Build a CV/resume that gets noticed

Nailing your CV/resume is important. This is your first chance to impress prospective employers.

Before you start

A CV and a resume are both documents used to showcase your qualifications, but they differ in format, length and detail.

• A CV(curriculum vitae) is typically longer and more comprehensive, detailing your full academic background, work history, publication and other achievements.
• A resume on the other hand is shorter, usually 1 page, and focuses on the most relevant skills and experiences for a specific job.

CV's are common for job applications in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. A resume is a preferred format in most industries in the U.S. and Canada.

Whether you are starting from scratch or refining what you already have, keep these 5 tips in mind and download our CV and resume templates below.

1. Be professional

Your CV/resume should be an organised, professional and polished snapshot of who you are. Keep it neat and easy to read with clear headings, bullet points and consistent formatting.

2. Keep it simple

Unless you are applying for a role within the arts or creative industry where you need to show your creative flair, skip fancy templates, crazy colours or pictures. A simple easy-to-read Word document with clearly separated sections is all you need. If you are starting from scratch, feel free to use this template. Keep font size above 10 and use regular font styles.

Example: Use clear headings like “work experience” or “education” and list your achievements in bullet points rather than long paragraphs. Action: Review your CV/resume layout and make sure it is clean, easy to navigate and has consistent font sizes, styles and section alignment.

Pro tip: Adapt your CV/resume to the accepted business practices for the country where you plan to intern.

3. Highlight your skills

Be honest, but don’t be shy about showcasing your skills. Think carefully about all the experiences you’ve had so you don't leave anything out that can help you get the internship you want.

Example: If you’ve led a project at university, list “team leadership” or “project management” as key skills. If you’ve taken advanced Excel classes note it “advanced Excel skills”.
Action: Make a list of all the skills you’ve developed through work, education or extracurricular activities. Prioritise the ones most relevant to the internship you are applying for.

4. Be honest

You’re great just the way you are. Don't list experiences, skills or achievements if you don't have them. It will come back to bite you later on.

5. Proofread and read aloud

A typo-free CV/resume makes a strong impression. Run spellcheck and read it aloud when you are finished, or even better ask a friend or a mentor to review and give you feedback.

Pro tip: Once you’ve created your CV/resume, use AI technology to enhance and improve it so it really stands out! Check our guide on utilizing AI throughout your internship search.

What to include on your CV/resume:

• Contact details Include email and phone number. Ensure your email is appropriate for an employer to read.
• Profile /summary statement – Highlight your key skills, experience and your goals in a short paragraph.
• Education Include any post-secondary experience.
• Work experience Ensure the most recent experience comes first and list your experience in reverse chronological order.
• Other sections to include o Certifications or licenses. Any professional certifications relevant to this position. o Volunteer experience. Any volunteer experiences showing additional skills and community involvement. o Languages. Any languages you speak well, particularly if they are relevant to the role.

References – References are usually requested at a later stage by the employer so no need to list reference details on your CV/resume.

Crafting a CV or resume can be simple with the right approach. A clean, easy-to-read template helps your skills and experience stand out. Focus on relevant achievements, keep things concise, and make each section easy to scan. These small steps can make a big difference in grabbing an employer’s attention.

Once you’re done with your edits, make sure your cover letter shines and you’ve created a personalised template