How To Write Professional CV For Your Internship

Are you up for an internship or job search soon? In order for you to get accepted to the internship program you’re eyeing, whether you’re a recent graduate or not, you need to make a lot of preparations. That includes being able to prepare and write a professional curriculum vitae (CV) that you’ll submit and will be used to assess your potential as an intern.  

If you want to learn more about how to write professional CV for your upcoming internship application, read on.  

Understand What The Purpose Of Your CV Is 

The first step in creating an effective CV is understanding what its purpose is. Remember: your CV is a targeted marketing tool that should be tailored to the internship program you’re applying for. Your CV objective should highlight your most relevant skills and experiences in a way that captures the attention of the internship officer that’ll look into it.  

Follow A Professional-Looking CV Format And Design 

To make your CV look presentable and acceptable in the eyes of hiring managers, you need to follow a professional-looking CV design and format.  

The most recommended design advice is to keep everything simple. Utilize a standard and clean-looking font face. And keep the font size between 10 and 12 points.  

Besides that, your CV’s margins should be uniform on all sides, ideally around an inch. This helps in making the document look organized and easier to read. This is similar to those that are available in CV creator free platforms.

On the other hand, if you’re applying to an internship in the creatives sector, you can slightly modify the design elements in your creative CV such as using subtle colors or a unique layout that still maintains professionalism. 

Begin With A Compelling Personal Statement 

What is a personal statement in a good CV? Simply, it’s a brief summary at the top of your CV that provides an overview of what your aspirations and skills are.  

Hiring experts agree that your CV’s personal statement should be short and impactful on what you can bring to the table during your internship. This section is your chance to make a strong first impression, so include specific attributes that make you a good fit for the internship position you’re applying for. 

Personalize Your CV In Order To Fit The Internship Program You’re Applying For  

Keep in mind the following golden rule: each CV you should send out to internship managers should be customized for the specific internship you’re applying for. This means going beyond just changing the company name in your personal statement when passing your CV to different companies.  

You need to look at the internship description and identify the key skills and experiences the company you’re applying to is looking for. Make sure these are clearly indicated in your CV. As a tip: utilize similar language and tone found in the internship posting to make it clear that you’re a perfect candidate for the internship opening. 

Put Into The Spotlight Your Academic Achievements 

Focus on your academic achievements in your CV by indicating what your educational background is – all the while focusing how it’s important to the internship opportunity or job title. List down and highlight any courses or training sessions that you’ve completed that are relevant to the internship, as well as any academic awards or honors you’ve received while you were attending school or any higher education institution. 

Show An Easy-To-Understand Showcase Of Your Work Experiences 

Work experience is crucial, even when you’re writing professional CV for internship. List your previous relevant work experience, internships, or volunteer work in reverse chronological order. For each position you include, put a short description covering your duties and accomplishments. Focus on achievements that demonstrate your skills and adaptability. Quantify your accomplishments with numbers where possible, as this helps to clearly convey the impact of your contributions to your previous workplaces. 

Put In Relevant Skills To Your CV 

Your CV should include a section dedicated to skills that are relevant to the internship. This could include technical skills, such as proficiency in specific software, as well as soft skills like communication, teamwork, and so on. Remember: be honest about your level of competence in each area, as you may be tested on these in your internship. 

Include A Section For Your Extracurriculars And Group Memberships 

If you’re a member of any clubs or societies that are relevant to your field or to the internship you’re applying for, include these in your CV. This not only shows your interest and involvement in your professional community but also demonstrates valuable skills such as leadership and commitment. 

Remember To Keep Everything Short Yet Impactful 

Keep the formatting clean and professional. To do just that, make use of bullet points where appropriate to make your accomplishments easy to read. Avoid clutter by including only the most relevant information, and keep your CV to no more than two pages. 

Look For Errors  

Before sending out your CV, make sure that you proofread it multiple times to ensure there are no grammar mistakes and spelling errors. These mistakes can make you seem careless and reduce your chances of securing the internship. If possible, have someone else review your CV to catch any errors you might have missed. 

To Conclude 

When you write professional CV, it should be considered as your first opportunity to make an impression on an internship manager. It needs to be clear, professional, and most importantly, tailored to the internship you’re applying for.  

By following the guidelines mentioned above, you can create a CV that not only showcases your skills and experiences but also captures the attention of your future employer – increasing your chances of getting an interview and ultimately getting the offer.