10 Resume Mistakes That Cost Students Internship Opportunities

Your resume is often the only thing standing between you and a dream internship. In the few seconds a recruiter spends on it, your resume needs to shine. Unfortunately, many students make simple mistakes that get their applications tossed. Here are the top 10 resume mistakes to avoid.

1. Typos and Grammatical Errors

This is the most common and most avoidable mistake. A single typo can signal a lack of attention to detail. Proofread your resume multiple times. Use tools like Grammarly, and have a friend or career advisor review it.

2. A One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Sending the same generic resume to every company is a recipe for rejection. Tailor your resume for each specific role. Use keywords from the job description and highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to that position.

3. Vague and Passive Language

Avoid passive phrases like “was responsible for.” Instead, use strong action verbs. For example, instead of “was involved in a project,” say “Developed a new feature for a web application that improved user engagement.”

4. Not Quantifying Achievements

Numbers speak louder than words. Quantifying your accomplishments makes them more concrete and impressive. Instead of “Improved website performance,” try “Reduced page load time by 20% by optimizing image assets.”

5. Poor Formatting

A cluttered, inconsistent, or overly creative resume is hard to read. Stick to a clean, professional format. Use a standard font, consistent spacing, and clear headings. Ensure it’s easy for a recruiter to scan and find key information.

6. Including Irrelevant Information

Your high school achievements or your part-time job as a barista are likely not relevant for a software engineering internship. Keep your resume focused on the skills and experiences that matter for the role you’re applying for.

7. An Unprofessional Email Address

An email like `coolguy99@email.com` immediately undermines your professionalism. Create a simple, professional email address for your job search, such as `firstname.lastname@email.com`.

8. Making It Too Long

For students and recent graduates, a one-page resume is the standard. Be concise. Recruiters spend only a few seconds on each resume, so make every word count.

9. Lying or Exaggerating

Never lie on your resume. It’s easy to get caught, and the consequences can be severe. Be honest about your skills and experience. It’s better to be upfront about what you’re still learning than to be exposed as a fraud.

10. Forgetting a Call to Action (Your Portfolio/LinkedIn)

Make it easy for recruiters to learn more about you. Include links to your LinkedIn profile, your personal portfolio website, and your GitHub profile (for technical roles). Ensure these links are clickable in the PDF version.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common mistakes will dramatically improve the quality of your resume and increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Take the time to craft a thoughtful, professional, and tailored resume—it’s one of the best investments you can make in your career.