An effective internship cover letter is essential to make a strong impression on potential employers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a compelling cover letter:
How to Write an Internship Cover Letter
- Start with a Clear Introduction:
- Begin by stating the exact internship role you’re applying for. Be specific and mention the position title.
- For example: “Application for Marketing Internship at XYZ Company.”
- Highlight Your Interest and Fit:
- Briefly explain why you’re interested in the role and the company. Showcase your enthusiasm.
- Connect your skills, interests, and aspirations to the internship opportunity.
- Mention any relevant background or experiences that align with the position.
- Use Relevant Keywords:
- Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to review applications. Incorporate keywords from the job description.
- Carefully review the job posting and the company’s website to identify relevant terms.
- Showcase Your Relevant Coursework and Projects:
- If you lack extensive job experience, focus on relevant coursework, projects, or assignments.
- Highlight courses related to the internship field and any significant projects you’ve completed.
- Address the Hiring Manager Personally (if Possible):
- Whenever feasible, address the hiring manager by name. It shows personalized effort.
- If you don’t have a specific name, use a professional greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager.”
- Emphasize What You Can Contribute:
- Explain how your unique qualities make you a strong fit for the internship.
- Highlight any skills, creativity, or fresh perspectives you bring to the table.
- Express Gratitude and End with a Call to Action:
- Thank the reader for considering your application.
- End with a call to action, expressing your interest in an interview or further discussion.
Final Check for Your Cover Letter Before Sending
- Proofread and Edit:
- After completing your cover letter, set aside time to review and edit it.
- Look for spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors.
- Reading it aloud can help you catch any awkward phrasing or unclear sentences.
- Third-Party Review:
- Consider asking trusted friends or family members to review your final draft.
- Their fresh perspective can identify areas for improvement.
- Use Web Tools or Software:
- Utilize online grammar and spell-check tools.
- Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway can help you catch any overlooked mistakes.
How can I send a cover letter?
If you’re not personally delivering your resume and cover letter, you’ll likely need to send them digitally. This could be either by attaching them as part of your application or emailing them directly to the employer. Here’s how you can do it:
- Attaching your cover letter to an email: If the employer requests that your internship cover letter be attached, you can choose the file from your computer and attach it to your email as a PDF. Make sure your name is included in the filename.
- Pasting your cover letter into an email: If the employer doesn’t specifically ask for the cover letter as an attachment, you might want to paste the cover letter directly into the email. Remember to personalize the greeting with the name of the person you’re emailing if known.