Tips for internship resumes

Tips for internship resumesThere is a special style of resumes calledInternship resume. As its name implies, thisstyle of a resume composed with a goal of gettingan internship in a desired field. WhileInternship resumes are usually chronological informat, they have different goals than a resumecreated for purposes of acquiring a full-timeprofessional position. First, your goal is notfurthering your career but gaining experience andskills in order to expand on your education andlater obtain a position in the industry. Second,internships do not require professionalexperience; this is a way for you to gain such

experience so that you can later get a full-timejob using what you learned during your internship.Third, your resume is more focused on youracademic achievements than on your workbackground, because you have to demonstrate thatthe desired internship is a logical extension ofyour studies. With this in mind, college students,new or returning, typically utilize this resumestyle to get their foot in the door with thecompanies they may ultimately want to work forafter graduation.Much like any other professional resume, theinternship resume should contain an objective.Here you should let your potential employer knowhow their internship aligns with your studies,what you can bring to the table, what you hope togain out of the experience and how you will applyyour newfound skills once you are out in theprofessional world. Essentially you areconvincing your potential employer that you arethe best candidate for the internship, that you

will learn the most and that the experience iscritical for your professional growth.When composing your resume for an internship, youwill need to highlight your education first. Youshould do more than just list your previousdegrees or degrees in progress. Point out theclasses you have taken that qualify you for theinternship. Indicate how your major is in linewith the internship and how this experience willhelp you in your future studies.After you indicate your objective and youreducation, list your qualifications. Make a listahead of time of all skills that qualify you forthe internship. Review the list and prioritize it.Most commonly made mistake in resume writing isnot prioritizing the information included, so youthat your strongest skills fall at the bottom ofthe list. Consider what qualifies you for theinternship. List those qualifications first sothat your employer recognizes that you are a great

fit for the position.Your work experience can help, but is typicallynot a breaking point in getting an internship. Ifyou have any work experience, include it in yourresume. Make sure to prioritize yourresponsibilities as they relate to the internship.Make sure to indicate any experience you have insharpening your employability skills, thoseskills that extend beyond your education andtechnical abilities such as communication,customer relations, team work, taking charge,etc.Applying for an internship is somewhat differentthan applying for a full time job. Along with yourinternship resume, you will want to submitreferences. For any employment experience you抳 e had to date, include your supervisor 抯 name,title and contact information so that youremployer can obtain recommendations. In addition,it is of great benefit to you to have

recommendation letters from your professors.Your professors can identify your skills in termsof your dedication, worth ethic, enthusiasm,interpersonal communication and interaction withothers in your classroom. Employers look forthese skills because they want to assure that youwill be a good fit for their team, even if yourrole is a short term one. Ask two or three of yourprofessors for their recommendation. Providethem with the contact information of youremployer, including an email and a physicalmailing address, so the letters can be mailed toyour potential employer directly. Or, ask yourprofessors to place their recommendation lettersinto sealed envelopes before giving them to youto assure that the information is confidential.If possible, include your transcripts with yourresume. This will be a great indication of yourcommitment to your education, providing yourgrades are good. Your transcripts can only helpin getting you the internship.

As a final step, proof your application materials.Feel free to seek assistance from your school抯 career center. You have only one chance to makea great first impression ?do it well, and you aresure to get the internship of your choice.