Writing a cover letter for an internship application is a crucial step in securing valuable professional experience. Unlike a resume, a cover letter allows you to introduce yourself, express your enthusiasm for the internship, and explain why you’re the ideal candidate. In this guide, we will explore the key elements of crafting a compelling internship cover letter that highlights your skills, motivations, and potential contributions to the organization.
While there is no universal template for a cover letter, a well-written cover letter is just as important as a resume. Applying for internships can be challenging, but with help from the resources on this site, you can navigate the process and come out a winner.
When you are applying for an internship, you need to take the same approach to your cover letter for an internship application as you would a resume. Here’s our guide on how to write a cover letter for an internship application.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a single-page letter that should be part of any job application. A cover letter is not just for the first page of your application; it should also be sent with any other supporting documents that you submit or attach to your electronic application.
The only time you should avoid sending a cover letter for an internship application is when a job listing explicitly says not to send one.
Some job listings explicitly say not to send a cover letter for an internship application. If you’re unsure whether or not this is the case, here’s how to find out:
- Search for the job listing on Indeed or monster.com (or any other online job portal)
- Check under “Apply” for instructions about how and where to apply as well as any other guidelines for applying for this position. If there aren’t any instructions about what kind of information should be included in your cover letter, then chances are good that you can use one without worrying about getting rejected by employers who don’t want cover letters from candidates.
What is the goal of your cover letter for an internship application?
The primary goal of your cover letter for an internship application is to make a strong and positive impression on the employer or internship coordinator. Specifically, your cover letter aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Introduce Yourself: The cover letter serves as an introduction, allowing you to present yourself to the prospective employer or organization. It provides context for your resume and application.
- Be specific: Your cover letter should focus on why you are right for the job and how much value you would bring to the company. It should also explain what working at this company would mean to you personally, as well as thank them for their time and consideration in reading through your application package.
- Express Enthusiasm: It allows you to convey your genuine enthusiasm and interest in the internship opportunity. This demonstrates your motivation and commitment to the role.
- Highlight Your Qualifications: Your cover letter should showcase your relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications. Explain how your background aligns with the requirements of the internship.
- Demonstrate Fit: It provides an opportunity to explain why you are an excellent fit for the internship and how your goals align with the company’s mission and values.
- Showcase Soft Skills: In addition to hard skills, your cover letter can highlight soft skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving, which are valuable in an internship setting.
- Differentiate Yourself: Your cover letter allows you to stand out from other applicants by sharing unique experiences, achievements, or personal qualities that set you apart.
- Request an Interview: Ultimately, the cover letter’s goal is to persuade the employer to invite you for an interview. It should express your eagerness to discuss your qualifications in more detail.
In your cover letter for an internship application, avoid generic language like “I am interested in” or “I want this job.” Instead, focus on what makes YOU an ideal candidate for his particular position – something unique about yourself that sets you apart from other candidates who may be applying for similar Positions in the field.
In summary, the goal of your cover letter for an internship application is to create a compelling narrative that persuades the employer to consider you as a strong candidate. It should convey your enthusiasm, qualifications, and suitability for the internship while prompting the reader to take the next step by inviting you for an interview.
How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship Application
Writing a cover letter for an internship application requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create an effective internship cover letter:
Research the Company
Start by researching the company or organization where you’re applying for the internship. Understand their mission, values, culture, and the specific internship program or role you’re interested in. This knowledge will help you tailor your cover letter.
Address the Recipient
Whenever possible, address the cover letter to a specific individual, such as the hiring manager or internship coordinator. If you don’t have a name, use a generic salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Write a Strong Opening
Begin your cover letter with a compelling opening paragraph that grabs the reader’s attention. Express your enthusiasm for the internship and briefly mention why you’re interested in the company or organization.
Indicate the specific position
First, Indicate the specific position for which you are applying in your cover letter.
Begin your cover letter for an internship application with the role you’re trying to apply for demonstrating that you’ve thought about what tends to make you the strongest choice for this particular role. This also suggests that you’ve written a cover letter specifically for their opening rather than using a generic cover letter for all entries. It also serves to call attention to the role and gives context for the remainder of your letter.
Highlight Your Qualifications
In the body of the cover letter, explain why you are a suitable candidate for the internship. Focus on your relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications. Use specific examples to demonstrate your capabilities, and relate them to the requirements of the internship
Consider including stats on how productive you were at your previous internship.
First, consider including stats on how productive you were at your previous place of internship. This can be in the form of a resume or cover letter and is the most effective if you can provide specific details about the work and projects that you worked on during your time at your last internship. If possible, try to include the number of hours spent working each week, as well as the projects completed by you during his period.
Include any relevant information about why his experience was valuable to you. For example “I learned the importance of teamwork when working with people who are not familiar with our organization” or “I learned how to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while still keeping track of deadlines.”
