Cover Letter for Internship: 5 Powerful Tips to Stand Out

Cover letter for internship are important as they allow us to tailor the application according to a specific internship and company of genuine interest. 78% of recruiters prefer a cover letter with a well-crafted resume. A well-crafted internship cover letter can be a powerful tool. It can showcase your zeal, skills, and passion. Unlike a resume, a cover letter allows you to show your unique personality.

It helps to engage the employer’s interest.  First and foremost, when you apply for an internship, standing out among other candidates becomes a difficult task. This is where drafting a compelling cover letter for internship can be helpful. Hence, ensuring that your cover letter supports your resume’s content is important. 

So, let’s explore the cover letter format for an internship application. 

Also Read: What to write in Subject Space for sending Resume to get hired faster

Cover Letter Must-Haves for Internship Application 

Designing an impactful resume and cover letter is important. The internship letter format should be precise while including all facts intended.  

A strong cover letter for internship should include clear, personalized details. Ideally, it should be between 250 and 400 words, so it’s essential to carefully select the most relevant information to include. This is all your cover letter should have- 

1. Effective header

In your cover letter for internship, the header should include your basic details, along with the date. If possible, include the recipient’s name and contact information. This not only adds professionalism but also shows your seriousness and motivation for the role.  

2. Address the Recruiter/Greeting

Address the hiring manager or recruiter by their name, if possible. If unsure of the recipient’s name, use a generic greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager.” Such an internship cover letter reflects your efforts while creating it.  

3. Strong Opening Statement

Begin your cover letter for internship with a strong, concise opening statement that grabs the reader’s attention. Conduct thorough research on the company and include details that demonstrate your knowledge of and interest in the firm.

4. Proper Introduction

In your cover letter for internship, introduce yourself and outline your career aspirations. This helps the hiring manager understand your interest in the internship and what you hope to gain from the experience. You can also highlight relevant academic achievements to further support your application.

5. Use the Right Keywords

Include appropriate keywords in your letter. It will ensure your internship cover letter catches the hiring manager’s attention. It can be from the internship job description and the firm’s website. Examples of keywords include technical skills, applicable coursework, or industry-specific terms.  

6. Set the context

A good letter for an internship will explain why you are applying. It will also share what drew you to the firm. This can help the hiring manager understand your motivation for the position.  

7. Add Relevant Skills and Coursework

In your cover letter for internship, highlight relevant experience that showcases your qualifications for the position. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your background aligns with the internship’s requirements, emphasizing skills that are directly linked to the role.

8. Sell Your Expertise

Highlight your unique strengths and expertise in the internship cover letter. It will show why you are a good match for the position. Discuss your unique skills or views and how they could benefit the firm. 

9. Add the CTA

Include a clear call to action at the end of your internship cover letter. It can be requesting an interview or expressing interest in discussing the opportunity. 

10. Signature and Closure

Close your internship cover letter with a professional and polite signature. You can use signatures such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.” It outlines your professional goals and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to apply. 

Knowing the internship letter format is vital, so we have a few tips for you.  

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for Internship 

To edit a cover letter for internship, here are a few tips that you should know: 

#Tip 1: Research the company and the internship position 

Start with exploring the firm’s website. Check the firm’s social media pages and recent news articles or press releases. It will help you to research firm and internship positions better.  

Check the firm’s mission, vision, values, culture, and goals. Review the internship job description and needs. It will help you to understand what the firm is looking for in an intern.  

This data will help you customize your internship cover letter. You can match it to the firm and the internship position needs. This will show your honest interest in the firm. 

#Tip 2: Tailor the letter to the specific internship you’re applying for

Tailoring your cover letter to the specific internship you’re applying for is important. Use gathered details to highlight your applicable skills and experiences. Ensure that they match the internship needs.  

Provide specific examples and insights to show why you are the best for the position. Customizing your cover letter shows you understand the internship position and the firm. 

Mention any training and development that you have as per this internship. This can improve your standing against competitors. 

