Internship Cover Letter Samples & Writing Tips

If you are applying for an internship, the first thing you must be wondering is how to convince the employer to hire you when you have no experience whatsoever.

This is where our cover letter format for internship would be of great help to you.

While companies wouldn’t expect you to have any experience as an intern, what they would look for are candidates who are really eager to learn.

Having a cover letter to go along with your resume is a good way to talk to them about who you are and your interest in the company. Your internship cover letter should be crafted specifically to highlight your professional (if any), academic and extracurricular activities. 

Now, let’s discuss in detail how to write a cover letter for an internship. 

Although you should tailor each cover letter according to the company you apply for, there is a cover letter format in terms of the content you could follow.

• Begin by telling them what internship you are applying for and how you found it.
• Describe why you are a suitable candidate for the internship.
• Tell them what you would gain from the internship in return.
• Mention projects that are relevant to the internship.
• Talk about any technical and interpersonal skills that add to your candidature.
• Make maximum use of relevant keywords.
• Get a feedback and make improvements before sending. 

5 Tips to Write an Internship Cover Letter

Make use of these smart ways to give your internship cover letter an edge over others. 

• Express your interest for the role by tying it with your passion to do something in the applying field.
• Show your excitement by mentioning what you know about the company.
• Better yet, mention any public event or news about the company to reinforce why you want to work with them.
• Mention relevant accomplishments to improve your chances and win the employer over.
• Having a reference increases your chances multifold as employers prefer trustworthy resources.

Why Internship Matters

An internship is where you get a preview of your actual career. By getting to apply your academic learnings in the real industry you understand the know-hows of professional life. It preps you for your full-time job by acquainting you with real responsibilities.

Now, while it helps you kick-start your career, it also helps the hiring managers consider you when you apply for a full-time position. Having an internship on your application greatly increases your chances because you have already been exposed to work challenges.

Edit and then Edit Again

When you think you have completed writing your cover letter incorporating all these tips, don’t think it is complete yet. Go through it again for any errors in language or grammar, and check it until you cannot spot any. And then, have someone else to check it for you too, because they might pick something you missed.

Follow up

Once you send out your internship application with the cover letter, don’t just sit it out and keep waiting. Wait for the last date of application to pass and then start following up. This would show the employer that you have been on the wait patiently and are genuinely interested in the internship opportunity. 

Cover Letter Sample for Internship 

Below is a sample cover letter format for an internship.

Dear [HR or relevant person’s name]

I am writing in response to an internship opportunity with your company that was posted on [mention the source where you found the internship]. The prospect of interning with [company] was exciting for me as it would be a great start to my career objectives.

Through this internship I expect to gain a great deal of learning exposure in [your internship field], and the fact that it is with your company excites me further. As a student of [course name] from [college/university], I have been well-versed in the academic aspects of this field. I hope to put my learning into practice with this internship under some great mentors.

I am attaching my resume along with this mail for a detailed look at the coursework and projects I have undertaken. I look forward to start my industry learning with experienced professionals in the field, and hope of hearing from you soon.

Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Contact number]

4 Things to Avoid in your Internship Cover Letter 

Now that you know all the things to include in your internship cover letter, it is a good idea to make a note of things not to include as well.

• Do not greet your addressee with ‘to whomsoever it may concern’ as it comes across as indifferent. If you are unable to find out the name of your recipient, you can still make it thoughtful by simply saying ‘Dear Hiring Manager’.
• Do not repeat what you have already written in your resume. As a prospective intern, you would hardly have a work profile to talk about and therefore, it might be tempting to repeat things. But. The purpose of a cover letter is to compliment your resume, and give an insight into your personality.
• Do not use casual language such as using internet slang or texting terms. Use complete sentences and proper grammar throughout your communication. Something as simple as this helps in reflecting your attitude in terms of responsibility and maturity.
• Do not oversell yourself. This means, while you must explain why you are a great fit for the internship, you mustn’t say things like ‘I believe I would be the best candidate for this job’.

Hopefully, now you have a clear understanding of how crucial internships are to getting industry exposure along with mentorship from experienced professionals.

It helps you prepare for when you enter a job full-time. Improve your cover letter writing skills with the above sample cover letter format for an internship, and your chances of getting a call back for an interview. 

FAQ on Internship Cover Letter

Q:1 What should I include in my internship cover letter?

A: Include a personalized introduction, highlight relevant skills, express enthusiasm, and explain how you can contribute to the company.

Q:2 Can I use a generic cover letter for multiple internship applications?

A: It’s best to tailor each cover letter to the specific internship, showcasing your interest and aligning your skills with the company’s needs.

Q:3 How long should my internship cover letter be?

A: Aim for a concise one-page letter. Keep it focused on key qualifications, experiences, and why you are a perfect fit for the internship.

Q:4 Should I address the cover letter to a specific person?

A: Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific person. It shows initiative and a genuine interest in the company.

Q:5 How can I stand out in my internship cover letter?

A: Stand out by showcasing unique achievements, relevant experiences, and a genuine passion for the industry. Be specific and avoid generic statements.

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