editorial internship cover letter examples

3 Editorial Cover Letter Examples

Editorials are the persuasive voice of a publication, skillfully articulating viewpoints and influencing readers through compelling narratives. Similarly, your cover letter is your persuasive voice to potential employers, weaving your professional experiences into a compelling narrative that influences their hiring decisions. In this guide, we'll explore the best cover letter examples for Editorials, helping you to craft a persuasive narrative that leaves a lasting impression.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start an Editorial cover letter is by addressing the recipient by name, if known, to make it more personal. Then, introduce yourself and state the position you're applying for. It's also beneficial to mention where you found the job posting or who referred you, if applicable. The opening paragraph should be engaging and express your enthusiasm for the role. You can do this by briefly mentioning your relevant experience or skills that make you a strong candidate for the position. This sets a positive tone and shows the recipient that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Editorials should end a cover letter with a concise and professional closing. Start by thanking the recipient for their time and consideration. Then, express enthusiasm about the potential of joining their team and contributing to their work. It's also important to indicate your availability for further discussions or interviews. For instance: "Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of bringing my unique skills and perspectives to your editorial team. I am available at your earliest convenience to discuss how I can contribute to your publication. Looking forward to the opportunity to further discuss my candidacy." Finally, close with a formal sign-off like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your full name and contact information. This ending is both respectful and professional, leaving a positive impression on the reader.

An Editorials cover letter should ideally be one page long. This length is sufficient to succinctly introduce yourself, explain why you are interested in the editorial role, highlight your relevant skills and experiences, and express your enthusiasm for the publication. It's important to keep it concise and engaging, as editors often have numerous applications to review and may not spend a lot of time on each cover letter. A one-page cover letter allows you to present your case effectively without overwhelming the reader with too much information.

Writing a cover letter with no experience as an Editorial can seem challenging, but it's important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to approach this: 1. Start with a strong introduction: Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and stating the position you're applying for. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. 2. Highlight relevant skills: Even if you don't have direct experience, you likely have skills that are relevant to the role. These could include strong writing and communication skills, attention to detail, creativity, or the ability to work under tight deadlines. Use specific examples to demonstrate these skills. 3. Showcase your knowledge about the industry: Show that you understand the industry and the role of an editorial. This could involve discussing current trends, mentioning influential editorials you admire, or explaining how your skills could contribute to the industry. 4. Include any relevant experience: Even if you don't have direct editorial experience, you may have other experiences that are relevant. This could include writing for a school newspaper, blogging, or even academic writing. Be sure to highlight these experiences and explain how they've prepared you for an editorial role. 5. Express your willingness to learn: As a newcomer, it's important to show that you're eager to learn and grow in the role. This can make you an attractive candidate, as it shows you're adaptable and committed to the profession. 6. Close with a strong conclusion: Reiterate your interest in the role and the company, and express your eagerness to contribute your skills and learn from the experience. 7. Proofread: Make sure your cover letter is free of errors. This is especially important for an editorial role, as it demonstrates your attention to detail. Remember, everyone has to start somewhere. Your passion, commitment, and relevant skills can make you a strong candidate, even without direct experience.

Related Cover Letters for Editorials

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Content Manager Cover Letter

Editorial Cover Letter

Editorial Assistant Cover Letter

Editorial intern cover letter, related resumes for editorials, editorial resume example.

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Editorial internship cover letter

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

Published: September 15, 2023

Writing a cover letter can feel like a daunting task, especially if you don’t have a lot of real-world experience.

Fortunately, a cover letter is actually a chance to explain how your extracurriculars and classes have taught you exceptional leadership and time management skills.

We’ve created an internship cover letter template to provide some initial structure and inspiration. For the best results, download our template, then add your own creativity and flair with the tips below.

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.

• Standard Cover Letter Template
• Entry-Level Cover Letter Template
• Data-Driven Cover Letter Template

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship

• Include your name, date, location, and contact information.
• Include the company, department, and company address.
• Address the hiring manager.
• Set the context for your application.
• Sell your experience.
• Close the letter with grace and a call to action.

