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How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship? (+5 Real Internship Cover Letter Examples)

• Júlia Mlčúchova , 
• Updated March 20, 2024 8 min read

Trying to figure out how to write a cover letter for an internship ? Look no further!

POV: After weeks and weeks of searching for the right internship opportunity, you've finally found it. But, at the end of the posting, there's a single short sentence that takes you aback:  “Please, attach a cover letter to your application .”

Although some consider cover letter writing to be a relic of the past, it still holds its rightful place in the professional world. 

Because a well-written and persuasive cover letter can sometimes make up for the lack of work experience on your resume . And if you're trying to apply for an internship , this is probably your case, too. 

So, continue reading this article and learn: 

• What is a cover letter for an internship;
• Whether you need to attach a cover letter to your internship application;
• How to write one in 7 steps;
• 5 real-life internship cover letter examples .

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is a cover letter for an internship?

Do you need a cover letter for an internship, how to write a cover letter for an internship in 7 steps, 5 real-life internship cover letter examples, key takeaways: how to write a cover letter for an internship.

Generally speaking, an internship cover letter is a formal document that accompanies your resume when applying for an internship. 

When it comes to its content, a cover letter for an internship falls somewhere between a traditional cover letter and a motivational letter . 

• A traditional cover letter , used by job applicants with years of experience, is supposed to underline some of the candidate's most relevant and impressive skills, qualifications, and work achievements . 
• A motivational letter , used mostly in academia, aims to communicate one's passion for the subject, their motivation, and personal goals . 

Hence, a cover letter for an internship combines the purpose of the traditional cover letter (convincing the recruiters that you're the right person for the job) with the tone and strategy of the motivational letter (writing about personal motivations and goals).

A truly successful internship cover letter should answer the following questions:

• Who are you? 
• Why are you interested in this particular internship?
• Why are you the best fit for this internship?
• What do you want to gain from this internship?

Absolutely! 

In fact, you should always attach a cover letter to your internship application , even if it isn't explicitly required from you.  

Why, you ask? 

Well, consider this: Internships are crucial stepping stones towards your dream career. And they're also incredibly competitive. A single internship opening can be answered by tens of applicants at a time. 

But how can you stand out from a crowd of equally inexperienced candidates? Certainly not by your non-existent professional accomplishments, right? 

When companies look for interns, they don't expect you to have a ton of real-life experience. They aren't looking for a “finished product,” but for someone with a genuine desire to learn and enthusiasm for the job. 

And these two are your weapons of choice!

How can a cover letter for an internship help you?

Apart from the reasons mentioned above, your internship cover letter is also responsible for: 

• Conveying first impression. Usually, recruiters will read your cover letter before looking at your resume. So, it's the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to them in a memorable way. 
• Showing your efforts. Next, taking the time to craft a thoughtful cover letter shows that you're willing to put in that extra effort to stand out from the rest of the candidates. 
• Highlighting your communication skills. Also, a well-written cover letter demonstrates your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and professionally. 
• Showing your professionalism. When you walk into a room, it's polite to introduce yourself and shake everybody's hand. This is exactly what a cover letter does! To attach one to your application is a common courtesy.

Now that you're familiar with the whats and whys , let's have a look at how to write a good cover letter for an internship step-by-step. 

For example : Application for [name of the internship] internship – Surname.

Then, place your contact information (your name; professional email address; phone number; link to your website / portfolio / social media accounts if relevant) directly into the header .

If you know the recipient's name, address them by “ Dear [full name] ,” or “ Dear Mrs/Mr [last name] ,”. If you don't know who to address the cover letter to , address it more generally to “Dear Hiring Manager,” .

In the first paragraph of your cover letter , start by stating your name and where you studied (including your current degree and year of study). Proceed by explaining how you came to know about the internship and what are your motivations for applying to it.

Since you don't have much work experience, you can talk about your academic achievements; relevant coursework; dissertation project; extracurricular activities; volunteering; membership in relevant societies, etc.

The closing paragraph of your cover letter should reiterate your desire to get the specific internship, express gratitude to the recipient for their time and consideration, and include a final call for action (i.e. "I look forward to discussing the next steps during an interview." )

Finally, based on how you greeted the recipient of your cover letter, you can sign off with either “ Yours sincerely ,” or “ Yours faithfully ,” . If you addressed the recruiter by their name, sign off with the former; if not, use the latter.

Don't feel like writing your internship cover letter by hand?

Let our AI cover letter writer create the first draft of your internship cover letter!

Undoubtedly, the best way to learn something is to look at specific examples . And that's exactly what we're going to do right now! 

Below, we've prepared 5 internship cover letters written by real people with the help of our cover letter templates .

And, each of them is accompanied by our internship cover letter writing tips that you can implement into your own cover letter! 

FYI, you can use each of these examples as the first draft for your very own internship cover letter – simply click on the red button and start personalising the text (or let AI handle it).

#1 Philips Marketing Intern Cover Letter Sample

Internship cover letter example:.

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

What can you take away?

• Eye-catching header.  Firstly, the header is visually clearly separated from the rest of the text. This makes the recruiters notice it immediately. Plus, the contact information of the company is also featured in the left-hand corner - just like it would be on an actual letter.
• Research the company before applying. Notice sentences like: “ I really like and relate to what Philips stands for … ” and “ Furthermore, it is very appealing that Philips operates on an international level… ”.This shows that the candidate’s done a thorough research of the company's philosophy and structure.

#2 Warner Bros. Public Relations Intern Cover Letter Example

• Share a personal story. This can help you establish a sentimental connection between you and the company. Show them that for you, working for their company means more than any old internship.
• Name-drop a referral. Now, this is a little bit of a cheat code. But, if you happen to know about anyone who has worked/currently works for the company, slip their name into your cover letter.

#3 University of Massachusetts Boston Intern Cover Letter Example

What can you take away  .

