How to Make Your Resume Stand Out for University and Internship Applications

If you think resumes are just for job seekers, think again. For high school students and early university applicants, a well-crafted resume can be one of the most powerful and underused tools in your entire application strategy. Whether you're applying to competitive undergraduate programs, early-entry scholarships, summer research positions, or internships, your resume speaks volumes — often before you do.

And yet, most students treat the resume like a checklist item. They throw it together at the last minute, copy from a generic template, or stuff it with every extracurricular they've ever tried. The result? A confusing, unfocused document that fails to do justice to their hard work, growth, and potential.

This blog will show you how to avoid those common traps — and why resume editing is not optional, but essential. Especially if you want to stand out.

Why Student Resume Editing Matters

You may have a strong GPA, an active extracurricular record, and glowing references. But if your resume is disorganized or unfocused, none of that will come across clearly.

Why a Resume Is Your Application’s First Impression

University admissions officers and recruiters often spend less than 60 seconds on each application. If your resume is cluttered, vague, or hard to scan, you could be overlooked without a second thought.

What a Well-Crafted Resume Shows About You

• You understand how to present your strengths clearly
• You’ve taken time to tailor your application for the reader
• You can communicate with purpose — a key skill for university and work
• You’re already developing a professional mindset

Your resume isn’t just a document. It’s your first shot at telling your story — and your second chance may never come.

What Makes a Resume Stand Out: 5 Proven Tips for Students

1. Focus on Relevant Experiences

Don’t try to include everything. Curate your content based on the role or program you’re applying for. If you’re targeting a business program, emphasize leadership and initiative. For STEM roles, highlight inquiry, experimentation, or coding experience.

2. Use Metrics to Show Impact

Generic lines like “Volunteered at shelter” don’t stand out. Instead, write: “Organized donation drives that collected over 200 items for local shelters, doubling last year’s total.” Numbers make your accomplishments measurable and memorable.

3. Choose Strong, Active Verbs

Start bullet points with action verbs like led, created, developed, analyzed, or collaborated. These signal ownership and initiative.

4. Keep Formatting Clean and Consistent

Use a clear layout with standard fonts (like Arial or Times New Roman), logical section headers, and consistent formatting. Reviewers should be able to skim your resume in seconds and understand who you are.

5. Eliminate Spelling or Grammar Errors

Proofread, then proofread again. A single typo — especially in a high-stakes application — can raise red flags about your attention to detail.

Why You Need a Mentor to Edit Your Resume

Even the most talented students struggle to write objectively about themselves. That’s why a mentor’s role is critical in resume development and editing.

How a Mentor Strengthens Your Resume

• Helps you recognize your most valuable experiences
• Shows you what admissions teams really look for
• Offers specific, honest feedback — not generic praise
• Guides your tone and voice for clarity and professionalism
• Helps you build a consistent narrative across your resume and interview answers

Mentorship provides structure, support, and strategy. And when you're aiming for competitive programs or selective internships, that extra edge can make all the difference.

How Myls Interview Supports Resume Editing and Application Success

A strong resume isn’t just a checklist of activities—it’s a strategic tool that connects your experience with your goals and tells a clear story to admissions committees or hiring teams. At Myls Interview, we help you create resumes that do more than look polished—they lay the foundation for confident interviews and successful applications.

Expert 1-on-1 Resume Feedback

Our experienced mentors provide personalized guidance to help you frame your experiences in a way that speaks directly to what top programs and employers are looking for. Whether you’re applying to university, a summer internship, or a leadership program, our mentors' feedback helps you focus on what matters most.

AI-Powered Resume Review Tools

You’ll get access to intelligent mock interview platform that initially assess clarity, structure, tone, and alignment with your application goals. Our AI-driven mock interview platform highlights vague phrasing, passive language, or formatting issues—so you can refine every line with confidence.

Tailored Advice for Competitive Programs

From Rotman Commerce, UBC Sauder, Queen's Health Sci, Waterloo Engineering, and other top STEM or business programs, we offer resume coaching based on the expectations of your specific target. You'll learn how to highlight your most relevant skills, leadership, and impact in a way that resonates.

Resume + Interview Integration

Your resume is the foundation for how you speak about yourself in interviews. That’s why we help you turn each bullet point into a story you can confidently explain in a live setting. The result? A more consistent, compelling application from page to panel.

Whether you’re just starting your first draft or polishing your final version, Myls Interview gives you the expert support, strategic feedback, and AI mock interview tools you need to get your resume right—and make your full university application stand out.

Final Thoughts: Your Resume Is a Strategic Tool

Too many students see the resume as a list. The truth is, it’s a launchpad — a reflection of your strengths, direction, and readiness for what’s next. A strong resume gives admissions officers a reason to take a closer look. A weak one may close the door before you even speak.

Don’t leave it to chance. With expert guidance, structured feedback, and tools that align your story with your goals, you can build a resume that truly sets you apart.

Start refining your resume today with Myls Interview. Sign up for free to access expert review tools and personalized coaching.