college student cover letter for internship

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Student Internship Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

Internships are an important step in any young professional’s career. These positions give you an entryway into the industry of your choice, helping you to learn the ropes and build industry connections that can lead to long-term jobs down the line.

In this guide, we teach you five essential steps for writing a cover letter for an internship application. Continue reading to learn all about:

• Formatting a header for your intern cover letter
• Tailoring your intern cover letter to specific employers
• Writing a strong introduction for your intern cover letter
• Selecting the right skills and accomplishments for your intern cover letter
• Ending your intern cover letter with a memorable conclusion
• Finding useful job search resources for interns 

1. How to properly format a header for your intern cover letter

The first step to writing an excellent cover letter that wins you the internship of your dreams is to create a professionally-styled header.

A cover letter header is the first block of text a reader will see when looking at your cover letter. It helps to not only give the letter structure but to also create a sense of visual flow.

In your header, you should include:

• Your name and professional title
• Your professional contact information
• The name of the company you are applying for an internship at
• The address of the company (this detail is especially important if a company has multiple locations)

Here is an example of a well-formatted intern cover letter header

Mack Jones , Engineering Student & Intern (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/mack-jones

To: Applejax Engineering Internship & Hiring Department 1234 Street Address Birmingham, AL

Create your cover letter fast with artificial intelligence.

2. how to tailor your intern cover letter to specific employers.

In addition to creating a header, another step to take is to research the employer thoroughly before beginning to write your cover letter.

Using the information you uncover in your research, you can tailor your cover letter to a specific company and employer. For instance, if a company is involved in a major project, you can highlight which of your skills can contribute to tasks associated with the project.

You should also look up who at a company is responsible for hiring, as this is the person most likely to read your cover letter. Once you discover who this person is, address them directly in your cover letter greeting.

Here are 3 examples of personalized cover letter greetings

Dear Intern Manager Jane Casey,

• Dear Ms. Jane Casey,
• Dear Hiring Manager Paul Newly

3. How to craft a strong introduction for your intern cover letter

Now that you have your header in place and your research ready to go, you can begin writing the body text of your cover letter.

The first paragraph you will write is your introduction . This should feature key information, such as:

• A brief overview of your professional and academic history

If you are a student applying for an internship, you likely lack extensive professional experience. Instead, you should focus on highlighting your relevant academic beckground.

• A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
• A mutual acquaintance

Naming a mutual acquaintance when possible can go a long way in terms of giving you a competitive edge over others applying for an internship.

Here is an example of a strong introduction from an intern’s cover letter

As a senior at Appalachian State University, I have studied communications and public relations for more than three years. In my time at the university, I served as the Assistant Editor and later as the Chief Editor of the school newspaper. While working for the school paper, I met your company’s Head of PR, Mr. John Eggleston, whom I interviewed for a feature. Impressed with my professionalism, Mr. Eggleston strongly suggested I apply for this internship.

Find out your resume score!

4. How to select the best skills and accomplishments for your intern cover letter

After completing your introduction, you can now write the remaining body paragraphs of your letter.

The body paragraphs are where you will provide more in-depth insights into who you are, what skills you possess, and what accomplishments you have achieved that are relevant to the position.

Whenever possible, you should include quantifiable data points in your descriptions, such as statistics relating to a specific accomplishment. For instance, a customer service representative could list the exact percentage of sales they increased during a set timeframe.

Always aim to include the most relevant information possible and find ways to draw connections between your skills and the requirements of the internship.

Here are 6 examples of skills to describe in an intern cover letter

• Communication (describe your communication style)
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Independence
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Time management

Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in an intern cover letter

Developed and executed a successful social media campaign: During my marketing internship at XYZ Company, I took the lead in developing and executing a social media campaign aimed at increasing brand awareness and engagement. Through strategic content planning, targeted audience segmentation, and creative visuals, we achieved a 30% increase in social media followers and a 20% boost in overall engagement. This campaign not only expanded the company's online presence but also generated valuable leads and customer interactions.

Conducted market research to identify new target segments: As an intern at ABC Corporation, I was responsible for conducting market research to identify untapped target segments for a new product launch. Through surveys, focus groups, and competitor analysis, I gathered valuable insights into consumer preferences and market trends. Based on my research findings, I developed a comprehensive target segment profile and recommended strategic marketing initiatives to capture these segments. The insights provided by my research contributed to the successful launch and positioning of the product in the market.

Assisted in the development and execution of a successful email marketing campaign: During my internship at DEF Company, I actively contributed to the planning and execution of an email marketing campaign. I collaborated with the marketing team to create engaging email content, design visually appealing templates, and segment the target audience based on demographic and behavioral factors. As a result of the campaign, we achieved a 25% increase in email open rates and a 15% conversion rate, effectively driving sales and customer engagement.

5. How to end your intern cover letter with a memorable conclusion

Last but not least, the final step in writing an intern cover letter is to create a memorable conclusion .

Making a conclusion memorable ultimately comes down to letting the employer know how and when to contact you, as well as applying slight pressure by stating when you plan to follow up. This can encourage the employer to contact you quickly, increasing the chances of you earning an interview.

Don’t forget to include a formal sign-off (sincerely, many thanks, etc.) to keep your cover letter sounding professional through the very end.

Using email signature generators to create a polished and professional signature can also leave a lasting impression on the recipient.

Here is an example of a memorable conclusion from an intern cover letter

It is with great excitement that I submit this application and letter for your consideration. I am eager to hear from you and hope to speak directly within the next week. You may reach me any day of the week between the hours of 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., or from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the evenings. If I have not heard back by next Monday morning, I plan to follow up via phone call at that time.

Best Wishes,

[Applicant Name]

6. Useful job search resources for interns 

Stepping into the professional world as an intern can be thrilling yet overwhelming. Navigating through job posts, company profiles, and application expectations can seem like a maze.

But don't fret, we've got your back. Here are some excellent resources to uncomplicate your internship hunt:

• Glassdoor: A one-stop shop to explore company reviews, salary insights, and potential interview questions. They also have a comprehensive section dedicated to internships across industries.
• LinkedIn:  The world's largest professional network can be a goldmine for internships. Leverage features such as job alerts and company pages to hone your search.
• Indeed:  Known for its robust job listings, Indeed makes finding internships straightforward with its user-friendly interface and advanced search options. 
• InternMatch:   A resource geared towards helping you find the perfect internship. You can filter by city, industry, and even specific skills.
• Your university's career services:  Often overlooked, but your institution's career centre can provide personalized advice, contact with potential employers, and insight into upcoming job fairs and networking events.

Remember, while these platforms can streamline your search, landing the perfect internship also hinges on a well-written cover letter. So be sure to stand out from the crowd and show your potential employer who they'd miss out on if they didn't bring you onboard!

Student Internship Cover Letter FAQ

What if the internship is unpaid. should the cover letter be different.

While the structure and core content of your cover letter should remain the same, an unpaid internship cover letter might include a section explaining why you're willing to forego pay. This could be due to the valuable experience it offers, the chance to work with specific professionals, or because the internship aligns with your career goals.

Should I mention academic projects in my intern cover letter?

Absolutely. If you lack professional experience, academic projects are a great way to showcase your skills and initiative. Just make sure to explain how the project is relevant to the internship you're applying for.

Can I reuse the same cover letter for different internships?

While it might save time, it's not the best strategy. Hiring managers can usually tell when a cover letter has been recycled. Customize your cover letter to match each position. Is it more work? Yes. But will it improve your chances of landing the internship? Absolutely.

What should I do if there's no named recipient for my cover letter?

If it's possible, try to find out the hiring manager's name – LinkedIn or the company's website can be good places to start your search. If not, it's safer to use a generic greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager" as opposed to "To Whom It May Concern," which can seem outdated.

Can I still apply for an internship if I lack some required skills?

Yes, you can. Remember that internships are learning experiences. What's critical is showcasing your willingness to learn and the skills you do have in your cover letter. Don't focus solely on what you lack, but more on what you'll bring to the company.

Martin Poduška

Martin is a resume expert and career advice writer at Kickresume. In his five years at Kickresume, he has written hundreds of in-depth, painstakingly researched resume advice articles and, as chief editor, he has also edited and revised every single article on this website. Tens of thousands of job seekers read Martin’s resume advice every month. He holds a degree in English from the University of St Andrews and a degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Amsterdam .

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How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship? (+5 Real Internship Cover Letter Examples)

• Julia Mlcuchova , 
• Updated March 20, 2024 8 min read

Trying to figure out how to write a cover letter for an internship ? Look no further!

POV: After weeks and weeks of searching for the right internship opportunity, you've finally found it. But, at the end of the posting, there's a single short sentence that takes you aback:  “Please, attach a cover letter to your application .”

Although some consider cover letter writing to be a relic of the past, it still holds its rightful place in the professional world. 

Because a well-written and persuasive cover letter can sometimes make up for the lack of work experience on your resume . And if you're trying to apply for an internship , this is probably your case, too. 

So, continue reading this article and learn: 

• What is a cover letter for an internship;
• Whether you need to attach a cover letter to your internship application;
• How to write one in 7 steps;
• 5 real-life internship cover letter examples .

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is a cover letter for an internship?

Do you need a cover letter for an internship, how to write a cover letter for an internship in 7 steps, 5 real-life internship cover letter examples, key takeaways: how to write a cover letter for an internship.

Generally speaking, an internship cover letter is a formal document that accompanies your resume when applying for an internship. 

When it comes to its content, a cover letter for an internship falls somewhere between a traditional cover letter and a motivational letter . 

• A traditional cover letter , used by job applicants with years of experience, is supposed to underline some of the candidate's most relevant and impressive skills, qualifications, and work achievements . 
• A motivational letter , used mostly in academia, aims to communicate one's passion for the subject, their motivation, and personal goals . 

Hence, a cover letter for an internship combines the purpose of the traditional cover letter (convincing the recruiters that you're the right person for the job) with the tone and strategy of the motivational letter (writing about personal motivations and goals).

A truly successful internship cover letter should answer the following questions:

• Who are you? 
• Why are you interested in this particular internship?
• Why are you the best fit for this internship?
• What do you want to gain from this internship?

Absolutely! 

In fact, you should always attach a cover letter to your internship application , even if it isn't explicitly required from you.  

Why, you ask? 

Well, consider this: Internships are crucial stepping stones towards your dream career. And they're also incredibly competitive. A single internship opening can be answered by tens of applicants at a time. 

But how can you stand out from a crowd of equally inexperienced candidates? Certainly not by your non-existent professional accomplishments, right? 

When companies look for interns, they don't expect you to have a ton of real-life experience. They aren't looking for a “finished product,” but for someone with a genuine desire to learn and enthusiasm for the job. 

And these two are your weapons of choice!

How can a cover letter for an internship help you?

Apart from the reasons mentioned above, your internship cover letter is also responsible for: 

• Conveying first impression. Usually, recruiters will read your cover letter before looking at your resume. So, it's the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to them in a memorable way. 
• Showing your efforts. Next, taking the time to craft a thoughtful cover letter shows that you're willing to put in that extra effort to stand out from the rest of the candidates. 
• Highlighting your communication skills. Also, a well-written cover letter demonstrates your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and professionally. 
• Showing your professionalism. When you walk into a room, it's polite to introduce yourself and shake everybody's hand. This is exactly what a cover letter does! To attach one to your application is a common courtesy.

Now that you're familiar with the whats and whys , let's have a look at how to write a good cover letter for an internship step-by-step. 

For example : Application for [name of the internship] internship – Surname.

Then, place your contact information (your name; professional email address; phone number; link to your website / portfolio / social media accounts if relevant) directly into the header .

If you know the recipient's name, address them by “ Dear [full name] ,” or “ Dear Mrs/Mr [last name] ,”. If you don't know who to address the cover letter to , address it more generally to “Dear Hiring Manager,” .

In the first paragraph of your cover letter , start by stating your name and where you studied (including your current degree and year of study). Proceed by explaining how you came to know about the internship and what are your motivations for applying to it.

Since you don't have much work experience, you can talk about your academic achievements; relevant coursework; dissertation project; extracurricular activities; volunteering; membership in relevant societies, etc.

The closing paragraph of your cover letter should reiterate your desire to get the specific internship, express gratitude to the recipient for their time and consideration, and include a final call for action (i.e. "I look forward to discussing the next steps during an interview." )

Finally, based on how you greeted the recipient of your cover letter, you can sign off with either “ Yours sincerely ,” or “ Yours faithfully ,” . If you addressed the recruiter by their name, sign off with the former; if not, use the latter.

Don't feel like writing your internship cover letter by hand?

Let our AI cover letter writer create the first draft of your internship cover letter!

Undoubtedly, the best way to learn something is to look at specific examples . And that's exactly what we're going to do right now! 

Below, we've prepared 5 internship cover letters written by real people with the help of our cover letter templates .

And, each of them is accompanied by our internship cover letter writing tips that you can implement into your own cover letter! 

FYI, you can use each of these examples as the first draft for your very own internship cover letter – simply click on the red button and start personalising the text (or let AI handle it).

#1 Philips Marketing Intern Cover Letter Sample

Internship cover letter example:.

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

What can you take away?

• Eye-catching header.  Firstly, the header is visually clearly separated from the rest of the text. This makes the recruiters notice it immediately. Plus, the contact information of the company is also featured in the left-hand corner - just like it would be on an actual letter.
• Research the company before applying. Notice sentences like: “ I really like and relate to what Philips stands for … ” and “ Furthermore, it is very appealing that Philips operates on an international level… ”.This shows that the candidate’s done a thorough research of the company's philosophy and structure.

#2 Warner Bros. Public Relations Intern Cover Letter Example

• Share a personal story. This can help you establish a sentimental connection between you and the company. Show them that for you, working for their company means more than any old internship.
• Name-drop a referral. Now, this is a little bit of a cheat code. But, if you happen to know about anyone who has worked/currently works for the company, slip their name into your cover letter.

#3 University of Massachusetts Boston Intern Cover Letter Example

What can you take away  .

• Write about what you want to gain from the internship. It shows that you're not there just to have something to put on your resume; but that you’re motivated by the idea of gaining actual industry knowledge and skills.

#4 Audit/Tax Summer Internship at CohnReznick Cover Letter Sample

• Mention any relevant academic activities. If you're wondering how to write a cover letter for an internship with no experience whatsoever, this is your way to go! For example, notice how this candidate noted all of his relevant courses, skills, association membership, and competition participation.
• Focus on transferrable skills. Especially when your study programme doesn't necessarily fit the internship opening to a T. Instead, focus on any transferable skills you've picked up. 

#5 Intern at NBC Cover Letter Sample

• Keep your opening and closing paragraphs short and sweet. As you can see in this example, it helps keep a certain visual harmony of the overall document. And, despite the length, both paragraphs do exactly what they're supposed to. Besides, recruiters might be discouraged to read the rest of your cover letter if your introductory paragraph is too long.

To sum it all up, an internship cover letter is a formal document that you submit together with your resume when applying for an internship. Its content should be something between a traditional cover letter and a motivational letter.

Its purpose is to introduce yourself to the recruiters in a more personal way than the resume allows. 

The main things you want your internship cover letter to communicate are:

• who you are,
• why you're interested in this opportunity,
• what make you the best fit for the internship, 
• your motivation (your long-term professional goals),
• your desire to learn (what you want to gain from the experience).

To write a truly impactful and persuasive cover letter, we recommend following these 7 key steps: 

• Specify which internship you're applying for in the subject line.
• Include your contact information in a header.
• Address the recipient appropriately.
• Introduce yourself & your motivations in the opening paragraph.
• Elaborate on why you're a good fit and what motivated you in body.
• End your cover letter with a confident closing paragraph.
• Finish off with a polite sign off. 

Finally, if you feel that the examples provided in this article aren't enough, you can always find more in our cover letter database . 

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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How to write an internship cover letter: 7 tips & an example

Learn how to create a cover letter that helps your internship application stand out.

So, you’re ready to find the perfect internship and kickstart your professional career. You’ve researched opportunities, made a list of your dream companies, crafted a great resume, and are about to apply. But what should you upload for the application’s “cover letter” field?

You’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll tell you how to write a great cover letter that will help you stand out from the crowd and get you hired. It’s often the first thing a hiring manager will see when they open your application, so it's important to get it right. After all, first impressions are everything!

Read the internship posting carefully before writing your cover letter. Pay attention to the intern’s primary responsibilities and the desired candidate’s skills and experience. Keep the job posting handy so you can refer to it while writing.