• Write about what you want to gain from the internship. It shows that you're not there just to have something to put on your resume; but that you’re motivated by the idea of gaining actual industry knowledge and skills.

#4 Audit/Tax Summer Internship at CohnReznick Cover Letter Sample

• Mention any relevant academic activities. If you're wondering how to write a cover letter for an internship with no experience whatsoever, this is your way to go! For example, notice how this candidate noted all of his relevant courses, skills, association membership, and competition participation.
• Focus on transferrable skills. Especially when your study programme doesn't necessarily fit the internship opening to a T. Instead, focus on any transferable skills you've picked up. 

#5 Intern at NBC Cover Letter Sample

• Keep your opening and closing paragraphs short and sweet. As you can see in this example, it helps keep a certain visual harmony of the overall document. And, despite the length, both paragraphs do exactly what they're supposed to. Besides, recruiters might be discouraged to read the rest of your cover letter if your introductory paragraph is too long.

To sum it all up, an internship cover letter is a formal document that you submit together with your resume when applying for an internship. Its content should be something between a traditional cover letter and a motivational letter.

Its purpose is to introduce yourself to the recruiters in a more personal way than the resume allows. 

The main things you want your internship cover letter to communicate are:

• who you are,
• why you're interested in this opportunity,
• what make you the best fit for the internship, 
• your motivation (your long-term professional goals),
• your desire to learn (what you want to gain from the experience).

To write a truly impactful and persuasive cover letter, we recommend following these 7 key steps: 

• Specify which internship you're applying for in the subject line.
• Include your contact information in a header.
• Address the recipient appropriately.
• Introduce yourself & your motivations in the opening paragraph.
• Elaborate on why you're a good fit and what motivated you in body.
• End your cover letter with a confident closing paragraph.
• Finish off with a polite sign off. 

Finally, if you feel that the examples provided in this article aren't enough, you can always find more in our cover letter database . 

Julia is an experienced career writer at Kickresume, who brings you expert tips on how to score big in the job market. From helping people improve their English to gain admission to their dream university, to guiding them on how to advance professionally, it would seem that her own career is also on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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How to Write a Cover Letter for Internships [Examples & Template]

Cover letters and resumes are the introductory documents that help an employer form their first impressions about a future employee. Thus, it is very important to draft the perfect documents to find success, especially when applying for an internship. To help you through the drafting process we are going to walk you through the process to write a cover letter for an internship that not only grabs attention but leaves a lasting impression.

Table of Contents

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship?

Want to write the best cover letter for an internship role? Follow the steps below and learn how to write a cover letter. 

• Mention Your Details: At the top left corner of the internship cover letter, write your full name, address, email ID, and phone number.
• Add Date: Next, add the date you are writing the letter. 
• Mention Receiver’s Details: Mention the receiver’s name followed by the company address. The receiver can be the manager or the HR professional responsible for recruitment. 
• Address the Recruiter: Write “Dear [name]” to address the recruiter before beginning the main content of the letter.
• Opening Statement: Write a brief statement that appeals to the recruiter and informs them of your intent to apply for the internship position. You can add one or two of your key achievements here but do not forget to mention which position you are applying for. 
• For example , you mention you have strong communication skills. Back the claim with a background story of how you gave a presentation on a technical topic and were able to communicate your idea easily to the audience due to your skills. 
• Closing Paragraph: Thank the recruiter and add a call to action, like requesting them to check your resume for more details or that you are available for an interview to discuss the internship opportunity further. 
• End With Formal Salutation: End your letter with “Warm Regards” or “Sincerely.”

Also Read: How to Write Cover Letter for a Job?

Cover Letter Template For Internship

Let us look at this internship letter template to understand how to write an internship application letter.

Also Read: Cover Letter Formats

Sample Cover Letter for Internship for Different Sectors

Here are some examples of letters for internships based on different sectors for your better understanding:

1. Sample Cover Letter for IT Internship

This sample cover letter for IT internship is for sectors like Web Development, Data Analyst, etc. 

2. Sample Cover Letter for Finance Internship

This cover letter format for an internship will guide you on how to create a cover letter for a job in the financial sector.

3. Sample Cover Letter for Marketing and Advertising Internship

This cover letter for an internship in marketing and advertising will help you showcase the skills that will enable you to contribute effectively in the corporate world, especially if you are seeking digital marketing internships .

4. Sample Cover Letter for Graphic Design Internship

This is the best cover letter for an internship in graphic design . It will help recruiters see your passion for design which will increase your chances of getting hired.

5. Sample Cover Letter for Human Resources (HR) Internship

This is the best way of writing a cover letter for an internship in Human Resources .

6. Sample Cover Letter for Law Internship

This format will highlight your relevant skills and experiences and make you a strong candidate for law internship opportunities .

Also Read: Cover Letter for Legal Interns .

Mistakes to Avoid while Drafting a Cover Letter

When writing cover letters it’s important to pay attention to minute details, here are some mistakes that you should avoid while writing your cover letter:

• Generic Templates- Craft a unique letter for each application, tailored to the specific internship and company.
• Ignoring Formatting- Use clear headings, bullet points, and a readable font. A well-formatted cover letter reflects your attention to detail.
• Overwhelming Length- Keep your cover letter concise and to the point. Aim for around 250-300 words.
• Neglecting Proofreading- Always proofread your cover letter before sending it out. Typos and grammatical errors can make a negative impression.
• Overusing Jargon- While it’s great to demonstrate your knowledge, avoid overloading your cover letter with industry jargon or technical terms. Explain complex concepts briefly and clearly to ensure your message is easily understood.

In this blog, we’ve covered some key points for writing a cover letter for an internship. By adding your own unique touch and showing your excitement for the role, you can set yourself apart from other applicants. So, take your time while writing a cover letter, and let your strengths shine on the page.

If you thought this blog was helpful, tell us in the comments section below. Also, check out these online interview tips before going for your next job interview.

