When applying for an internship, you might be asked to provide a cover letter in addition to your resume, references, and application. Even if it’s not explicitly required, a well-crafted cover letter can give you a competitive edge by offering deeper insights and demonstrating your enthusiasm. With my extensive involvement in career development and internship placement, I’ll walk you through how to create an engaging cover letter that highlights your skills and strengths. This guide will detail the steps to writing an effective internship cover letter, include examples and a template, and offer advice on how to submit it properly.
Writing an internship cover letter
When crafting an internship cover letter, it’s crucial to showcase how your skills and experiences align with the specific role you’re applying for. Check out our detailed guide on “How To Write a Cover Letter With No Experience” if it’s your first job application. Here are some steps to guide you through the process:
Specify the Desired Role
Begin your cover letter by clearly stating the exact position you are applying for. This demonstrates that you have carefully considered why you are the ideal candidate for this particular role. It also indicates to the employer that you have tailored your application specifically to their job opening, rather than using a generic cover letter for all applications. If you are applying to multiple internship positions at different companies, ensure you customize this opening statement for each application.
Incorporate Relevant Keywords
Integrating pertinent keywords is crucial, especially since many employers utilize applicant tracking software (ATS) to manage and screen numerous applications. Take time to thoroughly examine the job description and the company’s website for key terms and phrases you can incorporate into your cover letter. For instance, if the job description emphasizes skills like time management, ensure you provide concrete examples of how you possess and have applied these skills in your cover letter. This not only helps your application pass through ATS filters but also demonstrates your alignment with the employer’s requirements.
When applying for an internship, your cover letter should clearly state the position you’re interested in, demonstrating that your application is specifically tailored to the role. This targeted approach shows that you’ve thoughtfully considered how your skills align with the internship, setting you apart from generic applications.
Additionally, incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to ensure your cover letter passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS). Highlight concrete examples of your skills in action to show your fit for the role. This strategy not only improves your chances of getting noticed but also underscores your genuine interest and alignment with the employer’s needs.
Highlight Relevant Coursework or Projects
When you lack significant work experience, showcasing relevant coursework, projects, or notable assignments can be highly beneficial to employers. Include details about courses you have completed that align with the job description or industry you are targeting. For instance, if you are applying for a design internship, mention specific design courses you have taken and any notable achievements related to design projects. This demonstrates your practical knowledge and skills in the field, making you a more attractive candidate despite limited professional experience.
Detail Relevant Skills
Within the main body of your cover letter, emphasize skills that are pertinent to the role and beneficial to the employer. Even if you lack direct industry experience, highlight skills acquired through previous internships, jobs, volunteer roles, coursework, or extracurricular activities. For example, if you are applying for a reporting internship at a local publication, discuss how your experience as an editor at the student paper honed your writing and editorial skills. Alternatively, you could mention how your previous job as an office receptionist improved your time management abilities, illustrating their relevance to the internship role you are pursuing. This demonstrates your readiness and suitability for the position, despite any gaps in professional experience.
Articulate Your Fit for the Role
It’s essential to succinctly connect your qualifications to the internship opportunity. Prior to crafting your cover letter, thoroughly analyze the job description to identify the specific skills and experiences the employer values. Align these with your own strengths and prioritize them accordingly in your cover letter. For instance, if the job description emphasizes strong communication skills and knowledge of digital marketing, highlight how your coursework in communication and your experience managing social media campaigns make you an ideal candidate for the digital marketing internship. This strategic alignment demonstrates your understanding of the employer’s needs and enhances your suitability for the position.
Outline Your Internship Goals
It’s valuable to articulate your goals for the internship, as this demonstrates your motivation and alignment with the employer’s objectives. Internship programs are designed to help students and young professionals gain industry knowledge, develop skills, and build relationships. In addition to explaining what you can contribute to the company, highlight what you aim to achieve and learn during the internship.
For example, you might express your desire to gain hands-on experience in digital marketing strategies or to deepen your understanding of editorial processes in a publishing environment. Mention specific ways you hope to contribute to the company, such as proposing innovative ideas for social media campaigns or assisting with streamlining administrative processes. This approach not only showcases your proactive mindset but also illustrates how your goals align with the company’s needs, making you a valuable asset to their team.
Finalize Your Cover Letter
Before sending your cover letter, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough review and editing process. Allocate time to carefully proofread your document for spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. Consider seeking feedback from trusted friends or family members to gain a fresh perspective on your final draft. Additionally, utilize online tools or software to assist in reviewing grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Ensuring your cover letter is error-free and effectively communicates your qualifications and enthusiasm for the internship will enhance your chances of making a positive impression on potential employers.
Example internship cover letter
This example cover letter is structured to highlight relevant qualifications, express enthusiasm for the internship role, and demonstrate a tailored approach to the specific company and position. Adjust the content to fit your own experiences and the requirements of the internship you are applying for.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Internship Position] at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. With a strong passion for [specific industry or field], I am eager to contribute my [relevant skills or experiences] to your team.
I am currently a [Your Year] student at [Your University/College], pursuing a degree in [Your Major/Field]. Through my coursework in [relevant coursework], I have developed a solid foundation in [key skills relevant to the internship]. During my time as [mention any relevant experience, such as previous internships, jobs, or projects], I have honed my [specific skills related to the internship].
I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s commitment to [mention a specific aspect of the company or its values that aligns with your interests]. I am impressed by your recent [mention a recent achievement or project of the company that interests you].
Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details about my academic background and experience. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and enthusiasm can contribute to [Company Name]’s continued success in [specific department or area relevant to the internship].
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this opportunity with you further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