Now that you’re ready to start writing, let’s get into our guide for creating the perfect cover letter for every application on your to-do list.

1. Customize each cover letter

One of the most important intern cover letter tips is to avoid using the same generic letter for all your applications. Recruiters and employers can tell when you didn’t take time to create a unique letter for their specific internship. Instead, open your cover letter by sharing why you’re excited about this particular internship and employer and why you’re a good fit. Include information about the company and the role you’re applying for (pro tip: Use language from the application!).

2. Structure the cover letter’s flow effectively

A well-crafted cover letter should grab the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager and effectively convey key information. Achieve this by structuring your cover letter with an engaging introduction sentence and impactful first paragraph, an informative body paragraph or two, and a strong closing paragraph. It's also important to strike a balance between conveying key information and maintaining a concise and engaging tone throughout your cover letter.

Cover letters shouldn’t be very long — three or four paragraphs are plenty. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Now is not the time to be chatty! Save the chit-chat to showcase how friendly and personable you are during the interview.

Hiring managers are busy, and you want to ensure they read your cover letter from start to finish. That’s why it’s key to emphasize only the most important points relevant to the internship you’re applying for while keeping the cover letter as short as possible so it’s easy to read.

3. Include keywords and supporting details

It is common for employers to scan resumes and cover letters for keywords related to the internship. First and foremost, use the company name. Next, incorporate any skills or experiences listed in the job description.

While your resume lists your technical skills and experience, a cover letter should include details about desirable soft skills like time management and communication skills. If you’re mentioning soft skills, provide support. For example, if you want to highlight your leadership skills, detail a time when you led a group project or served as a student group officer.

As you consider which skills and experience to mention in a cover letter, take a look at the ones listed in the application or job posting. Pointing to those shows the hiring manager why you’re the best candidate for that role and demonstrates that you’ve read the job description carefully. Taking the time to review the role strengthens your case as a sincerely engaged and interested applicant.

4. Highlight coursework and extracurriculars

Don’t worry if you don’t have much work experience. Describe relevant coursework and major projects you’ve worked on as a college student that demonstrate your knowledge and skills. You can also add any student group involvement or volunteer opportunities.

These combined experiences show your initiative and help you stand out as a candidate (even if you’ve never been paid to do those things). Just because you didn’t make any money doesn’t mean you didn’t do a great job! You’ll have the chance to demonstrate how well you performed in those roles during the interview, so get ready to discuss the experiences you mention in the cover letter in greater detail.

5. Share what you’d like to accomplish

Cover letters aren’t just for telling employers why they should hire you. They’re also an opportunity to share what you believe you’ll get from the specific position. Whether it’s gaining a new skill or learning more about an industry, share why the role is important to you. This tells the employer that you’re not just trying to satisfy course credits with your internship — you’re also looking for valuable work experience that will kickstart your career. Who knows, maybe they’ll want to hire you as a full-time employee later.

6. Professionally format the cover letter

Your cover letter format is just as important as what’s in it. Aim to keep your cover letter concise and limited to one page. Use a clean and readable font, like Arial or Calibri, with a font size of 10 to 12 points and proper spacing and margins for a professional appearance.

Include a header with your contact information, including your full name, phone number, professional email address, and optionally, your LinkedIn profile or relevant online portfolio. Also, try to find the hiring manager’s name to address the letter. Rather than starting with a salutation like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear hiring manager,” try to find the actual name of the person you’re addressing. Lastly, don’t forget to close with a professional sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Best.”

Get help with formatting your internship cover letter by downloading our free template . Again, remember to tailor it to the company and internship role you’re applying for!

7. Proofread and ask for feedback

Once your cover letter is ready, carefully read through it and check for spelling, punctuation, grammar mistakes, and typos. Have a friend or family member review it and give feedback. If you have a classmate majoring in English or communications who wouldn’t mind taking a look, even better!

Another option is to reach out to your school’s career center . Schedule an appointment to review your cover letter and resume and ask any other application- or interview-related questions. Your school wants you to succeed in your career, so take advantage of all the tools they have to offer while you’re attending.

Example cover letter

Here’s an internship cover letter example to use as a starting point. Remember to tailor yours to the specific job you’re applying for rather than just copying and pasting this one:

[Your Full Name]

[Your Contact Info (include relevant social media accounts, if applicable)]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

[Hiring Manager’s Job Title]

[Hiring Manager’s Contact Info]

Dear [hiring manager’s full name],

As a passionate [college/university] student majoring in [relevant field], I am eager to immerse myself in [Company’s Name]’s groundbreaking work in the [relevant industry] through your internship position. I firmly believe my [specific skills or coursework] will allow me to serve as a valuable asset on the [Company Name] team while expanding my knowledge to real-world challenges and harnessing invaluable hands-on experience within the industry.

With a passion for [specific aspect of the industry or role], I am confident in my ability to [relevant job responsibilities or tasks]. During my studies, I have developed a solid foundation in [mention relevant coursework or projects], which has equipped me with the [skills or knowledge] necessary for success in this role. Additionally, my experience as a [relevant internship or extracurricular activity] has allowed me to further refine my [specific skills or abilities].

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s commitment to [mention a value, mission, or specific project]. The opportunity to work alongside a talented and innovative team while contributing to [Company Name]'s growth is truly inspiring. My strong [communication/analytical/technical, etc.] skills, coupled with my dedication and adaptability, make me an ideal fit for the [job title] role.

I welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications and learn more about [Company Name] in an interview. Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your Name]

Do you need a cover letter for an internship?

While a cover letter isn’t mandatory for all internship applications, we recommend submitting one. A cover letter provides an opportunity to showcase your qualifications, skills, and enthusiasm for the internship position. It allows you to personalize your job application, demonstrate professionalism, and communicate your interest in the role and organization.

A well-written cover letter can significantly enhance your chances of standing out among other candidates and securing the internship. Hiring managers know that job and internship seekers are likely applying to many other opportunities at the same time, so ensure they know their company is one you would especially like to work for.

How do you write an internship cover letter if you have no experience?

If you lack professional experience, you can still present yourself with confidence, highlight your relevant skills and achievements, and convey your eagerness to learn and contribute. Here are some tips for accomplishing this:

• Focus on transferable skills. Highlight relevant transferable skills acquired through coursework, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. These skills can include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, organization, research, or leadership skills.
• Emphasize academic achievements. Showcase your academic achievements, such as high grades, honors, or specific coursework relevant to the internship. Discuss how your academic knowledge and skills can apply to the internship role and contribute to the organization.
• Showcase relevant projects or coursework . If you have completed any projects or coursework that align with the internship position, describe them in detail. Highlight the tasks, methodologies, and outcomes to demonstrate your ability to apply your knowledge in a practical setting.
• Leverage extracurricular involvement. Discuss any relevant extracurricular activities or leadership roles you have held. For example, if you were part of a club or organization related to the internship’s field, explain your involvement and how it has developed your skills or provided you with relevant experiences.
• Express eagerness to learn. Emphasize your willingness and enthusiasm to learn and grow in the internship. Highlight your passion for the field and commitment to acquiring new skills and knowledge. Demonstrating a positive attitude and eagerness to learn can compensate for a lack of direct experience.
• Connect with the company's culture , mission, and values. Research the organization and align your cover letter with its mission, values, and projects. Show that you are genuinely interested in their work and how your background and aspirations align with their goals.
• Network and seek recommendations. If possible, reach out to network contacts who may have connections or insights into the internship opportunity. Requesting recommendations or endorsements from professors, advisers, or professionals in the field can bolster your application.

Land your dream internship

The ultimate goal: landing your dream internship (and, later, your dream job!). An effective cover letter can help make that happen. It's your chance to shine, showcasing why you're the perfect fit for the position. A personalized and compelling letter grabs employers’ attention and helps you stand out from the crowd. Remember to be authentic, highlight relevant experiences, and let your passion shine through.

Don't underestimate the impact of a well-crafted cover letter and the opportunities that lie ahead. This is your opportunity to show potential employers your skills and abilities and share some of your background with them before the interview.

Head over to Handshake today to open doors to exciting internship possibilities. Not only can we connect you with the best companies looking for talent just like you, but you can also set up job alerts so you won’t miss that golden opportunity. Happy job searching!

Find the right jobs for you. Get hired.

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How to Write a Cover Letter for Internship (Examples & Template)

You’ve found the perfect internship and it’s now time to apply and land the position!

But, in addition to your resume, you also have to write an internship cover letter.

You might end up staring at the blank Word document for hours and nothing comes out.

We don’t blame you; cover letters are hard to write even if you have a decade’s worth of work experience, let alone if you’re a recent graduate or a student.

Worry not, though; in this article, we’re going to teach you all you need to know to write a compelling cover letter for your internship.

• Do you need a cover letter for an internship?
• How to write a compelling cover letter for an internship
• Plug and play internship cover letter template

Do I Need a Cover Letter for an Internship?

First things first—if you’re wondering whether you actually need a cover letter for your internship application, the answer is yes . 

An internship application is just like any other hiring process, meaning that a recruiter will go over your resume , cover letter (and maybe even references), and decide whether you’re qualified for the position. 

And yes, recruiters contrary to what you might think, recruiters do read your cover letter. 56% of recruiters prefer a cover letter with an applicant’s application.

This is reasonable - a cover letter allows you to add essential information you didn’t have space for in a resume, as well as explain (in words) how your experiences are tied to the role you’re applying for.

As such, a cover letter for an internship is essential and complementary to your application package.

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s go over all the best ways to write a cover letter for an internship. 

How to Write a Cover Letter for Internship

#1. respect the format.

Before you can focus on your cover letter’s contents, you should first make sure you’re sticking to the right format. 

Otherwise, your cover letter will be disorganized and the recruiter will have a hard time following your train of thought.

So, here’s the format that your cover letter for an internship should follow: 

• Header with contact information. This includes your full name, professional email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile (if you have one). Underneath your contact info, you should add the date and the receiver’s information (the recruiter’s name and title, the company/organization name, and their physical address). 
• Addressing the recruiter. Greeting the recruiter with “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern” is common, but not the best approach. Want to show the hiring manager that you did your research? We recommend you address the hiring manager by name directly. Our guide on how to address a cover letter covers everything you need to know on this topic!      
• Opening statement. Your opening statement should be brief, but at the same time professional and attention-grabbing. Here, you introduce yourself, mention the position you’re applying for, and potentially a key achievement or two.   
• Body. The body of your cover letter consists of 2-3 paragraphs where you highlight your education, provide background for your skills, and explain how you (and the company) would benefit from each other professionally. 
• Closing paragraph. Your closing paragraph is your chance to include a call to action, to thank the recruiters for their time, or mention anything important you left out. 
• Formal salutation. End your cover letter with a formal salutation such as “kind regards,” “sincerely,” or “best regards.” Our guide on how to end a cover letter can teach you all you need to know on the topic. 

Having trouble getting started with your cover letter? Read our guide on how to start a cover letter and get inspired!

#2. State the Position You’re Applying For in the Opening

Recruiters hate one-size-fits-all cover letters and resumes.

Around 48% of recruiters and hiring managers aren’t even going to read your cover letter if it’s not customized to the role you’re applying for.

And one of the easiest ways to do this is by mentioning the role you’re applying for right in the cover letter opening.

This allows you to:

• Show that you will be tailoring the rest of your cover letter for that position alone.
• Prove that your cover letter is customized for this specific internship, and you’re not just randomly applying for the job,

Here’s a practical example of how you can mention the role you’re applying for in the cover letter opening:

Dear Mr. Jacobs, 

It is my pleasure to apply for the Communications Assistant internship position at the United Nations Development Programme. I can confidently say based on my 2-year experience working as a journalist and my excellent academic results in the Mass Communications Major that I’d be a good fit for the position. 

#3. Mention the Right Keywords

When reviewing your application, hiring managers tend to scan your cover letter or resume and look for the right keywords that would make you qualified for the internship you’re applying for.

E.g. If you're applying for a job in graphic design, the recruiter is probably looking for keywords like “Photoshop,” “Illustrator,” or “InDesign.”

As such, it’s very important to include the right keywords in your cover letter.

How can you find these keywords, you might ask?

It’s actually pretty simple - just look at the internship job description and go through the required skills & responsibilities and identify the keywords that you’d think the recruiter would be looking for.

Then, do the following:

• Sprinkle some of those keywords throughout your cover letter. When relevant, back them up with an experience. E.g. don’t just say “I’m good at Photoshop,” say how you’ve taken 3 different Photoshop classes and used Photoshop for 2 different projects.
• Don’t include keywords that don’t apply to you, they’ll just make it seem like you’re copy-pasting from the job description.
• Research and add other popular soft skills that recruiters look for in applicants for the role you’re applying for. E.g. If you’re applying for an internship as a communications assistant, chances are, you’ll need strong communication skills (even if this is not something listed in the job description.

Now, let’s look at a practical example. Let’s say that the internship you’re applying for requires the following skills:

• Communication
• Ability to meet strict deadlines

Here’s how you’d mention this in your cover letter:

During my time as Editor in Chief at my University’s newspaper, I got to develop my communication and leadership skills significantly. For over two years, I was in charge of a 7 people team, which also helped my teamwork skills and my ability to meet deadlines. 

Keep in mind, though, that it IS possible to overdo it with the keywords.

44% of hiring managers say they will dismiss a resume or cover letter that looks as if it has copied the job posting. 

Using each and every keyword mentioned in the job description (without backing the skills up with experiences) might cause the hiring manager to think that you’re just copying the job ad & don’t actually have these skills.

So, don’t just copy-paste all the keywords from the job description, and if you DO mention a lot of those keywords, make sure to back them up with practical experiences.

#4. Highlight Your Education

If you don’t have a lot of work experience, your education and relevant coursework is your best chance to show that you’re a good fit for the internship. 

Letting the recruiter know what kind of courses you’ve completed that are relevant to the internship you’re applying for will be a big plus for your application. 

Say, for example, that you’re applying for an internship as a graphic designer. To make your internship cover letter impactful, make sure to mention all the relevant courses and related accomplishments. 

Here’s an example of how you could do that:

As a Visual Design major, I have completed several courses that have helped me build my professional portfolio. A few of the most beneficial ones have been Design & Layout and Visual Communication: Theory and Practice. I have also gained valuable experience doing the layout of the university’s newspaper for 4 years and of several books as independent projects. 

#5. Provide Background For Your Skills

It’s one thing to just claim that you have a set of skills and another to prove it. 

Anyone can say that they’re great at doing something, but what makes all the difference is when you can actually put your money where your mouth is. 

For example, in your internship cover letter, instead of just mentioning that you have “good time-management skills,” actually back it up with a past experience that proves it.

During the summers I assisted my family’s wedding planning business, I learned a lot about time management. In that kind of business, it’s important that things run like clockwork so in addition to time management skills, it also significantly improved my attention to detail. 

#6. Explain Why You’re a Good Fit For The Position

In addition to just listing out the skills that are relevant and beneficial for the internship, you should also explain why you are a good fit for the position. 

This means that you should connect the dots between what the company/organization is looking to gain from its interns and what you can do to provide those services. 

So, after you research and create an understanding of what is required of you, you should use your cover letter to explain why you’re a good fit for that position. 

For the sake of the example, let’s assume you’re applying for an internship at a Human Rights organization. A big chunk of what the role requires is categorizing virtual files of the cases the organization has worked on in the past.

What you want to do, in this case, is show how you can help with that particular job as an intern. Here’s how:  

I have spent 3 summers working at the National Library, where I was tasked to sort and categorize books based on their topic, author, and year of publication, and also memorize where each section fits in the library. I believe this skill, which I have perfected over the years, can really be of use for the internship position at Organization X.

#7. Describe What You Would Gain Professionally

In addition to showing (and proving) your skills and how you can benefit the company, you should also explain how getting the position will benefit YOU . 

When it comes to internships, oftentimes they serve the purpose of helping students and young professionals acquire in-depth knowledge about the industry, create a network, and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their careers. 

So, it will surely help you make an even better impression if you show that you are self-aware about what you’ll get out of the internship and how it will help you grow professionally. 

Here’s how you can do that: 

I am excited for this internship to provide me with the necessary customer service skills and network that will help me grow professionally in my future career as a customer service manager. 

#8. Proofread Your Cover Letter

After all, is written and done, there’s one final thing to do and that is make sure your cover letter doesn’t have mistakes. 

