Applying for summer internships, graduate schemes, or placements in London can be both exciting and daunting, especially for students with limited professional experience. London, a global hub for diverse industries, offers endless opportunities, but also fierce competition. To stand out, you need a resume that showcases your skills, experiences, and potential. Here’s how to craft one that grabs attention while catering to London’s competitive job market:
Choose the Right Format
The format of your resume sets the tone for how recruiters perceive your background. London-based employers often receive hundreds of applications, so selecting the most impactful format is crucial.
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Reverse Chronological: Ideal if you have relevant work experience. Highlighting your most recent achievements is especially effective for industries like finance, tech, and marketing, which thrive in London.
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Functional: Focuses on your skills, making it perfect for students or career changers. This format suits creative roles often found in London’s vibrant arts and media scene.
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Hybrid: A balanced format that showcases both skills and experience. It’s versatile and works well for applicants targeting London’s diverse job market.
Start with a Strong Summary or Objective
London recruiters often skim resumes due to high application volumes. A well-crafted summary or objective can immediately capture their interest.
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Summary: If you’ve gained some experience, this section highlights your core strengths.
Example: “Motivated marketing student with experience in social media strategy, data analytics, and creative content creation. Successfully led campaigns that increased engagement by 40% during an internship at a London-based agency.” -
Objective: For those just starting out, an objective shows your enthusiasm and alignment with the role.
Example: “Proactive business student seeking a summer internship to apply analytical skills and a passion for market research within a fast-paced London consultancy.”
Highlight Your Education
Education is especially significant for students and recent graduates. Many of London’s leading firms actively recruit from universities, so showcasing your academic background effectively is essential.
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What to Include: Degree program, expected graduation date, relevant coursework, and awards.
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Why It Matters: Employers in London often look for applicants with strong academic foundations, particularly in fields like finance, technology, and engineering.
Example:
Queen Mary University of London – BSc in Computer Science (Expected June 2025)
Relevant coursework: Artificial Intelligence, Data Structures, Cloud Computing
Awards: Valedictorian, 2024
Showcase Relevant Experience
London employers value tangible experience, even if it’s from part-time roles or volunteer projects. Highlighting this can set you apart from the competition.
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What to Include: Internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer roles. Use action verbs and include achievements wherever possible.
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Why It Matters: In a city known for its fast-paced industries, measurable accomplishments demonstrate your ability to deliver results.
Example:
Marketing Intern – London Start-Up Hub (June 2024 – August 2025)
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Managed social media channels, increasing follower count by 25%.
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Coordinated a launch event attended by over 200 industry professionals, receiving positive client feedback.
Focus on Skills
Employers in London value both technical and interpersonal skills. A dedicated “Skills” section helps them quickly assess your fit for the role.
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What to Include: Hard skills like software proficiency or languages and soft skills like communication or teamwork.
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Why It Matters: London’s job market is diverse, with roles ranging from tech startups in Shoreditch to multinational firms in Canary Wharf. Tailoring your skills to the role can make a big difference.
Example:
Skills:
Technical: Python, Adobe Photoshop, SQL
Languages: Native English, Fluent Spanish, Intermediate French
Interpersonal: Leadership, Problem-Solving, Collaboration
Add Extracurricular Activities
Your involvement outside of academics paints a picture of your personality and leadership potential.
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Why It Matters: London-based employers often value well-rounded candidates who can bring diverse experiences to their teams.
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What to Include: Clubs, sports, or personal projects where you demonstrated initiative or achieved notable results.
Example:
President, UCL Debate Society: Organised a city-wide debate competition, attracting participants from 10 universities.
Tailor Your Resume for Each Opportunity
One-size-fits-all resumes rarely succeed in London’s competitive market.
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Why It Matters: Customisation shows genuine interest and ensures you highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the role.
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How to Do It: Use keywords from the job description and align your experiences with the specific requirements of the role.
Keep It Professional
A polished resume reflects your attention to detail—something London employers highly value.
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Tips: Use a clean layout with professional fonts (no Comic Sans!) and keep it concise. One page is typically sufficient for students. Always proofread to avoid typos and grammatical errors.
With these tailored strategies, you’ll be ready to create a resume that not only stands out but also positions you as a strong candidate for London’s diverse and dynamic job opportunities.
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