Crafting a strong cover letter is essential when applying for an internship, as it’s often your first opportunity to make a good impression on potential employers. A well-written cover letter highlights your skills, enthusiasm, and fit for the role, setting you apart from other candidates. Here’s how to write a compelling cover letter for an internship that demonstrates your potential and passion.

Are Cover Letters Still Relevant In 2024?

Absolutely. Currently, cover letters still play an important role in the overall hiring process. Don’t think they’re just being swallowed up and ignored, either: 87% of hiring managers do read cover letters that find their inboxes.

Even for an internship, your cover letter is a great chance to distinguish yourself from the other applicants, and possibly land a career-shaping opportunity.

Start With A Professional Introduction

Begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager by name if possible – check places like LinkedIn to see if you can suss out who it is. If the hiring manager’s name is not listed, “To the Hiring Manager” is an acceptable alternative. Mention the specific internship you’re applying for in the first sentence, as well as where you found the job posting. You want to show that you thoughtfully considered this role, and it signals to the reader that you crafted this cover letter just for this internship, instead of copying and pasting the same letter a dozen times. 

Express excitement for the role and briefly introduce yourself, giving the reader a snapshot of your educational background and relevant experience.

Keep Keywords In Mind

Many jobs and internships now use applicant tracking software (ATS) to review all the applications they get at once – 70% of large companies put it to use, and 20% of small and mid-sized companies have also hopped onboard with this software. To make sure yours gets noticed, look through the internship listing and gather ideas for what to include in your letter.

Showcase Your Relevant Skills And Experiences

The body of your cover letter is where you can highlight the key skills, experiences, and qualities that make you a strong candidate. Instead of focusing on what you hope to gain from the internship, concentrate on what you can offer the company.

Reference any previous experience or skills you’ve developed that are relevant to the role. For instance, if you’re applying for a marketing internship, mention any classes or projects in digital marketing, social media management, or data analysis. Even if you don’t have direct professional experience, think about any volunteer work, extracurricular activities, or academic projects that demonstrate your capability.

Emphasize how your skills align with the company’s goals and values. Researching the organization beforehand can help you draw connections between your background and the company’s mission. Tailoring your cover letter in this way shows that you’re genuinely interested in the position and committed to making a positive impact.

Demonstrate Enthusiasm And Adaptability

Since internships are often entry-level, hiring managers are typically looking for candidates who show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Express your eagerness to contribute to the team, grow professionally, and tackle new challenges. Highlight your adaptability and any instances where you successfully learned a new skill or quickly adapted to a different environment. This is especially important for internship roles, as employers value interns who can take direction well and handle multiple responsibilities in a dynamic setting.

Explain Why You’re A Good Fit For The Company

In addition to discussing your skills, take a moment to explain why you’re interested in this particular company. Share what specifically attracted you to the organization—whether it’s their innovative approach, unique values, or specific achievements. When you mention what you admire about the company, it shows the hiring manager that you’ve done your homework and that you’re truly invested in this opportunity. This level of personalization can leave a lasting impression and set your application apart.

Close With A Professional Tone

Conclude your cover letter by thanking the hiring manager for their time and consideration. Express your interest in discussing your qualifications further and suggest your availability for an interview. A confident, polite closing leaves a positive final impression, reinforcing your professionalism and eagerness to contribute. End with a standard closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name.

An Example Cover Letter

Want to know what this all looks like put together? Here’s an example cover letter that touches on these points.

Dear John Doe,

 

I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Software Engineering Internship at Techbrand that I came across on LinkedIn. I am currently a third-year computer science student at ABC University, where I have developed a strong foundation in software development, algorithms, and problem-solving. I am excited about the opportunity to apply my skills in a practical, fast-paced environment, and I believe my technical background, along with my passion for innovation, makes me a strong fit for this internship.

 

During my time at university, I have gained hands-on experience with several programming languages, including Python, Java, and C++, and have successfully completed several coding projects, such as building a task management application using React and Node.js.

 

I am particularly drawn to Techbrand because of your commitment to innovation and the impactful projects you are working on, such as [mention specific projects or technologies the company is involved with, if known]. I am eager to contribute to your team and collaborate on challenging projects that push the boundaries of technology.

 

I have attached my resume for your review and would be thrilled to discuss how my background and skills align with the goals of your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you further.

 

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Land Your Internship With The Perfect Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter for an internship requires a balance of professionalism and enthusiasm. By focusing on your skills, adaptability, and specific reasons for wanting the role, you can create a compelling cover letter that showcases your unique value to the employer and maybe even kickstarts a long career. Remember, this is your chance to show the company that you’re more than just another candidate—you’re an asset waiting to make an impact.