Creating Successful Resumes & Cover Letters
When applying for an internship in the U.S., you will need to submit a resume and cover letter. These documents should describe your education, experience, and why you’re the best candidate. We’ve put together the guidelines and resources below to help you prepare.
Creating Your Resume
A resume is a one-page summary of your work experience and background relevant to the internship or training program you’re applying for. Hiring managers read resumes very quickly—often less than 30 seconds. This means your resume must be clear and easy to read.
Resume Sections
Though there are different ways to format a resume, they are organized into these main sections:
Objective or Summary (optional)
A resume summary tells employers what you want to do in your career. Write only 1-2 sentences. Show that you understand the job and know what you want. You should look at internship descriptions you’re interested in and use similar language here.
Education
List academic institutions, universities, language schools, and technical schools you’ve attended, starting with your current or most recent degree program. Include your major or primary area of study (and minor, if applicable) and any academic honors, awards, or significant achievements. Do not include high school education or grades.
Work Experience
List relevant work history or previous internship experience relevant to the internship you’re seeking, starting with your current or most recent job. Include 2-3 sentences about specific job responsibilities for each position, using active verbs like developed, managed, created, and improved. Highlight significant contributions, using numbers as evidence if possible (e.g., “designed a call system that saved time and increased sales by 8%”).
Optional: Skills & Interests
Though not required, it’s a good idea to list skills and qualifications relevant to the industry where you’re seeking an internship. These can include language abilities, technical skills, certifications, or professional organization memberships relevant to your field.
You may also choose to include healthy and positive interests that help you stand out and show employers you’re an interesting person. This will help you connect, give ideas for conversation starters, and help you find areas you have in common with your future employers.
Check out our sample resume and use it to create your own.
Additional Resume-Writing Tips
- Keep it short: Your resume should be no more than one page so include only what’s most important.
- Make it easy to read: Focus on quality over quantity. Leave space on the page so it’s not crowded.
- Protect your privacy: Never include personal information like your age, birth date, marital status, religion, or photos.
- Customize for each job: Tailor your resume to each position you apply for. Use keywords from the job posting in your resume.
- Choose the right format: There are different resume formats, including chronological (lists your jobs by date, starting with the most recent) or functional (groups your work by skills instead of dates). Consider what best highlights your experience and fits the industry.
Writing a Good Cover Letter
When you submit an application to an American employer, you must include a cover letter. The purpose is to explain why you’re a good candidate and what skills you’ll bring to the company. Cover letters are an excellent opportunity to show your personality and share unique attributes and experiences that may not be in your resume.
Cover Letter Body
Your cover letter should explain three important points:
Why You Are Writing It
This is your introduction, so make it strong. Show your interest in the position and explain what drew you to this organization. Include details about your career goals and how they match the company. You can also mention how you learned about this position.
Why You Are a Good Fit
Read the job description carefully so you understand what the employer wants. Choose qualities from the job description that match your experience and explain them to the employer. Include relevant examples that show you’re well suited for the job. Add information that might not be on your resume but shows why you’d be perfect for the position. Connect your previous experience to the specific position to help employers understand why you’re a good fit.
How You Can Be Contacted
Summarize your interest in one clear sentence. Thank the hiring manager for reading your cover letter and considering you for the position. Ask them for an interview. Make sure they have the best contact information to reach you and show gratitude and enthusiasm.
Additional Cover Letter-Writing Tips
- Don’t repeat your resume: Your cover letter should discuss your relevant experience and connect it to the job responsibilities, not summarize your resume.
- Show, don’t tell: Don’t just write that you’re hardworking—use real examples that demonstrate it. Give examples of work projects, academic achievements, or extracurricular activities.
- Change it for each job: Adjust each cover letter to the specific position and company. Adjust your tone to fit the industry and company culture.
- Keep it short: Your cover letter should be 3-4 paragraphs maximum. You want the hiring manager to read it and want to interview you.
- Show your personality: Introduce yourself and let your personality show, but also prove you read the job description and researched the company.
- Don’t discuss salary: Unless the instructions specifically request it, don’t include salary discussions.
- Highlight your international background: Tell employers about the benefits you bring as an international intern, including diversity, language skills, and a global perspective.
Use modern tools: Many employers now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen applications. Use standard fonts, clear headings, and relevant keywords from the job posting to help your application get noticed.