An internship cover letter accompanies your resume, offering a chance to introduce yourself and provide additional context about your skills and experiences. For applicants with limited professional history, this letter is an opportunity to showcase their personality, enthusiasm, and genuine interest in a role. It allows you to connect your academic background and personal attributes directly to the needs of the organization.
Research the Company and Role
Before writing, research the organization and the specific internship to show sincere interest. Explore the company’s official website, paying attention to the “About Us,” “Mission,” or “Values” pages. This will give you an understanding of their goals and culture.
Follow the company on professional networking sites and social media to get a sense of their current projects and brand voice. Dissect the internship description, identifying the primary responsibilities and required qualifications. Make a list of these keywords and skills to address in your letter.
How to Format an Internship Cover Letter
A properly formatted cover letter presents a professional and organized first impression. Follow a standard business letter format using a clean font like Arial or Cambria in a 10- or 12-point size. The document should be single-spaced and should not exceed one page.
Your Contact Information
At the top of the page, include your personal contact information. This should contain your full name, phone number, a professional email address, and the URL to your LinkedIn profile for a more comprehensive look at your background.
Date and Company Contact Information
Below your contact details, leave a space and then write the date. Following another space, you will add the recipient’s information. This includes the hiring manager’s name, their official title, the company’s name, and its full address. If you cannot find the specific name of the hiring manager through the company website or LinkedIn, it is acceptable to use a general title.
The Salutation
Start your letter with a formal greeting, addressing the hiring manager directly, such as “Dear Mr. Smith.” If you were unable to find a specific name, use a professional salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Department Name] Team.”
The Body Paragraphs
The body of your cover letter should consist of three to four paragraphs, including an introduction, one or two main paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph should be concise and focused, between three and five sentences, to maintain readability.
The Closing
Conclude your letter with a professional closing phrase. Options such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Respectfully” are all appropriate choices. After the closing, leave enough space for a handwritten signature if you are submitting a hard copy, followed by your typed full name.
What to Write in Your Cover Letter
The content of your cover letter is where you connect your skills to the needs of the role and tell a story your resume cannot. Your opening paragraph should capture the reader’s attention by stating the specific internship you are applying for and where you saw it advertised. Express your enthusiasm for the company, and mention a specific project or how their mission aligns with your career goals.
The main body paragraphs are where you connect your background to the requirements in the internship description. Since you may have limited professional experience, focus on transferable skills from academic projects, coursework, volunteer positions, or part-time jobs. For example, explain how a research paper developed your analytical skills or how organizing a campus event honed your project management abilities. Use keywords from the job description to show you are a direct match.
Your final paragraph should summarize your interest. Reiterate your excitement for the opportunity and express confidence in your ability to contribute to the team. Include a clear call to action, indicating your desire to discuss your qualifications in an interview. You could state, “I am eager to discuss how my communication skills and passion for [Industry] can support your team’s goals.”
Final Steps Before You Send
Before you submit your application, taking a few final steps can prevent common errors. Proofreading is important, so read through your letter multiple times to catch any spelling or grammar mistakes. Reading the letter aloud is a useful technique to identify awkward phrasing.
For an extra layer of quality control, ask a friend or a career advisor to review it, as a fresh set of eyes can spot errors. When ready to save your document, choose the PDF format to preserve the formatting. Name the file professionally, such as “FirstName-LastName-Cover-Letter.pdf.”
Frame your letter around what you can offer the company, not just what you hope to gain from the experience. Lastly, ensure your cover letter complements your resume rather than simply repeating the same information in paragraph form.