How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship?

Have you just graduated from college and are looking for an internship? Writing a cover letter could help you. But wait, do you know how to write a cover letter for an internship? It is far more different than a job cover letter. It explains your academic qualifications, relevant courses, volunteer work, and prior internship experience.

However, to mention them in your cover letter, you first have to learn about the internship cover letter structure. Worry not and fasten your seat belt because this detailed guide explains the steps to write an internship cover letter, practical samples, and format.

What is a cover letter for an internship?

A cover letter for internship is a one-page document that complements your resume when applying for an internship position. It is an enhanced version of your skills, qualifications, and experiences mentioned in the resume. In short, writing an internship cover letter provides the candidate with a chance to make an impact on the hiring manager. Keep this document short and sweet to avoid boredom while reading.

Cover Letter Format for Internship

First thing first, let’s understand what is a good format of cover letter for internship. It’s better to stick with the below cover letter for internship format to convey what makes you suited for the specific position.

Contact Information and Date

contact information in cover letter internship would come at the top of the letter. It includes your name, email, contact number, etc. Additionally, include a portfolio of your work if you have any. Mention the application date and add company details such as company name, address, etc.

Add Salutation

Salutation refers to addressing the hiring manager before the main content of your first job cover letter. If you can find out the hiring manager’s name, mention it like “Dear Mr. David.” If you don’t get the name, write to “Dear Hiring Manager.” 

Opening Paragraph (Introduction)

In the cover letter opening paragraph, you introduce yourself and show your intention to join the company. It includes the position you are applying for and your academic qualifications, highlighting the relevant skills and experience. In the ending sentence, you show interest and desire for the internship position.

Central Paragraphs (Body)

When writing a cover letter for an internship, use the body to explain your previous academic achievements, experiences, and skills. This 1 to 2-paragraph section allows the hiring manager to analyze what you have achieved in the past through your skills and what you can do for the company. These paragraphs act as a way to pitch yourself as the right candidate for the internship role.

Closing Paragraph (Conclusion)

This is the last section, where you tell the hiring manager why you are the best candidate for this internship position. You can highlight some of the most relevant skills and describe how they relate to the job description. Moreover, you can ask the hiring manager for an interview to discuss your skills more. Make this last paragraph not more than 3 to 4 sentences.

Complementary Thanks and Signature

Add an extra closing sentence to thank the hiring manager for considering your application. In addition, mention “Best regards” and your full name at the bottom of the cover letter internship as an official closing.

Sample Cover Letter for Internship

Here’s a cover letter sample for internship that contains all essential formatting guidelines. Check out our bonus cover letter examples in case you need them.

Writing a Cover Letter For an Internship

Going to check out how to write a cover letter for an internship position? Explore the job, highlight qualifications and skills and proofread it. That’s just an overview; below are the comprehensive steps to write a good cover letter for an internship.

Search the Internship and Company

In the first step, search job platforms for internship offerings. Read the job descriptions and examine whether they match your qualifications and skills for internship.

Now, it’s time to research the company and gather its details, such as the email and hiring manager’s name and address. Also, focus on the company’s goals and values and whether it offers paid or free internship programs. Analyzing the company and job description helps you understand how to write a cover letter for an internship.

Specify the Position you Are Applying For

The cover letter for internships begins by describing the job role you are applying for. Doing so will help the hiring manager to understand that you have customized the cover letter. Also, it sets the path for the remaining cover letter of internship to be relevant to the specific position.

Incorporate Relevant Keywords From Job Description

Search keywords to include in a cover letter from the job description. This will help the hiring manager determine whether a cover letter aligns with the internship position. To fetch the keywords, read the job description multiple times and make a list of key terms used.

For example, a job description states that the candidate should be a quick learner. Try to answer this term by answering real-life examples of when you adopt a quick learning habit.

Talk About Your Courses and Qualification

When you have no prior experience or internship to add to your cover letter, rely on your courses and qualifications. These helpful materials boost your cover letter internship outside the skills and experiences. Most employers pay more attention to your academic achievement to determine if the applicant fits the internship role.

Let’s say you want to learn how to write a cover letter for an internship position in digital marketing. At the same time, you have not done any internship or job yet. In such cases, the relevant degree, a certification, or an online course that you have done could make your position strong in front of an employer.

Skills to Include in a Cover Letter

The letter body for cover letter internship contains your relevant skills, experience, and key qualifications. These factors help hiring managers better understand you. There are no hard and fast rules that your skills and experiences are backed by a company’s work. You can talk about prior internships, volunteer work, class projects, or any extracurricular achievement in academic life.

For instance, you are applying for a Human Resource Management internship position. You may talk about how you were the head of the selection committee of the student council in college, and you better know what qualities and attributes to see in a candidate. You can also add project management skills you gained in volunteer work when you were stuck with a task to do on a short deadline.

Remember that whatever you mention in the body must remain relevant to the job description. Additionally, tell the hiring manager that your skills will benefit the company.

Describe Why You are Suitable for This Position

There are different ways to answer why you are suitable for this position.

• The first way is to research the company through its website and learn about its work culture and goals. Then, tell the reader how your goals align with the company’s and what you will do to improve the company profile.
• Another way is to discuss your short-term and long-term career goals in cover letter. Most companies seek a candidate who starts as an intern and later works with them for a long time. Ensure that you will be committed to them for a longer time.

How Will this Internship Benefit You and Company

Tell the hiring manager how will this internship benefit you and the company itself. For example, you will gain valuable skills and experiences in the company. On the other hand, a company will evaluate an employee cost effectively without committing to a full-time hire,

How to Proofread and Submit Internship Cover Letter

Are you trying to learn how to write a cover letter for an internship? Never miss out on the proofreading and submitting tips mentioned below.

Proofreading Tips for Internship Cover Letter

• Ask someone else to proofread cover letter for the internship and highlight errors.
• Correct any grammar, typo, and punctuation errors using a grammar checker.
• Check if you have included the relevant keywords from job description in your cover letter.
• Your internship cover letter should have an impactful action verb that conveys a sense of accomplishment.

Save Cover Letter as PDF

• If the job description didn’t mention a format for submitting the cover letter, then go for a PDF cover letter.
• Now, send your email attaching resume and cover letter internship.
• Name the cover letter by (Your name-Position) to help the employer easily navigate your document.

Outrank the Competition With an Exc

Did you believe your written cover letter for an internship could outrank the other candidates? This could be possible when you have known how to write a cover letter for an internship. Also, it’s challenging to customize a cover letter for every job post.

Therefore, we offer the best cover letter writing service in town. Contact today and maximize the chance of getting noticed by potential employers through excellent cover letters.

Final Thoughts

Now, you may have all the necessary information to know how to write a cover letter for an internship. Either you are stuck with the format or struggling with steps to write an internship cover letter; we have covered everything in detail.

But remember, one cover letter doesn’t fit all job posts. 72% of hiring managers say customizing a cover letter is “essential. So follow the instructions from this guide and customize your cover letter for the internship easily.