#Tip 3: Use a professional tone and language 

You should focus on showcasing relevant experience. Ensure these align with the internship’s needs and the firm’s goals.  

You can ensure this with a professional introduction with the right set of skills. Use concrete examples from your past experiences to showcase your skills. It can be from internships, coursework, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. 

Showcase how you can contribute to the success of the firm. This way, you can prove you are a strong candidate for the internship. 

#Tip 4: Be concise 

Being concise is crucial when writing a cover letter for an internship. It’s important to keep the internship application short and to the point, at least one page. You should focus on communicating the most critical data.  

Start with a strong opening statement. Always follow a logical structure with clear and concise paragraphs. Use simple language and avoid jargon or technical terms. 

Being concise shows that you value the recruiter’s time. It also shows that you can communicate your ideas in a clear and organized manner. 

#Tip 5: Avoid repeating information from your resume 

Your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it. It’s a chance to showcase your personality and zeal for the internship. It allows you to expand on the details in your resume. It also highlights your credentials, attainments, and experiences in a more personalized way.  

Avoid using generic statements. Personalize your cover letter to the firm and internship position.  

Remember, your cover letter is an opportunity to stand out. Make the best to create a positive impression on the recruiter. 

Sample Cover Letter for Internship 

Let us look at some student internship application letter samples to understand this better:

Sample Internship Cover Letter 1: 

[Applicant details]

[Today’s Date]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Finance Internship position at ABC. As a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s in Finance, I am eager about this position. It will help me to apply my knowledge and skills to a dynamic and challenging work environment.

Throughout my academic career, I have developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills. I am mainly interested in financial modeling. Also, I am proficient in Excel. Moreover, I have experience building financial models for investment analysis and valuation. I am confident about my ability to analyze data and create financial models. It will make me a valuable addition to the finance team at ABC.

Furthermore, I am impressed by the innovative solutions ABC has delivered to clients. And also its focus on staying ahead of industry trends. I am eager to contribute to this innovation culture. Also, I am looking forward to learning from the experienced professionals at your firm.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the finance team at ABC. My skills and experience align well with the needs of this position. Thank you for considering my application.

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my credentials further.

Sincerely,

[Applicant]

Sample Internship Cover Letter 2: 

[Applicant details]
 
[Today’s Date] 

Dear Hiring Manager, 

I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Internship position at XYZ. As a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s in Marketing, I am excited about this position. It will help me to bring my knowledge and passion for the industry to your team. 

In my previous internship experience at ABC, I gained valuable skills. The main ones are market research, social media management, and event planning. These skills make me a strong candidate for this position. Also, my consumer behavior and brand management coursework are other strong points. 

ABC’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in its products impressed me. As someone who values ethical business practices, I am excited about the opportunity. It will give me a chance to contribute to such a mission-driven organization. 

I have strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well in a team. It makes me a great fit for this internship. I am excited about the possibility of learning from and contributing to your team. Also, I am available to start immediately. 

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely, 

[Applicant]

Explanation 

Both letters for the internship include an effective header. It shares details about the specific position applied for. It also addresses the recruiter by name or title and uses a professional tone and language.

Sample Cover Letter 1 includes a strong opening statement. It shows the applicant’s knowledge and interest in the firm. While Sample Cover Letter 2 highlights the applicant’s suitable skills and experience.

Both letters set the context by introducing the applicant’s career aspirations. Both also explain how their relevant experience aligns with the internship position. The keywords explain their fitness for the role.

A clear CTA at the end makes the cover letters more impactful.

Make Your Cover Letter in 2 Easy Steps

Download the sample cover letter for internship attached below and edit the information as required:

Boost Your Chances of Getting Hired with a Cover Letter for Internship

In conclusion, a well-crafted cover letter for internship is vital. It will help you have the right opportunity to kickstart your professional journey. Use the tips and samples given to create an impactful personalized cover letter. Start with highlighting your appropriate skills and experiences. Ensure they are in line with the position you are applying for. Show the recruiter your interest in the opportunity and the time taken to do your research. 

Also read- Difference between Cover letter and Resume

Frequently Asked Questions