There are different formats you can use when writing internship cover letters, but you can’t go wrong with the traditional business letter format. Business professionals use this template style to apply for full-time roles, so your cover letter will stand out above the rest. Remember to proofread, use formal terms such as “Dear” and “Sincerely,” and lean towards a professional tone in your body copy.

1. Include your name, date, location, and contact information.

Although some companies are firmly against using applicant tracking systems, chances are many of the companies you apply to  will screen your resume and cover letter using one. That means you’ll need to stand out to both an automated system and human recruiters.

Have you ever heard the myth that you’d get credit for writing your name on the SAT exam? The same applies to adding contact information to your cover letter, but it’s 100% true. Make it easy for the recruiter to get in touch with you by providing an up-to-date phone number and email address.

In the past, it was common for job and internship seekers to include their exact address on their cover letter as they’d mail them directly to the hiring managers. In today’s digital world, most hiring teams won’t need to know your exact home address to extend an internship offer, so feel free to leave it off. Simply include your city and state to give the team an idea of your proximity to the office.

Your Address

Your City, State, Zip Code

Cell: 555-555-5555

Email: [email protected]

2. Include the company, department, and company address.

If you’re writing a cover letter for several internship opportunities, you’ll find it helpful to search the full name, department, and headquarters address of each company. Doing this as a separate step will help you copy the information accurately in your cover letter. Remember, you don’t want any typos or mistakes in your cover letter, especially when it comes to information that can be easily found on the internet.

Finding the department name may not be as simple, so you can leave that out if you’re unsure. If your company has several campuses or operates in different cities, use the address of the location where the internship will be performed or the office location where your hiring manager works. If your internship will be remote, use the company’s general headquarters address.

City, State Zip

3. Address the hiring manager.

As a student looking for an internship, you’ll definitely set yourself apart from other applicants by being resourceful. You can show your resourcefulness by searching for the hiring manager’s name to properly address them in your cover letter. Occasionally, their title is stated in the role description. You can then search for the role on LinkedIn to identify their name. If you can’t find a name, you can instead address them by title only. Other times, though, finding the name of the hiring manager could be more difficult. If a Google search doesn’t return a first and last name, your best bet is to leave the name out. Sacrificing a bit of personalization is much better than addressing the wrong person in your cover letter.

Dear X, (try to find the hiring manager’s name… if you can’t, you can put “Dear [Company A] Hiring Committee”)

4. Set the context for your application.

In the first paragraph, explain how you heard about the company or position, and if you know anyone at the company, mention them here. Next, express your own interest in the company or position and explain briefly how it relates to your own passions. Don’t forget to introduce yourself in this paragraph, writing your name, your education level, your major, and your interests.

You may opt for a creative first line to capture the reader’s attention. One that worked for me early in my career went something like this:

“ Can I tell you a secret? I’ve been telling stories since I was five years old. No, not fibbing — real storytelling... ”

This is where you’ll benefit from researching the company’s culture. While this opening statement worked well for startups and more laid-back companies, a big accounting firm might find it culturally off-beat.

5. Sell your experience.

Scan the internship position description and pick out a few qualities you think apply to you — just don’t choose all the descriptors mentioned as it could appear disingenuous and make your cover letter too long. For instance, if I see a company is looking for someone who’s “outgoing, organized, hardworking, and willing to take criticism,” I would pick those that describe me best and focus on providing examples in the body of my cover letter.

Mentioning the traits directly in your cover letter shows you’ve read the position description, and makes your cover letter more scannable. If the hiring manager is looking for someone with content skills, she might scan your cover letter looking for the words that indicate experience with content.

Finally, brainstorm a few compelling examples to show how you embody the most important characteristics. Don’t just write, “I have excellent customer service skills.” You want to prove it. Support your claim by writing something like,

“ Last summer, I worked as an orientation leader at my college, serving as a resource for incoming students and their parents. This experience strengthened my customer service skills. ”

Even if you don't have a lot of (or any) job experience, think about highlighting skills you've gained from extracurriculars, volunteer experience, or even passion projects:

“My passion for dance led me to become a volunteer dance teacher which helped me develop as a leader.”

