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Using Strong Action Verbs and Quantifying Impact
The words you choose in your bullet points make a big difference. Always start bullets with strong action verbsnot bland phrases. For example, say “Developed a marketing plan” instead of “Was responsible for developing a marketing plan.” Move away from passive wording like “responsible for” or “in charge of.” Instead, punch it up: “Coordinated social media content to reach 2,000 followers,” or “Analysed sales data to improve project outcomes.”
Why? Because, as one career resource explains, active verbs “help quantify your achievements, demonstrate your capabilities, and distinguish you from other candidates”. Using powerful verbs paints a picture of someone taking initiative. Here are some excellent action verbs for intern resumes: Achieved, Adapted, Analysed, Collaborated, Created, Developed, Evaluated, Executed, Improved, Implemented, Managed, Planned, Researched, Streamlined, Supported.
For internship roles in particular, pick verbs that show learning and growth. It is suggested that interns use words like “developed,” “gained,” or “implemented,” since they imply you’ve quickly applied new knowledge. If you see something relevant in the job description (e.g., “mentored,” “launched,” “designed”), try to match it with what you’ve done.
Whenever you describe a task, quantify the results if you can. Numbers grab attention and prove your impact. Instead of “Participated in campus events,” try “Organised 3 club events that attracted over 100 students each.” Rather than “Helped update website,” say “Updated website content, increasing visitor engagement by 15%.” Even small percentages or time frames help (e.g., “3-month project”, “5 new clients reached”).
For example, one student’s resume reads: “Covered the boys’ varsity basketball team during its championship run, resulting in a major boost to school spirit and helping drive a 20% increase in ticket sales”. This bullet uses a percentage (20%) and a clear action (covering games) to make the accomplishment measurable. Aim for that clarity in your own resume.
Showcasing Your Skills
After experience and education, include a Skills section to spotlight your abilities at a glance. This section is your chance to list any key talents not detailed elsewhere. Include both hard and soft skills relevant to the internship. Indeed advises that this section “includes any abilities not represented in other sections… tailor this section to the skills identified within the job posting”.
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Hard Skills: These are specific tools, technologies, or techniques. For example, list programming languages (e.g., Python, Java), software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, Adobe Photoshop), or lab methods (e.g., PCR, data analysis) if they relate to the internship. If you’re applying to a finance internship, you might include “Financial Modelling, Excel, QuickBooks.” For marketing, “SEO, Google Analytics, Canva.” For design, “Adobe Illustrator, UI/UX Design.” Be honest: only include skills you know.
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Soft Skills: These are personal attributes. Common ones are communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, time management, etc. For instance, if you’ve led a student project or worked in a team, you likely have teamwork and communication skills. If you’ve balanced coursework and a part-time job, highlight time management. These traits matter in any field.
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Languages: Being bilingual is a big plus in many internships. If you speak another language, list it (e.g., “Spanish (fluent), French (conversational)”). The editorial and hospitality resume examples both pointed out bilingual abilities as strengths.
Organise your skills section clearly, usually with bullets or columns. Some people title it “Skills,” “Relevant Skills,” or “Key Skills.” Place it after your experience, or in a sidebar if your format allows. Use the job posting as a guide: if the posting emphasises “teamwork” or a specific software, make sure those words appear in your skills list. Aligning your skills with the employer’s needs can help you pass automated resume scanners.
Formatting Tips for a Clean, ATS-Friendly Resume
Keep your resume layout uniform and professional. Use consistent fonts (same typeface and size throughout) and spacing. Avoid using headers, footers, or text boxes that might confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Use bullet points to break up text and make information digestible.
Some concrete tips:
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Length: One page is ideal for internship resumes. Most experts agree that a single page ensures clarity and brevity. Keeping your resume concise is crucial—focus on relevant, impactful content to maximise effectiveness. If you fill it with your most important details, you likely won’t need a second page. Only extend to a second page if you have significant achievements (e.g., major research projects, leadership roles) that truly add value. Otherwise, one page is enough.
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Font and Size: Stick with standard fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. Use 10–12 point font for body text. Don’t use tiny fonts to squeeze in more words. A slightly smaller font in headings (14–16 pt) is fine for your name or section titles.
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Headings: Make your section headings bold or underlined and a bit larger. This helps the reader navigate. For example, write EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS in all caps or bold.
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Alignment: Use left-aligned text. Right-aligned dates or locations are okay if consistent. Avoid centred text for body paragraphs – left-aligning is easier to read.
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White Space: Don’t cram everything. Margins of about 0.5–1 inch give room. Use line spacing (~1.15–1.2) to avoid clutter. A resume with some breathing room is more inviting.
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Sections Order: Usually put Objective/Summary at the top, then Education (for freshers), then Experience, Projects/Achievements, then Skills, and maybe extra sections (Activities, Certifications). If you have a strong technical skill set, some guides recommend a Combination/Hybrid resume format – one that leads with skills summary before experience. This can be useful if you want to showcase specific proficiencies early.
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File Format: Submit as PDF unless instructed otherwise, to preserve formatting. Name your file simply (e.g., Janet_Resume.pdf) so it looks professional.
Before sending, proofread carefully! Even a small typo can make a bad impression. Use spellcheck and have a friend review it. A resume with errors will likely get tossed. Read each line to ensure consistency (e.g., are all dates in the same format? Are bullet points aligned?).
The Power of the Cover Letter
While the resume lists your credentials, the internship cover letter is where you tell your story. An internship cover letter complements your resume by providing context: it shows why you’re interested and how you fit the role. Think of the internship cover letter as a conversation. It’s where you can highlight your passion and personality, and expand on points in your resume.
For internship cover letters, focus on relevant projects, coursework, and personal motivation. You should “consider highlighting skills gained through coursework, projects, or extracurricular activities” and emphasise soft skills with specific examples. For instance, if you built a class project or participated in a hackathon, briefly describe it and connect it to the internship’s work. If you volunteered or joined a club, explain how those experiences taught you valuable lessons (leadership, teamwork, etc.).
Your cover letter should also explain why this internship and company excite you. Did you read a recent company news or admire its mission? Mention it. This shows you’ve done your homework and truly want that internship, not just “any ol’ job”. Keep it professional but friendly – use “I” statements to make it personal.
Format-wise, keep the cover letter to one page (3–4 paragraphs). Begin with a greeting (try to use the hiring manager’s name if you know it). In the first paragraph, say what position you’re applying for and where you found it. In the middle paragraphs, highlight 1–2 key skills or experiences from your resume and explain them more fully (for example, “In my Service Marketing course project, I led a team to create a campaign that increased club membership by 30%”). In the final paragraph, reiterate your enthusiasm and thank the reader for considering you.
Remember: the internship cover letter is not just a formality. It’s a chance to sell yourself beyond bullet points. Use it to complement your resume, filling in any gaps (e.g., a job change or a brief pause in school). When combined with a strong resume, a tailored internship cover letter can significantly boost your application’s impact.
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