A spelling or grammar mistake probably won’t disqualify you, but at the same time, it will probably be a red flag for recruiters that you’re not too attentive.

For this reason, ask a friend to proofread your cover letter or use spell-checking software such as Grammarly and Hemingway . 

Want to know what other cover letter mistakes you should avoid? Our guide on cover letter mistakes has all you need to know on the topic! 

#9. Match Your Cover Letter & Resume Designs

Want your internship application to truly shine?

Match your cover letter design with your resume!

Sure, you could go with a generic Word cover letter template, but why fit in when you can stand out?

At Novorésumé, all our resume templates come with a matching cover letter template , guaranteed to make your application truly special.

Cover Letter for Internship Template

Struggling to create a cover letter for your internship?

Simply follow our tried-and-tested internship cover letter template!

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! You should now have all the necessary information about how to create a cover letter for an internship.

Now, let’s do a small recap of the key learning points we just covered:

• Cover letters are a must when you’re applying for an internship.
• When you start writing your cover letter, make sure you respect the format: the header with contact information, the greeting to the recruiter, an opening paragraph, the body with 2-3 paragraphs, and a closing paragraph followed by an official salutation and your name.
• Some of our main tips on how to write a cover letter for an internship include: state the position you’re applying for, make use of the right keywords, and back up your skills with experiences.
• Use a cover letter builder and match it with your resume to make sure your cover letter truly stands out from the rest.

Related Readings: 

• Entry-level Cover Letter
• Do I Need a Cover Letter in 2024?
• Top 21 Cover Letter Tips

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How to Write an Internship Cover Letter [Expert Advice & Examples]

Published: May 31, 2024

It’s been a few years since I applied for my first internship, but I still remember the difficulties I encountered. After I finally crafted an eye-catching resume , I faced the daunting prospect of creating an internship cover letter for every application; I honestly didn’t know what to include or the tone I should strike.

Although I got the internship, in the end, I never found out whether my academic achievements, experience, or well-crafted cover letter got my foot in the door. However, I’ve always been curious.

With the benefit of hindsight — and some guidance from cover letter experts and hiring professionals — I’m here to help you write a winning internship cover letter. Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship

Writing my own internship cover letter, internship cover letter examples, internship cover letter templates.

• Include your name, date, location, and contact information.
• Include the company name, department, and address.
• Address the hiring manager.
• Set the context for your application.
• Sell your experience and personalize your cover letter.
• Think about your cover letter’s readers (humans and machines).
• Close the letter with grace and a call to action.
• Proofread, proofread, and proofread.

I’ve seen some creatively designed cover letters, but in my opinion, you can’t go wrong with the traditional business letter format, which you’ll find in our free cover letter templates .

Download our cover letter templates …

Business professionals use this format style to apply for full-time roles and other purposes, so it’s something you can reuse in the future.

Remember to use formal terms such as “Dear” and “Sincerely,” and lean towards a professional tone in your body copy. Even if you know the recruiter personally, always use formal salutations instead of “Hey!” or Hi [name]. ”

1. Include your name, date, location, and contact information.

Ensure you provide your contact information, such as your phone number, email, and location, on your internship cover letter.

Since you’ll probably be sending your cover letter online (through an email or web form), you don’t need to provide your full home address — your city and state should be enough for most positions.

Your Address

Your City, State, Zip Code

Cell: 555-555-5555

Email: [email protected]

2. Include the company name, department, and address.

With your personal information out of the way, it’s time to showcase your research skills a little. Do an internet search to find the full name and address of the company you’re applying to. Try to dig deep to find the department name, but leave it out if you’re unsure.

If the internship will be remote, use the company’s general headquarters address if the internship will be remote.

City, State Zip

3. Address the hiring manager.

Tempted to type “To whom it may concern” or “Dear hiring manager” ? In your hunt for an internship position, you’ll stand out from the crowd by being resourceful. So, channel your inner sleuth by tracking down the hiring manager’s name.

You might find their role description on the company website, but if not, your best bet is to look through LinkedIn.

If you can’t find the hiring manager's name, or you’re unsure if you’re addressing the right person, leave the name out. I think it’s safe to say that sacrificing a bit of personalization is much better than addressing the wrong person in your cover letter.

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.

• Standard Cover Letter Template

Entry-Level Cover Letter Template

• Data-Driven Cover Letter Template

Download Free

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Click this link to access this resource at any time.

4. Set the context for your application.

The first paragraph can make or break your internship cover letter and your entire application.

I’ll admit: I’ve always found opening paragraphs tricky, whether they’re for a cover letter, regular email, or a blog post, but they’re essential for creating a strong first impression and engaging the reader.

First, explain how you found out about the company or position. If you know anyone at the company, you can mention them here. Next, express your interest in the company and how it relates to your goals and passions. Also, make sure you get your basic information down, like your name, education level, major, and interests.

Depending on the company and position, you could try a creative approach to get your reader’s attention. Here’s one that worked for me early in my career:

“Can I tell you a secret? I’ve been telling stories since I was five years old. No, not fibbing — real storytelling ...”

A word of warning, though: Be sure to research the company’s culture before taking an approach like this. While this opening statement worked well for startups and more laid-back companies, a big accounting firm might find it culturally off-beat.

Pro tip : Geoffrey Scott , hiring manager and certified professional resume writer at Resume Genius, says, “The cover letters that stand out to me are ones where the candidate’s excitement clearly comes through. Of course, the tone must stay professional, but it shouldn’t be dull. When you’re passionate about what you do, it comes through in your cover letter.”

5. Sell your experience and personalize your cover letter.

Your cover letter isn’t supposed to be a summary of your resume, so go deeper and personalize it for your internship application.

To start, read through the specific position’s description and pick out a few qualities that you think apply to you. I don’t recommend choosing all the descriptors mentioned, as it could appear disingenuous and make your cover letter too long.

For instance, if I see a company looking for someone who’s “outgoing, organized, hardworking, and willing to take criticism,” I would pick the qualities that best describe me and focus on providing examples in the body of my cover letter.

You should cover things like:

• Relevant coursework.
• Soft skills (e.g., teamwork, problem-solving).
• Extracurricular activities (e.g., volunteering).
• Work experience (if any).

That said, make sure you tie them to the internship opportunity. For example, you could say, “I understand that this role requires that I consistently meet deadlines. I held down a part-time job while keeping up with my college assignments, which demonstrates my time management skills.”

Pro tip : If you lack relevant experience, use your research and knowledge to show enthusiasm. Daniel Space , a human resources business partner who has worked with companies like Spotify and WebMD, told me he once hired a French major instead of an HR major for an HR internship.

Why? He explains, " Not only did she clearly articulate how she understood the role … she also spent a few sentences describing the company going through a merger and correctly assuming that her work would be in helping with that.”

6. Think about your cover letter’s readers (humans and machines).

According to Jobscan’s research , 487 out of 500 Fortune 500 companies (97.4%) used an Applicant Tracking System in 2023. If you’re not familiar, this is a tool used to streamline hiring tasks.

Why do they matter for internship cover letters? Well, companies use these systems to filter resumes and cover letters based on keywords.

Ben Lamarche , general manager at recruiting firm Lock Search Group, told me that his company screens internship applications using an application tracking system.

When I asked how applicants could get their cover letters seen by a human, he recommended “ avoiding excessive formatting, sticking to a basic text layout, and including a few important words from the internship description, such as the precise requirements for skills and knowledge.”

Pro tip: Wondering how long your internship cover letter should be? I recommend you limit it to under a page or around 250 to 400 words. Also, use shorter paragraphs to break up the text.

Here’s what Indrė Padegimienė , talent acquisition specialist at Omnisend, has to say on the matter: “Recruiters are pretty busy people with hundreds of applications to review, so clear and concise communication is key. A five-page cover letter won’t get you a job.”

7. Close the letter with grace and a call to action.

If the internship application does not explicitly state “ please do not contact, ” you might choose to conclude by specifying how you will follow up, such as, “I will call next week to see if my qualifications are a match,” or “I am eager to meet with you to discuss this opportunity, and am available for an interview at a mutually convenient time.”

In your closing paragraph, thank the hiring manager for taking the time to consider you, and end on a positive, confident note, such as, “I look forward to speaking with you soon.”

Pro tip : You may even go a step further and give the hiring manager a call to action . I don’t think it hurts to include a link to your online portfolio , website, or even a YouTube channel where you display your work and personality.

To see how often hiring managers follow through on your calls to action, track the number of clicks on your link using a URL tracker like Bitly .

8. Proofread, proofread, and proofread.

When I asked Scott (Resume Genius) about the cover letter pitfalls he encounters the most, applicants’ lack of proofreading stood out.

After describing the cover letter mistake of simply summarizing what’s in your resume, he shared, “Another common error that could end up costing you a position is having spelling and grammar mistakes, especially if the internship is for anything that requires close attention to detail, like data entry. This seems obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how often I see it.”

Even with the availability of spell-checking tools like Grammarly , internship applicants still submit cover letters riddled with typos. Let me put it this way: You’ve done the hard part of actually writing your internship cover letter, so don’t let small mistakes put employers off.

Pro tip : Some companies provide AI cover letter generators. You simply input your resume and the job description, and you should get a decent-looking cover letter in seconds.

Just remember that while AI generators can save you time, you should check over everything they produce to ensure the AI hasn’t told any tall tales about your hands-on experience or skill set or made any mistakes. As you’ll see in these ChatGPT-generated internship email examples , caution and revisions are advised.

If you’re still unsure after your check-up, get a friend or classmate to proofread your cover letter for clarity and spelling before you finally sign off on it and hit send.

Now, I’ll use the tips I gave you above to craft an internship cover letter. In this sample, I will be applying for an event planning position. I start by including my contact information. That includes an address, phone number, and email address.

I also included the recipient’s contact information including the department I’m applying for.

I start with a greeting and the hiring manager’s name. If you can find a direct contact, referring to the person by name is preferred. From there, I mention that I am a referral and mention my contact at the company. I can then introduce myself and discuss relevant school experience relating to the role.

In the next section, I refer to relevant professional experiences. While these may not apply to an event role in corporate, I mention club work that I’ve done that relates to the role. I also reference an orientation job I held at the university that matches the events skillset.

From there, it’s time to wrap up with a conclusion. I also used Preview’s signature function on my Mac to include a handwritten signature followed by a typed version of my name.

Now, let’s explore some other cover letter examples for inspiration.

To inspire you further, I’ve curated additional internship cover letter examples tailored to different industries and positions. I’ll also explain why each example works and what you can do to evoke a similar response.

1. Hospitality Internship Cover Letter

Why This Cover Letter Example Works

I like that this cover letter demonstrates the applicant’s passion, willingness to learn, and previous industry experience. If I were the hiring manager, I’d shortlist them based on their internship cover letter.

How to Incorporate That Into Your Internship Cover Letter

I recommend you start by analyzing your own transferable skills and experience and seeing how they relate to the internship you're applying for.

Do you have any examples, facts, or figures that you can include in your letter? This will help the hiring manager understand your interest in the position and give them more of a reason to hire you over the competition.

I often see applicants use statements like, “I helped increase my group’s scores by [X]%.” If you have any figures like this, use them, but be honest about the role you played.

2. Supply Chain Internship Cover Letter

I could easily tell that, like many internship applicants, this student had yet to gain professional experience in the field. However, the applicant does a great job of showing enthusiasm for taking on real-world experiences.

They also demonstrate their knowledge of three areas of supply chain management: forecasting, inventory management, and logistics.

Go through your course notes and write down a list of topics and terms relevant to the internship you’re applying for. After I’ve completed coursework, I sometimes need to remind myself of what I’ve covered.

3. Fashion Design Internship Cover Letter

The student wrote a great second paragraph discussing their experience participating in design projects with original pieces that show their “artistic vision.” I also like that the student highlights how their design philosophy aligns well with Sleeves and Thread’s commitment to “pushing boundaries.”

Do your research on the company you’re applying to. You can compliment them on awards they have won or mention how you would fit well within their company culture.

4. Finance Internship Cover Letter

Rebecca takes the time to highlight her skillset, but she also balances her cover letter with reasons why Banking Corporation will be a great fit for her career. She gives plenty of reasons why the company appeals to her, which helps balance the cover letter.

Don’t be afraid to explain what an internship will do for you . Yes, companies want to know how an intern can help them, but they know you’re mainly there to advance your career.

5. Marketing Internship Cover Letter

If you work in marketing or another creative industry, you’ll have more freedom when it comes to drafting your cover letter. Here, Robin takes a novel approach by weaving in colorful language that practically jumps off the page. With just enough pizazz, their personality shines through. I think any marketing hiring manager would be eager to learn more.

Let your creative side run free! On a blank page (a creative’s nightmare, I know!), type out plenty of eye-catching phrases and sentences to showcase your writing skills. Next, see if you can find the right places to add them to your internship cover letter.

If, instead of examples, you’d like a jump-off point, don’t worry — I’ve got you covered. Here are some internship cover letter templates to get your creative juices flowing.

Standard Internship Cover Letter Template

This highly customizable internship cover letter is generic but can serve as the foundation for all your applications.

Data-Driven Internship Cover Letter Template

If your major is data-driven, like STEM, marketing, or accounting, I think this is the internship cover letter template for you. With this template, you can include the data highlights of your class projects and assignments to show the hiring manager that you can support your experience with credible facts.

As you approach your senior year of college, you may be looking for entry-level roles rather than internships. Cover letters are just as important for full-time roles as they are for internships, so use this template to make the transition in your job search.

Wrapping Up Your Internship Cover Letter

Worried about not having enough experience or skills to get your preferred internship? Don’t stress over what you haven’t achieved yet — and remember, everyone starts somewhere.

Instead, take stock of your academic and extracurricular achievements and see how you can apply your skills and experience to an internship.

Then, you’re ready to craft a compelling cover letter that shows you’re competent, enthusiastic, and willing to go the extra mile for every position you apply for. Whether you get your preferred internship or not, you’ll be happy that you gave it your best shot.

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Is a Cover Letter Necessary in 2024?

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Internship Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Text Examples

How To Write an Internship Cover Letter

When writing your cover letter for an internship, focus on how you can quickly apply course concepts at the company that posted the position. Also, emphasize the related skills you’ve gained through your school, work, or other life experiences so far. This guide offers cover letter examples and tips for landing an internship.

Internship Cover Letter Templates and Examples

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Internship Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

Mackenzie Martin Business Administration Student | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | St. Louis, MO 63101 | LinkedIn

January 1, 2024

Andrea Tarentino Recruiting Manager Creative Communications, Inc. (314) 987-6543 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Tarentino:

At Prairie Landing Business College, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA for seven consecutive semesters. I’ve also worked as an administrative assistant in the bursar’s office for two years, processing financial aid and tuition payments.

I’m passionate about the business world, so I’m completing my bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in digital marketing. The skills I’ve gained through my degree program will help me excel as a marketing intern at Creative Communications, Inc.

Here are three of my achievements to date:

• Participated in more than 30 events for DECA’s Competitive Events Program and received several recognition awards
• Won first place in the St. Louis Regional Library’s annual junior business leaders competition
• Maintained perfect attendance for six out of seven semesters at Prairie Landing Business College

I look forward to possibly speaking with you more about how I can support your organization. Please let me know a date and time that works well for you to discuss the opportunity. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Mackenzie Martin

Gertrude McDaniel Marketing Supervisor | [email protected] | (434) 395-9244 | Atlantic City, NJ 54321 | LinkedIn

January 11, 2024

Sidney Brockley Senior Hiring Manager BigAds Agency (323) 386-3948 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Brockley:

After a successful career in traditional marketing, I recently earned a master’s degree in digital marketing. I’d love the chance to add value to your organization while gaining experience in this fast-growing sector.

For the past six years, I’ve served as a marketing supervisor for the global brand Molson Coors. My team played a key role in recent changes that modernized the company and led to 5% growth within a year.

I would be delighted to bring the knowledge I’ve gained about digital marketing to BigAds as an intern. Below are three more of my achievements to date:

• Trained and motivated team members, helping the department set a new staff retention record of 96%
• Pinpointed areas of overspending and helped make significant Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) improvements
• Raised my company’s marketing return on investment (ROI) by 2% in 2019 and 4% in 2020

After reading your company’s values and mission statement, I’m certain my skills and attitude align with the culture at BigAds. Please let me know the best time for an interview. I appreciate your time and look forward to possibly hearing from you soon.

