Transform Your Internships into a Resume That Lands Interviews

By Vicki Salemi, career expert at Monster.com

When you excel in your internships during college, you're not just gaining valuable skills and experiences—you're building the foundation for a powerful resume. This resume can be your ticket to securing job interviews and proving to employers that you have what it takes to succeed.

Whether your internship leads to a full-time offer or you're applying elsewhere, your resume needs to stand out. Here’s how to make it shine and catch an employer’s eye.

Focus on the Impact

Employers want to see not just what you did, but the results you achieved. For example, if you created and scheduled 25 social media posts weekly, don’t just list the task—highlight the outcome. Did engagement increase by a certain percentage over eight weeks? Mention it. Did a post go viral? Include the impressive metrics.

From an employer’s perspective, they want to know the problems you solved and how your work made a tangible impact. Quantify your achievements with numbers—this applies to full-time roles too, like managing budgets or driving sales revenue.

Lean into ATS-Friendly Keywords

When you apply for jobs, your resume often goes through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This software allows recruiters to search for candidates using keywords. To increase your visibility, review job descriptions and incorporate relevant terms. For instance, if a company uses “human capital management” instead of “HR,” make sure your resume includes that phrasing.

As a former corporate recruiter, I used these systems to find candidates for unposted roles, so optimizing with keywords is crucial.

Use Action Verbs

Replace passive phrases like “helped with” or “was responsible for” with dynamic action verbs. Words like “collaborated,” “contributed,” “facilitated,” “partnered with,” and “engaged” make your resume more compelling and show initiative.

Lean into Transferable Skills

Your internship might not align perfectly with every job requirement, but you can highlight transferable skills that demonstrate your versatility. Skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and time management are valuable across roles.

For example, in a social media internship, you likely brainstormed ideas, multitasked, and sought approvals. Frame these experiences to show how they apply to the job you’re targeting.

Show Growth

Your resume should not only open doors but also provide talking points for interviews. Highlight how you learned quickly, adapted, and took initiative. If you proposed a new process or mastered a new program, include it to show curiosity and a willingness to grow.

Tailor Your Resume

Customize your resume for each job application. Use the job description as a guide to emphasize relevant skills and experiences. Companies often list priorities in descending order, so align your bullet points accordingly, especially in the top sections.

For instance, in a marketing role, focus on analytical skills and campaign engagement, while for finance, highlight research and analysis.

Include All of Your Internships

Don’t omit any internships, even short or challenging ones. Every experience offers valuable lessons. For a negative internship, you can discuss what you learned, such as the importance of clear communication, without criticizing former employers.

A standout resume based on internships should showcase your skills, growth, and impact. By tailoring it to each role, you help employers quickly see your value and why they should interview you.