6. Close the letter with grace and a call to action.

If the internship application does not explicitly state “please do not contact,” you might choose to conclude by specifying how you will follow up, such as, “I will call next week to see if my qualifications are a match,” or, “I am eager to meet with you to discuss this opportunity, and am available for an interview at a mutually convenient time.” Conclude by thanking the hiring manager for taking the time to consider you, and end on a positive, confident note, such as, “I look forward to speaking with you soon.”

You may even go a step further and give the hiring manager a call to action. Include a link to your online portfolio, a website, or even a YouTube channel where you display your work and personality. To see how often hiring managers are viewing these additional items, include tracking to your link using a URL tracker like Bitly to capture that data.

Sample Internship Cover Letter

Featured resource: 5 free cover letter templates, event planning internship cover letter.

1 Hireme Road

Boston, MA, 20813

Email: [email protected]

May 20, 2021

Event Planning Department -- Internship Program

35 Recruiting St.

Boston, MA, 29174

Dear Internship Coordinator,

At the suggestion of John Smith, a senior marketer at Company A, I am submitting my resume for the Event Coordinator internship position. I am a junior at Elon University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sport and Event Management, and am passionate about event planning. I am thrilled to hear about Company A’s Event Coordinator internship program and feel my experiences and skills would be an excellent match for your organization.

As an executive member of the Student Union Board at Elon, I am in charge of organizing, promoting, and implementing multiple school-related social activities per week, while being challenged to design new events. I work cohesively with a diverse team made up of students and faculty, and I also foster relationships with novelty companies.

My experience as an Orientation Leader has further prepared me for this internship. It was essential that I remain positive, outgoing, and energized during move-in day and act as a liaison between new students, families, and faculty in a fast-paced and demanding environment. I was expected to maintain a highly professional customer service ethic while interacting with families and new students.

My Elon University experiences, executive board membership, and orientation leadership role have prepared me to be successful in the Event Coordinator internship program. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can add value to Company A.

(handwritten signature)

Marketing Internship Cover Letter Template

Marketing Department — Internship Program

I am a passionate, creative, and driven Elon University student with leadership and event planning experience, as well as strong communication skills. I am seeking opportunities to showcase my writing abilities in a challenging and stimulating environment. My skills and experiences will enable me to deliver successful results as a digital marketing intern for Company B.

Please allow me to highlight my key skills:

• Prior experience writing blog posts and press releases for marketing objectives
• Strong communication skills and ability to adopt voice for diverse audiences and varying purposes
• Efficient in managing multiple projects with fast-moving deadlines through organization and time-management skills
• A firm understanding of grammar rules and how to write effectively
• Experience in leadership positions, both as Student Union Board executive leader and as an Elon Orientation Leader
• Proven ability to form positive relationships with people from around the globe, exhibited by my internship experience in China last summer
• Experience organizing, promoting, and implementing social events
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, and Premiere), and social media platforms

In closing, I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can be an asset to Company B. I will call next week to see if you agree that my qualifications are a match for the position. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Internship Cover Letter Examples

1. hospitality internship cover letter, why this cover letter example works:.

Passion, a willingness to learn, and previous industry experience are the factors that make this cover letter stand out. The hiring manager is able to see that the candidate has a genuine interest in the field of hospitality and takes their future in the field seriously.

How to incorporate these tips:

Start by analyzing your own experience and interest in comparison to the internship you're applying for. Do you have any examples, facts, or figures that you can include in your letter? This will help the hiring manager understand your interest in the position and give them more of a reason to hire you over the competition.

2. Supply Chain Internship Cover Letter

This student has concrete experience in three specific areas of the supply chain: demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics strategies. Naming these areas of expertise is not only helpful for landing the internship, it helps the hiring manager structure the team by pairing them with other interns and mentors who can complement that skillset. If there's anything a hiring manager loves more than a prepared hire, it's a hire who's proactive!