Gertrude McDaniel

Maria Esperanza Data Scientist | [email protected] | (123) 878-0990 | Los Alamos, NM 50557 | LinkedIn

Jenny Medina Senior Hiring Manager Viome, Inc. (373) 232-7224 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Medina:

My advanced work experience in applied statistics, SQL, and Python makes me an ideal candidate for the internship position at Viome. In my current role, I implemented big data analysis techniques and learning algorithms that optimized classifiers across the company.

Mathematics and wellness are my two main passions, as shown by my bachelor’s degree in applied statistics, master’s degree in nutrition, and pursuit of a Ph.D. in data science. Recently, I started working toward the Data Science Council of America (DASCA) Senior Data Scientist (SDS) award.

I would love the chance to work at your high-tech startup. The skills I’ve acquired can transfer perfectly from a business-driven data science role to a dynamic smaller company with a humanitarian mission. My achievements include:

• Using data mining techniques and machine learning to forecast product sales with 96% accuracy
• Performing ad-hoc social media analyses to help the sales and marketing department streamline the acquisitions process

I’d be delighted to set up an interview so we can discuss your company’s internship program further. Please let me know a date and time that suits you. Thank you very much for your consideration.

Maria Esperanza

A great internship cover letter usually has five sections, outlined below. When possible, connect each section back to your relevant entry-level skills and the employer’s internship program. The following advice and examples show what to include in your cover letter so it’s optimized for each intern opportunity.

At the top of the page, include your resume contact header, the date, and any contact details you have for your recipient. To set a clear focus, add a professional title to your contact header. In the internship cover letter example below, see how the title “Business Administration Student” quickly reveals the applicant’s career direction and knowledge base.

(Note: Feel free to omit this section if you send your letter as an email message and your contact information is part of your email signature.)

2. Salutation

Whenever you can, address your recipient by name – it’s the fastest way to signal you’re sending a custom letter and not a boilerplate. If you can’t find the recipient’s name, use “Dear Internship Coordinator” or a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager” so your greeting is still tailored somewhat to each opportunity.

Dear BigAds Agency Hiring Manager:

3. “Hook” or introduction

To catch the reader’s attention, start your letter with a specific achievement or key qualification the company is looking for. Choose a highlight that shows you can quickly build knowledge and apply new skills. This highlight will likely come from your degree program but could also be any related work or volunteer experience you have. (Consult your resume bullet points for ideas.)

4. Body paragraph(s)

Use the main section of your letter to tell why you’re drawn to this internship or employer. For instance, maybe the work overlaps with one of your recent school papers or projects. Or the company’s product set or mission statement appeals to you and the direction you’d like to take your career.

Following this explanation, cite two or three more of your main skills or achievements , possibly as bullet points.

5. Call to action

Finally, request an interview and thank the hiring manager for their time. Consider briefly restating why the position interests you and how you’d like to apply your education. To end your cover letter, use a simple closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards” and then your name.

Internship Cover Letter Tips

1. show you can quickly apply new knowledge.

Whether or not a company pays its interns, it must spend time and resources training and supervising them. That investment, and the short-term nature of these roles, means you need to show you can apply your skills and knowledge quickly. By demonstrating you’re a quick study, you can assure hiring managers you’ll add value even if your role is limited or temporary.

2. Highlight your relevant skills and traits

Great interns are usually open-minded, collaborative, reliable, and resourceful. View your own experience through that lens. Have certain courses or part-time jobs allowed you to develop any or all of those qualities? Mention them on your cover letter, possibly as bullet points, so they stand out from your other information.

3. When in doubt, brainstorm

Any time you’re stuck on a section of your cover letter, take 10 minutes to jot down your thoughts on a separate document or sheet of paper. By pausing to think more creatively, you can jog your memory and find new details to include about your experience. Brainstorming also helps you figure out the best and most original way to describe that experience, giving your letter the confident tone it needs to catch a hiring manager’s attention.

Internship Cover Letter Frequently Asked Questions

Should i tailor my cover letter for each internship -.

Yes. The main advantage of a cover letter over a resume is it lets you speak directly to the hiring manager about why you fit the role. By tailoring your letter to each internship, you can make the most of this advantage and boost your chances of an interview.

How do I write a cover letter with no work experience? -

Focus on your relevant academic, extracurricular, or volunteer experiences. No part of your letter needs to be about work. But every component should be about the knowledge, curiosity, and dedication you’ll bring to your internship. Even if you've never held a job, you can probably cite various ways you’ve developed these important qualities.

What should my cover letter’s design look like? -

Your resume’s. Carry over all of that document’s basic format settings , like font style, line spacing, and page margins. By styling your cover letter like your resume, you can make your intern application more cohesive and memorable.

Craft a new cover letter in minutes

Get the attention of hiring managers with a cover letter tailored to every job application.

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Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Check Out Related Examples

College Cover Letter Examples and Templates

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Internship Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips

What to Include in a Cover Letter

Tips for writing an internship cover letter, internship cover letter examples, internship cover letter template, how to write an email cover letter, email cover letter example, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Emilie Dunphy / The Balance

If you are applying for an internship, you will likely have to submit a cover letter as part of your application. Your cover letter should be tailored to the specific internship for which you're applying and include examples from your work, academic, and extracurricular experiences.

When writing a cover letter for an internship position, it's important to share your most relevant qualifications with the hiring manager. When you don't have much (or any) formal work experience, you can include school activities, volunteering, educational programs, and other learning experiences.

Key Takeaways

• Take the time to write a customized cover letter for each internship you apply for, and include your most relevant qualifications for the position.
• When you don't have work experience, you can include academics, extracurricular activities, and volunteering.
• Be specific, and share examples of the skills the employer is looking for in your cover letter.
• Carefully proofread and edit your cover letter before sending it.

Your cover letter should include your contact information, a greeting, the reason you're writing, why you're a qualified applicant for the position, and a closing.

Contact Information:  How you address the cover letter will depend on whether you are sending a printed or email cover letter and the contact information you have for the employer. In a printed letter, the contact information will be at the top of the letter. For an email, add your contact information below your typed name.

Salutation:  The salutation is the  greeting you include  at the beginning of a cover letter. For example, “Dear Hiring Manager.”

Body of Letter:  The body of a cover letter includes the sections where you explain why you are interested in and qualified for the job for which you are applying. This typically includes an introductory paragraph, a paragraph or two describing your qualifications, and a closing paragraph.

Closing:  When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job, it's important to close your cover letter professionally. For example, use a closing such as “Sincerely” or “Respectfully.”

Signature:  In a printed cover letter, you’ll add a written signature above your printed name. For an email cover letter, add a line break after the closing and type your name.

Use business letter format. Use proper  business letter format  when sending a cover letter by mail. Include your contact information at the top, followed by the date, and the contact information for the employer. Be sure to provide a proper salutation, and sign your name at the bottom. If you are sending the  cover letter via email , you do not have to include the contact information at the top. Instead, place this as part of your email signature at the end of your letter.

Customize your cover letter. It's important to write a  unique cover letter  for each internship for which you apply. Highlight skills and abilities you have that relate to the specific internship listing. The main emphasis of your cover letter should be convincing the reader that you will be an asset as an intern.

Provide specific examples. If you mention you have a particular skill or ability in your cover letter, be sure to prove this with a specific example from your past work, academic, or extracurricular experience.

Add keywords to your letter. One way to individualize your letter is to use  keywords  from the internship listing. For example, if the listing says the intern needs to have excellent time management skills, include an example of how you have demonstrated time management skills in the past. You'll be able to show the hiring manager that they have the skills you are seeking.

Emphasize your academic experience. In the letter, you can mention academic experience, if applicable. Especially if you have limited work experience, you might use examples from school to demonstrate you have particular skills. For example, if the internship requires you to work as part of a team, provide an example of a successful team project you worked on during one of your college courses.

Include extracurricular experiences. You can also include details about your relevant experience from extracurricular activities or  volunteer work . For example, a reporter for a college newspaper can point to interviewing and writing skills; a history of volunteering at a shelter can provide an example of strong  interpersonal  and  organizational skills .

Mention how you will follow up. Towards the end of your letter, say how you will  follow up  with the employer. You might say you will call the office to follow up in about a week (don't follow up any sooner). However, do not include this if the internship listing specifically says not to contact the office.

Carefully proofread and edit. Be sure to thoroughly proofread your cover letter for spelling and grammar errors. Many internships are very competitive, and any error can hurt your chances of getting an interview. Also, avoid using too many words to convey your information and intent. Keep your points brief and targeted.

Review sample printed and email cover letters for internship positions, and get a template to download to use as a starting point for your own letter.

Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online), or read the example below.

The Balance

Internship Cover Letter Sample (Text version)

Joseph Q. Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 josephq@email.com

May 26, 2024

Director, Human Resources BC Labs 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Smith,

I am writing to apply for the scientific research summer internship position that was listed in the Anytown University Career Services Office. I believe my research and conservation experience make me an ideal candidate.

I have had a great deal of research experience in chemistry, biology, and geology, both in the lab and in the field. Most of my experience is in environmental field studies. I am currently conducting research in our school's outdoor laboratory to assess the water quality of a nearby pond. I know water quality assessment is a component of this internship, and I know my previous experience makes me a prime candidate for this.

Last summer, I worked as a conservation assistant at the National Trust's Clumber Park. Along with trail maintenance and building, I also served as a research assistant for the research organization at the park. I conducted an analysis of soil samples, and input data from various research projects. I received a special commendation from the director of the research organization for my attention to detail and dedication to research.

I believe that I would be an asset to your program. This internship would provide me with the ideal opportunity to assist your organization and expand my research skills.

I will call next week to see if you agree that my qualifications seem to be a match for the position. If so, I hope to schedule an interview at a mutually convenient time. I look forward to speaking with you.

Thank you for your consideration,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Joseph Q. Applicant

If you're sending your cover  letter via email , your format will be slightly different than a traditional letter. List your name and the  job title in the subject line  of the email message.

Include your contact information in your email signature, and don't list the employer's contact information (also don’t list your contact information at the top of the message). Start your email message with the salutation. 

Subject: Liz Lerner – Marketing Intern Position

Dear Mr. Peters,

It was with much interest that I read your posting on the ABC College job board inviting applications for a marketing internship at Brand Solutions Inc.

As an honors student in marketing, I have successfully completed upper-division coursework in marketing management, print and online advertising, social media management, and data analysis, which have provided me with a firm understanding of rising market strategies and technologies.

This coursework included on-site practicums with Boyd Brothers LLC and Boulevard Bistro, where I helped the owners of these businesses establish their first-ever social media presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. This involved setting up their accounts, creating photo and video content, writing posts, launching digital ad campaigns, and tracking user engagement via Google Analytics and Facebook Analytics. I am also well-versed in the use of Adobe Creative Cloud for graphic design and Microsoft Office suite.

Impressed by the press that Brand Solutions Inc. has received in Market Branding Today and on Forbes Online , I am eager for the challenges and opportunities I would experience as your next marketing intern. My resume is attached; may we please schedule a personal interview to discuss my qualifications for this role in greater detail? Thank you for your time, consideration, and forthcoming response. 

Liz Lerner liz.lerner@email.com 555-123-4567 www.linkedin.com/in/lizlerner (optional)

Do I have to write a cover letter for an internship?

If a cover letter is listed as optional, you don’t have to include one. However, a cover letter provides you with the opportunity to showcase the credentials you have for the position. When you don’t have formal work experience, your cover letter is a good way to highlight the talents, attributes, and experience that make you an ideal candidate for the role.

What can I include in a cover letter when I don’t have work experience?

When you don’t have work experience, you can share examples of volunteering, extracurricular activities, schoolwork, academic programs, sports, community organizations, and other ways you have gained skills and experience that qualify you for the position.

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North Central College. " How to Write an Internship Cover Letter: Examples & Tips ."

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Handshake. " Top 5 Tips for Writing an Internship Cover Letter ."

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship (Templates Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

Figuring out how to write a cover letter for an internship can be surprisingly tricky.

Well, for one, if you’re going for an internship, you probably don’t have a ton of experience in the field.

Does that mean you shouldn’t go for it? Hardly. Overall, around 65 percent of paid internships turn into full-time, permanent job offers. That means an internship can be a great way to launch a career. Exciting, right?

So, if you’re ready to find out how you can get your career off on the right foot, come with us as we explore how to write a winning cover letter for an internship.

What Is an Internship Cover Letter?

Alright, before we dig into a step-by-step writing guide and internship cover letter examples, let’s pause for a quick second and talk about what an internship cover letter even is.

Generally, an internship cover letter is an introduction, a written handshake, if you will. It lets you dig a bit into what you bring to the table and highlight why you’re such a rock star candidate.

Usually, you’ll want to use the best cover letter format , one that uses a business communications-style approach. If you go too casual, the hiring manager might have doubts about your professionalism or written communication skills, and that’ll work against you. But by using the right format, you can showcase those skills without directly mentioning them.

However, that doesn’t mean an internship cover letter isn’t a bit different from a traditional one.

In a traditional cover letter for a job , you usually focus on work-related accomplishments and the skills and traits you used to achieve them. The thing is, if you’re a college student or recent graduate, you might not be able to go that route.

Instead, your internship cover letter is going to focus more on your educational experience. Your clubs, sports teams, and other extracurricular activities can also be worth featuring.

Additionally, you can tap onto other work experiences outside of that industry. After all, there’s a good chance you have transferable skills if you’ve held any position (or even done volunteer work).

If you are changing careers and using an internship to start on a new path, focusing on your transferable skills is the key. You can find the relevant experience that’s part of your work history, showcasing why you’re an exceptional candidate even though you haven’t specifically worked in or studied the field.

What Are Hiring Managers Looking for in an Internship Cover Letter?

Competition for certain internships can be surprisingly fierce. At one major company, 100 openings attracted about 14,000 applications . If that isn’t intimidating, we don’t know what is.

But that doesn’t mean you should panic. Instead, you just need to speak the hiring manager’s language in your cover letter and focus on what they want to find.

So, what is the hiring manager looking for? Well, that may depend on the exact position. Every role has different skill requirements. Luckily, those are usually spelled out in the must-have list in the position description.

Use that “must-have” list as a starting point. Look at each skill or knowledge area and see if you can bring it to the table. If you have relevant education or experience, that should be a focus when you start writing.

However, you should also feature traits that will make you a great intern. Usually, internships are partially educational experiences. The company knows you’ll need to be trained; that’s what internships are all about.

So, knowing that, what’s one thing you definitely want to spotlight? Your willingness to learn! But that’s not all. Traits like reliability, attention-to-detail, curiosity, accountability, organization, time management… they all matter, too.

Ask yourself this; which of your attributes made you an exceptional student? Once you have a few picked, think about how you can highlight them in a meaningful way. Can you align them with an educational achievement? If so, that could be a great starting point.

Essentially, hiring managers for internships want to find candidates who are open-minded, hungry to learn, and dedicated. If you can couple that with the core skills they want you to have on day one, you’re on your way to coming up with great content for your cover letter.

Common Internship Cover Letter Mistakes

Now, there’s one more thing we need to touch on before we get to the how-to guide for writing a cover letter for an internship. What’s that? Well, it’s common mistakes.

Certain missteps can send an otherwise amazing candidate straight into the discard pile. That’s why avoiding them is so critical; it can make the difference between moving forward in the selection process and removing yourself from contention.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is talking about your needs too much. While your cover letter should be about you, it’s supposed to focus on what you can do for the company, not what the company can do for you.

Instead of talking about what you hope to get out of the internship, discuss how you can be the solution to a problem the company has. That’ll help you create an enticing value proposition.

Another major misstep is not targeting your cover letter to the role. Before you start writing, get to know the Tailoring Method . That way, you can make sure your content is focused on the right areas.

Next, simply rehashing what’s on your resume isn’t a smart move. If you do that, you’re missing an opportunity to really showcase your story in a meaningful way. Instead of going that route, take advantage of what you can do in a cover letter that isn’t an option elsewhere in your application. That way, you can really increase your odds of standing out.

Finally, sending in a cover letter with spelling or grammar mistakes is a big no-no. It makes it seem like you lack attention-to-detail, and that won’t help you get the position. So, before you hit send, review your letter for mistakes.

How to Write an Internship Cover Letter

If you want to make your application sparkle, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an internship cover letter that’ll stand out from the pack.

