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Cover Letter Example for Internship: How to Make Your Application Shine

Learn how to write a compelling cover letter for your internship application. Discover key components, tips, and a complete template to make your cover letter stand out.

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Internship cover letter Internship application Cover letter example Cover letter template Internship resume

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Last Updated

2025-03-06T18:19:26.0154+00:00

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Introduction

When applying for an internship, your cover letter is your chance to make a strong first impression and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the opportunity. A well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing the internship you desire.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential components of a compelling internship cover letter, provide tips and examples, and share a complete template to help you create your own. By following these best practices, you'll be able to showcase your skills, experience, and passion in a way that captures the attention of internship recruiters and hiring managers.

Key Statistics

65%

Internship Application Volume

Of companies receive over 100 applications per internship opening

80%

Cover Letter Importance

Of internship recruiters consider cover letters important

55%

Customization Impact

Increase in interview chances with a tailored cover letter

Key Components of an Effective Cover Letter

A well-structured cover letter should include several essential elements to make a strong impression on potential employers. Here are the key components you should include:

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1. Tailored Introduction

Begin your cover letter with a compelling opening that grabs the reader's attention. Mention the specific internship you're applying for and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Highlight 1-2 key qualifications or experiences that make you an ideal candidate for the role. Show that you've researched the company and understand their mission and values.

Internship applications that mention the company's name have a 40% higher chance of receiving an interview invitation.

Example:

I am excited to apply for the Marketing Intern position at ABC Company. With my strong academic background in marketing and my experience in social media management, I am confident I can contribute to your team's success and learn valuable skills in the process.

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2. Relevant Skills and Experience

In the body of your cover letter, highlight the skills and experiences that align with the internship requirements. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've applied these skills in previous roles or projects.

Focus on transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and technical proficiencies that are relevant to the internship. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact.

Internship recruiters spend an average of 30 seconds scanning each cover letter for relevant keywords and experiences.

Example:

During my time as a Marketing Assistant at XYZ Organization, I managed their social media accounts, increasing follower engagement by 25% through creative content strategies. I also collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and execute successful marketing campaigns, honing my project management and communication skills.

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3. Passion and Motivation

Demonstrate your passion for the industry and the company you're applying to. Share what inspired you to pursue this internship and how it aligns with your career goals.

Convey your eagerness to learn and grow within the organization. Highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or extracurricular activities that showcase your dedication to the field.

90% of internship hiring managers prefer candidates who demonstrate a genuine interest in their company and industry.

Example:

As a long-time admirer of ABC Company's innovative marketing campaigns, I am thrilled at the prospect of contributing to your team. I have consistently pursued opportunities to expand my marketing knowledge, such as taking elective courses in digital marketing and volunteering for local non-profit marketing initiatives.

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4. Customized Closing

End your cover letter with a strong closing paragraph that reiterates your interest in the internship and thanks the reader for their consideration. Mention your availability for an interview and your eagerness to further discuss your qualifications.

Customize your closing to the company culture and the internship role. Show that you've done your research and understand what makes the opportunity unique.

Customized cover letter closings can increase your chances of receiving an interview invitation by up to 25%.

Example:

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with ABC Company's marketing internship goals. As someone who thrives in collaborative, fast-paced environments, I am excited about the prospect of contributing to your innovative projects and learning from your experienced team.

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5. Professional Formatting

Ensure your cover letter is professionally formatted and error-free. Use a clear, readable font and maintain consistent formatting throughout the document.

Keep your cover letter concise, typically around 3-4 paragraphs, and no longer than one page. Use proper salutations and sign-offs, and include your contact information in the header.

70% of internship recruiters prefer cover letters that are well-structured and visually appealing.

Example:

Use a standard font like Arial or Calibri, font size 10-12, and 1-inch margins. Address the cover letter to a specific person if possible, using "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name]" or "Dear Internship Hiring Team." Close with "Sincerely," followed by your full name.

Tips for Writing a Great Cover Letter

1. Research the Company


Before writing your cover letter, thoroughly research the company and the specific internship program. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. Incorporate this knowledge into your cover letter to demonstrate your genuine interest and fit for the role.

2. Highlight Relevant Skills


Identify the key skills and qualifications required for the internship and highlight how you possess them. Use specific examples from your academic, extracurricular, or professional experiences to illustrate your proficiency in these areas. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to make a stronger impact.

3. Tailor Your Content


Avoid using a generic cover letter for all internship applications. Tailor your content to the specific company and role you're applying for. Address the unique requirements of the internship and explain how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for their team.

4. Proofread and Edit


Before submitting your cover letter, thoroughly proofread and edit your content. Check for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. Ensure your language is clear, concise, and professional. Consider asking a mentor, professor, or peer to review your cover letter and provide feedback.

Language Tips for Cover Letters

Power Words to Strengthen Your Cover Letter

Including these powerful words and phrases can make your cover letter more impactful and memorable:

Achievement Words

  • Achieved - Shows results and completion
  • Delivered - Demonstrates fulfillment of goals
  • Increased - Shows growth and improvement
  • Transformed - Indicates significant change

Leadership Words

  • Spearheaded - Shows initiative and leadership
  • Orchestrated - Coordinated complex activities
  • Pioneered - First to implement or create
  • Mentored - Guided others to success

Skill Words

  • Analyzed - Shows analytical abilities
  • Streamlined - Improved efficiency
  • Collaborated - Worked well with others
  • Innovated - Created new solutions

Phrases to Avoid

These common phrases can weaken your cover letter. Use the alternatives instead:

Avoid Use Instead Why
"To Whom It May Concern" Research the name of the hiring manager Shows lack of research and effort
"I think I would be a good fit" "My experience in X has prepared me to excel in Y" Sounds uncertain; be confident instead
"This job would help me" "I would bring value to your team by..." Focus on what you can offer, not what you'll gain
"I'm a hard worker" Specific example of your work ethic Generic claim without evidence

Additional Tips

Do's

  • Address your cover letter to a specific person whenever possible
  • Use a professional and enthusiastic tone throughout your cover letter
  • Provide concrete examples of your skills and achievements
  • Express your willingness to learn and grow within the internship role
  • Follow up on your application if you haven't heard back within the specified timeline

Don'ts

  • Don't exceed one page in length for your internship cover letter
  • Don't use overly casual language or slang terms
  • Don't simply repeat the information from your resume
  • Don't send a generic cover letter without customizing it for the specific internship
  • Don't forget to proofread and edit your cover letter before submission

Cover Letter Template

Internship Cover Letter Template

Header

[Your Name] [Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Phone Number] [Email Address] [LinkedIn Profile URL]

Date

[Date]

Recipient

[Hiring Manager's Name] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

Salutation

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

Opening

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Internship Title] position at [Company Name]. As a [Your Major] student at [University Name], I am excited about the opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge to contribute to your team's success.

Body Paragraph 1

Throughout my academic journey, I have developed a keen interest in [Industry/Field] and have actively sought opportunities to expand my expertise. In my previous role as a [Previous Internship/Job Title] at [Company Name], I [Key Achievement/Responsibility]. This experience honed my [Relevant Skills], which I believe will be valuable in supporting [Company Name]'s goals.

Body Paragraph 2

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s [Specific Aspect of Company Culture or Mission]. I admire your organization's commitment to [Company Value/Goal] and would be thrilled to contribute to your efforts. Through my coursework in [Relevant Course], I have gained insights into [Industry Trend/Challenge], which I am eager to apply in a real-world setting.

Closing

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your [Department Name] team. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to [Company Name]'s success while gaining valuable industry experience.

Signature

Sincerely, [Your Name]
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