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How to Write a Winning Cover Letter for Internship Applications

Learn how to write a compelling cover letter for internships that will impress employers. Discover key components, language tips, and a complete template.

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Keywords

internship cover letter entry-level positions career development professional experience skill development

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Last Updated

2025-03-06T18:44:16.721318+00:00

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Introduction

Landing an internship is a crucial step in launching your career, and a well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in securing an interview. Your cover letter is your chance to showcase your personality, enthusiasm, and qualifications beyond what's listed on your resume.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential components of a winning internship cover letter, provide tips on language and formatting, and share a complete template you can use as a starting point. By the end, you'll have the tools and confidence to create a compelling cover letter that sets you apart from other internship applicants.

Key Statistics

70%

Internship Hiring

Of employers prefer candidates with relevant internships

53%

Cover Letter Impact

Of employers prefer candidates who submit cover letters

66%

Internship Offer Rate

Of internships lead to full-time job offers

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:

1

1. Tailored Introduction

Begin your cover letter with a strong opening that grabs the reader's attention and demonstrates your genuine interest in the specific internship opportunity. Mention the position you're applying for and briefly highlight why you're an excellent fit.

Avoid generic salutations like "To Whom It May Concern." Instead, research the hiring manager's name or use a specific greeting like "Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team."

Personalized introductions can increase your chances of getting an interview by 50%.

Example:

Dear ABC Company Internship Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply for the Marketing Intern position at ABC Company. With my strong academic background in marketing and hands-on experience in social media management, I am confident I would be a valuable addition to your team.

2

2. Relevant Skills and Experience

In the body of your cover letter, focus on the skills and experiences that directly relate to the internship requirements. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've applied these skills in academic projects, extracurricular activities, or previous work experiences.

Quantify your achievements whenever possible to provide concrete evidence of your abilities and impact.

Employers spend an average of 7.4 seconds scanning a cover letter for relevant skills and experience.

Example:

As a marketing student at XYZ University, I have developed a strong foundation in market research and data analysis. In a recent group project, I led a team of five in conducting a consumer survey and analyzing the results, which led to a 20% increase in product sales for our client.

3

3. Passion and Enthusiasm

Employers want to see that you're genuinely excited about the opportunity to intern with their company. Convey your passion for the industry and explain why you're specifically interested in working with their organization.

Highlight any relevant projects, courses, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment to the field and align with the company's mission or values.

Internship applications that demonstrate genuine enthusiasm and company research have a 25% higher chance of securing an interview.

Example:

I have been passionate about environmental sustainability since high school, which led me to pursue a degree in Environmental Science. I was drawn to ABC Company's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and developing innovative green technologies. I would be thrilled to contribute to your mission while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

4

4. Professionalism and Attention to Detail

Your cover letter should be well-structured, error-free, and visually appealing. Use a professional font, consistent formatting, and clear, concise language throughout.

Proofread your cover letter multiple times and consider having a trusted friend, family member, or mentor review it for additional feedback.

77% of hiring managers will reject a candidate due to poor grammar or spelling in their application materials.

Example:

Ensure your cover letter has a logical flow, with smooth transitions between paragraphs. Double-check for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors, and make sure your contact information is accurate and up-to-date.

5

5. Strong Closing and Call to Action

End your cover letter with a confident and polite closing that reiterates your interest in the internship and thanks the reader for their time and consideration. Include a call to action, expressing your eagerness to discuss your qualifications further in an interview.

Make sure to sign off professionally, using "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your full name.

Personalized and confident closing statements can increase your chances of being invited for an interview by up to 15%.

Example:

Thank you for considering my application for the Marketing Intern position at ABC Company. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and learn from experienced professionals in the field. I would welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications further in an interview. Sincerely, [Your 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 opportunity. Demonstrate your knowledge of the company's mission, values, and recent projects in your letter to show genuine interest and enthusiasm.

2. Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences



Focus on the skills and experiences that directly relate to the internship requirements. Use specific examples from your academic, extracurricular, and professional background to illustrate how you've applied these skills in real-world situations.

3. Show Passion and Enthusiasm



Convey your passion for the industry and explain why you're specifically interested in interning with the company. Highlight any projects, courses, or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to the field and align with the company's mission or values.

4. Proofread and Edit



Before submitting your cover letter, proofread it multiple times for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Read it out loud to ensure it flows smoothly and makes sense. Consider having a trusted friend, family member, or mentor review it for additional feedback and perspective.

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

  • Tailor your cover letter to the specific internship and company
  • Use a professional and easy-to-read font, such as Arial or Times New Roman
  • Keep your cover letter concise and focused, ideally one page in length
  • Use action verbs and quantify your achievements when possible
  • Follow up with the hiring manager if you haven't heard back within a week

Don'ts

  • Use generic salutations or copy-paste the same cover letter for multiple applications
  • Include irrelevant or personal information not related to the internship
  • Exaggerate your skills or experiences
  • Submit a cover letter with spelling, grammar, or formatting errors
  • Forget to sign your cover letter with a professional closing and your full name

Cover Letter Template

Internship Cover Letter Template

Header

John Doe 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 (555) 123-4567 johndoe@email.com linkedin.com/in/johndoe

Date

April 15, 2023

Recipient

Jane Smith ABC Company 456 Business Avenue Anytown, CA 12345

Salutation

Dear Ms. Smith,

Opening

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Marketing Intern position at ABC Company. As a current marketing student at XYZ University, I am excited about the opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge in a professional setting while contributing to your organization's goals.

Body Paragraph 1

Throughout my academic career, I have developed a strong foundation in market research and data analysis. In my Consumer Behavior course, I led a team of five in conducting a survey and analyzing the results, which led to a 20% increase in product sales for our client. This experience has prepared me to take on the responsibilities of the Marketing Intern position and make a meaningful impact at ABC Company.

Body Paragraph 2

In addition to my academic background, I have gained valuable experience through my involvement in the Marketing Club at XYZ University. As the Social Media Coordinator, I created and implemented a social media strategy that increased our club's followers by 50% and engagement by 75%. These experiences have honed my creativity, adaptability, and teamwork skills, which I believe would be valuable assets to your marketing team.

Closing

I am particularly drawn to ABC Company's mission of creating innovative and sustainable products that improve people's lives. I admire your commitment to environmental responsibility and social impact, and I am eager to contribute to your efforts while gaining hands-on experience in the marketing field.

Signature

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of joining the ABC Company team as a Marketing Intern and learning from experienced professionals in the field. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview. Sincerely, John Doe
Use this customizable template as a starting point for crafting your own compelling internship cover letter.
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