Cover Letter for Internship: Essential Tips & Format Guide

You've spotted the internship of your dreams, and your resume is ready to go. But there's just one thing standing in the way - a cover letter. How do you write one that stands out and lands you the interview?

Don't worry, you're not alone. Writing cover letter for internship is no easy feat. What should you include? How formal should it be? What if you don't have much experience?

This guide breaks it all down. From understanding what a cover letter is to crafting a winning one step by step, we've got you covered. Here's what you'll find:

What Is an Internship Cover Letter?

Let's first explain - what is a cover letter for an internship?

An internship cover letter is a key part of your application that introduces you to recruiters and complements your resume. It allows you to highlight relevant skills, explain how your experiences match the role, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the opportunity. While some might think cover letters are overlooked, about 45% of hiring managers always read them, and another 38% usually do. Moreover, nearly 77% of recruiters give preference to applicants who submit a cover letter, even when it's optional.

Including a cover letter is not merely a formality. It can give you a competitive edge. It provides space to elaborate on achievements you couldn't fully detail in your resume and to articulate why you're a great fit for the internship. Skipping this step might hurt your chances, as nearly half of recruiters say they are less likely to consider candidates who don't include one.

If you're falling behind on your schoolwork, simply buy essay online from our expert writers.

What Do I Write in a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is not just a duplicate of your resume.

This letter is key for internships because it gives context to your resume. Typically, a resume lists what you've done, while a cover letter explains why it matters. By writing one, you also prove your interest. Recruiters want to see that you've taken the time to tailor your application to their company.

Ultimately, a cover letter balances a lack of experience. For students or recent graduates, it is an opportunity to show potential, passion, and transferable skills.

Related: Don't miss out on our list of top 50 books to read.

Key Components of an Internship Cover Letter

So, how do you write a good cover letter for an internship? You start by getting familiar with an internship cover letter format. Here's what our online essay editing service suggests to include:

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship in 7 Steps

In this section, our essay writers for hire break down how to write a cover letter for internships into 7 easy-to-follow steps. Each step is designed to guide you through the key elements, from research to proofreading, ensuring you create a letter that stands out.

Step 1: Research the Company and Role

Before addressing how to start a cover letter for an internship, invest time in understanding the company and the internship role.

• Visit the company's website: Focus on their mission, values, and recent projects. This helps you tailor your cover letter to show alignment with their goals.
• Read the job description carefully: Note the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities required. Highlight those that match your background.
• Look into their culture: Check social media profiles and employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor to understand the company vibe.
• Consider industry news: Being aware of recent developments in the company or industry shows you've done your homework.

This research not only helps you write a customized cover letter but also prepares you for interviews by providing context about the organization. A personalized approach stands out to recruiters, showing genuine interest and effort.

Step 2: Craft a Strong Opening Paragraph

The opening paragraph grabs attention immediately. Aim to answer three key questions:

1. What position are you applying for?
2. Why are you interested in this role and company?
3. What makes you a standout candidate?

For example: "As a junior majoring in Marketing at XYZ University, I was thrilled to discover the opportunity to join [Company Name] as a Digital Marketing Intern. Your innovative campaigns, such as [specific project], align with my passion for creating impactful strategies. My experience with [specific skill] and enthusiasm for the industry make me eager to contribute to your team."

Avoid generic statements like "I'm writing to apply for..." Instead, use a hook that reflects your enthusiasm and connection to the role or company. A memorable introduction is a key part of your cover letter internship format that can increase the chances of your letter being read to the end.

Step 3: Showcase Your Relevant Skills and Achievements

The body of your cover letter for internship is where you connect your background to the role's requirements. Use specific examples to demonstrate:

• Relevant skills: Highlight key qualifications from the job description, such as communication, problem-solving, or technical abilities.
• Achievements: Share examples from academic projects, internships, or part-time jobs that align with the responsibilities of the internship.
• Transferable experiences: Even if you lack direct experience, focus on what you've done that can apply to the role.

If the internship requires teamwork, you could write:

For example: "As part of a five-member group project in my Business Management class, I developed and executed a marketing strategy that increased event attendance by 30%. This experience honed my collaboration and planning skills, which I'm eager to bring to your team."

Be concise yet impactful, using action verbs and quantifiable results to strengthen your claims. Tailoring this section to the company's needs is crucial for making a strong impression.

Step 4: Demonstrate Passion and Motivation

Recruiters value candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity. Use this section to show why this internship is meaningful to you.