Answer: To write a good cover letter for an internship, include keywords from the internship description, proofread to ensure content flow, highlight extracurriculars, format well, and customize each cover letter.

Answer: To write a letter asking for an internship, research the company to tailor your response accordingly. Write a meaningful subject line, add a greeting, and express your interest in the internship and the reason along with your skills and educational qualifications. 

Answer: Here is a sample for a basic cover letter: “My name is [your name], and I am writing to express my interest in the internship role [role title] at your company [company name]. I am excited to share that I believe I have the necessary skills and knowledge that make me the best candidate for the internship role. Kindly consider my application. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

Answer: Here is how you can write a cover letter for a legal internship, “Dear [recruiter’s name], As a recent law graduate, I am excited to hear about the internship role your company [name of the company] is offering. I have an additional certification course in corporate law and possess trial preparation skills. I am certain my skills and talent will be a great addition to your organization. Kindly consider my application in a positive light. I am excited to discuss this opportunity further with you. You can contact me at [email ID]. Thanks for your consideration.”

Answer: You should write a cover letter for an internship because it allows you to mention additional details you could not in the resume and provide background to some information like skills.

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Sandipta Banerjee has completed her Master's in English Literature and Language. She has been working in the field of editing and writing for the past five years. She started her writing journey at a very young age with her poems which have now evolved into a poetry blog. She was working as Editorial Head in a US-based publishing house before joining Internshala.

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How to Write a Cover Letter for Internship (Examples & Template)

You’ve found the perfect internship and it’s now time to apply and land the position!

But, in addition to your resume, you also have to write an internship cover letter.

You might end up staring at the blank Word document for hours and nothing comes out.

We don’t blame you; cover letters are hard to write even if you have a decade’s worth of work experience, let alone if you’re a recent graduate or a student.

Worry not, though; in this article, we’re going to teach you all you need to know to write a compelling cover letter for your internship.

• Do you need a cover letter for an internship?
• How to write a compelling cover letter for an internship
• Plug and play internship cover letter template

Do I Need a Cover Letter for an Internship?

First things first—if you’re wondering whether you actually need a cover letter for your internship application, the answer is yes . 

An internship application is just like any other hiring process, meaning that a recruiter will go over your resume , cover letter (and maybe even references), and decide whether you’re qualified for the position. 

And yes, recruiters contrary to what you might think, recruiters do read your cover letter. 56% of recruiters prefer a cover letter with an applicant’s application.

This is reasonable - a cover letter allows you to add essential information you didn’t have space for in a resume, as well as explain (in words) how your experiences are tied to the role you’re applying for.

As such, a cover letter for an internship is essential and complementary to your application package.

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s go over all the best ways to write a cover letter for an internship. 

How to Write a Cover Letter for Internship

#1. respect the format.

Before you can focus on your cover letter’s contents, you should first make sure you’re sticking to the right format. 

Otherwise, your cover letter will be disorganized and the recruiter will have a hard time following your train of thought.

So, here’s the format that your cover letter for an internship should follow: 

• Header with contact information. This includes your full name, professional email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile (if you have one). Underneath your contact info, you should add the date and the receiver’s information (the recruiter’s name and title, the company/organization name, and their physical address). 
• Addressing the recruiter. Greeting the recruiter with “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern” is common, but not the best approach. Want to show the hiring manager that you did your research? We recommend you address the hiring manager by name directly. Our guide on how to address a cover letter covers everything you need to know on this topic!      
• Opening statement. Your opening statement should be brief, but at the same time professional and attention-grabbing. Here, you introduce yourself, mention the position you’re applying for, and potentially a key achievement or two.   
• Body. The body of your cover letter consists of 2-3 paragraphs where you highlight your education, provide background for your skills, and explain how you (and the company) would benefit from each other professionally. 
• Closing paragraph. Your closing paragraph is your chance to include a call to action, to thank the recruiters for their time, or mention anything important you left out. 
• Formal salutation. End your cover letter with a formal salutation such as “kind regards,” “sincerely,” or “best regards.” Our guide on how to end a cover letter can teach you all you need to know on the topic. 

Having trouble getting started with your cover letter? Read our guide on how to start a cover letter and get inspired!

#2. State the Position You’re Applying For in the Opening

Recruiters hate one-size-fits-all cover letters and resumes.

Around 48% of recruiters and hiring managers aren’t even going to read your cover letter if it’s not customized to the role you’re applying for.

And one of the easiest ways to do this is by mentioning the role you’re applying for right in the cover letter opening.

This allows you to:

• Show that you will be tailoring the rest of your cover letter for that position alone.
• Prove that your cover letter is customized for this specific internship, and you’re not just randomly applying for the job,

Here’s a practical example of how you can mention the role you’re applying for in the cover letter opening:

Dear Mr. Jacobs, 

It is my pleasure to apply for the Communications Assistant internship position at the United Nations Development Programme. I can confidently say based on my 2-year experience working as a journalist and my excellent academic results in the Mass Communications Major that I’d be a good fit for the position. 

#3. Mention the Right Keywords

When reviewing your application, hiring managers tend to scan your cover letter or resume and look for the right keywords that would make you qualified for the internship you’re applying for.

E.g. If you're applying for a job in graphic design, the recruiter is probably looking for keywords like “Photoshop,” “Illustrator,” or “InDesign.”

As such, it’s very important to include the right keywords in your cover letter.

How can you find these keywords, you might ask?

It’s actually pretty simple - just look at the internship job description and go through the required skills & responsibilities and identify the keywords that you’d think the recruiter would be looking for.

Then, do the following:

• Sprinkle some of those keywords throughout your cover letter. When relevant, back them up with an experience. E.g. don’t just say “I’m good at Photoshop,” say how you’ve taken 3 different Photoshop classes and used Photoshop for 2 different projects.
• Don’t include keywords that don’t apply to you, they’ll just make it seem like you’re copy-pasting from the job description.
• Research and add other popular soft skills that recruiters look for in applicants for the role you’re applying for. E.g. If you’re applying for an internship as a communications assistant, chances are, you’ll need strong communication skills (even if this is not something listed in the job description.

