How To Write a Cover Letter for an Internship That Gets You Hired

Landing your first internship is a huge step towards building a successful career. But before you can impress in an interview, you need to make a strong first impression. That’s where a killer cover letter comes in. This isn’t just a formality; it’s your chance to showcase your skills, passion, and why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Let’s dive into how to craft a cover letter that grabs attention and lands you that coveted internship.

The Power of a Great Cover Letter: Why It Matters for Internships

In a world where resumes often get a quick glance, a well-written cover letter allows you to personalize your application and demonstrate your genuine interest. It goes beyond simply listing your qualifications; it tells a story. It’s your opportunity to explain why you’re interested in this specific internship, at this specific company. It gives you the chance to highlight the experiences on your resume, showcase your personality, and demonstrate that you understand the company’s mission and values.

Prepping for Success: Researching the Internship and the Company

Before you even think about writing, do your homework. Thorough research is crucial. This isn’t just about finding the job description; it’s about understanding the company’s culture, values, and recent news.

  • Company Website: Explore their “About Us” section, blog, and social media. What are their current initiatives? What are they proud of?
  • LinkedIn: Research the hiring manager or anyone you might be reporting to. What is their background? What are their interests?
  • Glassdoor/Indeed: Read reviews from current and former employees. This will give you valuable insight into the work environment.
  • The Job Description: Carefully analyze the requirements and tailor your cover letter to address them directly. Identify the keywords the employer uses and incorporate them naturally into your writing.

This research will not only help you tailor your letter but will also demonstrate your genuine interest and initiative.

Crafting a Compelling Cover Letter: Structure and Content

Now, let’s break down the structure of a compelling cover letter:

Heading and Contact Information

Start with your contact information: your name, address, phone number, and email address. Then, include the date and the hiring manager’s name and title (if you can find it) along with the company’s address. This shows professionalism and attention to detail.

The Opening Paragraph: Hooking the Reader

This is your chance to grab the reader’s attention. Avoid generic openings like “I am writing to express my interest.” Instead, try something more engaging:

  • Mention a specific accomplishment or skill that aligns with the internship.
  • Refer to something specific you learned about the company that excited you.
  • State your enthusiasm for the opportunity and why you believe you’re a good fit.

The Body Paragraphs: Showcasing Your Skills and Experience

This is the meat of your cover letter. Here’s where you demonstrate your qualifications and explain why you’re the ideal candidate:

  • Highlight relevant skills: Connect your skills to the job description. Use concrete examples to illustrate your abilities. Don’t just say you’re a good communicator; show it by describing a time you effectively communicated in a difficult situation.
  • Showcase your relevant experience: Even if you lack direct work experience, highlight relevant coursework, projects, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. Explain how these experiences have equipped you with the skills needed for the internship.
  • Quantify your accomplishments: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate your achievements. For instance, “Managed social media campaigns, resulting in a 20% increase in followers.”
  • Address the company’s needs: Explain how your skills and experience can benefit the company and contribute to their goals.

The Closing Paragraph: Reinforcing Your Interest and Call to Action

End your cover letter with a strong closing paragraph:

  • Reiterate your interest: Briefly summarize why you’re a great fit for the internship.
  • Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity: Reaffirm your excitement for the chance to learn and contribute.
  • Include a call to action: Request an interview and provide your contact information again. Thank the reader for their time and consideration.

Tailoring Your Cover Letter: Customization is Key

Never send a generic cover letter. Each cover letter should be customized to the specific internship and company. This demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to understand the opportunity and are genuinely interested.

  • Use the company’s name correctly and consistently.
  • Address the specific requirements outlined in the job description.
  • Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role.
  • Research the hiring manager (if possible) and personalize your letter to them.

Proofreading and Editing: The Importance of Polished Prose

Typos and grammatical errors can kill your chances. Before submitting your cover letter, proofread it meticulously. Here are some tips:

  • Read it aloud: This helps you catch awkward phrasing and grammatical errors.
  • Use a spell checker and grammar checker.
  • Ask a friend, professor, or career counselor to review your letter. A fresh pair of eyes can catch errors you might have missed.
  • Check for consistency in formatting and tone.
  • Ensure your letter is concise and easy to read. Aim for one page.

Formatting for Success: Making Your Cover Letter Visually Appealing

Your cover letter should be visually appealing and easy to read:

  • Use a professional font: Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri are good choices.
  • Use a font size of 11 or 12 points.
  • Use standard margins (1 inch on all sides).
  • Use single spacing.
  • Use clear and concise language.
  • Break up large blocks of text with paragraphs.
  • Consider using bullet points to highlight key skills or accomplishments.

Examples of Effective Cover Letter Phrases and Sentence Starters

Here are some phrases and sentence starters you can adapt to fit your situation:

  • “I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the [Internship Name] internship at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform].”
  • “My passion for [Industry/Field] aligns perfectly with [Company Name]’s mission to…”
  • “In my role as [Your Role] at [Previous Experience], I developed strong skills in…”
  • “I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s work in [Specific Area] because…”
  • “I am confident that my skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3] would be a valuable asset to your team.”
  • “During my coursework in [Course Name], I gained hands-on experience in…”
  • “I am eager to learn from experienced professionals and contribute to [Company Name]’s success.”
  • “Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.”
  • “I am particularly excited by the prospect of…”
  • “My experience at [Previous Experience] has equipped me with the abilities to…”

Addressing Common Cover Letter Mistakes

Avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Generic language: Avoid using clichés and generic phrases.
  • Focusing solely on yourself: Highlight how you can benefit the company.
  • Listing your resume: Use the cover letter to elaborate on your experiences.
  • Poor grammar and spelling: Always proofread carefully.
  • Ignoring the job description: Tailor your letter to the specific requirements.
  • Being too long: Keep it concise and focused.
  • Lack of enthusiasm: Show your genuine interest in the internship.

Frequently Asked Questions About Internship Cover Letters

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you further refine your cover letter:

What if I have no prior experience?

Focus on transferable skills gained through coursework, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or personal projects. Highlight your eagerness to learn and your willingness to contribute.

How long should my cover letter be?

Aim for one page. Keep it concise and focused, highlighting your most relevant qualifications.

Should I mention my salary expectations in a cover letter?

Generally, no. Salary expectations are usually discussed later in the interview process. Focus on your qualifications and your interest in the internship.

What format should I use to submit my cover letter?

Submit your cover letter in a PDF format unless the application instructions specify otherwise. This ensures your formatting remains consistent.

How do I find out the name of the hiring manager?

Research the company’s website, LinkedIn, or other platforms. If you can’t find the name, use a general salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager.”

Conclusion: Landing Your Internship - The Final Steps

Writing a compelling cover letter for an internship is a crucial step in securing your desired role. By researching the company, tailoring your letter, highlighting your skills and experience, and proofreading carefully, you can significantly increase your chances of making a positive impression. Remember, a well-crafted cover letter is your opportunity to showcase your unique value and demonstrate your passion for the opportunity. This is your chance to shine. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to landing that internship and launching your career. Good luck!