1. Start with Your Contact Information

The first thing that should appear in your cover letter is your contact information. You can either used a centered header approach, not unlike what you may have on your resume. However, you can also go with a simple left-aligned format.

By listing your contact information, you make sure that the hiring manager knows whose letter they are reading right away, and that matters. So, write your name, address, phone number, and email right at the top.

2. Date Your Internship Cover Letter

Yes, it may seem like a silly little detail, but you do want to date your letter. It’s part of a traditional business letter format, so include the date you finalized your letter below your contact details.

3. List the Hiring Manager’s Info

After the date, you’ll need to write in the hiring manager’s details. You can include their name, position, company name, and physical address if you have all of that. If not, you may want to list the details for human resources or the internship coordination office.

4. Add a Salutation

Even if you have the hiring manager’s name listed already, you still want to add a salutation. It’s a simple and quick greeting, allowing you to address them directly and set the tone for the letter.

When in doubt, a simple “Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr. [Name]” approach is sufficient. Then, follow that with a colon – not a comma – to finish it off.

If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, you could use “Dear Hiring Manager.” Just make sure to stay away from “To Whom It May Concern,” as it’s a bit outdated and incredibly generic.

5. Start Off with a Bang

Ideally, your first or two sentences should be an attention-grabber. If you lead off with your name or that you want to apply to position X, that isn’t particularly engaging. Yes, that approach technically does the job. But if you can showcase your passion up front, that’s usually better.

6. List the Position Name

Immediately after your starting sentences, you do want to list the position details. Include the job title, department, and company name, if you have all of that. If you don’t know the department, just the job title and company name are usually enough.

7. Give an Overview

For your third (and maybe fourth) sentence, you want to give the hiring manager a quick overview of what you bring to the table. Usually, this involves listing a few skills or traits that you have that appeared in the must-haves list.

Additionally, you want to assert that you think you’re a great fit for the role based on your capabilities. It lets you showcase your confidence a bit, which can work in your favor.

8. Talk About Relevant Achievements and Skills

In your second and third paragraphs, you’ll highlight accomplishments that showcase your skills. This could include school, extracurricular, volunteer, or work experiences in other fields, as long as they specifically speak to why you’re a great candidate for this internship.

9. Close It Out

In the fourth paragraph, you want to bring it on home . Say again that you feel you’re an excellent fit, and also mention how excited you are to hear from them about the opportunity.

10. Sign Off

After your closing paragraph, you’ll need to sign off. Usually, options like “Sincerely” or “Best Regards” are your best options, as they are professional and polite.

After that, add your signature, and you’re set.

Internship Cover Letter Examples

Sometimes, nothing is more valuable than a great sample cover letter for an internship. It can help you see how one needs to go together, almost serving as a template you can follow.

Here are three internship cover letter examples for different situations.

1. College Student

Dear Mr. Doe:

I’ve been fascinated by technology ever since I first sat down in front of my family’s Windows 98 computer, and that passion led me to begin down the path toward earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering. When I discovered the software engineering internship position with ABC Software Company, I was immediately excited about the idea of honing my skills in such an amazing role. I believe that my education has primed me for such an opportunity, allowing me to support the software engineering department through my attention-to-detail, exceptional work ethic, and ever-evolving technical capabilities.

As a student, I have had the opportunity to take part in large-scale projects that were part of my educational experience. I played a critical role in the creation of a standalone application designed to introduce pre-teens and teens to the exciting world of coding. Not only did this involve putting my software engineering skills to work, but also breaking down complex topics in a way that was easy to understand and engaging for younger learners.

Additionally, I’ve had the good fortune of being a part of the college’s debate team. This experience has allowed me to cultivate public speaking and negotiation skills, hone my research capabilities, and learn to function well when under pressure, traits that I believe would help me flourish in the internship position.

I believe that my education thus far will allow me to become an asset to the software engineering team, ensuring they have valuable support as I learn and grow on the job. I look forward to hearing from you about this exceptional opportunity.

Best Regards,

2. Recent Graduate

Dear Mrs. Doe:

During my studies that led me to my Bachelor’s in Marketing, I continued to find the world of advertising fascinating, particularly how well-timed, high-design marketing campaigns can have such an impact on public sentiment and interest. As a recent graduate, I believe that I’m an excellent fit for the marketing intern role at XYZ Company.

While studying marketing, I specialized in market analysis and segmentation. My focus has allowed me to develop a specific skill set, one that concentrates on identifying paths that speak to individual audiences, increasing interest and conversion rates. I was able to put these capabilities to work as a volunteer with a local charity, developing social media advertising campaign that increased event attendance by 15 percent, leading to a 25 percent increase in donations.

As a student and volunteer, I’ve also learned the power of teamwork, remaining open-minded, and maintaining a willingness to learn. Whether I’m needed as a group leader or a contributor, my adaptability allows me to serve in the role that’s required most, ensuring the team can move forward toward success.

Overall, I feel that my education and experience make me an excellent candidate for the marketing internship role. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing from you regarding this exceptional opportunity.

3. Career Change

Dear Dr. Doe:

In today’s world, the customer experience is at the core of nearly every operation. While the bulk of my career has been in customer service management, I believe that my skills make me an excellent candidate for the IT help desk internship position with ABC Company. During my career, I’ve learned how to stay calm under pressure, get to the root of a customer’s needs, and address concerns while remaining polite, professional, and results-oriented.

As a customer service manager, much of my role focused on addressing escalated problems that tier-one representatives weren’t able to handle. Often, this meant dealing not only with complex issues but also frustrated customers. While serving in the position, I learned how to deescalate hostile situations and convey complex information to those without subject matter expertise, all while maintaining a smile.

Additionally, I’ve always had a passion for learning, whether through formal training or those around me. I’m diligent and dedicated, never resting until I’ve accomplished the task ahead of me.

I believe that my experience makes me a great and unique fit for the IT help desk internship position. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you about this outstanding opportunity.

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, writing a cover letter for an internship doesn’t have to be a challenge. Take advantage of the guide and tips above. If you do, you’ll be able to craft an engaging, informative cover letter in no time flat.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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• ACADEMIC ADVICE

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship (With Examples)

• October 14, 2022

Table of Contents

Specify the role you’re applying for, use keywords, include relevant coursework/education, include relevant skills, state why you think you’re a good candidate for the role, say what you think you could gain from it, format the cover letter properly, review, review, review.

When going through an internship’s application requirements, you might come across the need to write a cover letter. A cover letter is one of the most effective ways to show why you are the best candidate for the internship and gives you the space to expand and showcase your skills and experiences.

This article will show you how to create an internship cover letter that will make your application stand out and land you an internship. Additionally, you will get comprehensive internship cover letter examples that you may copy, edit, and customize to your needs.

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship

A strong internship cover letter should help the company see that you have the skills, motivation, and drive necessary to thrive in your internship assignment. It must grab the employer’s interest and convince them to look over your resume in more detail. 

Your cover letter should include examples from your employment, school, and extracurricular activities, which should be customized for the particular internship. If you are unsure of how to write a good cover letter for an internship , here is what you need to know. 

You must specify the position you are applying for at the beginning of your cover letter. It is an excellent way to grab the recruiter’s attention. It suggests you have written a cover letter specifically for their opening rather than using a template. Additionally, it demonstrates that you have carefully considered what skills you need for this particular position.

Since recruiters have to read many job applications, they frequently search for relevant keywords in your cover letters. But how do you know which keywords to use? Look at the internship job description, read through the duties and required skills, and note any keywords you believe the recruiter might be looking for. 

If “ time management ” is included in the job description as the desired attribute, try providing concrete examples in your cover letter. However, avoid using keywords that do not pertain to you because doing so will give the impression that you are simply copying and pasting from the job description.

If you are concerned about how to write a cover letter for an internship with no experience , just remember that education is also very important and should be emphasized in the cover letter. Employers are usually interested in relevant education, even if you have little to no work experience. Include any coursework that relates to the job description to show potential employers that you are already setting the groundwork for a career in the field you want to intern in. To give particular instances of what you are capable of, highlight the accomplishments you made while enrolled in these classes.

When answering the question of how to write a cover letter for an internship job, almost immediately you should think about the skills that qualify you for the job. You can add skills you have acquired in previous jobs, volunteer roles, courses, or projects you have finished or accomplishments in extracurricular activities , even if you lack professional industry experience.

Claiming to have a particular set of skills is one thing; demonstrating them is quite another. Anyone can claim to be excellent at something, but what truly distinguishes one from another is the ability to back up their claims. For instance, in your internship cover letter, instead of simply stating that you have “excellent time-management skills,” include evidence of this from your prior experiences.

Examine the job description in detail to determine the knowledge and skills that the company is seeking. Align them with your own, and based on the job posting, choose which to emphasize in your cover letter. You should justify your qualifications for the role and draw a line between what the company hopes to gain from its interns and what you can do to offer those services.

When it comes to internships, they frequently serve the objective of assisting students and young professionals in developing skills that will be useful in their careers, building a network, and getting in-depth knowledge of the business.

So, you should not only exemplify your qualifications and how you can help the business but also how getting the job will help you. If you can demonstrate that you are self-aware about what you will gain from the internship and how it will help you advance professionally, it will undoubtedly help you make an even better impression.

There are specific formatting requirements for a cover letter for an internship position. For instance, the length of your cover letter should be four paragraphs and approximately one full page (but no more than that).

Even though it seems brief, there is still enough room for you to showcase your skills. To discover how to format your cover letter correctly, keep reading. 

Header with contact information

This section should include your full name, business contact information (email and phone), and LinkedIn profile (if you have one). The date and the receiver’s information (the recruiter’s name and title, the company/organization name, and their physical address) should be included after your contact information. 

Addressing the recruiter

It is customary to address the recruiter with “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern,” although this is not the greatest greeting and should be used only when you can not find the recruiter’s name. However, to demonstrate to the hiring manager that you did your homework, it is advised to address them directly and by name. 

Opening statement

Your opening statement should be concise, professional, and captivating all at once. You introduce yourself, mention the position you’re looking for, and perhaps cite one or more noteworthy accomplishments here.

Your cover letter’s body should be composed of two to three paragraphs that highlight your schooling, give context for your skills, and explain how you and the company would complement one another professionally.

Closing paragraph

This paragraph gives you the opportunity to include a call to action, express gratitude to the recruiters for their time, or mention anything significant you missed in your body paragraph. Finish with a passionate but respectful closing.

You don’t want to appear arrogant, but you also don’t want to appear unsure of yourself. Don’t assume; instead, show that you are willing to discuss ways that you might help the organization.

Formal salutation

Put a formal salutation at the end of your cover letter, such as “kind regards,” “sincerely,” or “best regards.”

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Spend some time reviewing and editing your cover letter after it is finished. Look closely for spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes when proofreading. Nothing gives the wrong impression more in a cover letter than a glaring error in grammar or formatting. These mistakes might appear minor, but they reveal a lack of attention to detail to a recruiting manager.

Try these proofreading strategies to polish your work before submitting your application:

• Read it aloud 
• Alter the font size
• Use software for grammar checking
• Have a friend review your resume
• Use a text-to-speech program to hear your work back

Internship Cover Letter Samples

Still confused about how to write a good cover letter for an internship job? Or how to write a cover letter for an internship through email? You do not have to worry because we have you covered. Below you will find the internship cover letter samples to be sent via mail and email. 

Your name The address where you can be reached Phone number Fax number (if applicable) E-mail address

Name of the specific person Title of that person (if available) Address of the company

Dear (Hiring manager name),

I am applying for the internship role in (Position name) at your esteemed organization.

I am currently in the first year of a master’s at (University name), and I am eager to gain experience, which would hopefully help me garner a full-time position in your company.

My skills would make me an ideal fit for the role, as I’m meticulous with detail, have a positive can-do attitude, and perform well in various circumstances. I enjoy teamwork, but I am equally comfortable working independently. 

(Company name) is a company that I’m excited to work for, as you have an outstanding reputation for delivering quality customer service, proven by your awards, reviews on Glassdoor, etc. 

My long-term career goals are to work with a company that challenges and develops employees, and this internship would aid give me the knowledge and experience I need to achieve this.

I would appreciate the chance to discuss my experience in more detail and, of course, hear more about your organization.

One thing you should know when applying through email is that the subject line should never be empty. Instead, you should write your name and the position you are applying for. 

Subject: Your name – X Intern Position

E-mail address Phone number LinkedIn link (if you have one)

The main goal of a cover letter is to highlight your most important qualifications and experience. You can make your cover letter stand out from those submitted by other applicants if you take the time to polish it. If you follow our advice on how to write an internship cover letter, you’ll get the call.

Bay Atlantic University

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How To Create A Student Cover Letter For Internships

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Head of research and lead admissions expert, table of contents, steps to create a student cover letter for an internship, consulting empowerly.

Stay up-to-date on the latest research and college admissions trends with our blog team.

A cover letter for an internship allows you to highlight your education, best experiences, skills, and qualities in a narrative format. A student cover letter shows potential employers you have the relevant skills and knowledge to excel in the position offered, and should emphasize your personal voice and details beyond the resume bullet points. Taking the time to write a well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference.

While you can always search for cover letter examples for students online, you must know what makes a great cover letter. So, let us dive right in and explore how you can create a cover letter for internships. 

A well-written student cover letter will help you stand out from the rest of the applicants. Therefore, you must write a cover letter for internships that captures employers’ attention right away and convince them to offer you an opportunity to prove yourself. Follow these steps to create a strong cover letter for your internship. 

Step #1 – Following the Student Cover Letter Format

You must know the format of a cover letter and follow it to a tee. A disorganized cover letter may confuse the employer and result in your resume being screened out.  So the format of a cover letter is as follows. 

• Header – this must include your name and other contact details such as email address, phone number, LinkedIn profile, etc. You don’t need to include your home address unless you choose to. Add a date under your contact info along with the recruiter’s details, including name, title, and organization name, followed by physical address of their office or business. 
• Addressing the employer – always greet your potential employer with ‘Dear Sir/Madam’. Writing “To Whom It May Concern” is also a common phrase but not the best way to address a recruiter. A personalized approach of addressing the hiring manager by their name will show that you have done your homework. 
• Opening Statement – this section must be brief, attention-grabbing, and written in a professional tone. Introduce yourself by mentioning the position you are interested in applying for. You can seek the help of counseling services to create a cover letter for internships. 
• Body – this section should be two to three paragraphs highlighting your most meaningful moments in education, notable skills, and how you will bring value to the employer. 
• Closing Your Cover Letter – write a closing paragraph by thanking the recruiter for taking the time to read your student cover letter and resume. Mention anything left out and include a call to action, such as ‘feel free to contact’, followed by your email or phone number if appropriate. 
• Formal Salutation – end your cover letter for an internship with a salutation such as “best regards,” “sincerely,” or “kind regards.” 

Step #2 – Focusing on Keywords

Employers may scan cover letters and resumes for keywords relevant to the internship role. Therefore, review the internship description, company’s website, and other cover letter examples for students on how to use keywords. 

For example, if the internship description mentions “delivery on time” as a desired skill, you can list relevant time management examples in your student cover letter. Try not to copy word-for-word when you are highlighting your relevant strengths, but keep it on topic.

Step #3 – Mentioning Relevant Education

While you may not have any job experience, mentioning your relevant coursework is always a good idea when writing a cover letter for internships. This will help demonstrate that you have knowledge and skills that will help you perform job duties proficiently. 

A college counseling service partnering with various employers can help you highlight the right educational background in your cover letter. 

Step # 4- Highlighting Your Skillset 

Apart from your education skills, it is always a good idea to include other skills and achievements such as volunteering experiences, class and community projects, languages, and more. This will help strengthen your overall cover letter for an internship. 

Wondering how your skillset measures up against other students on the same level as yourself? You can take the Empowerly Quiz to receive a general forecast on your college readiness .

Step #5 – Convincing the Employer Why You are the Best Candidate 

Read the internship description carefully to understand what an employer is looking for in a candidate. Write a sentence or two about your qualification and skills that are a perfect fit for the internship role. The next step is strategically aligning your skills and education with those requirements and proving that you are an ideal candidate for the internship role. 

Step #6 – Mentioning How the Internship will Benefit You

Internships help students understand the industry while building connections and gaining skills and experiences. However, in addition to what you will bring to the table, it is good to explain to the employer how the internship will benefit you. 