Now, let’s look at a practical example. Let’s say that the internship you’re applying for requires the following skills:

• Communication
• Ability to meet strict deadlines

Here’s how you’d mention this in your cover letter:

During my time as Editor in Chief at my University’s newspaper, I got to develop my communication and leadership skills significantly. For over two years, I was in charge of a 7 people team, which also helped my teamwork skills and my ability to meet deadlines. 

Keep in mind, though, that it IS possible to overdo it with the keywords.

44% of hiring managers say they will dismiss a resume or cover letter that looks as if it has copied the job posting. 

Using each and every keyword mentioned in the job description (without backing the skills up with experiences) might cause the hiring manager to think that you’re just copying the job ad & don’t actually have these skills.

So, don’t just copy-paste all the keywords from the job description, and if you DO mention a lot of those keywords, make sure to back them up with practical experiences.

#4. Highlight Your Education

If you don’t have a lot of work experience, your education and relevant coursework is your best chance to show that you’re a good fit for the internship. 

Letting the recruiter know what kind of courses you’ve completed that are relevant to the internship you’re applying for will be a big plus for your application. 

Say, for example, that you’re applying for an internship as a graphic designer. To make your internship cover letter impactful, make sure to mention all the relevant courses and related accomplishments. 

Here’s an example of how you could do that:

As a Visual Design major, I have completed several courses that have helped me build my professional portfolio. A few of the most beneficial ones have been Design & Layout and Visual Communication: Theory and Practice. I have also gained valuable experience doing the layout of the university’s newspaper for 4 years and of several books as independent projects. 

#5. Provide Background For Your Skills

It’s one thing to just claim that you have a set of skills and another to prove it. 

Anyone can say that they’re great at doing something, but what makes all the difference is when you can actually put your money where your mouth is. 

For example, in your internship cover letter, instead of just mentioning that you have “good time-management skills,” actually back it up with a past experience that proves it.

During the summers I assisted my family’s wedding planning business, I learned a lot about time management. In that kind of business, it’s important that things run like clockwork so in addition to time management skills, it also significantly improved my attention to detail. 

#6. Explain Why You’re a Good Fit For The Position

In addition to just listing out the skills that are relevant and beneficial for the internship, you should also explain why you are a good fit for the position. 

This means that you should connect the dots between what the company/organization is looking to gain from its interns and what you can do to provide those services. 

So, after you research and create an understanding of what is required of you, you should use your cover letter to explain why you’re a good fit for that position. 

For the sake of the example, let’s assume you’re applying for an internship at a Human Rights organization. A big chunk of what the role requires is categorizing virtual files of the cases the organization has worked on in the past.

What you want to do, in this case, is show how you can help with that particular job as an intern. Here’s how:  

I have spent 3 summers working at the National Library, where I was tasked to sort and categorize books based on their topic, author, and year of publication, and also memorize where each section fits in the library. I believe this skill, which I have perfected over the years, can really be of use for the internship position at Organization X.

#7. Describe What You Would Gain Professionally

In addition to showing (and proving) your skills and how you can benefit the company, you should also explain how getting the position will benefit YOU . 

When it comes to internships, oftentimes they serve the purpose of helping students and young professionals acquire in-depth knowledge about the industry, create a network, and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their careers. 

So, it will surely help you make an even better impression if you show that you are self-aware about what you’ll get out of the internship and how it will help you grow professionally. 

Here’s how you can do that: 

I am excited for this internship to provide me with the necessary customer service skills and network that will help me grow professionally in my future career as a customer service manager. 

#8. Proofread Your Cover Letter

After all, is written and done, there’s one final thing to do and that is make sure your cover letter doesn’t have mistakes. 

A spelling or grammar mistake probably won’t disqualify you, but at the same time, it will probably be a red flag for recruiters that you’re not too attentive.

For this reason, ask a friend to proofread your cover letter or use spell-checking software such as Grammarly and Hemingway . 

Want to know what other cover letter mistakes you should avoid? Our guide on cover letter mistakes has all you need to know on the topic! 

#9. Match Your Cover Letter & Resume Designs

Want your internship application to truly shine?

Match your cover letter design with your resume!

Sure, you could go with a generic Word cover letter template, but why fit in when you can stand out?

At Novorésumé, all our resume templates come with a matching cover letter template , guaranteed to make your application truly special.

Cover Letter for Internship Template

Struggling to create a cover letter for your internship?

Simply follow our tried-and-tested internship cover letter template!

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! You should now have all the necessary information about how to create a cover letter for an internship.

Now, let’s do a small recap of the key learning points we just covered:

• Cover letters are a must when you’re applying for an internship.
• When you start writing your cover letter, make sure you respect the format: the header with contact information, the greeting to the recruiter, an opening paragraph, the body with 2-3 paragraphs, and a closing paragraph followed by an official salutation and your name.
• Some of our main tips on how to write a cover letter for an internship include: state the position you’re applying for, make use of the right keywords, and back up your skills with experiences.
• Use a cover letter builder and match it with your resume to make sure your cover letter truly stands out from the rest.

Related Readings: 

• Entry-level Cover Letter
• Do I Need a Cover Letter in 2024?
• Top 21 Cover Letter Tips

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How to write an internship cover letter: 7 tips & an example

Learn how to create a cover letter that helps your internship application stand out.

So, you’re ready to find the perfect internship and kickstart your professional career. You’ve researched opportunities, made a list of your dream companies, crafted a great resume, and are about to apply. But what should you upload for the application’s “cover letter” field?

You’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll tell you how to write a great cover letter that will help you stand out from the crowd and get you hired. It’s often the first thing a hiring manager will see when they open your application, so it's important to get it right. After all, first impressions are everything!

