1. Keep the structure simple
A research or internship resume can usually be organized into four core sections: Education, Research/Projects, Experience, and Skills. Add Leadership or other sections only when they strengthen the application. Keep the document to one page unless the opportunity explicitly accepts more.
| Section | What belongs there |
|---|---|
| Education | University, degree, major, expected graduation, GPA when strong or required, and selectively tailored coursework. |
| Research / Projects | Independent projects, lab work, course research, O.R.B.I.T. outputs, datasets, posters, or other scholarly work. |
| Experience | Jobs, volunteering, leadership, teaching, clinical, design, communication, or operations work that demonstrates relevant ability. |
| Skills | Research, technical, communication, language, and certifications that are relevant to the role. |
2. Write bullets that show evidence
A strong research bullet usually combines an action with the object of the work, the method or tool used, and an output or quality-control step. The goal is to show what you actually did rather than list responsibilities in vague terms.
| Bullet pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| Action + object + method + output | Synthesized 38 peer-reviewed articles using a structured extraction matrix to identify three gaps in undergraduate research training. |
| Tool + task + quality control | Cleaned survey responses in Excel and documented exclusion decisions to preserve a reproducible analysis trail. |
| Audience + deliverable + result | Designed a poster-ready visual abstract translating findings for a non-specialist undergraduate audience. |
| Leadership + system + continuity | Created a shared research-hours tracker to standardize member documentation across projects and semesters. |
3. Name skills the way research teams use them
“Microsoft Office” or a random list of software often says less than a focused description of what you can do. Group skills by research function and only claim abilities you can actually demonstrate.
| Skill area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Literature | Boolean search strategy, evidence synthesis, citation management, matrix coding. |
| Data | Data cleaning, codebook development, descriptive statistics, visualization, reproducible logs. |
| Writing | Abstract drafting, manuscript revision, poster text, cover letters, PI outreach. |
| Operations | Timeline tracking, meeting minutes, documentation systems, workshop coordination. |
4. Tailor the resume to the role
Use standard headings so both humans and applicant-tracking systems can understand the document. Mirror keywords from the role only when they truthfully describe your experience. Avoid generic objective statements unless you need to explain a major career pivot. When a portal is strict, a plain-text-friendly layout is safer than a design built from complex tables or graphics.
5. Resume or CV?
Use a resume when the application expects a focused, usually one-page summary tailored to a specific role. Use an academic CV when the goal is to document a broader scholarly record, including research interests, multiple projects, presentations, publications or manuscripts, teaching, awards, and academic skills. If the instructions tell you which document to submit, follow them.
Helpful standards & references
These are starting points, not substitutes for the requirements of a specific journal, conference, institution, or research team.
UConn Career Center resume/CV/cover letter guide: https://career.uconn.edu/resources/resume-cv-cover-letter-guide/