Internships are an important step in any young professional’s career. These positions give you an entryway into the industry of your choice, helping you to learn the ropes and build industry connections that can lead to long-term jobs down the line.
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In this guide, we teach you five essential steps for writing a cover letter for an internship application. Continue reading to learn all about:
- Formatting a header for your intern cover letter
- Tailoring your intern cover letter to specific employers
- Writing a strong introduction for your intern cover letter
- Selecting the right skills and accomplishments for your intern cover letter
- Ending your intern cover letter with a memorable conclusion
- Finding useful job search resources for interns
1. How to properly format a header for your intern cover letter
The first step to writing an excellent cover letter that wins you the internship of your dreams is to create a professionally-styled header.
A cover letter header is the first block of text a reader will see when looking at your cover letter. It helps to not only give the letter structure but to also create a sense of visual flow.
In your header, you should include:
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information
- The name of the company you are applying for an internship at
- The address of the company (this detail is especially important if a company has multiple locations)
Here is an example of a well-formatted intern cover letter header
Mack Jones, Engineering Student & Intern
(123) 456-7890 | mackjones@email.com | linkedin.com/in/mack-jones
To: Applejax Engineering
Internship & Hiring Department
1234 Street Address
Birmingham, AL
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2. How to tailor your intern cover letter to specific employers
In addition to creating a header, another step to take is to research the employer thoroughly before beginning to write your cover letter.
Using the information you uncover in your research, you can tailor your cover letter to a specific company and employer. For instance, if a company is involved in a major project, you can highlight which of your skills can contribute to tasks associated with the project.
You should also look up who at a company is responsible for hiring, as this is the person most likely to read your cover letter. Once you discover who this person is, address them directly in your cover letter greeting.
Here are 3 examples of personalized cover letter greetings
- Dear Intern Manager Jane Casey,
- Dear Ms. Jane Casey,
- Dear Hiring Manager Paul Newly
3. How to craft a strong introduction for your intern cover letter
Now that you have your header in place and your research ready to go, you can begin writing the body text of your cover letter.
The first paragraph you will write is your introduction. This should feature key information, such as:
- A brief overview of your professional and academic history
If you are a student applying for an internship, you likely lack extensive professional experience. Instead, you should focus on highlighting your relevant academic beckground.
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance
Naming a mutual acquaintance when possible can go a long way in terms of giving you a competitive edge over others applying for an internship.
Here is an example of a strong introduction from an intern’s cover letter
Dear Intern Manager Jane Casey,
As a senior at Appalachian State University, I have studied communications and public relations for more than three years. In my time at the university, I served as the Assistant Editor and later as the Chief Editor of the school newspaper. While working for the school paper, I met your company’s Head of PR, Mr. John Eggleston, whom I interviewed for a feature. Impressed with my professionalism, Mr. Eggleston strongly suggested I apply for this internship.
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4. How to select the best skills and accomplishments for your intern cover letter
After completing your introduction, you can now write the remaining body paragraphs of your letter.
The body paragraphs are where you will provide more in-depth insights into who you are, what skills you possess, and what accomplishments you have achieved that are relevant to the position.
Whenever possible, you should include quantifiable data points in your descriptions, such as statistics relating to a specific accomplishment. For instance, a customer service representative could list the exact percentage of sales they increased during a set timeframe.
Always aim to include the most relevant information possible and find ways to draw connections between your skills and the requirements of the internship.
Here are 6 examples of skills to describe in an intern cover letter
- Communication (describe your communication style)
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Independence
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Time management
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in an intern cover letter
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Developed and executed a successful social media campaign: During my marketing internship at XYZ Company, I took the lead in developing and executing a social media campaign aimed at increasing brand awareness and engagement. Through strategic content planning, targeted audience segmentation, and creative visuals, we achieved a 30% increase in social media followers and a 20% boost in overall engagement. This campaign not only expanded the company's online presence but also generated valuable leads and customer interactions.