Read the internship posting carefully before writing your cover letter. Pay attention to the intern’s primary responsibilities and the desired candidate’s skills and experience. Keep the job posting handy so you can refer to it while writing.

Now that you’re ready to start writing, let’s get into our guide for creating the perfect cover letter for every application on your to-do list.

1. Customize each cover letter

One of the most important intern cover letter tips is to avoid using the same generic letter for all your applications. Recruiters and employers can tell when you didn’t take time to create a unique letter for their specific internship. Instead, open your cover letter by sharing why you’re excited about this particular internship and employer and why you’re a good fit. Include information about the company and the role you’re applying for (pro tip: Use language from the application!).

2. Structure the cover letter’s flow effectively

A well-crafted cover letter should grab the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager and effectively convey key information. Achieve this by structuring your cover letter with an engaging introduction sentence and impactful first paragraph, an informative body paragraph or two, and a strong closing paragraph. It's also important to strike a balance between conveying key information and maintaining a concise and engaging tone throughout your cover letter.

Cover letters shouldn’t be very long — three or four paragraphs are plenty. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Now is not the time to be chatty! Save the chit-chat to showcase how friendly and personable you are during the interview.

Hiring managers are busy, and you want to ensure they read your cover letter from start to finish. That’s why it’s key to emphasize only the most important points relevant to the internship you’re applying for while keeping the cover letter as short as possible so it’s easy to read.

3. Include keywords and supporting details

It is common for employers to scan resumes and cover letters for keywords related to the internship. First and foremost, use the company name. Next, incorporate any skills or experiences listed in the job description.

While your resume lists your technical skills and experience, a cover letter should include details about desirable soft skills like time management and communication skills. If you’re mentioning soft skills, provide support. For example, if you want to highlight your leadership skills, detail a time when you led a group project or served as a student group officer.

As you consider which skills and experience to mention in a cover letter, take a look at the ones listed in the application or job posting. Pointing to those shows the hiring manager why you’re the best candidate for that role and demonstrates that you’ve read the job description carefully. Taking the time to review the role strengthens your case as a sincerely engaged and interested applicant.

4. Highlight coursework and extracurriculars

Don’t worry if you don’t have much work experience. Describe relevant coursework and major projects you’ve worked on as a college student that demonstrate your knowledge and skills. You can also add any student group involvement or volunteer opportunities.

These combined experiences show your initiative and help you stand out as a candidate (even if you’ve never been paid to do those things). Just because you didn’t make any money doesn’t mean you didn’t do a great job! You’ll have the chance to demonstrate how well you performed in those roles during the interview, so get ready to discuss the experiences you mention in the cover letter in greater detail.

5. Share what you’d like to accomplish

Cover letters aren’t just for telling employers why they should hire you. They’re also an opportunity to share what you believe you’ll get from the specific position. Whether it’s gaining a new skill or learning more about an industry, share why the role is important to you. This tells the employer that you’re not just trying to satisfy course credits with your internship — you’re also looking for valuable work experience that will kickstart your career. Who knows, maybe they’ll want to hire you as a full-time employee later.

6. Professionally format the cover letter

Your cover letter format is just as important as what’s in it. Aim to keep your cover letter concise and limited to one page. Use a clean and readable font, like Arial or Calibri, with a font size of 10 to 12 points and proper spacing and margins for a professional appearance.

Include a header with your contact information, including your full name, phone number, professional email address, and optionally, your LinkedIn profile or relevant online portfolio. Also, try to find the hiring manager’s name to address the letter. Rather than starting with a salutation like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear hiring manager,” try to find the actual name of the person you’re addressing. Lastly, don’t forget to close with a professional sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Best.”

Get help with formatting your internship cover letter by downloading our free template . Again, remember to tailor it to the company and internship role you’re applying for!

7. Proofread and ask for feedback

Once your cover letter is ready, carefully read through it and check for spelling, punctuation, grammar mistakes, and typos. Have a friend or family member review it and give feedback. If you have a classmate majoring in English or communications who wouldn’t mind taking a look, even better!

Another option is to reach out to your school’s career center . Schedule an appointment to review your cover letter and resume and ask any other application- or interview-related questions. Your school wants you to succeed in your career, so take advantage of all the tools they have to offer while you’re attending.

Example cover letter

Here’s an internship cover letter example to use as a starting point. Remember to tailor yours to the specific job you’re applying for rather than just copying and pasting this one:

[Your Full Name]

[Your Contact Info (include relevant social media accounts, if applicable)]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

[Hiring Manager’s Job Title]

[Hiring Manager’s Contact Info]

Dear [hiring manager’s full name],

As a passionate [college/university] student majoring in [relevant field], I am eager to immerse myself in [Company’s Name]’s groundbreaking work in the [relevant industry] through your internship position. I firmly believe my [specific skills or coursework] will allow me to serve as a valuable asset on the [Company Name] team while expanding my knowledge to real-world challenges and harnessing invaluable hands-on experience within the industry.

With a passion for [specific aspect of the industry or role], I am confident in my ability to [relevant job responsibilities or tasks]. During my studies, I have developed a solid foundation in [mention relevant coursework or projects], which has equipped me with the [skills or knowledge] necessary for success in this role. Additionally, my experience as a [relevant internship or extracurricular activity] has allowed me to further refine my [specific skills or abilities].

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s commitment to [mention a value, mission, or specific project]. The opportunity to work alongside a talented and innovative team while contributing to [Company Name]'s growth is truly inspiring. My strong [communication/analytical/technical, etc.] skills, coupled with my dedication and adaptability, make me an ideal fit for the [job title] role.

I welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications and learn more about [Company Name] in an interview. Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your Name]

Do you need a cover letter for an internship?

While a cover letter isn’t mandatory for all internship applications, we recommend submitting one. A cover letter provides an opportunity to showcase your qualifications, skills, and enthusiasm for the internship position. It allows you to personalize your job application, demonstrate professionalism, and communicate your interest in the role and organization.