3. Fashion Design Internship Cover Letter

Hands-on experience isn't possible in every field of work, but when you aspire to work in the fashion industry, there's no better way to stand out for an internship. In this internship cover letter example, Peter shares that he has practical experience designing clothing which demonstrates his ability to illustrate, design, and produce a material product which is exactly what Sleeves & Thread is looking for. 

Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. If you're planning to work in an industry that produces material goods, technology, or even provides services, a great way to prove your chops is to do it before you get the job. This might look like starting a small summer side hustle, working pro bono, or taking on projects at school for extra credit. Whatever route you choose, make sure to take on projects that build a quality portfolio that hiring managers will want to see.

4. Finance Internship Cover Letter

Rebecca takes the time to highlight her skillset, but she also balances her cover letter with reasons why Banking Corporation will be a great fit for her budding career. She gives plenty of reasons why the company is appealing to her which helps balance the cover letter.

The obvious point of a cover letter is to sell your skills to the hiring manager in order to secure the internship. However, it's important to remember that the hiring process is a two-way street. It's beneficial to incorporate reasons why you want to work for the business. Explaining what the business is doing that aligns with your personal goals and values can be the factor that tips the scale in your favor and gets you hired.

5. Marketing Cover Letter Internship Example

If you work in the industry of the arts, creative, or marketing, chances are you'll have more freedom when it comes to drafting your cover letter. Here, Robin takes a novel approach by weaving colorful language that practically jumps off the page. With just enough pizazz, her personality shines through which could leave the hiring manager wanting to learn more.

It may be tempting to throw in flowery language for the sake of standing out, but proceed with caution. A better approach would be to imagine you're seeing the internship opportunity for the first time, then share your excitement with a friend. Next, write down what you said, exactly as you said it, and edit from there to include the key points of a cover letter we mention in this article. You'll sound natural while still getting your point across succinctly.

Internship Cover Letter Templates

Standard internship cover letter template.

Use this cover letter template as a foundation for your cover letter. You can customize it to fit your experience and the companies you’ll be applying to.

Download this cover letter template

Data-Driven Internship Cover Letter Template

If your major is data-driven like STEM, marketing, or accounting, this is the internship cover letter template for you. With this template, you can include the data highlights of your class projects and assignments to show the hiring manager that you can support your experience with credible facts.

Entry-level Cover Letter Template

As you approach your senior year of college, you may be looking for entry-level roles rather than internships. Cover letters are just as important for full-time roles as they are for internships, so use this template to make the transition in your job search.

Wrapping Up Your Letter of Recommendation

A resume isn’t always enough to make an impression. Including a cover letter in your internship application is the first step to setting yourself apart from other applicants. Study and apply the six steps for writing a professional internship cover letter and use one of these samples or templates to customize it. Your resume gives the highlights of your time in college while your cover letter tells the story of how those experiences will serve you as an intern with your future employer. Use it to your advantage to land the first role in your career as you navigate college and beyond.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in April 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

This article was written by a human, but our team uses AI in our editorial process. Check out our full disclosure to learn more about how we use AI.

Don't forget to share this post!

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

• Julia Mlcuchova , 
• 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 has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is 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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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, cover letter sample: applying for editorial assistant job.

Not everyone applying for a job has years of professional experience behind them. This next sample cover letter's geared toward an entry-level position in the publishing industry.

The applicant has had a relevant internship, plus a summer job at her local bookstore. In lieu of more extensive experience, she makes sure her enthusiasm for the position and company shines through. 

Read on to see how the writer shows her passion for publishing, and then check out the analysis below of what this cover letter does well.

