How To Write A Good Internship Cover Letter: Your Guide to Landing the Gig
Landing an internship is a crucial step in launching your career. It’s your chance to gain real-world experience, network with professionals, and potentially secure a full-time job offer. But before you can even think about the internship itself, you need to submit a compelling cover letter. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about crafting a good internship cover letter that grabs the attention of hiring managers and gets you noticed.
The Importance of a Standout Internship Cover Letter
In a world where hundreds, sometimes thousands, of applications are received for a single internship position, your cover letter is your first and often only chance to make a strong impression. It’s your opportunity to showcase your personality, passion, and how your skills align with the specific internship and the company’s values. A well-written cover letter demonstrates your professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine interest, setting you apart from the competition. Ignoring the cover letter, or submitting a generic one, is a surefire way to end up in the “no” pile.
Why a Generic Cover Letter Won’t Cut It
Think of your cover letter as a customized sales pitch for yourself. A generic letter – one that could be sent to any company, for any position – screams a lack of effort and a lack of genuine interest. Hiring managers can spot these a mile away. They want to see that you’ve taken the time to research the company, understand the internship requirements, and tailor your letter to their specific needs.
Pre-Writing: Research and Understanding the Role
Before you even begin typing, you need to do your homework. This phase is crucial for crafting a truly impactful cover letter.
Deep Dive into the Internship Description
Carefully read the internship description. Identify the key skills, experiences, and qualifications the company is seeking. Highlight these keywords and phrases. This is your roadmap for what to include in your cover letter. What are they looking for in an intern? What projects will you be involved in? Understanding these details allows you to tailor your letter to the specific requirements.
Company Research: Beyond the Website
Don’t just skim the company website. Dig deeper. Explore their social media profiles, read industry news about them, and, if possible, research the team you’d be working with. What are their recent achievements? What are their core values? This knowledge will allow you to demonstrate a genuine interest and show that you’ve put in the effort.
Identifying Your Core Strengths and Relevance
Once you understand the internship and the company, it’s time to analyze your own skills and experiences. What experiences do you have that align with the internship requirements? Think about projects you’ve worked on, courses you’ve taken, volunteer experiences, and any relevant extracurricular activities. Identify your key strengths and how they can benefit the company.
Crafting a Compelling Cover Letter: Step-by-Step
Now for the writing! Follow these steps to create a cover letter that will impress.
The Header: Contact Information and Date
Start with a professional header that includes your contact information: your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile URL (if you have one). Also, include the date. This ensures the hiring manager can easily contact you. Make sure your email address is professional-sounding.
The Greeting: Addressing the Right Person
Always address the hiring manager by name, if possible. Research who will be reviewing applications. If you can’t find a specific name, try to find the hiring manager’s title. If you truly cannot find a name, a general greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable, but try to avoid it.
The Introduction: Grabbing Their Attention
Your introduction is your first chance to make a strong impression. Immediately state the position you’re applying for and where you saw the posting. Then, hook the reader with a brief statement about why you’re a great fit. Show your enthusiasm and quickly highlight a key accomplishment or skill that aligns with the internship.
Body Paragraph 1: Showcasing Your Skills and Experience
This is the heart of your cover letter. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and experience. Don’t just list your skills; show them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe your achievements. For example, “In my role as a volunteer at the local library (Situation), I was tasked with organizing the children’s book section (Task). To achieve this, I created a new labeling system and reorganized the shelves (Action), resulting in a 20% increase in book circulation and positive feedback from parents (Result).”
Body Paragraph 2: Demonstrating Your Passion and Company Alignment
This paragraph is crucial. Explain why you’re interested in this specific internship and this specific company. Show that you’ve researched the company and understand their mission, values, and recent projects. Connect your own goals and aspirations to the company’s objectives. Demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment.
The Closing: A Call to Action
Summarize your key qualifications and reiterate your interest in the internship. End with a clear call to action. Request an interview and provide your contact information again. Express your gratitude for their time and consideration.
Formatting and Proofreading: Polishing Your Letter
The final touches can make or break your application.
Formatting Essentials: Keep it Clean and Readable
Use a professional font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in a readable size (11 or 12 points). Use clear formatting: proper margins, spacing between paragraphs, and bullet points (if applicable). Ensure your letter is easy to read and visually appealing.
Proofreading: The Devil is in the Details
Proofread your cover letter meticulously for any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and typos. Ask a friend, family member, or career counselor to review your letter as well. A single error can undermine your credibility. Double-check the company name and the hiring manager’s name to ensure they are correct.
Beyond the Basics: Adding Extra Impact
Here are some tips to take your cover letter to the next level.
Tailoring for Each Application
Never submit a generic cover letter. Always tailor your letter to the specific internship and company. This demonstrates your genuine interest and attention to detail.
Quantifying Your Accomplishments
Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers and data. This makes your accomplishments more impactful and demonstrates the results you achieved. (e.g., “Increased social media engagement by 30%”).
Highlighting Transferable Skills
Even if you don’t have direct experience, highlight your transferable skills. These are skills that can be applied to various roles, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.
Frequently Asked Questions About Internship Cover Letters
Here are some additional insights to help you further.
How long should my internship cover letter be?
Aim for a cover letter that is one page long. Keep it concise and to the point. Focus on the most relevant information.
What if I don’t have any relevant experience?
Focus on your transferable skills, relevant coursework, volunteer work, and any projects or activities that demonstrate your abilities. Highlight your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
Should I include a resume with my cover letter?
Yes. Always include your resume with your cover letter. Your cover letter is a complement to your resume, not a replacement.
How do I address a cover letter if I don’t know the hiring manager’s name?
If you cannot find the name of the hiring manager, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Department Name] Team.” Do your best to find a specific contact, but these options are acceptable.
Can I use a template for my cover letter?
While templates can be helpful for formatting, avoid using a generic template without customizing it. Tailor the content to the specific internship and company to demonstrate your genuine interest.
Conclusion: Your Path to a Successful Internship
Writing a good internship cover letter is a critical step in securing your desired internship. By thoroughly researching the role and company, tailoring your letter to their specific needs, showcasing your skills and experience with compelling examples, and proofreading meticulously, you’ll significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. Remember to highlight your passion, demonstrate your understanding of the company, and end with a clear call to action. A well-crafted cover letter is your key to opening doors to valuable learning experiences and career opportunities. Now, go forth and write a cover letter that gets you noticed!