Resume 101: Landing That Internship
Many companies are still looking to find new recruits through online hiring processes.
Set yourself up for success with these quick resume tips!
Keep it simple.
This is a very common concept that is extremely important. Being a student or fresh out of college means that employers don’t expect you to have many years of experience. Limiting your resume' to one page keeps everything to the point but also allows enough space to convey your skills and experiences.
Emphasize your accomplishments.
Because you may not have extensive experience, make sure to emphasize what you have accomplished and are good at. Though it might be a small award or recognition from a professor, highlighting it properly can make a huge difference. Check out this Auburn guide for accomplishment statements and action verbs to help convey your biggest strengths.
Know when to include your GPA.
Including your GPA on your resume is not necessary. Some employers may want to know and will therefore explicitly ask for it separately. However, if you have a high GPA, you may include it near your major and graduation date information. It is generally safe to list your GPA if it is greater than a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. You can always use your own discretion in determining what’s beneficial for your resume.
Get a second and third opinion.
Not only will getting another opinion help to provide constructive feedback on your content, layout, and organization, but it will also help to spot grammatical or spelling errors. Internship markets can be highly competitive, and you don’t want to be the highly qualified candidate that is immediately dismissed just because of a spelling error.
Research the job you are applying for.
Once you have found the roles or type of role you would like to apply for, research that position to understand what the employer is looking for. You already have your standard or “base” resume completed, but tailoring it to a specific role can mean all the difference and help you stand out.
Having a killer resume will help you get your foot in the door for that interview. With that said, resumes are not always one-size-fits-all. Auburn University has resources for career readiness and resume-writing resources to help you thrive in your job search.
Good luck out there and as always,
Be well, Auburn.
Photography: Jacob L.