Cover Letter Sample: Editorial Assistant  

Mary Entel 1111 E. 15th St. New York, NY 11230

May 1, 2016  

Rita Bookman Editor-in-Chief Cooper Books Publishing House 74 Reading Street New York, New York 10020

Dear Ms. Bookman,

I was pleased to find your posting for an Editorial Assistant with Coffeehouse Books on MediaBistro.com. As an English literature major with a passion for the written word, I am committed to working in the publishing industry following graduation. I’m especially excited about your publishing company because you represent two of my favorite authors, Tim Smith and Anne Lee. I'm confident that I have the skills and experiences to add substantial contributions to Coffeehouse Books.

Last fall, I gained practical experience in the publishing industry as an intern at Dharma Publishing House. I collaborated with members of the editorial staff on projects that included reading and reporting on manuscript submissions, editing promotional materials, and completing fact checks. In particular, I edited three social science works to publication-ready state using Chicago Manual of Style guidelines. My knowledge of grammar and style would allow me to step right into editorial work as an Editorial Assistant with your company.

Beyond my editorial experience, I would also bring a rich knowledge of literature. I studied English at NYU, maintaining a 3.8 GPA, and worked at my local bookstore during the summers. At the bookstore, I helped customers discover contemporary works - The Orphan Master’s Son and Swamplandia are two favorites - and organized events for speakers and book signings. Between my studies and work, I immersed myself in the world of fiction and nonfiction. My passion for reading underlies my commitment to this work, and I have the organizational and communication skills, along with the attention to detail, to excel in every aspect of the Editorial Assistant role.

My life has been shaped by the written word, and I would be thrilled to contribute to Coffeehouse Books in the role of Editorial Assistant. I would welcome the opportunity to interview and can be reached anytime at (555) 555-5555 or [email protected].

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Mary Entel  

Mary Entel

While Mary hasn't worked in publishing before, she's spent a lot of time around books working in her local bookstore.

Editorial Assistant Cover Letter: The Breakdown

In her cover letter for the position of Editorial Assistant , Mary  expresses her enthusiasm for the position. She shows that she has the skills - editorial, organization, communication - to do well in the role, and infuses her entire letter with a sense of excitement about working in the publishing industry.

In her introduction, Mary shows that she has some familiary with Coffeehouse Books , stating that the company represents two of her favorite authors. She describes her experiences as an editorial intern, as well as her knowledge of literature as an English major and summer employee of her local bookstore.

Mary ends by restating her excitement about the position with Coffeehouse Books. After reading her letter, hopefully Editor-in-Chief Rita Bookman will be happy to engage with Mary in conversation about the Editorial Assistant position.

In addition to the content of Mary's letter, let's take a closer look at its overall presentation. 

A Note on Format

As you can see in the letter above, Mary formats her cover letter in a traditional way. She includes her name and address at the top, followed by the date and name and information of the hiring manager. 

This is a great approach if you're sending your cover letter by hard copy or as a Word attachment. For a lot of jobs, though, it's fine or even preferred to send your cover letter right in the body of an email. Still other jobs use their own application portal and want you to paste your information into a text box.

In the latter two cases (body of the email and text box), it's usually fine to leave out all these headers. You can just start right in by addressing the hiring manager. Make sure you understand how to send your application materials and format your cover letter accordingly!

What's Next?

On to the next cover letter! Check out this cover letter sample for the position of Assistant Restaurant Manager .

Care to read more samples? Head over to our full cover letter guide with six sample letters and tips for how to write a great one .

Are you writing your own cover letter for a job application? Check out our great cover template to help you through the writing process, step by step . 

Rebecca graduated with her Master's in Adolescent Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has years of teaching and college counseling experience and is passionate about helping students achieve their goals and improve their well-being. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University and scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT.

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Internship Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips

What To Include in a Cover Letter

Tips for writing an internship cover letter, internship cover letter examples, internship cover letter template, how to write an email cover letter, email cover letter example, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Emilie Dunphy / The Balance

If you are applying for an internship, you will likely have to submit a cover letter as part of your application. Your cover letter should be tailored to the specific internship for which you're applying and include examples from your work, academic, and extracurricular experiences.

When writing a cover letter for an internship position, it's important to share your most relevant qualifications with the hiring manager. When you don't have much (or any) formal work experience, you can include school activities, volunteering, educational programs, and other learning experiences.

