Resume vs. CV for Internships – Which One Should You Use?
If you're applying for an internship, you might be wondering: Should I submit a CV or a resume? The terms are often used interchangeably, but they have key differences. Choosing the right one can improve your chances of landing the perfect internship!
In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between a CV and a resume, when to use each, and provide examples tailored for internship applications.
What’s the Difference Between a Resume and a CV?
Feature | CV (Curriculum Vitae) | Resume |
Purpose | Provides a detailed overview of education, work experience, skills, and achievements | A brief summary of skills, experience, and education relevant to the job |
Length | 2+ pages (detailed) | 1 page (concise) |
Content | Includes education, work experience, skills, research, projects, publications, certifications, and extracurriculars | Focuses on key skills and relevant work experience |
Customization | Stays mostly the same, with minor updates | Highly tailored for each application |
Best for | Academia, research, or international job applications | Corporate internships, entry-level jobs, industry-specific roles |
When Should You Use a CV vs. a Resume for an Internship?
Use a CV if:
- You're applying for academic internships, research roles, or international positions
- You have multiple projects, publications, or certifications to showcase.
- The company specifically asks for a CV in the job listing.
Use a Resume if:
- You're applying for corporate internships (e.g., Marketing, IT, HR, Business Analyst roles).
- You have little or no work experience but relevant skills and coursework.
- The job listing requests a one-page application.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, check the job description! If it says "resume," submit a resume. If it says "CV," submit a CV. If unsure, a resume is the safer choice for most internships.
Internship CV vs. Resume Examples
Example 1: Internship CV (for a Research or Academic Internship)
John Doe
📧 [email protected] | 📞 +94 712345678
📍 Colombo, Sri Lanka | 🔗 LinkedIn.com/in/johndoe
Education
- BSc in Computer Science, University of Colombo (Expected Graduation: 2026)
Research Experience
- AI & Machine Learning Research Assistant – University of Colombo (2024–Present)
- Conducted research on deep learning models for image recognition.
- Published findings in the Sri Lanka AI Conference 2025.
Certifications
- Google Data Analytics Certification (2024)
Publications
- Optimizing Neural Networks for Low-Resource Environments"
Key Skills
- Python, Machine Learning, Data Analysis
Example 2: Internship Resume (for a Corporate Internship)
Jane Smith
📧 [email protected] | 📞 +94 765432198
📍 Colombo, Sri Lanka | 🔗 LinkedIn.com/in/janesmith
Summary
Highly motivated marketing student with skills in social media strategy, content creation, and analytics. Passionate about digital marketing and eager to contribute to a dynamic team
Key Skills
- Social Media Management (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- Copywriting & Content Creation
- Google Analytics & SEO Basics
Education
- BA in Marketing, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (Expected Graduation: 2025)
Internship Experience
- Marketing Intern – ABC Digital (Jan 2024 – Present)
- Assisted in creating content for Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns.
- Analyzed Google Analytics reports to track campaign performance.
- Collaborated with the design team to improve brand engagement.
Projects
- Developed a social media strategy for a university club, increasing engagement by 35%.
Key Takeaways
- A CV is best for research, academic, or international internship applications.
- A resume is best for corporate internships and general industry roles.
- If you have no experience, use a functional resume to highlight skills and projects.
- Always read the job description to check whether they ask for a CV or resume.
- Keep it professional, ATS-friendly, and concise!
Need Help Creating the Perfect Internship CV or Resume?
Not sure how to tailor your application? We’ve got you covered!
✅ Download Our Free Internship Resume & CV Templates
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A strong CV or resume is the first step to landing your dream internship. Let’s make it happen!