add weight to your CV. Courses on platforms like Coursera or edX are viewed favorably, especially if they are relevant to the internship.

Section 6: Use Action Words

Your CV is not a list of what you’ve done; it’s a showcase of your accomplishments. Make use of action verbs to make your achievements pop. Instead of saying “Was responsible for managing a team,” say “Led a team of 5 to increase productivity by 20% over 3 months.”

Here's a list of power verbs to use:

• Led
• Designed
• Executed
• Improved
• Analyzed
• Collaborated

Don’t forget, action words give recruiters a better sense of the impact you had.

Section 7: Show Interest Beyond the Classroom

Internships aren’t just about academics; companies want to know about your interests and passions. If you’ve participated in relevant clubs, extracurricular activities, or side projects, include them. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing internship, highlight your involvement in a marketing club or freelance work you may have done for small businesses.

Section 8: The Importance of a Clean Design

The design of your CV plays a significant role in how it’s perceived. A cluttered, unorganized CV can turn recruiters off, no matter how impressive the content is.

• Use White Space: Don’t cram everything into one page. White space makes your CV easier to read.
• Consistent Font and Formatting: Stick to one or two fonts, and ensure that headings and bullet points are consistent throughout.
• Avoid Overloading: Keep your CV concise — a one-page CV is ideal for internship applications.

Section 9: The Final Proofread

Even the most well-crafted CV can be ruined by typos or grammatical errors. Before submitting your CV, run it through grammar-checking tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid, and have someone else review it as well.

Section 10: Bonus Tips for Success

• Networking: Sometimes, it’s not just about the CV but who you know. Attend career fairs, reach out to professionals on LinkedIn, and let people know you’re looking for an internship.
• Cover Letter: Some companies require a cover letter, which is another opportunity to stand out. Tailor it for each role, and expand on what’s in your CV.
• Follow-Up: After submitting your CV, follow up with a polite email. It shows initiative and keeps your application top of mind.

With these strategies in place, you’ll be well on your way to landing your ideal internship.