Key Takeaways

• Take the time to write a customized cover letter for each internship you apply for, and include your most relevant qualifications for the position.
• When you don't have work experience, you can include academics, extracurricular activities, and volunteering.
• Be specific, and share examples of the skills the employer is looking for in your cover letter.
• Carefully proofread and edit your cover letter prior to sending it.

Your cover letter should include your contact information, a greeting, the reason you're writing, why you're a qualified applicant for the position, and a closing.

Contact Information:  How you address the cover letter will depend on whether you are sending a printed or email cover letter and the contact information you have for the employer. In a printed letter, the contact information will be at the top of the letter. For an email, add your contact information below your typed name.

Salutation:  The salutation is the  greeting you include  at the beginning of a cover letter. For example, “Dear Hiring Manager.”

Body of Letter:  The body of a cover letter includes the sections where you explain why you are interested in and qualified for the job for which you are applying. This typically includes an introductory paragraph, a paragraph or two describing your qualifications, and a closing paragraph.

Closing:  When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job, it's important to close your cover letter in a professional manner. For example, “Sincerely” or “Respectfully.”

Signature:  In a printed cover letter, you’ll add a written signature above your printed name. For an email cover letter, add a space after the closing and type your name.

Use Business Letter Format. Use proper business letter format when sending a cover letter by mail. Include your contact information at the top, the date, and the contact information for the employer. Be sure to provide a proper salutation, and sign your name at the bottom. If you are sending the  cover letter via email , you do not have to include the contact information at the top. Instead, place this as part of your email signature at the end of your letter.

Customize Your Cover Letter. It's important to write a  unique cover letter  for each internship for which you apply. Highlight skills and abilities you have that relate to the specific internship listing. The main emphasis of your cover letter should be convincing the reader that you will be an asset as an intern.

Provide Specific Examples. If you mention that you have a particular skill or ability in your cover letter, be sure to prove this with a specific example from your past work, academic, or extracurricular experience.

Add Keywords to Your Letter. One way to individualize your letter is to use  keywords  from the internship listing. For example, if the listing says the intern needs to have excellent “time management skills,” include an example of how you have demonstrated time management skills in the past. You'll be able to show the hiring manager that they have the skills you are seeking.

Emphasize Your Academic Experience. In the letter, you can mention academic experience, if applicable. Especially if you have limited work experience, you might use examples from school to demonstrate that you have particular skills. For example, if the internship requires you to work as part of a team, provide an example of a successful team project you worked on during one of your college courses.

Include Extracurricular Experiences. You can also include details about your relevant experience from extracurricular activities or  volunteer work . For example, a reporter for a college newspaper can point to interviewing and writing skills; a history of volunteering at a shelter can provide an example of strong  interpersonal  and  organizational skills .

Mention How You Will Follow Up. Towards the end of your letter, say how you will  follow up  with the employer. You might say that you will call the office to follow up in about a week (don't follow up any sooner). However, do not include this if the internship listing specifically says not to contact the office.

Carefully Proofread and Edit. Be sure to thoroughly proofread your cover letter for spelling and grammar errors. Many internships are very competitive, and any error can hurt your chances of getting an interview. Also, avoid using too many words to convey your information and intent. Keep your points brief and targeted.

Review sample printed and email cover letters for internship positions, and get a template to download to use as a starting point for your own letter.

Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online) or read the example below.

The Balance

Internship Cover Letter Sample (Text version)

Joseph Q. Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 josephq@email.com

October 26, 2022

Director, Human Resources BC Labs 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Smith,

I am writing to apply for the scientific research summer internship position that was listed in the Anytown University Career Services Office. I believe my research and conservation experience make me an ideal candidate.

I have had a great deal of research experience in chemistry, biology, and geology, both in the lab and in the field. Most of my experience is in environmental field studies. I am currently conducting research in our school's outdoor laboratory to assess the water quality of a nearby pond. I know water quality assessment is a component of this internship, and I know my previous experience makes me a prime candidate for this.

