1. 1 / 2 JT - Septembre 2011
HOW TO WRITE A CV / RESUME FOR INTERNSHIPS / WORK PLACEMENTS
Objective: To present your relevant experience, qualifications & skills for the position you are seeking
Description: It should be short, easy-to-read, attractive, interesting
Method: Present your experience and strengths in a way that matches them to the qualities the placement is likely to require
Procedure
 Use bold and underlined words for important information. It's best to use Times New Roman or Arial if you send it by Internet
 Write concisely – avoid complete sentences Typically employers read CVs in a few seconds so information has to be found quickly and easily
 Use your French-English dictionary to find the right translations
 Use Spell-Check on your computer to avoid stupid mistakes
Sections
1) Personal Details - Do not write a title for this information
 In the upper left-hand corner: first name first and surname last. Capitalize only the first letter of your name (idem for cities and countries)
 School or home address (city/country)
 Phone number & email address
2) General Heading or Career Orientation
The domain that you want to specialize in or the position you are seeking:
Ex 1
Specializing in Animal Reproduction
Ex 2
Career Orientation: to work in Animal Production using my management and language skills
3) Education
 List degrees/diplomas with the most recent first. See the Equivalency Table for the corresponding terms
 List main subjects studied. Include the school where you obtained them.
4) Work Experience
 Most recent first, in reverse chronological order
 Do not write specific dates but rather
2 month contract
Summer 20xx
July–Sept. 20xx (= from July to September)
 Job title, name of company (give a brief translation only if necessary), location (NY, Zurich)
 For job accomplishments, use action verbs to describe what you did
 Include all work experience, even non-professional work or volunteer activities like baby-sitting, summer jobs or scouting, to show desired skills or experience. These show responsibility, teamwork, etc.
5) Skills
 Languages
Mother tongue: French
Levels: excellent working knowledge of English/Spanish/German, etc
very good working knowledge
good working knowledge
average working knowledge

2. 2 / 2 JT - Septembre 2011
notions
Include certificates if your score was good (TOEIC 20xx: 800/995; Cambridge First Certificate, etc)
 Computers: Literate in Microsoft Office Suite, the Internet, etc.
6) Additional Information
 Nationality (if you feel it’s important to communicate)
 Driving license
7) Activities and Interests
Highlight what is relevant to the position you are looking for to show the qualities related to the position