How to Format an Internship CV Like a Pro (With Templates & Examples)
Looking to apply for your dream internship but unsure how to format your CV? A well-structured internship CV can make a huge difference in grabbing recruiters' attention and getting past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). In this guide, we’ll break down the best CV formats, share real examples, and provide downloadable templates to help you get started! 🚀
Why Formatting Your Internship CV Matters
Your CV isn't just a document; it’s your first impression. Employers spend only 6–8 seconds scanning a CV before deciding if they should read further. A clean, professional format ensures that your skills, education, and achievements stand out.
- Easy to read & well-organized
- ATS-friendly for online applications
- Highlights your strengths even with little work experience
Best Internship CV Formats (Choose the Right One for You)
There are three main CV formats, and choosing the right one depends on your background and experience level.
1. Chronological CV (Best for Those with Some Experience)
- Focuses on work experience first, listing positions in reverse order (most recent job first).
- Best if you have internship or part-time work experience.
- Shows career growth but may not be ideal if you have no experience.
Example Layout:
- Contact Information
- Professional Summary
- Work/Internship Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications & Projects
- References
Best for: IT Internship, Marketing Internship, Business Analyst Intern
2. Functional CV (Best for Students with No Experience)
- Focuses on skills rather than work experience.
- Highlights education, projects, and extracurricular activities.
- Best if you’re new to internships or switching fields.
Example Layout:
- Contact Information
- Summary Statement
- Skills & Achievements
- Education
- Projects & Extracurricular Activities
- Certifications
Best for: Cybersecurity Internship, Software Engineering Intern, HR Internship
3. Hybrid (Combination) CV (Best for a Balanced Approach)
- Mixes both skills and work experience.
- Ideal for students with some experience and relevant projects.
- Gives equal weight to skills and practical work.
Example Layout:
- Contact Information
- Summary Statement
- Key Skills
- Work/Internship Experience
- Education
- Projects & Certifications
Best for: Quality Assurance Intern, IT Intern, Human Relations Intern
Downloadable Internship CV Templates
To help you get started, we’ve prepared FREE ATS-optimized internship CV templates for each format. Download yours now and customize it!
- Chronological CV Template
- Functional CV Template
- Hybrid CV Template
Internship CV Example
John Doe
📧 [email protected] | 📞 +94 712345678
📍 Colombo, Sri Lanka | 🔗 LinkedIn Profile
Summary Statement
Passionate IT undergraduate skilled in Python, Java, and cybersecurity. Strong analytical abilities with hands-on experience in university projects and freelance coding. Seeking an IT internship to apply technical knowledge in a real-world environment.
Key Skills
- Python, Java, SQL
- Network Security & Cybersecurity
- Team Collaboration & Problem Solving
Education
BSc in Computer Science
University of Colombo (Expected Graduation: 2026)
Projects & Extracurricular Activities
- Developed a student management system as a university project.
- Volunteered at CodeCamp Sri Lanka to teach Python to beginners.
Final Formatting Tips for an Internship CV
- Keep it 1 page (unless necessary).
- Use a professional font (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman).
- Avoid fancy graphics & tables (They confuse ATS software).
- Save as PDF before submitting (unless stated otherwise).
- Use clear section headings (Bold or ALL CAPS help improve readability).