Last summer, I worked as a conservation assistant at the National Trust's Clumber Park. Along with trail maintenance and building, I also served as a research assistant for the research organization at the park. I conducted an analysis of soil samples, and input data from various research projects. I received a special commendation from the director of the research organization for my attention to detail and dedication to research.

I believe that I would be an asset to your program. This internship would provide me with the ideal opportunity to assist your organization and expand my research skills.

I will call next week to see if you agree that my qualifications seem to be a match for the position. If so, I hope to schedule an interview at a mutually convenient time. I look forward to speaking with you.

Thank you for your consideration,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Joseph Q. Applicant

If you're sending your cover  letter via email , your format will be slightly different than a traditional letter. List your name and the  job title in the subject line  of the email message.

Include your contact information in your email signature, and don't list the employer's contact information (also don’t list your contact information at the top of the message). Start your email message with the salutation. 

Subject: Liz Lerner – Marketing Intern Position

Dear Mr. Peters,

It was with much interest that I read your posting on the ABC College job board inviting applications for a marketing internship at Brand Solutions Inc.

As an honors student in marketing, I have successfully completed upper-division coursework in marketing management, print and online advertising, social media management, and data analysis, which have provided me with a firm understanding of rising market strategies and technologies.

This coursework included on-site practicums with Boyd Brothers LLC and Boulevard Bistro, where I helped the owners of these businesses establish their first-ever social media presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. This involved setting up their accounts, creating photo and video content, writing posts, launching digital ad campaigns, and tracking user engagement via Google Analytics and Facebook Analytics. I am also well-versed in the use of Adobe Creative Cloud for graphic design and Microsoft Office suite.

Impressed by the press that Brand Solutions Inc. has received in Market Branding Today and on Forbes Online , I am eager for the challenges and opportunities I would experience as your next marketing intern. My resume is attached; may we please schedule a personal interview to discuss my qualifications for this role in greater detail? Thank you for your time, consideration, and forthcoming response. 

Liz Lerner liz.lerner@email.com 555-123-4567 www.linkedin.com/in/lizlerner (optional)

Do I have to write a cover letter for an internship?

If a cover letter is listed as optional, you don’t have to include one. However, a cover letter provides you with the opportunity to showcase the credentials you have for the position. When you don’t have formal work experience, your cover letter is a good way to highlight the talents, attributes, and experience that make you an ideal candidate for the role.

What can I include in a cover letter when I don’t have work experience?

When you don’t have work experience, you can share examples of volunteering, extracurricular activities, schoolwork, academic programs, sports, community organizations, and other ways you have gained skills and experience that qualify you for the position.

CareerOneStop. " Cover Letters ."

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Handshake. " Top 5 Tips for Writing an Internship Cover Letter ."

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Cover Letter Examples For An Internship + Writing Tips

If you’re in search of a great internship, your resume should be just one of your priorities. After all, it’s not as if you have tons of education and experience. If you did, you wouldn’t be on the lookout for an opportunity to work for the low wages of an intern, or in some cases for free.

By all means, create a great resume for an internship , but don’t forget to dwell on your cover letter too! This is where you can dig a bit deeper. You can use your cover letter to express your passion for your field, your excitement about working for the company to which you are applying, and make the case that you are a great fit for this opportunity.

Do Interns Need a Cover Letter?

A dozen times yes! Internships are highly competitive and most people will be applying with similar, entry-level resumes similar to yours. A cover letter provides you with an opportunity to share your unique personality — something that doesn’t come off that easily via a resume. Effectively, this is your best bet to show why a company should pick you over a bunch of other equally eager interns. 

Internship Cover Letter Examples

Internships come in different “flavors” — for college credit, at commercial organizations, non-profits, online, and on-location (in-person). 

While we cannot possibly give you an internship cover letter example for each and every type of these, we’d made several universal internship cover letter examples that can be easily adapted to the opportunity at hand.