Include specific information about how you can help the organization achieve its objectives.
- Use specific examples such as “I helped my manager With a project that would have taken weeks if not months to complete.”
- Focus on how you can add value to the company and why you are the right candidate for this position. This is an opportunity for you to show that your skills are suited for this role, but also provide reasons why these aren’t common traits among other candidates in similar situations. You should also make note of any specific competencies that set you apart from other applicants (if applicable). For example, “I am proficient at Excel because I have used Excel extensively throughout college and internships.”
- For example, if the employer emphasizes work experience in your field, mention your related internships and volunteer work.
Use specific details whenever possible.
For example, don’t just say you are a “people person.” Instead, provide an example of a time you successfully persuaded someone to change their mind about something or helped diffuse a tough situation with a client or co-worker.
When writing your cover letter for an internship application, use specific details whenever possible. For example, don’t just say you’re a “people person.” Instead, provide an example of a time you successfully persuaded someone to change their mind about something or help diffuse a tough situation with a client or coworker.
Tell a story: How did the issue come up? What was its importance? Was there any discussion involved and if so how did it go down? What were the results (Good or bad)?
- Use numbers: if possible include statistics such as the average salary range for this position at the company, how many internships were offered last year at that school, and how many accepted them. This will show that there is demand for interns in this field which means they will have more options than just working at small companies with low salaries but still need their services so that they can set themselves apart from other candidates.
While writing your cover letter for an internship application, focus on why you’re right for the job and how badly you want it. Focus on how much value you could bring to the company, as well as what working at the company would mean to you personally. Finally, thank them for their time and consideration, and sign the letter with your full name written out completely, not just your initials or nickname.
- Why you’re right for the job
- How badly do you want the job
- What working at the company would mean to you personally
- Thank them for their time and consideration
Call attention to relevant skills.
In the body of your cover letter for an internship application, emphasize relevant expertise, skills, and schooling that will profit the company. Even though you lack professional experience in the industry, you could include skills acquired in past employment, voluntary roles, classes or amount of total projects completed, or extracurricular activities achievements.
Showcase Your Fit
Explain how your personal and professional goals align with the company’s mission and values. Highlight any prior knowledge of the company or its industry and how this has influenced your desire to intern there.
Emphasize Soft Skills
Mention soft skills that are essential for success in the internship, such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving. Provide examples of situations where you’ve demonstrated these skills.
Tailor the Content
Customize your cover letter for each internship application. Address specific job requirements mentioned in the internship posting, and use keywords and phrases from the job description to demonstrate your fit.
Express Gratitude and Enthusiasm
Conclude your cover letter by expressing your gratitude for considering your application and your excitement about the possibility of contributing to the company. Mention your interest in an interview to discuss your qualifications further.
Signature and Contact Information
Sign your cover letter with a formal closing (e.g., “Sincerely”) followed by your typed name. Include your contact information, including your phone number and professional email address.
Before mailing, double-check your cover letter for an internship application.
Before sending your cover letter for an internship application, set aside some time to check and modify your cover letter once it is finished. Check for wording, grammatical errors, and misspellings when reviewing. If possible, have trusted family members or friends review your final draft for a perspective that isn’t your own.
Carefully proofread your cover letter to eliminate spelling, grammar, and typographical errors. Ensure it is well-organized, concise, and free of any unnecessary jargon.
Formatting
Format your cover letter professionally, using a standard font and clear headings. Keep it to one page in length.
Attachment or Submission
Follow the employer’s instructions for submitting your cover letter, whether it’s through an online portal, email, or a physical application. Ensure that your document is saved and named appropriately.
Follow Up
After submitting your cover letter, follow up with the employer if you haven’t heard back within a reasonable time frame. This shows your continued interest in the internship opportunity.
Remember that a well-crafted cover letter is an essential tool for making a positive impression during the internship application process. Tailoring your letter to the specific role and organization, showcasing your qualifications, and demonstrating your enthusiasm can significantly increase your chances of securing the internship.
What to Include in a Cover Letter for an Internship Application
When writing a cover letter for an internship application, you should include the following key elements to create a comprehensive and persuasive document:
- Contact Information:
- Your name
- Your address (optional)
- City, state, ZIP code
- Your phone number
- Your professional email address
- Date:
- Include the current date.
- Employer’s Contact Information:
- The name of the hiring manager or internship coordinator (if available)
- The name of the company or organization
- Company’s address
- City, state, ZIP code
- Salutation:
- Address the recipient by name (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Ms. Johnson”). If you don’t have a name, use a generic salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager.”
- Opening Paragraph:
- Express your enthusiasm for the internship opportunity.
- Mention how you learned about the internship (e.g., company website, job posting, referral).
- Briefly state your current academic status and major.
- Body Paragraphs:
- Highlight your qualifications, skills, and experiences relevant to the internship.