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Conducted market research to identify new target segments: As an intern at ABC Corporation, I was responsible for conducting market research to identify untapped target segments for a new product launch. Through surveys, focus groups, and competitor analysis, I gathered valuable insights into consumer preferences and market trends. Based on my research findings, I developed a comprehensive target segment profile and recommended strategic marketing initiatives to capture these segments. The insights provided by my research contributed to the successful launch and positioning of the product in the market.
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Assisted in the development and execution of a successful email marketing campaign: During my internship at DEF Company, I actively contributed to the planning and execution of an email marketing campaign. I collaborated with the marketing team to create engaging email content, design visually appealing templates, and segment the target audience based on demographic and behavioral factors. As a result of the campaign, we achieved a 25% increase in email open rates and a 15% conversion rate, effectively driving sales and customer engagement.
5. How to end your intern cover letter with a memorable conclusion
Last but not least, the final step in writing an intern cover letter is to create a memorable conclusion.
Making a conclusion memorable ultimately comes down to letting the employer know how and when to contact you, as well as applying slight pressure by stating when you plan to follow up. This can encourage the employer to contact you quickly, increasing the chances of you earning an interview.
Don’t forget to include a formal sign-off (sincerely, many thanks, etc.) to keep your cover letter sounding professional through the very end.
Using email signature generators to create a polished and professional signature can also leave a lasting impression on the recipient.
Here is an example of a memorable conclusion from an intern cover letter
It is with great excitement that I submit this application and letter for your consideration. I am eager to hear from you and hope to speak directly within the next week. You may reach me any day of the week between the hours of 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., or from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the evenings. If I have not heard back by next Monday morning, I plan to follow up via phone call at that time.
Best Wishes,
[Applicant Name]
6. Useful job search resources for interns
Stepping into the professional world as an intern can be thrilling yet overwhelming. Navigating through job posts, company profiles, and application expectations can seem like a maze.
But don't fret, we've got your back. Here are some excellent resources to uncomplicate your internship hunt:
- Glassdoor: A one-stop shop to explore company reviews, salary insights, and potential interview questions. They also have a comprehensive section dedicated to internships across industries.
- LinkedIn: The world's largest professional network can be a goldmine for internships. Leverage features such as job alerts and company pages to hone your search.
- Indeed: Known for its robust job listings, Indeed makes finding internships straightforward with its user-friendly interface and advanced search options.
- InternMatch: A resource geared towards helping you find the perfect internship. You can filter by city, industry, and even specific skills.
- Your university's career services: Often overlooked, but your institution's career centre can provide personalized advice, contact with potential employers, and insight into upcoming job fairs and networking events.
Remember, while these platforms can streamline your search, landing the perfect internship also hinges on a well-written cover letter. So be sure to stand out from the crowd and show your potential employer who they'd miss out on if they didn't bring you onboard!
Student Internship Cover Letter FAQ
What if the internship is unpaid. Should the cover letter be different?
While the structure and core content of your cover letter should remain the same, an unpaid internship cover letter might include a section explaining why you're willing to forego pay. This could be due to the valuable experience it offers, the chance to work with specific professionals, or because the internship aligns with your career goals.
Should I mention academic projects in my intern cover letter?
Absolutely. If you lack professional experience, academic projects are a great way to showcase your skills and initiative. Just make sure to explain how the project is relevant to the internship you're applying for.
Can I reuse the same cover letter for different internships?
While it might save time, it's not the best strategy. Hiring managers can usually tell when a cover letter has been recycled. Customize your cover letter to match each position. Is it more work? Yes. But will it improve your chances of landing the internship? Absolutely.
What should I do if there's no named recipient for my cover letter?
If it's possible, try to find out the hiring manager's name – LinkedIn or the company's website can be good places to start your search. If not, it's safer to use a generic greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager" as opposed to "To Whom It May Concern," which can seem outdated.
Can I still apply for an internship if I lack some required skills?
Yes, you can. Remember that internships are learning experiences. What's critical is showcasing your willingness to learn and the skills you do have in your cover letter. Don't focus solely on what you lack, but more on what you'll bring to the company.