Once you have written your student cover letter for an internship, it is time to review it one last time. Make sure there are no grammatical, spelling, or punctuation mistakes. You can ask a family member, friend, or professor to review your final draft to get a third party’s perspective. 

Whether you are an aspiring student trying to get into college or a student applying for an internship , consulting with Empowerly can give you a competitive edge. You can take a quick quiz, which is a shortened version with fewer inputs and gives a broad result on your college preparedness. The Empowerly Score is only available to students in the Empowerly Portal — it’s a separate form and result process that gives you an actual score. The score will show you, based on past student data and other admission criteria, how likely you are to gain admission to various schools. This insight will allow you to tweak your resume and cover letter for an internship and improve your chance of bagging the opportunity that kickstarts your career.

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College apps can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. empowerly college counseling is in it with you., related articles.

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Cover Letter Examples For An Internship + Writing Tips

If you’re in search of a great internship, your resume should be just one of your priorities. After all, it’s not as if you have tons of education and experience. If you did, you wouldn’t be on the lookout for an opportunity to work for the low wages of an intern, or in some cases for free.

By all means, create a great resume for an internship , but don’t forget to dwell on your cover letter too! This is where you can dig a bit deeper. You can use your cover letter to express your passion for your field, your excitement about working for the company to which you are applying, and make the case that you are a great fit for this opportunity.

Do Interns Need a Cover Letter?

A dozen times yes! Internships are highly competitive and most people will be applying with similar, entry-level resumes similar to yours. A cover letter provides you with an opportunity to share your unique personality — something that doesn’t come off that easily via a resume. Effectively, this is your best bet to show why a company should pick you over a bunch of other equally eager interns. 

Internship Cover Letter Examples

Internships come in different “flavors” — for college credit, at commercial organizations, non-profits, online, and on-location (in-person). 

While we cannot possibly give you an internship cover letter example for each and every type of these, we’d made several universal internship cover letter examples that can be easily adapted to the opportunity at hand.

General Cover Letter Sample For Internship (Word version)

Download cover letter (.docx)

Computer Science Cover Letter Internship (text version)

Dear Ms. Janis Merill,

I am submitting my resume and this letter to express my interest in the internship opportunity you have available in your Information Security department. I learned of this internship from Joe Meyer, who is my advisor at State University, and who recently retired as head of IS from your organization. I am grateful that he told me about this opening, and am very excited about pursuing this opportunity. I believe I would be challenged in this role, but also able to make a contribution.

I am currently a senior at State University majoring in Computer Science with an emphasis in Security. I previously graduated from Community College with an Associate’s degree in Information Technology where my area of concentration was Cybersecurity. Currently, I am on the Dean’s list, act as treasurer of the Cybersecurity club, and am an active member of the Forensics team.

I am passionate about computer security. I have intentionally chosen courses that have allowed me to develop and apply my skills in this area. These include:

• Network Security
• Network Firewalls
• Computer Forensics
• Penetration Testing
• Ethical Hacking
• Risk Assessment And Documentation

I am currently working on a research project with Joe Meyer where we are exploring the adaptations that will need to be made in the Information Security Field as technologies such as IoT, VR, and wearables continue to emerge.

In addition to my academic work, I have a year of experience working as a help desk technician at Major Big Box Electronics Store. I was recently promoted to a position that allows me to help individuals and small business owners whose computer systems have been hacked or exposed to malware.

I would love the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this internship opportunity. I think I would be a perfect fit, and will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Thank you again for your consideration.

Sincerely, Mervin Rosenthal

Sample Cover Letter for Architecture Internship

Dear Amy Rutherford,

My name is Matthew Fisher, and I am a student at the University of South Carolina School of Architecture And Civil Engineering. I will be graduating in June 2022 with a BS in Architecture and a minor in Urban Planning. I’m writing this letter to express my interest in interning with your firm, Rutherford Associates this spring.

If I am given the opportunity to work as an intern on your team, I hope to gain real-world experience in the areas of urban architecture, design of multi-family housing, and environmentally friendly building practices. Recently, I attended a tour of your firm’s newest structure, The Davis Building, and was truly impressed by your team’s ability to design an office building that used space-age materials while maintaining a look that blends so well with the historical district.

Of course, I also believe that I can be a valuable contributor to your team as well. I have worked as an architect’s assistant and draftsperson for a residential construction company for the past two years. There, my duties have included 3-D modeling, CAD, construction site inspections, and filing paperwork with local authorities.

I have arranged my spring semester schedule to ensure that I will be available to work on location during the day Monday through Friday. It is my hope that this availability will better ensure that I will be able to work with your team as needed. I’m very excited about this internship opportunity and thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Matthew Fisher

Engineering Internship Cover Letter Example 

Dear Ian Wilson,

My name is Lee-Ann Peterson and I am a senior at the University of Clarksville pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. I am writing this letter to express my interest in joining your for-credit fall internship program that begins in September of 2022. I have been accepted into my school’s graduate program, and strongly believe that working with your company will give me valuable insights into circuit design and facilitate my research in creating more energy-efficient battery storage.

As an engineering student, I have a highly hands-on attitude. In fact, in my spare time, I also design toy electric racing cars and have tested several of your battery products in my MVPs. Unsurprisingly, your battery life is much higher compared to Lithiums X batteries and I believe this is due to your innovative research into LiPo battery technology. 

On a more formal note, in the past four years, I have participated in multiple research projects, earned membership into the society of honors engineering students, and won the best in the show at the annual Sustainability In Engineering expo with a team. You can view a video of our home solar panel presentation here. Even though I pursued a lot of research and hobby projects, I have also consistently maintained a spot on the dean’s list and will graduate with an honors designation.

In fact, it’s my interest in sustainability that led me to learn about your company, Clarksville Wind and Solar, in the first place. I was a part of a team of students that were allowed to tour your facility earlier this year. I was inspired by your ability to implement sustainable solutions where other companies seem to be focused on the theoretical.

I have attached my resume, transcripts, and a letter of recommendation from my department head for your review. If there is anything else I can provide, please let me know. Thank you for considering my application, and I hope to meet with your selection committee in the near future.

Sincerely, Lee-Ann Peterson

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship: Step-by-Step

Writing a cover letter for an internship may feel overwhelming at first, especially if you are “pitching” to a company you’ve been long admiring. But don’t let the jitters overtake you. Even though an internship cover letter should provide a glimpse into your personality, it should still look professional and sound polished. 

Here are step-by-step instructions for writing a compelling cover letter for an internship:

• Create your list of core skills and accomplishments. 
• Review the internship posting. 
• Pick all the overlapping skills and incorporate them into your cover letter.
• Next, research the company further and try to understand its core values. 
• Explain how the work the company does resonates with you on a personal level. 
• Then talk about the ways you’d like to contribute and the expertise you seek to obtain.
• Close with the formalities and mention if you have any references available, plus detail your schedule. 

How Do I Write a Cover Letter for an Internship With No Experience?

No one expects interns to have a substantial backload of professional work experience. So don’t fret over this fact. Instead, get your mental cogs rolling towards determining what educational and personal skills could make you look more “valuable” to the potential employer. It could be literary anything — from your long-lasting passion for a cause the company explores to deep familiarity with the brand’s products or the relevant coursework you took in college. Focus on communicating your “why” for applying, then detail how you could be of help. 

How Do you List Internship Experience in a Cover Letter?

Technically, you don’t have to list your past internship experiences in a cover letter. That’s what your resume is for. But if you’d like to share some tidbits, talk about any positive reviews or references the past organization gave you, a particular project you’ve contributed to, skills you’ve developed, or duties you’ve performed. 

Wrap up 

You’ll probably notice that our example internship cover letters include several keywords. Many of them are in the bulleted list. This is a good thing to do to showcase that you’ve read the requirements and fit the baseline qualifications. 

There are some other important details as well. For example, we address the recipient as Mr. or Ms., removing Mrs. as it’s largely considered to be passé.

The cover letter examples emphasize academic coursework, work experience, relevant extracurriculars, and research projects. The letters also reference the person who provided the student with information about the opportunity. If applicable, this could be replaced with a job board, student advisor, or website.

Finally, if you want to make a lasting impression, consider “packaging” your cover letter in the same style as your resume. By submitting a matchy-matchy resume and cover letter, you increase your chances of being noticed in the pile of other submissions. Take a look at our well-designed and affordable bundles here .

FAQs about Internships 

Below are some commonly asked questions about internship cover letters and interning in general! 

How long should a cover letter be for an internship?

A solid cover letter for an internship should be under 400 words, which is roughly one page in a word processing document. If you are submitting an email cover letter, it’s okay to go even shorter. After all, most companies receive a ton of applications. Erring on the side of brevity increases the chances of your cover letter actually being read, rather than skimmed through. 

What should you not do during an internship?

Most companies are not legally required to take on interns. But most do so to contribute to the development of new workforce-ready candidates. Thus, most expect interns to be eager to learn, motivated, and respectful. If you want to appear as such a person, don’t ever do the following things during your internship:

• Show up late or miss the day without providing any reason 
• Discard the workplace rules or regulations
• Argue with your superiors or undermine their authority
• Sabotage the performance of other interns 
• Pester just about anyone to show your “motivation”
• Do not deliver on the tasks entrusted to you 
• Expect any person at the office to be readily available to you 

Is it OK to make mistakes as an intern?

Yes, absolutely. An internship is first and foremost a learning opportunity. And you cannot learn without making a mistake or two. The key, however, is not being afraid of acknowledging your blunders and taking full responsibility for them. If you feel that you are getting sidetracked, bring up the issue to your supervisor and ask for their help with making corrections. 

How hard is it to get an internship?

Depends on the company really. If you want to land a high-profile internship with some sort of an industry leader (think Google or Goldman Sachs), you’d be against dozens of others highly qualified and motivated interns. But you do not necessarily need to go after the top 1% of internships. Start at a lower level and approach local businesses, entrepreneurs, small-to-mid-market companies — these places often don’t have enough “helping hands” and would be eager to take on an intern even if they don’t have a formal program in place.

Updated on September 2021.

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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5 College Student Cover Letter Examples Working in 2024 

• College Student Cover Letter
• College Student Cover Letters by Experience
• Write Your College Student Cover Letter

Your education has equipped you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in any role you set your sights on. You perform excellent research, meet deadlines, and can handle data accurately.

But did you write a cover letter and complementary college student resume to provide an effective overview of your capabilities?

Whether you’re applying to an advanced degree program or one of your first jobs, we have the resources to help you succeed. Check out our college student cover letter examples that have helped many academics grab their dream opportunities in 2024.

College Student Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Copy this text for your college student cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Miami, FL 33101 (123) 456-7890

September 30, 2023

Ava Harper Sittercity 123 Fictional Lane Miami, FL 33101

Dear Ms. Harper,

As a diligent college student, I am eager to apply for the babysitter position at Sittercity. I strive to provide a safe, nurturing environment and a vibrant learning experience for every child, which Sittercity exemplifies. Your exceptional work with Fairfield Child Care Centers in Dallas has led to numerous glowing testimonials from parents and children. This resonates strongly with my passion for helping children grow in a secure and happy atmosphere. I am sure that my expertise, including cooking and meal preparation, would significantly contribute to your outstanding team.

Throughout my time at Nanny Poppinz, I curated nourishing meals that catered to the dietary needs of 23 children aged 2-9. I used cookbooks and online resources like the Mealime app to plan balanced, child-friendly meals. My dedication and love for cooking led to a commendation from 86% of the parents for dietary improvements and an 18% reduction in food waste at the facility.

Meanwhile, at the Learning Center for Kids, my First Aid/CPR skills were tested on countless occasions in a bustling learning environment with over 30 kids. From managing minor cuts to reacting promptly to allergy emergencies, I ensured children’s safety at all times by conducting regular safety drills and monitoring play areas for potential hazards.

Additionally, my storytelling capabilities significantly contributed to enhancing the children’s language skills at The Learning Nest. I employed tools like the Storyteller App and diverse books with multicultural themes to create engaging narratives tailored to each child’s interests. As a result, language comprehension increase index rose by 43% among the children within six months, while their active listening skills surged by 67%.

My experiences, coupled with my dedication to child safety and education, would be invaluable at Sittercity. Also worth noting, I have included my police clearance for your review. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skill set could benefit and enrich your team at Sittercity.

Seline Dupont

Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation Police Clearance

Why this cover letter works

• As with this college student cover letter, use specific examples (whether volunteer work, internships, or babysitting siblings) to showcase your childcare proficiencies. Relevant keywords here include first aid/CPR. Meals preparation, storytelling.

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifting to write your cover letter in seconds.

College Application Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your college application cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Columbia, MI 48111 (123) 456-7890

March 07, 2024

Mia Santo University of Missouri 567 Pretend Lane Columbia, MI 48111

Dear Ms. Santo:

With great enthusiasm, I convey my desire to join the distinguished undergraduate society at the University of Missouri. As a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and a lover of classical music, my journey has been shaped by my dedication to creating positive change and my unwavering commitment to personal growth. I’m convinced your institution offers the perfect environment for me to flourish academically and socially.

I am keenly interested in the humanities and intend to major in this field. My commitment to understanding and empathizing with human experiences has been the driving force behind my extracurricular projects. For instance, as a moderator for #BreakTheStigma, I helped create a supportive community environment for individuals facing mental health challenges, embodying my belief in the power of empathy and collaboration.

Beyond academics, my hands-on involvement in organizing events such as “Keys to the Future” and “Santa’s Workshop” has allowed me to explore my interests in music and community service. At the University of Missouri, I’m eager to delve into courses exploring music’s psychological impact, combining my passion for mental health advocacy and my love for the arts.

My dedication to academic and extracurricular pursuits emphasizes my sincere desire to contribute positively to the University of Missouri’s vibrant community. I’m drawn to your institution because of its outstanding reputation and the supportive environment that encourages diverse interests and interdisciplinary learning.

Thank you for your consideration,

Enclosures: Resume Application Transcripts

• The essence is to paint a vivid picture of an all-around student. Even better, spotlight prior community involvements. That exhibits your active engagement in contributing positively to society and your potential to further these values in the target tertiary institution.

College Student No Experience Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your college student no experience cover letter!

Jackson Hill Park Cities Pet Sitter 123 Fictional Lane Dallas, TX 75001

Dear Mr. Hill,

As one of the dedicated students of Southern Methodist University studying animal behavior in our Biology department, I am eager to bring my skills to Park Cities Pet Sitter as your next dog walker. With two years of experience volunteering at Dallas Dog and my proficiency in basic training commands and positive reinforcement techniques, I can provide excellent care to your canine clients.

Throughout my tenure at Dallas Dog, I developed a solid understanding of canine behavior. Specifically, I successfully utilized positive reinforcement techniques, which led to a remarkable 83% improvement in dogs’ compliance and adaptability. This experience fortified my empathy and patience, essential traits when working with animals, mainly when introducing new commands and routines.

While being a student at the university, I have skillfully balanced my academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities, maintaining an excellent academic record and actively participating in community service initiatives. This experience has strengthened my time management abilities, which will serve me well when scheduling and fulfilling dog walking duties.

The opportunity to work with Park Cities Pet Sitter excites me due to the company’s reputation for exceptional pet care and strong values of reliability and compassion. As a passionate animal lover, I would be thrilled to contribute to your team, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for the dogs while giving peace of mind to their owners. My academic background in animal behavior, complimented by my hands-on experience in pet care, equips me well for the role of dog walker at Park Cities Pet Sitter. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Nabil Soliman

• See how Nabil showcases his ability to connect with and care for canine pets in this college student no experience cover letter, using metrics to emphasize impact. Transferable skills gained during coursework (cue time management) can be pivotal for your candidacy.

College Student for Internship Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your college student for internship cover letter!

Jackson Smith Burger King Corporation 123 Fictional Lane Chicago, IL 60007

Dear Mr. Smith:

Burger King Corporation’s call for interns who can resonate with the fast-paced and evolving nature of the food industry is why I am eager to bring my marketing skills to the table as an intern. As a college student majoring in marketing, your company’s innovative approach to digital strategy inspires me to make substantial contributions to your team.

As a volunteer at YMCA Metropolitan Chicago, I utilized Microsoft Office Suite to manage event schedules, prepare PowerPoint presentations, and analyze data, fostering a 17% increase in attendance at our community events in six months.

My experience with social media management originated from a class project where I was responsible for revamping a local business’s online presence. Using tools like Buffer and Hootsuite, I crafted engaging content and interacted with the audience on multiple platforms. This contributed to a 13% growth in followers within three months.

