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How to Write a Standout Internship Cover Letter (With Samples)

Learn how to write a compelling internship cover letter with our expert tips, key components, and real-world samples. Boost your chances of landing your dream internship!

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2025-03-06T18:30:05.437866+00:00

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Introduction

Landing a great internship is a crucial step in launching your career. It provides valuable real-world experience, helps you build your professional network, and can even lead to a full-time job offer. However, with competition fierce for top internships, you need a secret weapon to stand out from the crowd: a compelling cover letter.

Your internship cover letter is your chance to showcase your unique skills, experiences, and passion for the role. It allows you to go beyond the bullet points of your resume and tell your story in a way that grabs the hiring manager's attention. In this guide, we'll walk you through the key components of a winning internship cover letter and provide real-world samples and tips to help you craft your own.

Key Statistics

65%

Internship Hiring Boost

Likelihood of getting hired from internship

53%

Cover Letter Impact

Internship applications require cover letters

91%

Internship Experience

Employers prefer candidates with internships

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

Your opening paragraph is your first chance to grab the reader's attention. It should be tailored specifically to the internship and company, demonstrating that you've done your research. Mention the exact internship title and a key fact about the company that resonates with you.

Explain why you're excited about this particular internship opportunity and briefly preview the skills and experiences you'll discuss in more detail later in the letter.

Customized cover letters are 40% more likely to receive a positive response.

Example:

I am thrilled to apply for the Marketing Intern position at ABC Company. Your agency's award-winning campaigns and commitment to creativity align perfectly with my career goals and skillset. I believe my background in social media marketing and graphic design would enable me to add value to your innovative team.

2

2. Relevant Academic Experience

As an internship candidate, your academic background is likely your strongest qualification. Highlight relevant coursework, projects, or academic achievements that demonstrate the key skills required for the internship.

Quantify your accomplishments wherever possible to make your experience more tangible and impactful. Draw clear connections between your academic work and the internship requirements.

Employers rate relevant coursework as one of the top factors in evaluating internship candidates.

Example:

My studies as a Marketing major at XYZ University have provided me with a strong foundation in digital marketing principles. I recently completed a capstone project where I developed and executed a social media campaign for a local nonprofit, resulting in a 50% increase in online engagement. I'm excited to apply this experience to support ABC Company's social media marketing efforts.

3

3. Applicable Skills & Experiences

In addition to your academic background, include any other experiences that have helped you develop relevant skills for the internship. This could include part-time jobs, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or personal projects.

Focus on transferable skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've applied these skills in real-world settings.

70% of employers say they prefer candidates with relevant work experience, even for internships.

Example:

Through my role as Social Media Coordinator for my university's Student Government Association, I've honed my skills in content creation, community management, and data analysis. I've grown our Instagram following by 25% and increased engagement rates by 40% through implementing a content calendar and collaborating with student influencers.

4

4. Company Connection

Demonstrate your genuine interest in the company by highlighting what specifically attracts you to this internship opportunity. Research the company's mission, values, products/services, and recent news to find points of connection.

Explain how the company's work aligns with your own interests and career goals. Show that you're not just looking for any internship, but that you're truly excited about this particular company and role.

Employers are 68% more likely to hire intern candidates who demonstrate knowledge of their company and industry.

Example:

I've long admired ABC Company's innovative approach to digital marketing and your commitment to driving measurable results for clients. I'm particularly inspired by your recent "Tech for Good" campaign, which aligns with my own passion for using marketing to make a positive social impact. I would be thrilled to contribute to similar purpose-driven projects as an intern on your team.

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5. Forward-Looking Close

End your letter with a confident, forward-looking statement. Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to interview and discuss the internship further.

Reiterate your key qualifications and your excitement about contributing to the company. Thank the reader for their time and consideration.

Ending with a call to action can increase your chances of getting an interview by 25%.

Example:

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences can contribute to ABC Company's marketing goals. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining your innovative team as a Marketing Intern.

Tips for Writing a Great Cover Letter

1. Do Your Research



Before you start writing your cover letter, thoroughly research the company and the specific internship. Review the company's website, social media, and recent news to understand their mission, values, and current projects. Identify key skills and qualifications from the internship description. This research will help you tailor your letter and demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm.

2. Tell Your Story



Your cover letter is an opportunity to narrate your unique story and showcase your personality. Don't just regurgitate your resume in paragraph form. Instead, highlight key experiences and accomplishments that demonstrate your fit for the role. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and quantify your impact. Your goal is to paint a picture of who you are and why you're excited about this particular internship.

3. Tailor Each Letter



Avoid using a generic cover letter template for all your internship applications. Recruiters can easily spot a one-size-fits-all letter. Instead, customize each letter to the specific company and role. Use the company's language and reference their specific programs or values. Explain why you're genuinely excited about this particular internship and company. A tailored letter shows that you've done your homework and are truly invested in the opportunity.

4. Proofread and Edit



Before hitting send, thoroughly proofread and edit your cover letter. A single typo or grammatical error can undermine your credibility and attention to detail. Read your letter out loud to catch awkward phrasing or run-on sentences. Ask a friend, family member, or career counselor to review your letter for clarity and impact. Trim any unnecessary words or phrases to keep your letter concise and purposeful.

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

  • Research the company thoroughly before writing
  • Tailor your letter to the specific role and company
  • Highlight relevant skills and experiences
  • Quantify achievements wherever possible
  • Proofread carefully for errors and clarity

Don'ts

  • Use a generic, mass-produced cover letter
  • Simply summarize your resume in paragraph form
  • Include irrelevant personal information
  • Exceed one page in length
  • Forget to sign your name at the bottom

Cover Letter Template

Internship Cover Letter Template

Header

Jane Doe 123 University Ave Anytown, ST 12345 (555) 123-4567 janedoe@email.com linkedin.com/in/janedoe

Date

April 15, 2023

Recipient

John Smith Internship Coordinator ABC Company 456 Corporate Blvd Anytown, ST 54321

Salutation

Dear Mr. Smith,

Opening

I am excited to apply for the Marketing Intern position at ABC Company. As a Marketing student at XYZ University, I have developed skills in social media marketing, content creation, and data analysis that I believe would enable me to contribute to your team. I was particularly drawn to this internship because of ABC Company's focus on innovative digital marketing strategies, which aligns closely with my own interests and career goals.

Body Paragraph 1

Through my coursework in Digital Marketing Analytics, I gained experience in using tools like Google Analytics and Hootsuite to track and optimize campaign performance. I also completed a capstone project where I developed and executed a social media campaign for a local small business, resulting in a 40% increase in website traffic and a 20% boost in sales. This experience honed my abilities in market research, content development, and ROI analysis, which I believe would be an asset in supporting ABC Company's digital marketing initiatives.

Body Paragraph 2

Outside of my studies, I have pursued my passion for marketing through my role as Social Media Coordinator for my university's Student Marketing Association. In this position, I manage our Instagram and TikTok accounts, creating engaging content and analyzing performance metrics. Through this experience, I have honed my skills in copywriting, graphic design, and community management. I'm excited to apply this knowledge to contribute to ABC Company's mission of delivering measurable results for clients.

Closing

I admire ABC Company's commitment to data-driven marketing and omnichannel brand strategies. I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from your talented team and contribute to your innovative client campaigns. Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss how I could contribute to ABC Company's marketing goals as your next Marketing Intern. I look forward to the opportunity to learn more about this exciting position.

Signature

Sincerely, Jane Doe
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