Cut Your Internship Job Search Short! Write An Effective Resume For OJT
It is no secret that a resume can make or break your application. Think of this document as your golden ticket to a dream job you have been eyeing. But do you know what is better than a resume? An effective one.
Now you may think – what could be an effective resume for OJT? It is more than just the design, of course. It must be substantial yet straightforward, comprehensive and attention-grabbing. Do not let this delicate balance throw you off. Be confident in your achievements and we are here to help you shine in the best way possible.
With these in mind, we share with you the best tips and tricks to get your resume up and running. But before that, we take a look at what employers usually look for in the general spectrum.
What do employers usually look for when hiring OJT applicants?
It may bog you down to think that you do not have enough work experience to impress your potential employers. But keep in mind that your employers are aware of the nature of this category. Companies hire interns or on-the-job trainees (OJT) to gain a sense of the working world. This can greatly help in their future career paths, especially since interns usually go for jobs in the same field they majored in.
If you are less than convinced, we have gathered the most common qualities that they look for in applicants like yourself.
1. It is all in the attitude.
There is an old adage that goes, “You can train a professional for skills, not for attitude.” This means that whatever you teach a person will not sink in if they themselves are not willing to learn. Employers look for interns who are positive and proactive, because jobseekers like these embrace the work and require minimal to no supervision. In effect, initiative and a positive perspective can secure possible permanent positions in the future.
2. Adaptability and teamwork
Interns who are adaptable can thrive in any type of work setting. Workplaces change depending on the demand of their clients and the fiscal calendar. This means that the pace can be slow on some days and intensely fast, so interns who can adjust are in demand. Adaptability can also carry over to the number of people you can work with. While it is good to be independent, there are times when one needs a team to put a project together. Aside from that, adaptable interns must be able to jibe with any type of personality, whether easy or difficult.
3. Communication
It is one thing to work, but it is another to be able to put things into perspective. While employers do not expect interns to communicate to stakeholders and clients on their first day, this skill displays itself during the interview process. Interns who answer interview questions with candor and confidence will most likely display the same during meetings or presentations.
Technical skills are also a plus, especially if they relate to what you majored in. But more often than not, transferable skills are the ones you should look out for. Why? It is because these types of skills are what can help you grow anywhere, whatever the position or industry you find yourself in.
What should I write in my resume for my internship?
Now that you have a sense of what employers look for in future interns like yourself, we dive deep into the document proper. But it is important to note that internship or OJT resumes are usually just single pagers. Save the two-pager (or more) for when you are a seasoned professional in the field and are looking to grow.
The formula for a resume for OJT is simple: keep the achievements at the top and only put the ones that align with the job you are looking for. (Pro tip: If you wish to ask about tailor making a resume for a company, the answer is yes.)
So what should you place in your resume? Here are the five critical items every resume for OJT should have:
1. Your contact details
Surprisingly, this section can make or break you for several reasons. One is it is a test in paying attention to details. It may seem like a minor thing to have your contact details on file, but lots of interns and even seasoned jobseekers get this part wrong. What happens when your mobile number misses a number or your email address lacks an underscore? Your employer may not be able to contact you, resulting in a missed opportunity.
Luna Kristina Sanchez
ABC Condominium, Jupiter St, Makati
+63 968 563 7382
2. Write your career objective.
Having objectives in a resume for OJT is not really important, but they help you define the career path you want. Employers look for interns who have a sense of what their paths look like, and visionaries like these can take on future leadership positions too. You do not have to write a speech of what you want to achieve. Make it a one-to-two sentence summary of what you want to professionally attain.
An adaptable and creative marketing graduate looking for a marketing coordinator position at KLM Advertising. I wish to learn more about applying the marketing principles I have learned and handle small-time clients with their marketing needs.
3. Put your educational achievements at the forefront
While work experience will eventually define you as a professional, your education is a critical point of contention for now. If you are an honors student, you can place that under the current university you are attending. You can also place scholarships there as well.
2018 - present
HJI University
BS Major in Marketing ManagementDean’s Lister (2018-2021)
4. List down your most prominent extracurricular achievements
Just like how professionals highlight their career milestones, your extracurricular achievements are the items employers look for. These are your organizational activities, your run for student office, and your sports highlights. But not all achievements need to be visible. What does this mean?
If you are applying for a marketing job, pool your marketing-related achievements at the very top of the section. Enhance the importance of said achievement by putting 2-3 bullet points of what you did during that time.
On average, employers glance at resumes for a maximum of 5-7 seconds. So make sure that they get to see what they need to see within that time frame.
Career Highlights
2019 - 2020 President of XYZ Marketing Organization
- Spearheaded the first ever networking event for agencies to scout university talent. Number of hired interns amounted to 50%, higher than the expected goal of 20%
- Oversaw several programs carried out by constituents, three of which were nominated for Best Program by the Council of Organizations
2018 - 2019 Externals Vice President of XYZ Marketing Organization
- Secured three major companies to sponsor our Year-End party
- Headed the yearly XYZ Marketing outreach program with sponsored snacks from ABC Corporation. Pooled donations reached Php 190,000, exceeding goal percentage by 20%
5. List down your skills
There are two types of skills to keep in mind. You have your hard skills, which are the skills that you need in your job to succeed. Soft skills, on the other hand, are what will help you adapt to the working environment you are in. While it is good to have a solid balance of both, having more hard skills gives you an edge.
Hard Skills:
- Creativity
- Data Analysis
- Critical Thinking
- Negotiation
- Time Management
Soft Skills:
- Adaptability
- Teamwork
- Interpersonal Skills
- Problem Solving
- Attention to Detail
It’s time to kickstart your career so #LetsGetToWork! But before anything else, make sure you take a look at our comprehensive Career Tools to ensure you get the help you need.
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