A well-written cover letter can significantly enhance your chances of standing out among other candidates and securing the internship. Hiring managers know that job and internship seekers are likely applying to many other opportunities at the same time, so ensure they know their company is one you would especially like to work for.

How do you write an internship cover letter if you have no experience?

If you lack professional experience, you can still present yourself with confidence, highlight your relevant skills and achievements, and convey your eagerness to learn and contribute. Here are some tips for accomplishing this:

• Focus on transferable skills. Highlight relevant transferable skills acquired through coursework, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. These skills can include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, organization, research, or leadership skills.
• Emphasize academic achievements. Showcase your academic achievements, such as high grades, honors, or specific coursework relevant to the internship. Discuss how your academic knowledge and skills can apply to the internship role and contribute to the organization.
• Showcase relevant projects or coursework . If you have completed any projects or coursework that align with the internship position, describe them in detail. Highlight the tasks, methodologies, and outcomes to demonstrate your ability to apply your knowledge in a practical setting.
• Leverage extracurricular involvement. Discuss any relevant extracurricular activities or leadership roles you have held. For example, if you were part of a club or organization related to the internship’s field, explain your involvement and how it has developed your skills or provided you with relevant experiences.
• Express eagerness to learn. Emphasize your willingness and enthusiasm to learn and grow in the internship. Highlight your passion for the field and commitment to acquiring new skills and knowledge. Demonstrating a positive attitude and eagerness to learn can compensate for a lack of direct experience.
• Connect with the company's culture , mission, and values. Research the organization and align your cover letter with its mission, values, and projects. Show that you are genuinely interested in their work and how your background and aspirations align with their goals.
• Network and seek recommendations. If possible, reach out to network contacts who may have connections or insights into the internship opportunity. Requesting recommendations or endorsements from professors, advisers, or professionals in the field can bolster your application.

Land your dream internship

The ultimate goal: landing your dream internship (and, later, your dream job!). An effective cover letter can help make that happen. It's your chance to shine, showcasing why you're the perfect fit for the position. A personalized and compelling letter grabs employers’ attention and helps you stand out from the crowd. Remember to be authentic, highlight relevant experiences, and let your passion shine through.

Don't underestimate the impact of a well-crafted cover letter and the opportunities that lie ahead. This is your opportunity to show potential employers your skills and abilities and share some of your background with them before the interview.

Head over to Handshake today to open doors to exciting internship possibilities. Not only can we connect you with the best companies looking for talent just like you, but you can also set up job alerts so you won’t miss that golden opportunity. Happy job searching!

Find the right jobs for you. Get hired.

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5 Internship Cover Letter Examples to Edit Now in 2025

• Internship Cover Letter
• Internship Cover Letter By Experience
• Internship Cover Letters By Role
• Write Your Internship Cover Letter

An internship cover letter complementing your internship resume could be your ticket to the next step in your career! Depending on the field you want to work in, writing a great cover letter could secure an invaluable internship based on how you present your skills, experiences, and unique traits.

But how should an internship cover letter look? What should the overall structure be, and how do you make yourself memorable in a sea of applicants?

Don’t worry. We’ve helped plenty of people get internships to bridge the gap between themselves and their dream jobs. We’ve created 5 internship cover letter examples and developed a free cover letter generator to help you out with some handy tips, too!

 Internship Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

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Block Format

Copy this text for your internship cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Columbus, OH 43201 (123) 456-7890

October 30, 2025

Alexander Harris JPMorgan Chase & Co. 123 Fictional Lane Columbus, OH 43201

Dear Mr. Harris:

During a nail-biting university cybersecurity tournament, my team and I acted as the digital custodians of our data fortress. Just as excitement buzzes in the air during a World Cup soccer final, the thrill of solving problems, analyzing data, securing networks, and outsmarting virtual threats had me hooked. Now, I’m eager to bring these skills and passion to a respected institution like JPMorgan Chase & Co. as an intern.

During a brief internship at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, I was fortunate to collaborate with a team that built a robust data defense system. A thorough analysis of internal network components unearthed potential vulnerabilities, catalyzing the deployment of innovative solutions that cranked up our security levels by an unexpected 23%.

Fast forward to my time running Franklin University’s Network Systems Club, our crew embarked on a quest to build a resilient network infrastructure. Harnessing tools like Wireshark and Nessus, we curated a secure environment that saw an 18% increase in network efficiency, along with a 32% leap in university-wide accessibility.

Data analysis has been a noteworthy chapter in my academic journey. Wielding R statistical software like a maestro, I grappled with colossal datasets, cleaned them up, and gleaned insightful revelations. One such project generated a 19% uptick in the accuracy of our predictive model. Recognizing the criticality of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape, I piloted a sweeping awareness drive in the Franklinton neighborhood of Columbus, which successfully enlightened over 779 people on safe online practices.

I’m eager to not just contribute to JPMorgan Chase & Co. but also soak up every nugget of knowledge and experience available. Looking forward to discussing this opportunity further at your earliest convenience. Thank you for considering my application.

Maya Haddad

Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation Academic transcript

Why this cover letter works

• Think of a unique experience relevant to the role (in this case, consider the internship at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital). Describe your responsibility, skills, or knowledge applied and the positive impact made. Better yet, mention the lesson learned (in this case, a better understanding of network administration’s role in organizational communication).

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Internship No Experience Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your internship no experience cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Fort Worth, TX 76101 (123) 456-7890

Amelia Martin Tarrant Area Food Bank 123 Fictional Lane Fort Worth, TX 76101

Dear Ms. Martin:

Amid a vibrant business administration study, I stumbled upon a cause close to my heart. The strength of Fort Worth’s economically challenged residents struck a chord within me, and I’m inspired to blend my skills in social media management, content creation, and email marketing with my passion for empowering these individuals. It’s with great excitement that I apply for the nonprofit Intern role at Tarrant Area Food Bank.