A summer internship at Chitech Solutions empowered my SEO prowess. Leveraging Google Analytics and keyword optimization strategies, our team facilitated a 28% improvement in organic search rankings and an 11.9% boost in website-generated leads.

My unique combination of creativity, tech-savviness, and analytical acumen is what sets me apart, and I am excited about the possibility of bringing these traits to Burger King Corporation. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing further this role.

Santiago Castro

• Go further to project yourself as a result-driven multifaceted candidate who isn’t just familiar with industry-specific proficiencies and tools (Cue SEO, SMM, and Google Analytics) but has used them to generate tangible results (Think 13% growth in followers).

College Graduate Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your college graduate cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Atlanta, GA 43004 (123) 456-7890

Mason Martinez Vector 123 Fictional Lane Atlanta, GA 43004

Dear Mr. Martinez:

With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a solid foundation in both frontend and full-stack development, I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team as a junior software engineer. My interest in Vector is driven by its commitment to building a best-in-class engineering team, and my objective aligns perfectly with your mission to solve a wide range of engineering challenges in a vibrant tech community.

During my internship at Chick-fil-A, I improved checkout efficiency by incorporating Square POS software and spearheaded initiatives that enhanced sales by $4,271 within three months. These experiences honed my problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, directly contributing to project success from inception to production scaling.

I’m particularly drawn to Vector’s emphasis on building performant, user-centric interfaces and the prospect of working in cross-functional teams to turn business and product ideas into engineering solutions. My dedication to mastering my craft, combined with a track record of shipping high-quality products and features, positions me to make a meaningful contribution to your team.

The prospect of bringing my blend of skills, passion for fintech, and a strong desire for continuous growth to your esteemed company is thrilling. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy in further detail. Thank you for considering my application.

Hannah Levi

Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation

• Draw on specific examples from internships or college projects where you delivered concrete results—this could range from leading a team project to developing a software program that addressed a real-world problem. Better yet, show how you used technologies like Python, Java, React, and C++ to achieve these feats.

Related cover letter examples

• College Student resume
• High School Student
• Entry Level
• Career Change

Tips to Write an Effective College Student Cover Letter

As a college student or recent grad, you may have limited work experience , making a cover letter feel challenging. However, with the right planning and use of your academic knowledge, you can write a cover letter that stands out. 

The first step is reviewing the job description and picking out job skills that each company emphasizes. For instance, someone applying for a marketing internship may notice a company needs help with lead generation. Then, they could highlight knowledge gained during classes about creating effective landing pages and social media campaigns that will help the company achieve its goals. 

Grab attention with the opening of your college student cover letter

While writing reports for your classes, you’ve likely heard that immediately grabbing a reader’s attention is essential. The same is true with cover letters. The best way to make that initial connection is to greet the organization’s contact person by name. You can often find that in the job description or company website.   

Now that you have the hiring manager’s attention, you’ll want to take things a step further by connecting to the company’s mission and needs in your opening paragraph. For example, a college student applying for a dental hygiene internship may want to emphasize their eagerness to use their knowledge in X-rays and routine cleanings to help patients achieve a healthy smile.

The example below falls short since the applicant doesn’t greet someone by name or explain how their educational knowledge has equipped them for the role.

Needs to be more specific! 

As a recent graduate of Boston College’s nursing program, I’m eager to apply for the nursing internship at your company. I believe my education has equipped me with the knowledge to be a great addition to your team.

The opener below provides a more substantial overview of how the applicant’s knowledge from their animal behavior studies and skills in dog training commands will make them a great fit as a dog walker with Park Cities Pet Sitter. 

A great opener referencing specific skills! 

Provide the right experiences in the body of your college student cover letter

In the body of your college student cover letter, it’s important to get specific about the job skills that make you a great fit. For example, if you were applying for a student teaching opportunity, you may want to emphasize the classroom management and curriculum planning abilities you’ve gained in your college classes.  

You should also use numbers whenever possible. Even if you don’t have much work experience , you can still find data to back up your skill set, like grades, GPA, or accuracy.

A great body paragraph with essential metrics!

Leave a lasting impression while closing out your college student cover letter

Think of the closing of your cover letter like you’re wrapping up a persuasive class presentation. You’ll want to find ways to relate back to key points about how you connect to the company’s mission and the skills that make you a great fit. 

For instance, if you were applying to an entry-level accounting role, you could relate to how you’ll use your skills in QuickBooks to help a company achieve compliant financial practices.

Then, like any good persuasive presentation, you’ll want to use a call to action and thank the hiring manager for their time. 

The closer below isn’t making the right impact since the applicant doesn’t go into enough detail about the skills gained from their degree or their connection to the company’s mission.

Needs more detail to make an impact!

I believe my human resources degree has made me well-equipped for this internship. I look forward to discussing this role with you further. 

Rebecca Romanov 

The closer below does a better job relating to the applicant’s dedication to child safety and education, making them a great fit for Sittercity’s needs. 

Stand out by relating to the company’s mission! 

My experiences, coupled with my dedication to child safety and education, would be invaluable at Sittercity. Also worth noting, I have included my police clearance for your review. I look forward to discussing how my skill set could benefit and enrich your team at Sittercity.

Cover Letter Tips for a College Student

• Even if you don’t have much real work experience in your field, your academic achievements as a college student will still showcase how you’re prepared to perform well in entry-level roles. For example, if you’re applying for an accounting internship, you could discuss projects you worked on in your financial classes, such as a revenue reporting project where you used Excel formulas to speed up calculations by 56%.
• Non-traditional work experience like volunteering or participating in school clubs or other hobbies can still show how you’ll perform well on the job. For instance, let’s say you’re applying for a veterinary internship. You could talk about volunteering at a local animal shelter, following feeding schedules, and providing specialized care to animals from different situations for a 39% better quality of life. All that will show expertise you can use in entry-level vet roles.
• Both your college experience and jobs in other fields will help present transferable skills that can be applied to a wide range of careers. For an idea, you could write about how you managed time between your studies and participating in your school’s Future Business Leaders of America and math clubs. If you were applying for an entry-level business analyst role, that would show lots of ability in scheduling, business knowledge, and math skills for data management.

College student cover letters should be one page long. Keep it concise and relevant for each job you apply to. For example, if you were applying to an entry-level IT role, a short overview of your troubleshooting and programming knowledge from relevant courses would help you stand out. 

You’ve likely gained a lot of skills through your education, so listing all of them would make your cover letter too long. Instead, try to focus on three to five that are relevant to a company’s needs, such as pressure management and structural analysis for someone applying to an engineering internship. 

The best achievements to write about will be ones where you have metrics to show your impact and that are highly relevant to company needs. For example, if you were applying to a production management internship, you could explain how you used lean management processes in a class project to boost efficiency by 41%. 

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Writing an Internship Cover Letter With Examples and Tips

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This article was originally written by Genevieve Northup and was published on Indeed .

When applying for an internship, employers might request a cover letter with your resume, references and application. Whether required or not, a cover letter can help distinguish you from other candidates because of the extra details provided and the effort taken to write one. Understanding how to write an effective cover letter for an internship may help you highlight your skills and other valuable assets to a company.

In this article, we explore the steps for writing an internship cover letter with examples and a template and list a couple of ways you can send it when you’re finished.

Writing an internship cover letter

A well-written cover letter highlights relevant skills and experiences that showcase why you’re the right fit for an internship role. Here are a few steps you can follow when writing an internship cover letter:

1. State the exact role you want

Starting your cover letter with the position you’re applying for shows you thoughtfully considered what makes you the best candidate for this specific position while reminding the reader what role you’re hoping to earn. It also implies you created a cover letter for their opening instead of using a general cover letter for all applications. Additionally, if you’re writing multiple letters for different internship positions and companies, make sure you’re updating this opening statement for each application.

Related:   How To Write an Internship Request in 7 Steps

2. Use the right keywords

Including relevant keywords is essential because many employers use  applicant tracking software (ATS)  to review several applications. Carefully review the job description and company website for ideas you may include in your letter. For example, if the job description lists  time management  as a desired quality, try listing relevant examples in your cover letter.

Related:   Your Guide To Cover Letter Keywords

3. Include relevant coursework or projects

If you have little to no job experience, your relevant coursework, projects or significant assignments can be helpful to employers. Include your completed courses related to the job description or industry. For example, if applying for a design internship, list your design courses and any significantly related accomplishments.

Related:   How To Write a College Student Cover Letter (With Template)

4. List relevant skills

The body of your cover letter is where you can highlight relevant knowledge, expertise and education that can benefit an employer. Even if you don’t have professional industry experience, you can include skills you gained in previous internship roles or jobs, volunteer positions, classes or projects you completed, or achievements in extracurricular activities.

For example, if you’re applying for a position as a reporting intern at a local publication company, you may discuss your editor role at the student paper or how your previous office receptionist job taught you the importance of  time management .

Related:   10 Skills for Cover Letters

5. Explain why you’re the right fit for the role

Include one or two sentences relating your qualifications to the internship. Carefully review the posted job description to understand which skills and experiences the employer seeks from individuals. Align those with your own and decide which to prioritize in your cover letter based on the posting.

Related:   How To Convince An Employer To Take a Chance on You With 13 Tips

6. Describe your internship goals

In most cases, employers built an internship program to help students and young people better understand the industry and develop skills, experiences and relationships. In addition to explaining what you can offer a company, highlight what you hope to achieve and learn through the internship. Additionally, mention what the company can gain from hiring you. You can include how you hope to help improve a company process or assist with launching a campaign. This allows the hiring manager to understand what you can do for them in return for what they can do for you.

Related:   How To Set Internship Goals

7. Review your cover letter before sending

When your cover letter is complete, set aside time to review and edit it. When proofreading, check for spelling, punctuation and grammar errors. If possible, ask trusted friends or family members to review your final draft from a third-party perspective. Alternatively, use a web tool or software to review grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Related:   How To Write a Cover Letter (With Examples and Tips)

Example internship cover letter

Here’s an example of an internship cover letter you can use as a reference as you’re creating your own:

Erica Garcia 615-555-0100 I [email protected] I Franklin, Tennessee

March 1, 2023 Apricot Softwares Dear Mr. Smith,

I’m excited to submit my resume for the summer Application Design internship program at Apricot Software. Throughout my coursework and volunteer opportunities, I have developed a strong confidence in my user experience knowledge, design skills and coding abilities, so I believe I’m a worthy asset to your team.

In my three years at South Maple Leaf College, I completed beneficial coursework on cutting-edge design trends and best practices, including Principles of User Experience Design and Mobile Application Design, where I applied skills like user journey mapping, application wireframing and designing software for mobile devices and operating systems. Additionally, last semester I volunteered with a local non-profit that collects clothes and furniture to redistribute to families in need. I helped the web team update and re-launch an application that allows the community to find nearby drop-off points and schedule pickups. Due to my contributions, the donations increased by 10%.

I believe I can excel on Apricot Software’s team, bringing careful attention to detail and graphic design skills to help the company differentiate itself from its competitors. This internship can help me grow my real-world experience in the technology industry and help me further develop and refine my application design skills. I look forward to hearing from you and speaking about this role further.

Sincerely, Erica Garcia

Related:   7 Powerful Ways to Start a Cover Letter

Template cover letter for an internship role

Here’s a template you can use to help you prepare your document:

Download Cover Letter Template With Example

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How to Write a Cover Letter for College Internships

Reviewed by Jacob Imm

Nov 24, 2021

What is an internship , and what is the importance of an internship ? Internships are a crucial part of the college experience. Without internships, it can be difficult to build your resume, gain reliable references, and prepare yourself for the professional world post-graduation.

Getting an internship in your chosen field can be a challenge. Companies receive hundreds of resumes for each position, so you’ll need an effective way to make your application stand out from the crowd. So let’s dive into how to get an internship .

A great way to start is writing a good cover letter to submit along with your resume and application. In this article, we’ll discuss how to write a cover letter for internship positions, plus we’ll provide a few tips and tricks on how to land these valuable positions as a college student.

Introduce Yourself

To put it simply: your cover letter is basically an introduction on paper. Everyone needs an introduction, especially if you’re trying to score an interview. So, before you get to the interview stage of the hiring process, a good cover letter will make the company want to meet you. 

This means you’ll need to properly introduce yourself with this letter. While you don’t want to go into too much detail, you should briefly include the following points:

• Your school
• Your grade / Year in School
• Any extracurricular activities or academic achievements that may be relevant to the position

The bottom line – Don’t forget the basics. Potential employers want to know who they’re looking at without having to do additional research.

Specify the Internship You’re Applying For

Hiring managers are busy people. When a company is looking for new employees, managers may wind up sifting through hundreds of applications each day for various positions. 

This is why it’s important to specify what position you’re applying for in the first paragraph (or even the first sentence) of your cover letter. It may seem simple, but the easier you make this process for the person reading it, the better your chances will be. Too often, this is a step students forget, especially if they’re applying to multiple internships at the same time.

In many cases, it can also be helpful to mention how you found out about the internship position, whether it be:

• A referral from an employee
• A job listing site, like indeed or ZipRecruiter
• A college internship board

Whatever you do, don’t leave the hiring manager guessing what your internship application is for. This will almost certainly lead to your application being rejected. Keep this part simple, straightforward and easy to understand. Once the basics have been covered, you can move on to the creative part of your cover letter. 

The bottom line – Be specific. Your cover letter should have some creative elements, but the details about the position you’re applying for should always be front and center.

Use Keywords From the Listing

Keywords are crucial to writing an effective cover letter. By using keywords and phrases found in the description of the internship, you’ll be showing the hiring manager that you fully understand the position (and you’re qualified for it). 

Here’s what you’ll need to do to find some keywords. Read the internship listing carefully . You may want to go over the job description multiple times to make sure you fully understand what’s expected of you. This will give you a stronger foundation when writing your cover letter. Then, make a note of the preferred skills listed in the job description. These are going to make up a large chunk of the keywords you’re going to include in your cover letter.

Common keywords to note may include:

• Organizational skills
• Time management skills
• Proficiency in certain programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, or editing software
• Multitasking
• Collaboration and communication skills
• Research and analysis

Once you begin writing, try to incorporate these keywords as naturally as possible. Break up your usage of keywords by using one per paragraph. If you can provide specific examples of these skills from previous internships, jobs or volunteer positions, this will make your cover letter even better. You want to prove that you actually possess these specific skills from prior relevant experience, rather than simply regurgitating the words in the listing.

The bottom line – Look for the important words in the internship listing, especially the preferred or required skills and experience. Sprinkle these in throughout your cover letter and back up your claims with prior work experience and anecdotes.

Discuss Previous Work Experience

If you already have professional experience under your belt, you’ll want to make this absolutely clear in your cover letter. As previously mentioned, you’ll want to include any relevant skills you learned from these previous positions. If you see a certain skill is preferred for applicants, try to tie it into your past experiences to help show that you’re qualified for the role.

Of course, not all candidates will have the specific work experience listed in the internship description. As a student, this can be intimidating—but you shouldn’t let it deter you from applying. There’s always a way to communicate other non-work-related experiences that may be relevant to the role.

In addition to internships, part-time jobs can also be helpful to mention. For example, service industry or manual labor jobs teach a plethora of vital skills that can be helpful for an internship role. Experience with entry level jobs can also show that you’re willing to work hard and excel no matter what kind of specific position you are in. Note if your previous employment helped you gain any of the following specific skills:

• Helping customers
• Managing your time 
• Sticking to a work schedule 
• Solving problems at the workplace
• Professionalism

The bottom line – No matter what work experience you have under your belt, there’s often a way to work it into your cover letter. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make connections other candidates may not think of. 

Talk Yourself Up

The next step toward writing a great cover letter is simple, but not always easy: talk yourself up!

Employers want to hire a candidate who is confident, prepared, and equipped to handle the job. As a student, it can feel  difficult to bulk up your resume with relevant work experience and internships. In order to make up for lack of experience, it’s important to give yourself credit where it’s due. This means mentioning things such as:

• Good grades
• Classroom/school project experience
• Your career goals (and how they relate to the job)
• Your enthusiasm for the position
• Your dedication to the position
• Something unique that makes you stand out (such as a hobby, volunteer work, work experience, etc.)

Be careful not to let this element of your cover letter come off as bragging., That said, it’s important to understand that your potential employer expects you to mention your positive qualities. After all, you’re applying for a competitive role. Don’t be afraid to explain why you deserve the position over other applicants. 

