How To Write An Internship Cover Letter [Sample Template]

Writing an internship cover letter can be tough especially if you’re still in school or a fresh graduate. So, if you’re applying for an internship you will surely need a cover letter as part of your application.

Now that you have found a perfect internship opportunity, how do you write a cover letter for your application? In writing an internship cover letter, you should tailor it to the specific internship and should include examples from your work, academic and extracurricular experiences.

Before we go into how to write a cover letter for an internship, let’s take a look at what an internship cover letter actually is.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]A cover letter is a formal letter that is sent to an employer with a CV. It usually includes information about who you are, why you are interested in the internship, and why you are sending the employer your CV[/perfectpullquote]

The primary aim of a cover letter is to introduce yourself to an employer while urging them to read your CV. A cover letter doesn’t have to be a long piece. It should be short and concise. The content of your cover letter should make the employer want to take a look at your CV.

How to Write an Internship Cover Letter

Your cover letter is a formal letter and as such such carry a formal tone. You write to inform whoever is at the receiving end.

Use Business Letter Format

When writing a cover letter for an internship, you have to use a business letter format. Include your contact information at the top, the date and the contact information for the employer. Provide a proper salutation and sign your name at the bottom. If you’re sending the cover letter via email you do not need to include the handwritten signature at the bottom.

State the Role

You need to start your cover letter with the exact position you’re applying for. This shows that you’ve thoughtfully considered what makes you the best candidate for the specific position. It also implies that you’ve tailored your cover letter for the exact opening instead of using one general cover letter for all application.

Use Keywords

One way of tailoring your cover letter is to use keywords from the internship listing. Employers often scan resumes and cover letters for keywords related to the role. Carefully read the internship job description and company website for clues on which you should include. For example, if the internship listing needs “time management” as the desired quality, then include relevant examples in your cover letter.

Provide Specific Example

If you list a particular skill or ability in your cover letter, then you need to prove this with a specific example from your past work, academic or extracurricular experience. If you have no professional experience then you can include skills you’ve gained in volunteer positions, classes or projects you’ve completed.

Explain your Qualification.

You also need to explain what makes you qualify for the job. You can use one or two sentences to describe how your qualification relates to the internship. Carefully review the posted job description to understand which skills and experiences the employer is looking for. Align those with your own and decide which to prioritize in your cover letter based on the posting.

What Do You Stand To Gain

In most cases, internship programs are designed to help students and young professionals better understand the industry and develop relevant skills, experiences and relationships that’ll serve them throughout their career. Apart from explaining what you have to offer, you should also highlight what you hope to achieve or learn through the internship.

Proofread Before Sending

Before sending out your cover letter, take time to proofread for spelling, punctuation 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.

Sample Internship Cover Letter 

Here is a sample of a standard cover letter for an internship.

Dear Mr.Apam,

I am submitting my resume for consideration for the summer application design internship program at ABC Company. Given the skills and experience outlined in my enclosed resume, I believe I will be a worthy asset to your team.

In my three years at XYZ College, I’ve completed a great deal of coursework on cutting-edge design trends and best practices, including Principles of User Experience Design and Mobile Application Design, where I learned and applied skills such as user journey mapping, application wireframing and designing software for a variety of mobile devices and operating systems.

In addition, I spent the past semester volunteering my time with a local non-profit that collects donated clothes and furniture and redistributes it to families in need. I helped the web team update and re-launch an application that allows people in the community to locate nearby drop-off points and schedule pick-ups.

Finally, my two years working as a barista at the student centre has taught me the importance of building a convenient and memorable consumer experience that aligns with the brand. It also helped me grow my skills in team collaboration, verbal communication and project leadership.

I believe I would make an excellent addition to your team. This internship would help me grow my real-world experience in the technology industry and help me further develop and refine my application design skills.

Thank you for considering my application, I look forward to the opportunity to discuss the programme further in an interview.

Sincerely,
Grace Bill

How to Send An Internship Cover Letter

Most internship applications are done online, so you’ll likely be sending your cover letter digitally. Sometimes you’ll be required to attach your cover letter file as part of the application. In other cases, you’ll be asked to email your cover letter along with your resume.

You can either do this in two ways:

1. Attach your cover letter to the email. If you’re required to attach your internship cover letter, you can select the file from your computer and attach it to your email. Ensure the file includes your name. For example “Grace-Bill-Cover-Letter.doc” instead of something more generic like “mycoverletter1.doc“. Also, you need to know the format inwhich the cover letter is needed. Some employers might need it in a Word format or Portable Document Format (PDF).
2. Paste your cover letter in the body of the email. If the employer doesn’t specifically request the cover letter as an attachment, you might paste it directly into the body of the email. Just be sure to update the greeting to the name of the person you’re emailing (if you know it).

Your internship cover letter allows you to summarize your best qualities, skills and experiences to show employers you have the knowledge necessary to excel in the position. By using these tips, you can draft a compelling letter and get one step closer to earning the internship you want.