Updated 12 April 2024
A good cover letter acts as a crucial bridge between your academic background and the internship you're applying for, providing a personal touch that showcases your personality, communication skills, and enthusiasm for the opportunity.
It allows you to highlight how your unique experiences and skills make you the perfect fit, address any gaps in your resume, and demonstrate your genuine interest and effort in applying for the position.
In this article we’ll discuss the structure of your cover letter, how to show you’re a good fit for the internship even without professional experience, and how to get your cover letter in front of the right people!
What is an Internship Cover Letter?
An internship cover letter is your chance to sell yourself and stand out. They’re a way to show recruiters that you’re qualified for the internship, and have qualities and skills that the business can benefit from.
Typically one page long, internship cover letters should be concise and speak to the skills you’ve gained throughout university and any other work experience you might have.
Unlike a standard job application cover letter, an internship cover letter focuses more on what you hope to gain from the experience and how your academic achievements, projects, and coursework make you a suitable fit for the opportunity.
It's an essential tool for making a positive first impression, showcasing your communication abilities, and demonstrating your proactive interest in both the role and the organisation.
What can you write about if you don’t have professional experience?
While having professional experience might be a bonus, it isn’t the be all and end all, there are other kinds of experiences you can put on your cover letter to make it stand out. If you do have professional experience, fantastic - definitely put that on your resume, and work it into your cover letter.
However, internships are there to help you begin your professional journey and are a great way to build professional experience as a student or recent graduate. For this reason not having this experience shouldn’t stop you from applying and succeeding! Recruiters don’t expect you to have gained extensive experience as a student after all.
For those who don’t have professional experience, there are other skills and forms of experience that you can showcase to recruiters instead:
- Write about what you learnt throughout your degree, and how those core skills would benefit you in the internship, and be an asset to the company
- You can mention other work experience you might have, including casual retail or hospitality jobs - highlight the transferable skills you gained from these professions, for example, leadership skills or the ability to work well under pressure
- Mentioning your career aspirations, and how the internship can help you work towards them, is also a great idea
Best Format for an Internship Cover Letter
Crafting an internship cover letter requires attention to structure and formatting to ensure clarity and professionalism.
We’ve previously discussed how AI can help you create a cover letter but it’s important to only use AI as a tool that helps your efforts, not replaces them. A cover letter that relies on AI is noticeable and leads to the wrong impression when seeking a learning opportunity such as an internship.
Here’s how to structure your letter from the header to the signature, along with formatting tips to make your cover letter stand out.
Header
The header of an internship cover letter is crucial for making a professional first impression. It should include your contact information—name, phone number, and email address—followed by the date and the employer's contact details.
For clarity and ease of reading, use a simple, professional font like Arial or Times New Roman, with a font size between 10 and 12 points. Ensure the header is neatly aligned on the page, using standard margins (1 inch on all sides).
This organised format not only presents your information clearly but also demonstrates your ability to communicate professionally, setting a positive tone for the rest of your letter.
Greeting
When addressing the hiring manager in your internship cover letter, first try to find their name through the company's website or elsewhere online.
If successful, use "Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],". If the name is unknown despite your efforts, opt for "Dear Hiring Manager," which is professional and respectful. Avoid outdated salutations like “To Whom It May Concern,” as they can seem impersonal.
A proper greeting sets a respectful tone and shows your attention to detail, highlighting your commitment to personalising your application and indicating your genuine interest in the internship opportunity.
Introduction
Start your cover letter with a compelling hook that grabs the hiring manager's attention. Use a concise statement that reflects your enthusiasm for the field or mentions a unique accomplishment relevant to the internship.
This could be an academic achievement, a project you spearheaded, or a personal connection to the company’s mission.
Following your hook, quickly transition into your elevator pitch. This is a brief introduction of who you are as a professional and student, highlighting your major, your career aspirations, and how this internship aligns with your goals.
Make it clear and impactful, ensuring you convey your unique value proposition and why you’re a perfect fit for the internship within a few sentences.
Body
In the body of your internship cover letter, highlight the skills and experiences that position you as the perfect candidate for the role.
