How to Build a CV That Helps You Find an Internship in the UK Faster

Let’s be honest—writing a CV is no one’s idea of fun. It’s right up there with doing taxes and untangling headphone wires. But if you're dreaming of landing an internship in the UK, your CV is your golden ticket. It’s the first impression you make… before you even say “hello.”

So how do you make your CV stand out in a sea of eager applicants? Don’t worry—I’ve got you. Let’s break it down together and build a CV that actually gets you noticed.

Start With the Basics (But Don’t Be Boring)

You know the drill: name, contact info, LinkedIn profile (yes, you should have one). Keep this section clean and easy to read. No need for fancy fonts or emojis—this isn’t your Instagram bio.

Pro tip: Use a professional email address. john_cooldude94@hotmail.com won’t win you any points.

Write a Personal Statement That Actually Feels… Personal

Right after your contact info, you need a short paragraph that tells people who you are and what you’re about. Think of it as your elevator pitch—but written, and way less awkward.

Example:

“Second-year Business student at the University of Leeds, passionate about marketing, data, and helping brands connect with people. Looking for a summer internship where I can learn fast, contribute meaningfully, and bring way too much coffee-fueled enthusiasm.”

Keep it short, friendly, and confident—not stiff or robotic. Sound like a human, not a LinkedIn motivational speaker.

Focus on What You’ve Done (Not Just Where You’ve Been)

You might think, “But I don’t have any experience!” Trust me, you probably have more than you realize.

Have you:

• Worked part-time?
• Volunteered?
• Helped plan events?
• Managed a club's Instagram page?

That’s all gold.

Example:

Social Media Volunteer – Animal Shelter UK (March 2024 – Present)

• Created weekly Instagram content, increasing followers by 35%
• Ran a fundraising campaign that raised £500+ in donations
• Learned how to use Canva, schedule posts, and keep a consistent brand tone

See? That’s relevant. You’re showing skills (content creation, marketing, communication) that lots of internships want.

Tailor It Like You’re Picking the Perfect Outfit

One-size-fits-all doesn’t work for clothes… or CVs. Customize your CV for each internship. That doesn't mean rewriting the whole thing, but tweak it to match what they’re looking for.

Tip: Look at the internship description and sprinkle in the same words. If they mention “teamwork,” highlight that group project where you didn’t murder your classmates. If they say “initiative,” mention how you started a book club or redesigned your uni society’s website.

Keep Education Simple (But Highlight the Wins)

List your most recent education first, like this:

BA in Psychology, University of Manchester (2022–2025)

• Expected Grade: 2:1
• Relevant Modules: Cognitive Behaviour, Research Methods
• Winner, 2023 Student Research Poster Competition

No need to list your GCSEs in painful detail unless you’re still in school. Employers care more about what you’re learning now.

Add Extras That Show You’re a Real Person

Yes, your CV is about work—but you’re more than your degree. Add a section like:

Interests & Activities

• Member of the Uni Film Society
• Weekly volunteer at local food bank
• Obsessed with puzzles and escape rooms (great under pressure!)

This shows you're well-rounded—and maybe even fun to work with.

Keep It One Page (Yes, Just One)

Unless you’ve climbed Everest or cured boredom, keep it to one page. Be ruthless. If it doesn’t add value, cut it.

Use:

• Bullet points
• Clear section headings
• Font size between 10–12 (no one wants to squint)

A Few Final Touches That Make a Big Difference

• Proofread like your future depends on it. Typos are a dealbreaker.
• Ask someone else to read it. If your little cousin can understand it, you’re good.
• Save as a PDF. Always. Keeps your formatting clean.

One Last Thing…

Remember, your CV isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being you, on paper, in the most compelling and honest way. You don’t need 10 internships already under your belt. You just need to show that you’re curious, hardworking, and ready to learn.

So breathe. You’ve got this. And hey—if you ever feel stuck, imagine you’re just writing a message to someone you want to work with. Because that’s exactly what it is.