• Connect your interests to the role: Share what sparked your interest in the field or company. For example, mention a specific company project, mission, or value that resonates with you.
• Show enthusiasm: Use energetic language to convey your eagerness to contribute. Avoid clichés like "I am passionate about" unless you provide concrete examples to back it up.
• Be authentic: Don't exaggerate or overdo it. A genuine explanation of why this role excites you is more effective than generic praise.

For example: "What excites me most about [Company Name] is your commitment to sustainability, as demonstrated in your [specific project]. As someone who led a campus initiative to reduce plastic waste, I'm eager to bring my skills and dedication to your team."

Your passion can differentiate you from other candidates, showing the recruiter that you'll be invested in making the most of the internship.

Step 5: Highlight Your Goals and Fit Explaining

As you write cover letter, make sure to bridge your aspirations with what the company offers. It's about answering two key questions:

1. How will this internship help you achieve your career goals?
2. How does your background make you a good fit for the company?

For example: "This internship aligns with my goal of becoming a data analyst in the tech industry. By working on your [specific project], I aim to deepen my understanding of predictive modeling while contributing to actionable insights for your clients."

This step shows recruiters you've thought through your application, making you a thoughtful and intentional candidate.

Step 6: End With a Call to Action

Your conclusion is where you leave a lasting impression. End with a polite and confident statement that encourages further communication.

• Thank the recruiter: Express gratitude for considering your application.
• Reinforce enthusiasm: Restate your interest in the role and the company.
• Request next steps: Invite them to discuss your application, using phrases like, "I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team."

For example: "Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills to [Company Name] and contribute to [specific goal]. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application in more detail."

Step 7: Proofread and Polish

Even the best-written internship cover letter can lose impact if it contains errors. Take the time to review and refine it.

• Check for grammar and spelling mistakes: Use tools like Grammarly and have someone else review your letter.
• Ensure clarity: Simplify overly complex sentences and remove jargon.
• Match the tone: Keep your language professional yet approachable.
• Customize one last time: Double-check that the letter is tailored to the company and role, with no generic phrases or misplaced names.

Remember, your cover letter represents you - polishing it shows attention to detail and professionalism, traits any recruiter would value.

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship with No Experience

Delivering a cover letter for an internship when you have no formal experience can feel daunting, but it's a great opportunity to showcase your eagerness and potential. Here's a breakdown to help you write a compelling letter:

Don't send a generic cover letter essay. Adapt it to each specific internship, highlighting relevant skills and showcasing your interest in the company. Focus on your strengths – even without formal experience, you have transferable skills and qualities to offer.

Internship Cover Letter Examples

Below, you'll find sample internship cover letter examples tailored to different types of internships. These samples will show you how to highlight your skills, experiences, and enthusiasm for the role.

General Internship Cover Letter Example

Here's a simple internship letter example that you can adapt for different roles, highlighting your skills and enthusiasm.

Sample Letter of Intent for an Internship

This sample shows you how to write an internship letter of interest, expressing why you want to work with the company and how you can contribute.

Sample Cover Letter for Research Internship

Here's an example of how to write a cover letter for research internship, designed to highlight your academic background, analytical skills, and passion for research.

Sample Cover Letter for Fashion Internship

With this example, you'll understand how to write a cover letter for a fashion internship and bring your creativity and knowledge to the table.

Sample Cover Letter for Legal Internship

Learn how to write a cover letter for a legal internship with this sample, which focuses on your legal skills, attention to detail, and interest in law.

Sample Cover Letter for College Internship

This internship letter example is tailored for students, showcasing academic achievements and readiness to contribute to real-world projects.

Sample Cover Letter for Graphic Design Internship

This cover letter for internship in graphic design illustrates how to present your design skills in a way that captures the attention of hiring managers in the creative field.

Sample Cover Letter for Nursing Internship

With this sample, you'll learn how to write cover letter that highlights your clinical skills, dedication to patient care, and passion for nursing.

Do's and Don'ts of Writing an Internship Cover Letter

When writing your cover letter for college internship, it's important to keep a few key dos and don'ts in mind. These simple guidelines will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your letter stands out for the right reasons.

Sum Up

Writing a cover letter for internship can make a big difference in how you're perceived as a candidate. It's your chance to show recruiters who you are, why you're excited about the opportunity, and how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit. By following the steps, do's, and don'ts outlined in this guide, you'll create a letter that sets you apart.

Remember, a great cover letter should tell your story in a way that resonates with the recruiter. Keep it professional, personalized, and proofread, and you'll boost your chances of landing that internship!

FAQ