It's that time of year again, and I don't mean winter break festivities. It's time to apply for those summer internships. It's hard not knowing what you need to put on the resume especially when you've never done one before. After doing a few resumes, I want to share what I learned in hopes that some of you land your dream jobs.
1. Quantify your impact.
Show your accomplishments in numbers, not just words. This makes for such a simple way to stand out and most people don't know it.
Examples: Weak: Managed a budget to plan large events for student
Strong: Managed $10,000 budget to plan a large event for 1,500 students.
Weak: Wrote articles on entrepreneurship and technology.
Strong: Wrote 9 articles on entrepreneurship and technology, generating 107,000 page views, 8,009 likes, and 3,723 tweets.
2. Make your interests as different as possible.
Typically, people list their interests in the last line of their resume, but don't actually say anything interesting. You like movies, sports, and traveling? Very original! Instead, say something that could hit an emotional cord or spark a conversation mid-interview.
Examples: Mediterranean cooking, star wars lego collections
3. Show the competition.
So many people win awards, get into selective programs, and get into other impressive things but they don't actually reveal the full amazingness of those accomplishments.
Examples: Weak: Won scholarship at innovation competition.
Strong: Won $1,000 scholarship at innovation competition (80+ entrepreneurs competed)
4. Ask an employee for feedback.
Relationships are more important than resumes. Always connect with an employee before applying to any company. If conversation goes well, ask for feedback on your resume.
Example: Hey Lydia,
Great chatting yesterday! I really enjoyed hearing about your experiences at [Company X] and I’m excited to apply for [Position Y].
I know you’re super busy, but could you spare 2 minutes to share any feedback on my resume before I submit? Even a quick gut reaction would mean a lot.
Best,
Rose
5. Associate yourself with big brands.
Build instant credibility by associating yourself with a trusted institution. Well-known brands shine when recruiters scan resumes so include them.
Example: Strengthened relationships with 7 strategic partners (including Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble & Emirates Airlines) through follow-up meetings with senior leadership
6. Follow "The Rule of Seven"
Great resumes send a consistent message. They convey a personal brand. They make a recruiter think that you've done this before and the you'll fit right in. Find "buzzwords" on a company's site and repeat them seven times in your resume. If you're really crafty you don't have to change much when tailoring different jobs and internships.