Picture a local charity in Fort Worth seeing its community engagement soar by 27%. With colleagues, I spearheaded a mission titled “Sharing Smiles Across Miles,” a campaign aimed at spreading awareness about the plight of economically challenged residents and rallying support for their nourishment and development by harnessing the power of Hootsuite and Canva.

A summer internship at Cowtown saw me use tools such as Mailchimp and Constant Contact, where I successfully crafted bespoke and captivating email campaigns, bolstering a local environmental campaign’s donor involvement by 22%. Capitalizing on my content creation skills, I initiated a personal blog to raise awareness about food insecurity within Fort Worth’s underserved neighborhoods. The blog garnered over 2,178 readers.

With an unwavering commitment to harness my abilities for positive societal impact, I’m ready to join Tarrant Area Food Bank’s noble mission of empowering our community. Thank you.

Oliver Svensson

• Emulate how Oliver highlights a social media campaign and a personal blog he curated for the betterment of his community, complemented by tangible results from the efforts. The project’s nature also makes the candidate more relatable to the hiring nonprofit.

Finance Internship Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your finance internship cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Charlotte, NC 28201 (123) 456-7890

Daniel Thompson Bank of America 123 Fictional Lane Charlotte, NC 28201

Dear Mr. Thompson:

Bank of America’s unwavering dedication to delivering financial solutions that reshape the world resonates deeply with my ambitions. Fueled by a love for finance and a knack for bringing order to complexity, I am thrilled at the prospect of grappling with financial challenges and driving insightful decisions as your financial analyst intern. Just as Bank of America empowers people through financial inclusivity, I aim to become an impactful player in this schema, keen to harness my background in financial reporting, data analysis, and beyond.

During my business and finance coursework at Johnson C. Smith University, I excelled in financial analysis and reporting, earning the highest grade among my peers. This academic voyage fortified my proficiency in valuable instruments such as QuickBooks for financial statements and Excel for robust data scrutiny.

At Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte, I volunteered to analyze fundraising data and streamline the organization’s financial reporting. This proactive initiative reinforced donation revenue by 23% in just six months. I then built a volunteer-based portfolio management system for three Charlotte-based startups, hiking resource allocation efficiency by 36% within a year.I also seized an opportunity to work on a semester-long project in collaboration with Blythe Construction, a regional construction company. Leveraging financial modeling tools and R programming for profound data insights helped cut construction costs by an impressive 17%.

Thrilled by the prospect of translating my academic prowess, volunteer experience, and unwavering dedication to finance into tangible value, I’m eager to join the ranks at Bank of America as a financial analyst intern. With a deep reservoir of perseverance, innovative thinking, and an insatiable desire to propel the bank’s success further, I anticipate the rewarding journey this opportunity promises. Thank you for considering my application.

Ava Johansson

• In the same vein, wrap up your piece by emphasizing your eagerness to learn and contribute to the team, painting a picture of an adaptable candidate willing to grow.

Accounting Internship Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your accounting internship cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue El Paso, TX 79901 (123) 456-7890

November 10, 2025

Ethan Anderson Deloitte 123 Fictional Lane El Paso, TX 79901

Dear Mr. Anderson:

Deloitte’s commitment to driving innovation in accounting and delivering impactful solutions across industries speaks directly to my passion for creating value in finance. As a final-year finance student at the University of Florida, I am excited about the opportunity to join your team as an accounting intern while learning from industry leaders.

Previously, as a customer service representative at Infinite Energy, I managed a high volume of daily client interactions. I also used Quickbooks to process invoices, maintaining a 98% accuracy through tenure. By refining communication processes, I reduced monthly customer complaints by 23%.

During an academic project with Statement Savvy, I developed various financial reports on Microsoft Excel and held mock internal audits, identifying 3 areas for improvement to comply with current regulations. I was also responsible for introducing new audit practices, helping the team complete month-end finance audits 47 minutes quicker on average. This experience taught me how to handle audit trails, aligning with the internship requirements at Deloitte.

As a team member in a university project, I assisted the leader in reconciling 438 records of financial data for a hypothetical company on Xero. Additionally, I prepared tax returns and discovered multiple deductions that could save the company $6,381 annually. It was during this project that two of my professors granted me letters of recommendation.

My technical proficiency in accounting software and solid attention to detail position me as the best fit for Deloitte’s finance team. I am eager to contribute and grow within your organization, and I look forward to discussing this role in greater detail at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

William Jansen

Enclosures: Resume Application form 2 letters of recommendation

• Instead of just adding what you did or learned from your projects, word out your accounting internship cover letter wisely and include impacts that companies value. Phrases like “expediting audit times” and “identified tax deductions” are gold in this situation.

Engineering Internship Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your engineering internship cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue San Jose, CA 95101 (123) 456-7890

Grace Hill Cisco Systems 123 Fictional Lane San Jose, CA 95101

Dear Ms. Hill:

While on an expedition to Cisco’s headquarters, I was fascinated by how its engineering team works to innovate solutions. I’ve wanted to join the company and contribute to its mission of revolutionizing networking technology. This engineering intern role offers a unique opportunity to apply my skills and obtain my first collaborative experience with industry-leading engineers.

During a project at my university, I worked with 6 peers to design and optimize a network system for an on-campus research platform used by 45+ people. Using Cisco Packet Tracer, we visualized how the network would work and integrated Python codes for more efficiency. Acting as a team player, I learned how important every engineer’s contribution is to solving a real-world challenge.

In another project, I led a group of students to develop an energy-efficient data center system. Using MATLAB and CAD, we designed a prototype that consumed 16% less power than traditional systems. This hands-on project improved my problem-solving capabilities and let me work through the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept to testing and refinement.

