Tips for planning intern resume - HELP!

[Virtue City]

I'm an undergrad student with about a year of schooling left. At the present time, I'm trying to put together my resume so I can apply to a few real estate development and urban design firms for an internship. I've read books that explain how to write a good resume, but I thought I'd see if I could get some help directly from people in the field.

I'm sure that a lot of you professional planners hire students as interns, and I was wondering if I'd be able to get some tips on what you specifically look for in a resume and an intern candidate. Please help!

Thanks,
VC

 

[NHPlanner]

1. Experience...even if it's school related projects. I want to see the type of work experience (planning or not) and project experience that you'd bring to the table. Let me know what projects you've done in school, particularly if they are "real-world" experiences.

2. Activities & Volunteerism...outside of your classes, what groups or organizations are you involved in?

3. References...prof's, former bosses, etc.

4. Resume that is error free and shows that you can summarize everything clearly and concisely, but still get your message across.

 

[Cardinal]

The above, but when I am looking to take in an intern, I want to find out what interests them. Spend a little time on the objective, not just "I want to get experience in planning," but "I am looking for an opportunity to gain experience in the code enforcement aspects of planning, particularly removing 'earn $5000 per week from your own home' and 'wanted: 10 people to lose 20 pounds' signs from the public right of way"

 

[Tranplanner]

I'm in a fairly specialised field, so I like to see an interest in transportation on a resume - it doesn't have to be job experience, but something a covering letter or whatnot that indicates an interest in the field.

I like to make sure that the person I hire will be getting something out of the job, not just a paycheque.

Spelling and grammar mistakes are a pet peeve.

 

[planasaurus]

I would omit the objective statement at the top of the resume unless it is a really good one. Most of these sound something like : "Objective: to gain experience in urban planning". That is just too broad, and if you are applying for a planning job - it is understood. Unless your objective is more unique - I would omit it.

Also, omit the "references avaliable upon request" statement. If they want your references, they will ask.

Put your strengths at the top of the page. If you have a lot of good class esperience but no work experience, put the class experience at the top. Or if you have lots of education and no work experience, highlight education. Don't forget about class projects or volunteer experience.

 

[el Guapo]

my tips

I have hired one or two people in my day.

Here is what I look for: Brilliant white heavy paper, Mailed flat not folded, Laser quality print, Dates with no missing time, Error free, Error free, Error fee. Don't put an objective on your resume. We all know you want a job that allows you to grow as a human being. Don't put your references on their either. If I like you I'll ask for them. Have a few spare references and resumes ready if they ask for them. Don't send me to your Britney Spears fan site. A subtle hint of color does wonders. Use it very sparingly.

I had more than one interviewer ask for writing samples. Have a CD-R already burnt with your best work on you. Include graphics, maps, term papers. Just a few of each. Maybe 10-15 documents. And a photo of you (in a suit) so they can remember who you are. That separated me from the crowd once.

Dress like your dad does for funerals. Wear socks. Clean the suit so it doesn't stink. Act like you have worn a tie before.

Show up 7 minutes early for the interview. The last thing you do before you walk in the room is make sure your fly is up (personally missed this one once). Make eye contact. Avoid any reference to popular culture. I don't care if Moby is your best friend, leave out the materials that date you in the old fart's eyes.

And, hide all tattos and piercings unless you are trying to get a job at Rolling Stone.

Good luck and take it serious. They are.

 

[Virtue City]

Thanks!

Thanks for the input. This information has really helped me to revamp my existing resume, which I admit, was pretty bland and somewhat flavorless. Your advice has also increased my confidence in landing the internship.

El Guapo, I'm really impressed by your CD idea. Is that original? I'll have to keep that idea in the back of my mind when the time comes for interviews. With the kick-*ss resume I put together, hopefully I'll have a lot of them.

Thanks again, NHPlanner, Michael Stumpf, Planasaurus, my guy Tranplanner, and El Guapo. You've been extremely helpful.