The bottom line – Pat yourself on the back when necessary. It’s perfectly fine—and expected—for you to talk yourself up in an internship cover letter. 

Sign Off Respectfully

Finally, you’ll want to end your cover letter with a respectful sign off. To create a cohesive letter, it’s crucial to end with a nice flow and a call to action for the person reading it. Here are a few tips for singing off your internship cover letter:

• Say thank you – It’s important to be respectful of the hiring manager’s time. Thank them for taking the time to read and consider your internship application before ending your letter. 
• Be optimistic – Noting that you hope to hear from the prospective employer soon is a great way to show you’re optimistic and confident about your application. This also adds a tone of commitment to the letter.
• Mention availability – To incorporate an even stronger sense of commitment to your cover letter, try to mention your availability for an interview and how soon you’d be able to start. This will be particularly helpful if your availability is fairly wide open. If your schedule is more complicated—you can skip this step.
• Sign off with your name – Lastly, end the cover letter by signing off with sincerely, (Your Name). It’s also a good idea to add any other contact information somewhere on your cover letter, whether it be in the header or at the very bottom. 

The bottom line – Don’t leave the hiring manager with a cliffhanger ending. Sign off respectfully, comfortably, and optimistically. Note your availability, thank them for their time, and show your enthusiasm for a future interview.

Make an Internship Part of Your Career Path with the Help of North Central College

College is an important part of jumpstarting your professional career, but not all schools offer the same resources in this department. It’s vital that students look for a school like North Central College that takes internships and career goals seriously. Being based in Naperville makes the college an ideal place to find internships. According to Money magazine. Naperville is one of the Midwest’s best places to live, making it ripe with career opportunities!

North Central College’s Career Development Center is here to help guide students through the complicated world of internships, jobs, and networking. Dedicated staff are ready to assist you with building a resume, practicing interviews, learning how to network, finding compatible internship positions, and everything else you’ll need to start a flourishing career post-graduation.

Get ahead of the game and find out how you can start building your professional experience early at North Central College.

Jacob Imm is a communications specialist in the North Central College Office of Marketing and Communications. He has 11 years of collegiate communications experience and has worked with hundreds of college students. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University.

Duszyński, M. (2021, June 30). Cover letter for an internship: Examples & tips for all interns . zety.

https://zety.com/blog/cover-letter-for-internship . 

Doyle, A. (2021, July 15). Cover letter for an internship samples and writing tips . The Balance Careers.

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/internship-cover-letter-sample-and-writing-tips-2060231 .

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Home > Blog > How To Write a Cover Letter for an Internship

How To Write a Cover Letter for an Internship

• Smodin Editorial Team
• Updated: August 13, 2024
• Step-by-Step Instructions for Writing

Securing an internship program can be a significant stepping stone in your career. It offers a chance to gain valuable experience and get a foot in the door of your chosen industry. It is also a great way to gauge if your chosen career is the right one for you.

Internships are particularly beneficial for professionals at the starting stages of their careers. Whether you are a student seeking to complement your academic learning with experience, or a recent graduate entering the world of work.

There are typically a few steps in the process of gaining an internship. However, one critical component of your internship application is the cover letter. A great cover letter can grab the attention of a hiring manager and showcase your enthusiasm and suitability for an internship opportunity.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to write a cover letter for an internship. We’ll discuss how to use clear and concise language and ensure a good writing flow . We’ll also detail some expert tips and tricks to set you apart from other applicants.

What Is a Cover Letter for an Internship?

A cover letter for an internship is essentially a personalized introduction to your resume. A resume provides an overview of your qualifications, while a good cover letter delves deeper into your motivations and skills.

The primary objective is to grab the hiring manager’s attention and make them want to learn more about you. It should highlight relevant experiences or coursework that demonstrate your suitability for the internship. It is also an opportunity to express genuine interest in the company and your passion for the work.

Cover letters allow you to tell your story, invoke mood in your writing , and explain why you are particularly interested in an internship. They offer you the chance to convey your personality and enthusiasm for the role in a way that a resume cannot.

For instance, you can discuss specific projects or coursework that sparked your interest in the industry. You can also detail experiences that have equipped you with the skills the internship requires. By providing context, you make it easier for hiring managers to understand why you would be a valuable addition to their team.

Moreover, a cover letter demonstrates your communication skills and ability to articulate your thoughts clearly. It’s your opportunity to show that you have both the hard skills and the soft skills that will make you a successful intern.

By following our guidelines below, you can create a strong and effective cover letter that will enhance your internship application.

A Step-By-Step Guide on Writing Internship Cover Letters

Following a structured process, you can create a compelling narrative showcasing your enthusiasm, skills, and fit for the role. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you write an impactful cover letter that captures the attention of hiring managers and sets you apart from other candidates.

1. Prepare to Write Your Internship Cover Letter

Preparation is key. Start by researching the company thoroughly. Understanding its values, mission statement, and recent projects will help you tailor your cover letter to align with their goals.

Review the internship description carefully and identify the key qualifications the employer seeks. Match these qualifications to your skills and experiences and incorporate them into your cover letter.

2. Choose an Internship Cover Letter Template

Using a cover letter template can ensure that your letter includes all necessary information and is formatted correctly. It saves time and helps maintain a professional appearance.

3. Use the Correct Internship Cover Letter Format

Your cover letter should follow a standard business letter format, consisting of three main parts:

• Introduction: Include your contact information, a salutation, and a brief overview of why you are the best candidate.
• Body: One or two paragraphs detailing your relevant qualifications, experiences, and why you want the internship.
• Conclusion: A summary of why you are the best candidate, gratitude for the reader’s time, and an invitation for further discussion are all parts of a good conclusion to your cover letter.

4. Add Your Contact Information

Include your full name, city, state, ZIP code, email address, and phone number at the top of your letter.

5. Add the Employer’s Address

Below the date, include the potential employer’s name, title, company name, and mailing address. Ensure this information is up-to-date and accurate.

6. Greet the Hiring Manager With a Professional Salutation

Address the hiring manager by their full name if possible. If you can’t find their name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is an acceptable alternative.

7. Write a Compelling Internship Cover Letter Introduction

Start by introducing yourself and explaining why you are writing the letter. Mention the internship position you are applying for and express your enthusiasm for both the role and the company.

8. Talk Up Your Internship Qualifications in the Body Paragraphs

Highlight your relevant qualifications, skills, and experiences. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your background makes you a great fit for the role. Avoid repeating your resume verbatim.

9. Wrap It Up With an Inviting Conclusion and Call to Action

Reiterate your excitement about the internship and thank the hiring manager for their time. Always invite them to contact you for further discussion.

10. Sign Off Professionally

Use a formal closing phrase such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”

Internship Cover Letter Examples

To give you a better idea of the format of a cover letter, we have included an internship cover letter example for two different jobs.

Example 1: Marketing Internship Cover Letter

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

[Company Name]

[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am excited to apply for the marketing internship position at [Company Name] as advertised on [where you found the job posting].

With my background in marketing and my passion for [ marketing niche], I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team.

During my studies at [Your College], I have completed coursework in digital marketing, consumer behavior, and market research.

I have also gained hands-on experience through my involvement in [relevant extracurricular activities or part-time jobs].

These experiences have equipped me with strong communication and problem-solving skills, as well as a deep understanding of marketing principles. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of your innovative approach to [specific marketing strategy or campaign].

I am eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to your team and contribute to [specific projects of the company].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Example 2: Engineering Internship Cover Letter

I am writing to express my interest in the engineering internship position at [Company Name].

As a junior at [Your University] majoring in mechanical engineering, I have developed a strong foundation in [specific engineering skills]. I have utilized both my coursework and hands-on projects with the view to gaining an internship in [internship role].

In my previous internship at [Previous Company], I worked on [specific project], where I honed my skills in [relevant skills]. I also collaborated with a team to [describe a specific achievement or project].

These experiences have prepared me to contribute effectively to [Company Name]’s engineering team. I am particularly impressed by [Company Name]’s commitment to [specific company value or project].

I am eager to bring my technical skills and enthusiasm to your team and contribute to [specific company project]. Thank you for considering my application.

I look forward to discussing how my background, skills, and certifications can benefit [Company Name].

12 Tips for Writing an Impactful Cover Letter for Internship Positions

Writing your own internship cover letter is crucial to making a positive first impression on potential employers. A well-crafted cover letter can distinguish you from other candidates and highlight your suitability for the role.

Here are some additional top tips to ensure your cover letter stands out and effectively communicates your qualifications and enthusiasm:

• Review internship cover letter examples: Studying examples can give you a better idea of what works and what doesn’t. By analyzing successful cover letters, you can identify effective strategies and formats.
• State the exact job: Be clear about the position you are applying for to help the hiring manager quickly identify your application. Mention the job title and department, and if applicable, the job reference number.
• Describe your internship goals: Show that you have a plan for your future and are enthusiastic about the position. Explain how the internship aligns with your career aspirations and what you hope to gain from the experience.
• Showcase relevant skills and experiences: Highlight your transferable skills and how they apply to the internship role. Use specific examples from your academic, extracurricular, or volunteer experiences to demonstrate your abilities. Focus on skills that are directly relevant to the job, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.
• Include relevant coursework and projects: Showcase your knowledge and skills gained through academic work. Mention specific courses or projects that you have worked on that are pertinent to the internship. This shows that you have a solid foundation in the field and are prepared to contribute to the organization.
• Use keywords from the job description: This helps make your cover letter ATS-friendly and shows that you meet the qualifications. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen applications. Ensure, however, not to copy-paste any info. You can paraphrase what the job description says.
• Keep it concise: Focus on relevant details and avoid unnecessary repetition. A concise cover letter is more likely to be read in its entirety. Aim for one page and use short paragraphs to make it easy to read. Stick to the most important points and avoid including irrelevant information.
• Use action verbs: Illustrate your achievements and experiences with dynamic language. Action verbs make your statements more impactful and engaging. Instead of saying “I was responsible for,” use verbs like “managed,” “led,” “developed,” or “implemented” to convey your contributions more effectively.
• Proofread meticulously: Ensure your cover letter is free from grammatical errors and typos. A well-written cover letter reflects your attention to detail and professionalism. Read it multiple times, use spell check, and consider asking a friend or mentor to review it. Even a small mistake can create a negative impression.
• Customize each cover letter: Tailor your cover letter to the specific internship and company. Avoid using a generic template for all applications. Research the company’s values, mission, and recent projects, and incorporate this information into your letter. Personalizing your cover letter shows that you are genuinely interested in the organization and the role.
• Start with a strong opening: Grab the reader’s attention from the beginning. Your opening sentence should be compelling and relevant to the position. Mention a recent achievement, a mutual connection, or a specific aspect of the company that excites you. A strong opening sets the tone for the rest of your letter.
• Show enthusiasm and positivity: Convey your excitement about the opportunity. Employers want to hire interns who are eager to learn and contribute. Use positive language and express your enthusiasm for the role and the chance to work with the company.

By following these tips, you can create a cover letter that effectively highlights your qualifications and makes a strong impression.

A well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of securing the internship you desire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cover letter for an internship.

A cover letter for an internship is a personalized introduction to your resume. It delves deeper into your motivations, relevant experiences, and skills. It highlights your suitability for the internship, relevant coursework, and genuine interest in the company.

Why is a cover letter important for an internship application?

A well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other candidates by showcasing your enthusiasm, relevant skills, and experiences. It allows you to tell your story and express your passion for a role.

How should I start my cover letter for an internship?

Start by addressing the hiring manager by name if possible. Mention the exact internship position you are applying for and briefly explain why you are interested in it. This immediately shows that you have tailored your cover letter to the specific role.

What should I include in my cover letter to make it stand out?

Include your relevant skills and experiences, mention specific coursework and projects, and use keywords from the job description. Highlight any transferable skills and explain how they apply to the internship role. Demonstrating your enthusiasm and describing your internship goals can also make a positive impression.

Write an Impressive Cover Letter With Smodin

Crafting a compelling cover letter for an internship requires careful preparation, research, and attention to detail. It’s not just about listing your skills and experiences; it’s about presenting them in a way that resonates with the employer. Ultimately, the goal is to demonstrate your fit for the role.

Remember, a well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of securing the internship. It’s your chance to make a strong first impression and showcase why you are the ideal candidate for the position.

Ready to craft an impactful cover letter? Enhance your writing with precision and creativity using Smodin’s AI writing tool . Join now and make your application stand out with confidence, and let your unique qualifications and passion for the role shine through.

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Sample Electrical Engineering Résumé

Your résumé is a document that captures who you are, your experiences, your skills, and your education. It is your brand, and you will use it to market yourself for internships, jobs, scholarships, and professional memberships to name just a few. Your résumé is always a work in progress. As you add new education, experiences, and skills to your résumé, you will also remove items that are no longer relevant. As your marketing tool, it is not a record of everything you’ve ever done, but is a customized document that tells the reader why you are a perfect fit for the opportunity. The best résumés, and the ones that get an interview, are never generic.

Once you have created your résumé, drop in to the Internships and Career Services office so that we can review your résumé. Once your résumé is final, upload it to Handshake, complete your Handshake profile, and make your profile viewable by employers.

The VCEA Internships and Career Services office offers a variety of resources for students on building résumés, writing cover letters, searching for jobs, and more.

Sample Résumé

[your phone number] | [your email address] | [your LinkedIn URL]

Summary of Qualifications

• Solid understanding of electrical engineering, semiconductor devices, and renewable energy principles
• IEEE, The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, student member
• Tireless work ethic, maintaining a 3.7 GPA while working as much as 30 hours a week
• Proven track record of responsibility and leadership demonstrated in civilian positions and the US Air Force
• Over 6 years of experience communicating effectively in teams in the work place

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Washington State University, Pullman, WA

Expected May 2019, GPA: 3.7

• Relevant Coursework: Digital Systems Design, Silicon Integrated Circuit Design Technology, Nanotechnology for Semiconductor and Renewable Energy Applications

United States Air Force Academy, Electrical Engineering

Academically ranked 12th out of 1000 cadets at time of honorable discharge

June 2019, GPA: 3.8

• Relevant Coursework: Differential Equations with Circuit Applications I, Electronics I, Fundamentals of Mechanics, and Electrical Circuits and Systems with Differential Equations and Linear Algebra

Java, C/C++, Xilinx, Microsoft Visio, MATLAB, Microsoft Office Suite, Assembly, Wolfram Mathematica, PSPICE, LogiSim

Engineering Projects

Evaporative cooler, washington state university.

Spring 2016

• Designed, built and tested an evaporative cooler using xyz techniques
• Add another bullet or two about skills used in the project and results

[Put your second project here], Washington State University

• Make sure to use details of the project – if it is a team project focus on what you accomplished as a team member
• If you presented work to the class or as part of a poster fair make sure to add this information
• State detail as “Produced X to do Y resulting in Z” where you begin the statement with an Action Verb.

Cadet, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO

June 2013 – July 2015

• Collaborated in groups of up to 6 members on real-life scenarios to experiment, analyze, and create solutions to increase understanding of engineering principle applications
• Vice President of the local Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers chapter, and a leader in the Crossfit club
• Underwent over 800 hours of training on small group tactics, interpersonal dynamics in extreme situations, and Air Force regulations

Other Experience

Carpenter/general laborer, byrd construction, longview wa.

July 2011 – August 2015

• Developed a solid understanding of design and construction with numerous large and small scale opportunities
• Implemented design elements into construction projects, gaining valuable insight into the implementation phase of projects

Customer Service Representative, DirecTV, Portland OR

July 2009 – August 2010

• Used problem solving and communication skills to effectively address customer questions and concerns
• Ranked in the top 10% in new service sales and upgrades out of a staff of 65

Community Service

Big brothers/big sisters – falcon club.

September 2009 – June 2011

• Served as Big sister for a young teen and participated in various events with the club

Contact the Internships and Career Services Office

• Location:  Dana Hall 140, 305 NE Spokane St.
• Phone:   509-335-8726
• E-mail: [email protected]

Career Coaching Hours

• Drop-in:  3-4 pm, Monday through Friday
• By Appointment: Sandi Brabb and Maya Salsbury

Social Media

• Go to wsu twitter
• Go to wsu facebook
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• Go to wsu linkedin

Mailing Address

Voiland College Internships and Career Services Washington State University PO Box 642718 Pullman, WA 99164-2718