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How to Write a Winning Internship Application Cover Letter

Learn how to write a compelling internship cover letter that stands out to employers. Get expert tips, examples, and a template to boost your application.

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Last Updated

2025-03-06T18:55:02.802182+00:00

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Introduction

Landing your dream internship starts with a standout cover letter. As a student or recent graduate, crafting a compelling internship application letter is crucial to catching the attention of employers and securing that coveted position. Your cover letter is your chance to showcase your passion, skills, and fit for the role beyond what's listed on your resume.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the key components of a winning internship cover letter, provide expert tips and examples, and share a template you can use to create your own. By the end, you'll have the tools and confidence to write a cover letter that sets you apart from the competition and gets your foot in the door.

Key Statistics

70%

Internship Hiring Rate

Companies plan to hire interns

53%

Cover Letter Impact

Employers prefer candidates with cover letters

40%

Application Boost

Cover letters can increase callbacks

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

Start your cover letter with an opening paragraph that grabs the reader's attention and shows your enthusiasm for the specific internship opportunity. Mention the exact position and company, and express your interest in contributing to their mission.

Highlight 1-2 of your top qualifications that match the internship requirements to give the employer a preview of why you're a strong candidate.

Tailored cover letters can improve your chances of getting an interview by 50%.

Example:

I am excited to apply for the Marketing Intern position at ABC Company. With my experience in social media management and passion for data-driven strategies, I am eager to contribute to ABC's innovative campaigns and learn from your expert team.

2

2. Relevant Skills & Experience

In the body paragraphs, dive into the most relevant skills, experiences, and coursework you possess that align with the internship requirements. Provide concrete examples of projects, achievements, or responsibilities that showcase your abilities.

Use numbers and metrics to quantify your accomplishments and make your examples more impactful. Tie your qualifications back to how they would benefit the employer.

90% of employers value relevant experience in intern candidates.

Example:

During my marketing coursework, I led a team project developing a social media campaign that increased follower engagement by 30% and generated 50+ leads. I also completed a data analysis certification to enhance my skills in interpreting campaign metrics.

3

3. Passion & Fit

Demonstrate your passion for the industry and company throughout your cover letter. Research the organization's mission, values, and recent projects, and express how they align with your own interests and career goals.

Convey enthusiasm for the learning opportunity and mention specific aspects of the internship that excite you. Show that you've done your homework and understand how the position fits into your professional development.

65% of employers look for candidates who are a strong fit with their company culture.

Example:

ABC Company's commitment to data-driven marketing strategies and collaborative culture deeply resonates with me. I am passionate about pursuing a career in digital marketing and am thrilled at the prospect of learning from ABC's innovative campaigns.

4

4. Unique Value Proposition

Set yourself apart from other applicants by highlighting unique skills, experiences, or perspectives you bring to the table. Think about qualities that make you stand out, such as leadership experience, diverse background, or technical proficiencies.

Emphasize how these unique attributes would allow you to contribute meaningfully to the internship and bring fresh ideas to the team.

Employers seek interns who can bring new perspectives and ideas to their organization.

Example:

As a student leader in my university's marketing club, I gained experience spearheading creative campaigns and collaborating with diverse teams. My background in graphic design would also enable me to contribute to ABC's visual branding efforts.

5

5. Confident Closing

End your cover letter with a confident and forward-looking closing paragraph. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the internship opportunity and your readiness to contribute to the company's goals.

Express your appreciation for their consideration and include a call to action, such as requesting an interview or meeting to discuss the position further.

A strong closing can increase your chances of getting a response by 25%.

Example:

I am confident that my skills, experience, and passion make me a strong fit for the Marketing Intern role at ABC Company. Thank you for considering my application. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team in an interview.

Tips for Writing a Great Cover Letter

1. Research the Company



Before drafting your cover letter, thoroughly research the company's mission, values, products/services, and recent news. Incorporate your findings into your letter to demonstrate your genuine interest and fit with the organization.

2. Tailor Your Content



Customize each cover letter to the specific internship and company. Highlight skills and experiences that directly align with the position requirements and company culture. Use keywords from the job description to show your relevance.

3. Provide Concrete Examples



Back up your qualifications with specific examples from your academic, extracurricular, or professional experiences. Use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements and make your contributions more tangible.

4. Proofread and Edit



Review your cover letter multiple times for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. Read it aloud to catch awkward phrasing or run-on sentences. Consider asking a mentor, professor, or peer to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.

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 if possible
  • Keep your cover letter concise and focused, around 3-4 paragraphs
  • Use a professional and enthusiastic tone throughout
  • Follow up after submitting your application to reiterate your interest

Don'ts

  • Use generic or templated language that could apply to any company
  • Simply repeat the content from your resume without adding new information
  • Include irrelevant personal details or hobbies
  • Forget to proofread for errors and clarity

Cover Letter Template

Internship Cover Letter Template

Header

John Smith 123 University Ave, Apt 4B | Los Angeles, CA 90001 (555) 123-4567 | johnsmith@email.com linkedin.com/in/johnsmith

Date

May 1, 2023

Recipient

Jane Doe Marketing Manager ABC Company 456 Corporate Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90010

Salutation

Dear Ms. Doe,

Opening

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Marketing Intern position at ABC Company for the summer of 2023. As a junior marketing student at XYZ University, I am passionate about data-driven marketing strategies and eager to contribute my skills to ABC's innovative campaigns. With my relevant coursework, leadership experience, and analytical mindset, I am confident I would excel in this internship and add value to your team.

Body Paragraph 1

Through my marketing coursework, I have gained a solid foundation in digital marketing principles, market research, and data analysis. I have completed projects using tools like Google Analytics and Hootsuite, honing my skills in social media management and campaign optimization. In one notable project, I led a team in developing a comprehensive marketing plan for a local small business, resulting in a 20% increase in website traffic and a 15% boost in sales. I am excited to apply this knowledge and experience to support ABC's marketing initiatives.

Body Paragraph 2

Beyond the classroom, I have taken on leadership roles that have strengthened my collaboration, communication, and project management abilities. As the Vice President of my university's Marketing Club, I spearheaded a social media campaign that doubled our membership and increased engagement by 40%. Through this experience, I learned the importance of setting clear goals, delegating tasks effectively, and adapting to feedback. I am confident that these skills, combined with my passion for staying up-to-date with industry trends, would enable me to thrive in the fast-paced environment at ABC Company.

Closing

I am thrilled at the prospect of joining ABC Company as a Marketing Intern and contributing to your mission of delivering innovative, data-driven marketing solutions. Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss further how my skills and experiences align with the internship requirements and ABC's goals. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience for an interview.

Signature

Sincerely, John Smith
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