Why Your Cover Letter Matters So Much
Your cover letter is more than just a formality; it's your first impression. It's where you get to speak directly to the hiring manager and go beyond what's listed on your resume. The importance of a well-crafted cover letter cannot be overstated when applying for an internship position. It allows you to:- Showcase your personality and enthusiasm.
- Explain why you're interested in *this specific* company and *this specific* internship.
- Highlight skills and experiences that might not be obvious on your resume.
- Demonstrate your writing and communication abilities.
- Your Contact Information: At the top, include your name, address, phone number, and email.
- Date: The date you're writing the letter.
- Employer's Contact Information: The hiring manager's name (if you know it), their title, the company name, and address.
- Salutation: A professional greeting, like "Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name]". If you can't find a name, "Dear Hiring Manager" is okay.
- Introduction: State the internship position you're applying for and where you saw the advertisement. Briefly mention your excitement.
-
Body Paragraphs:
This is where you connect your skills and experiences to the internship requirements. You can use a table like this to organize your thoughts:
Internship Requirement My Relevant Skill/Experience Strong communication skills Debate club captain, customer service job Proficiency in [Software] Completed coursework using [Software], personal projects - Conclusion: Briefly reiterate your interest and thank the hiring manager for their time. Mention you're looking forward to hearing from them.
- Closing: A professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Regards," followed by your typed name.
Letter Example: For a Marketing Internship
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise "Hiring Manager")
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name or Hiring Manager],
I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Marketing Internship position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform where you saw the ad]. As a student with a passion for creative campaigns and understanding consumer behavior, I am eager to contribute my skills and learn from your innovative team.
During my [Year] year at [Your School], I have actively pursued opportunities to develop my marketing knowledge through coursework in [Relevant Courses] and by leading projects that involved [Specific marketing tasks, e.g., social media strategy, content creation]. For instance, in my [Class Name] project, I developed a comprehensive social media plan that resulted in a [Quantifiable result, e.g., 20% increase in engagement] for a fictional product. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s work in [Specific area of the company's work] and admire your approach to [Specific marketing campaign or initiative].
I am a quick learner, a proactive team player, and possess strong written and verbal communication skills. I am proficient in [List any relevant software or tools, e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, basic design tools] and am eager to expand my expertise in areas such as digital marketing and analytics. I am confident that my dedication and fresh perspective would make me a valuable asset to your marketing department.
Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review and welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [Company Name]'s success. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Typed Name]
Letter Example: For a Software Development Internship
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise "Hiring Manager")
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name or Hiring Manager],
I am writing with great excitement to apply for the Software Development Internship position at [Company Name], as posted on [Platform where you saw the ad]. As a driven and curious student pursuing a degree in [Your Major], I am eager to apply my foundational programming skills and passion for problem-solving in a real-world development environment.
My academic journey has provided me with a solid understanding of [Programming Languages you know, e.g., Python, Java, C++] and software development principles. I have successfully completed projects such as [Describe a project, e.g., building a simple web application, developing a data analysis tool], where I utilized [Specific skills used, e.g., object-oriented programming, database management]. I am also comfortable working with version control systems like Git. I am particularly impressed by [Company Name]'s commitment to [Company's mission or a specific technology they use] and am keen to learn from your experienced engineering team.
I am a meticulous coder, a collaborative team member, and possess a strong desire to continuously learn and improve. I am excited by the prospect of contributing to [Company Name]'s innovative projects and am confident in my ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and workflows.
Thank you for reviewing my application. My resume, attached for your convenience, provides further detail on my technical qualifications. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Typed Name]
Letter Example: For a General Business Internship
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise "Hiring Manager")
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name or Hiring Manager],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the General Business Internship position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform where you saw the ad]. With my strong analytical abilities and keen interest in various business functions, I am eager to gain hands-on experience and contribute to your esteemed organization.
Throughout my studies in [Your Major], I have developed a solid understanding of core business principles, including [Mention relevant subjects, e.g., economics, finance, management]. I have honed my organizational and problem-solving skills through [Mention an extracurricular activity or part-time job, e.g., managing event logistics for a student club, assisting with administrative tasks at a local office]. I am proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis and PowerPoint for presentations. I am drawn to [Company Name]'s reputation for [Company's reputation or a specific achievement] and am excited by the opportunity to learn from professionals in a dynamic business environment.