- Provide specific examples of your accomplishments and how they demonstrate your suitability for the role.
- Mention any coursework, projects, or extracurricular activities that are pertinent to the position.
- Relate your skills and experiences to the specific requirements mentioned in the internship posting.
- Explain why you’re interested in the company and how your goals align with its mission and values.
- Showcase soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving.
- Closing Paragraph:
- Express your gratitude for considering your application.
- Mention your interest in discussing your qualifications further in an interview.
- Offer your availability for an interview and include your preferred contact method (phone or email).
- State that you’ve attached your resume for their reference.
- Formal Closing:
- Use a professional closing such as “Sincerely” or “Yours faithfully.”
- Signature:
- Sign your cover letter above your typed name if you’re submitting a printed copy. For digital submissions, simply type your name.
- Contact Information (Again):
- Include your phone number and email address after your signature.
- Enclosure or Attachment Note:
- If you’re sending a printed cover letter, include an “Enclosure” or “Attachment” line to indicate that your resume is included.
- Proofread and Edit:
- Carefully proofread your cover letter to eliminate any errors in grammar, spelling, or formatting.
- Formatting:
- Use a professional and legible font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and keep the document well-organized and visually appealing.
- Maintain a one-page length for your cover letter.
- File Name:
- When saving your cover letter, use a clear and concise file name that includes your name and the position (e.g., “JohnSmith_InternshipCoverLetter.pdf”).
Customizing your cover letter for each internship application by tailoring it to the specific position and organization is essential. Highlighting your qualifications and demonstrating your enthusiasm for the role and company can significantly increase your chances of securing the internship.
Template of a Cover Letter for an Internship Application
Below is a sample cover letter for an internship application. Keep in mind that you should tailor the content to match your qualifications and the specific internship you’re applying for.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Company or Organization Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the [Internship Position] at [Company or Organization Name], as advertised on [Source of Job Posting]. As a [Year] [Your Major] student at [Your University], I am eager to apply my academic knowledge, passion for [Relevant Field], and strong work ethic to contribute to your dynamic team.
During my academic journey, I have had the opportunity to cultivate valuable skills and experiences that align perfectly with the requirements of the [Internship Position]. For instance, my coursework in [Relevant Coursework] has equipped me with a solid foundation in [Specific Skill or Knowledge]. Additionally, my involvement in [Extracurricular Activity or Project] has allowed me to develop exceptional [Relevant Soft Skill], which I believe will be instrumental in contributing to the success of your team.
One aspect of [Company or Organization Name] that particularly excites me is your commitment to [Company’s Value or Initiative], which closely resonates with my values and aspirations. I am eager to immerse myself in your innovative and collaborative environment, where I can further develop my skills and make meaningful contributions to your mission.
Enclosed is my resume, which provides additional details regarding my academic background, work experience, and achievements. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications align with your internship program in more detail during an interview. I am available at your convenience and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to [Company or Organization Name] and learning from the talented professionals at your organization. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (if submitting a printed copy)]
[Your Typed Name]
Please remember to personalize this sample cover letter by replacing the bracketed placeholders with your information and modifying the content to match your experiences and qualifications.
Conclusion
Although e-mail applications are quickly replacing traditional cover letters, there are still substantial benefits to letting an employer see the physical piece of paper, as well as the e-mail correspondence itself. Although cover letters are not always required, they are a professional tool and should be sent along with a resume.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship Application
Here are five frequently asked questions about writing a cover letter for an internship application:
- Should I write a cover letter for every internship application, even if it’s not required?
Yes, it’s generally a good practice to write a cover letter for every internship application, even if it’s not explicitly required. A well-crafted cover letter allows you to introduce yourself, showcase your enthusiasm and qualifications, and make a positive impression on potential employers.
- How long should my cover letter be for an internship application?
Your cover letter should typically be one page in length. It should be concise and focused, providing relevant information without unnecessary details. Aim to capture the reader’s attention and interest within a brief and well-structured document.
- What should I do if I don’t have much relevant experience to include in my cover letter?
If you have limited relevant experience, focus on transferable skills, coursework, projects, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your potential to excel in the internship. Highlight soft skills, such as communication, adaptability, and teamwork, which are valued in most internship roles.
- Should I include references in my internship cover letter?
It’s generally not necessary to include references in your cover letter. Instead, you can mention that references are available upon request. If the employer requires references, they will typically request them separately at a later stage in the application process.
- Is it acceptable to use a template for my internship cover letter?
Using a template as a starting point for your cover letter is acceptable, but it’s essential to customize it for each internship application. Tailor the content to match the specific position, company, and your qualifications. Avoid submitting a generic cover letter that doesn’t address the unique requirements of each opportunity.
These frequently asked questions guide some common concerns and best practices when writing a cover letter for an internship application. Customization, clarity, and a strong focus on your qualifications are key to creating an effective cover letter that captures the attention of potential internship providers.