While participating in the ME72 Engineering Design Competition, I assisted my teammates in developing 3 remote-controlled vehicles by drafting their troubleshooting documentation on Scribe. This enabled them to fix last-minute complications 51 minutes quicker on average and eliminate 4 recurring technical issues. I also ensured that all production output met 97% of expectations throughout my tenure.

I am particularly drawn to this role at Cisco Systems due to my experience and the company’s mission of technological advancements. I’m eagerly awaiting your positive response to my application.

Clara Duval

Enclosures: Resume Application Form Transcript of records

• Clara nails this by opening with a story of how a past expedition left her fascinated—and motivated her to apply to Cisco. This clearly shows potential employers that her engineering passion doesn’t come from textbooks alone!

Related cover letter examples

• Internship Resume
• Entry Level
• Financial Analyst
• Bank Teller
• Administrative Assistant

How to Write A Great Internship Cover Letter

Tailoring your cover letter to the job description is always important, but it’s more critical than ever if you’re seeking an internship! Since “internship” isn’t a profession but a way into one, you’ll need to utilize your language and paragraph topics to highlight where you overlap with the job.

Basically, you should write out whatever the job description calls for that you already have! If you want an internship at an insurance office, you should probably emphasize your clerical skills instead of focusing on your artistic abilities.

Writing a proper greeting and intro

It’s always polite to address someone by name, and cover letters are no exception! Make sure you show your preparedness and enthusiasm for the internship by taking the time to look up who you’re writing to.

Next, your opening paragraph should hook the reader with a few hints about what you’re good at. State why you want the job and use that as a platform to connect with the company through its values.

Make sure you list a couple of traits that make you a great fit for that specific internship role! This will make it easier for recruiters to sift through your qualifications and spark interest in the rest of your letter.

Just don’t write an informal, tasteless, or vague resume like this one:

Hey, this internship sounded cool off the list of choices. If you still have an open spot I’d like to try it and I can give you a bunch of reasons why I’m qualified

Look what a difference it makes to connect via the company’s objectives while using them to show how you’re qualified to benefit them as an intern:

That’s a winner!

Bank of America’s unwavering dedication to delivering financial solutions that reshape the world resonates deeply with my ambitions. Fueled by a love for finance and a knack for bringing order to complexity, I am thrilled at the prospect of grappling with financial challenges and driving insightful decisions as your financial analyst intern. Just as Bank of America empowers people through financial inclusivity, I aim to become an impactful player in this schema, keen to harness my background in financial reporting, data analysis, and beyond.

Writing ideal body paragraphs

While seeking an internship, your body paragraphs should directly correlate with the job description . Each paragraph should focus on one central point to keep your letter organized and easy to read.

Revisit the job description , company site, or any other resources you found about the business you’re applying to. Which of their values can you connect with? Do they support strong mentorship environments, giving you the ideal space to discuss your versatile abilities?

Just make sure that each paragraph has a little snippet of success to share, and always support that positive impact with a metric. Mention your achievements and credentials, and back them up with success percentages or personal ratings.

Here’s a good body paragraph example:

Picture a local charity in Fort Worth seeing its community engagement soar by 27%. With my colleagues, I spearheaded a mission titled “Sharing Smiles Across Miles,” a campaign aimed at spreading awareness about the plight of economically challenged residents and rallying support for their nourishment and development, by harnessing the power of Hootsuite and Canva.

Closing and signing off your internship cover letter

No piece of writing is complete without a conclusion, and you’ll want to make the most of your internship cover letter closer! This paragraph is your opportunity to tie everything together with a few final skills and a strong reiteration of why you jive with the company.

Don’t forget to include a call to action. Invite the reader to contact you again for more information on why you belong in that internship role! And make sure you thank the reader for their time, too.

You can say thank you in your closing paragraph or use it as your formal signoff. If you don’t use it as your signoff, end with a professional line and use your full, real name.

Don’t be vague, informal, or write a messy closer that runs on while still feeling incomplete:

Oh no . . .

Well I really want to get started on my internship as soon as possible so hopefully you can see why I’m qualified from all that stuff, so make sure you call me.

Instead, seize the chance to reconnect with the company and invite them to discuss more of your qualifications:

That’s nice!

I’m eager to not just contribute to JPMorgan Chase & Co. but also soak up every bit of knowledge and experience available. Looking forward to discussing this opportunity further at your earliest convenience. Thank you for considering my application.

Internship Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

• As an intern, you’re still proving your mettle, so show that you did your homework by researching who you’re actually writing your cover letter to! Avoid the “classics” that sound generic and make any cover letter look outdated. That means shunning greetings like “To Whom it may Concern,” “ Dear Sir/Madam ,” and “Dear Hiring Manager.”
• We totally get that most interns are just getting started in the professional world and have limited history to share. Still: Look for strategic angles to leverage the experiences you do have, whether those are from school projects or other internships. Maybe being captain of your college football team doesn’t directly relate to your dream job role , but the teamwork skills you developed each season probably do! Look for experiences and skills that translate similarly well to your desired job role and align with the job description.
• Since you haven’t had many (or any) jobs just yet, you’ll want to seek out numbers and quantifiable data to boost your credibility as a rising professional. You may not have had the opportunity to make measurable waves in the workforce, but if you can measure the ones you’ve made in previous internships or projects, you’ll highlight your desirability as a candidate!
• Your closing paragraph needs a strong call to action. Demonstrate enthusiasm! You really want that job, right? Show your ambition by summarizing your qualifications, inviting the reader to contact you for more, and encouraging further questions about why you’re a great fit.

Visit the company’s website and browse their About page, any mission statement, company history pages, etc. See if you can find values that overlap with yours to reflect in your cover letter and use as a segue into your qualifications!

If you didn’t come across the name of the recruiter or hiring manager while researching the company and combing through the job listing, don’t worry! You may also be able to look through professional social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Anything longer than one page probably won’t be read all the way through since recruiters have limited time, so keep your cover letter short and sweet. You want to nail that internship by showing your ability to convey information efficiently.