I am a diligent, detail-oriented, and adaptable individual with a proactive attitude. I am eager to support your team in any way I can and am committed to making a positive contribution during my internship.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I have attached my resume for your review and would be delighted to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Typed Name]
Letter Example: For a Non-Profit Internship
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise "Hiring Manager")
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name or Hiring Manager],
I am writing to express my profound interest in the [Specific Internship Title] Internship at [Organization Name], as advertised on [Platform where you saw the ad]. My deep commitment to [Organization's Mission/Cause] aligns perfectly with the invaluable work your organization does, and I am eager to contribute my energy and skills to your impactful initiatives.
During my time at [Your School], I have actively sought ways to engage with causes I care about. I have [Mention relevant volunteer experience or coursework, e.g., volunteered for a local food bank, completed coursework in social justice]. I am a strong communicator and enjoy working collaboratively to achieve shared goals. I am particularly inspired by [Organization Name]'s recent work on [Specific program or campaign], and I am eager to learn more about the practical application of program management and outreach within a non-profit setting.
I am a dedicated, compassionate, and resourceful individual with a strong work ethic. I am eager to support your team in [Mention specific tasks you're willing to do, e.g., research, community outreach, administrative support] and am confident in my ability to learn quickly and make a meaningful contribution.
Thank you for considering my application and for the vital work you do. I have attached my resume for your review and would be honored to discuss how I can support [Organization Name]'s mission.
Sincerely,
[Your Typed Name]
Letter Example: For a Creative/Arts Internship
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise "Hiring Manager")
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name or Hiring Manager],
I am writing to express my passionate interest in the [Specific Creative Internship Title] Internship at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform where you saw the ad]. As an aspiring [Your Creative Field, e.g., graphic designer, writer, photographer] with a keen eye for detail and a drive to create compelling content, I am thrilled by the opportunity to contribute to your innovative projects.
My academic coursework in [Your Major/Relevant Courses] has equipped me with a strong foundation in [Skills, e.g., visual design principles, storytelling techniques, photography basics]. I have actively developed my portfolio through [Mention personal projects or coursework examples, e.g., creating logos for student organizations, writing short stories, shooting and editing photo essays]. I am proficient in [List relevant software, e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro] and am always eager to explore new creative tools and techniques. I deeply admire [Company Name]'s artistic vision and [Specific work or project] and am excited to learn from your talented team.
I am a creative thinker, a diligent worker, and a collaborative spirit. I am eager to bring my fresh perspective and hands-on skills to your creative endeavors and to absorb as much knowledge as possible during this internship.
Thank you for considering my application. My resume and portfolio link (if applicable) are attached for your review. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your next creative success and welcome the chance to discuss my application further.
Sincerely,
[Your Typed Name]
Letter Example: When You Don't Know the Hiring Manager's Name
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
The Hiring Manager
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my keen interest in the [Internship Position Title] Internship at [Company Name], which I saw advertised on [Platform where you saw the ad]. I am a motivated [Your Year] student at [Your School] with a strong desire to gain practical experience in [Field related to the internship] and believe my skills and enthusiasm would be a great asset to your team.
My academic background in [Your Major] has provided me with a solid foundation in [Mention 2-3 key skills or areas of knowledge relevant to the internship]. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s work in [Specific area of the company's work or a recent achievement], and I am eager to contribute to projects that align with my growing interest in [Your specific area of interest within the field]. I am a quick learner, a proactive problem-solver, and a reliable team player.
Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [Company Name] during an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Typed Name]
Letter Example: As an Email Cover Letter
Subject: Internship Application - [Your Name] - [Internship Position Title]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name or Hiring Manager],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the [Internship Position Title] Internship at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform where you saw the ad]. As a [Your Year] student at [Your School] with a passion for [Field related to the internship], I am eager to contribute my skills and learn from your esteemed organization.
My coursework in [Your Major] has provided me with a strong foundation in [Mention 2-3 key skills or areas of knowledge relevant to the internship]. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s commitment to [Company's mission or a specific value], and I am confident that my ability to [Mention a key skill] and my dedication to [Mention a personal trait, e.g., teamwork, problem-solving] would allow me to make a valuable contribution.
I have attached my resume for your review, which provides further detail on my qualifications and experiences. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application with you further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (Optional)]