Reference specific examples from your academic achievements, any previous internships, part-time work, or extracurricular activities to illustrate your capabilities and their relevance to the internship.
Connect these experiences with your career aspirations, crafting a story that transitions from your past successes to your future objectives, and demonstrates how this internship is a crucial step towards achieving those goals.
Make it clear how your personal and professional ambitions align with the internship's objectives, showcasing your understanding of the role and your enthusiasm to bring your unique perspective and skills to the company. This strategy underscores your compatibility with the internship and your sincere interest in the opportunity.
Conclusion
In your conclusion, reaffirm your strong interest in the internship and your suitability for the role. Briefly recap the key points that make you an ideal candidate, emphasising how your skills and aspirations align with the internship's goals.
Then, transition to an effective call to action by politely expressing your eagerness to discuss your application further in an interview. Encourage the hiring manager to contact you, stating that you look forward to the opportunity to contribute to their team and learn from the experience.
This not only shows your enthusiasm and confidence but also demonstrates your proactive approach and keen interest in the position.
Signature
For your signature, conclude your internship cover letter with a professional sign-off.
Use polite closings such as "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Yours faithfully," followed by your full name. Below your name, ensure your contact information is complete and correct, including your phone number and (professional) email address.
This makes it easy for the hiring manager to reach out to you for the next steps. Providing accurate contact details is crucial, as any mistake could prevent potential employers from contacting you.
This professional finish not only demonstrates your attention to detail but also reinforces your serious interest in the internship.
Example Internship Cover Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Suburb, State, Postcode]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Employer's Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Suburb, State, Postcode]
Dear [Employer's Name],
I am reaching out to express my strong interest in the [Specific Internship Position] at [Company Name], as listed on [where you found the listing].
As a student at [Your University], pursuing a degree in [Your Major], I am enthusiastic about applying my academic insights and interest for [Industry/Field] within a professional environment.
The chance to contribute to [Company's Project/Department you're interested in] particularly excites me, given its innovative contributions to [Industry/Field] and its alignment with my career aspirations.
During my time at university, I've dedicated myself to honing my skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. A notable project that showcases my abilities is [Project Title], where I [briefly describe your role, accomplishments, and its relevance]. This experience has solidified my foundational knowledge in [Field/Industry], bolstering my analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
I am drawn to [Company Name] for its commitment to [mention any known company values, projects, or initiatives]. I admire the company's innovative approach to [specific detail about the company or its projects], and I am keen to be part of such a dynamic and impactful team.
With my educational background in [Your Field/Major] and a strong commitment to [specific skill or area related to the internship], I am confident in my ability to contribute positively to the [specific department or project] at [Company Name].
This internship represents an exciting opportunity for me to leverage my unique skills at [Company Name] and to further my professional development. I am eager to discuss how I can contribute to your team in more detail.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of an interview at your convenience.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
|[Your Email]
How to Send Your Cover Letter
To ensure your internship cover letter reaches and impresses potential employers/mentors, consider the delivery method carefully.
Email is the most common and preferred method, where your cover letter should be attached as a PDF and accompanied by a professional subject line. Online platforms and job portals are also widely used; follow the site’s instructions for uploading documents.
Key to getting your letter read is adhering to application instructions, using relevant keywords from the job description, maintaining professionalism in all communication, and personalising your email when attaching your cover letter and resume.
For email also consider the time of day you’re sending the application. When will they likely check their email? The goal is for it to not be buried in their inbox. We all have emails, we know how it is with different people trying to get in touch plus all the spam. For example, a good rule of thumb is to avoid weekends as it won’t be seen for multiple days.
Key Takeaways
- Personalise and Research: Tailor each cover letter to the internship and company, showing genuine interest and effort.
- Highlight Relevant Skills: Focus on the skills and experiences that align with the internship's requirements.
- Use a Professional Format: Stick to a concise, professional format and keep the letter to one page.
- Proofread: Eliminate typos and errors to maintain professionalism.
- Resourceful Research: Utilise career services, online templates, and guides from reputable sites like LinkedIn or Indeed for examples and further guidance.
Looking for more internship opportunities? See what's open on GradConnection now.