General Cover Letter Sample For Internship (Word version)

Download cover letter (.docx)

Computer Science Cover Letter Internship (text version)

Dear Ms. Janis Merill,

I am submitting my resume and this letter to express my interest in the internship opportunity you have available in your Information Security department. I learned of this internship from Joe Meyer, who is my advisor at State University, and who recently retired as head of IS from your organization. I am grateful that he told me about this opening, and am very excited about pursuing this opportunity. I believe I would be challenged in this role, but also able to make a contribution.

I am currently a senior at State University majoring in Computer Science with an emphasis in Security. I previously graduated from Community College with an Associate’s degree in Information Technology where my area of concentration was Cybersecurity. Currently, I am on the Dean’s list, act as treasurer of the Cybersecurity club, and am an active member of the Forensics team.

I am passionate about computer security. I have intentionally chosen courses that have allowed me to develop and apply my skills in this area. These include:

• Network Security
• Network Firewalls
• Computer Forensics
• Penetration Testing
• Ethical Hacking
• Risk Assessment And Documentation

I am currently working on a research project with Joe Meyer where we are exploring the adaptations that will need to be made in the Information Security Field as technologies such as IoT, VR, and wearables continue to emerge.

In addition to my academic work, I have a year of experience working as a help desk technician at Major Big Box Electronics Store. I was recently promoted to a position that allows me to help individuals and small business owners whose computer systems have been hacked or exposed to malware.

I would love the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this internship opportunity. I think I would be a perfect fit, and will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Thank you again for your consideration.

Sincerely, Mervin Rosenthal

Sample Cover Letter for Architecture Internship

Dear Amy Rutherford,

My name is Matthew Fisher, and I am a student at the University of South Carolina School of Architecture And Civil Engineering. I will be graduating in June 2022 with a BS in Architecture and a minor in Urban Planning. I’m writing this letter to express my interest in interning with your firm, Rutherford Associates this spring.

If I am given the opportunity to work as an intern on your team, I hope to gain real-world experience in the areas of urban architecture, design of multi-family housing, and environmentally friendly building practices. Recently, I attended a tour of your firm’s newest structure, The Davis Building, and was truly impressed by your team’s ability to design an office building that used space-age materials while maintaining a look that blends so well with the historical district.

Of course, I also believe that I can be a valuable contributor to your team as well. I have worked as an architect’s assistant and draftsperson for a residential construction company for the past two years. There, my duties have included 3-D modeling, CAD, construction site inspections, and filing paperwork with local authorities.

I have arranged my spring semester schedule to ensure that I will be available to work on location during the day Monday through Friday. It is my hope that this availability will better ensure that I will be able to work with your team as needed. I’m very excited about this internship opportunity and thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Matthew Fisher

Engineering Internship Cover Letter Example 

Dear Ian Wilson,

My name is Lee-Ann Peterson and I am a senior at the University of Clarksville pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. I am writing this letter to express my interest in joining your for-credit fall internship program that begins in September of 2022. I have been accepted into my school’s graduate program, and strongly believe that working with your company will give me valuable insights into circuit design and facilitate my research in creating more energy-efficient battery storage.

As an engineering student, I have a highly hands-on attitude. In fact, in my spare time, I also design toy electric racing cars and have tested several of your battery products in my MVPs. Unsurprisingly, your battery life is much higher compared to Lithiums X batteries and I believe this is due to your innovative research into LiPo battery technology. 

On a more formal note, in the past four years, I have participated in multiple research projects, earned membership into the society of honors engineering students, and won the best in the show at the annual Sustainability In Engineering expo with a team. You can view a video of our home solar panel presentation here. Even though I pursued a lot of research and hobby projects, I have also consistently maintained a spot on the dean’s list and will graduate with an honors designation.

In fact, it’s my interest in sustainability that led me to learn about your company, Clarksville Wind and Solar, in the first place. I was a part of a team of students that were allowed to tour your facility earlier this year. I was inspired by your ability to implement sustainable solutions where other companies seem to be focused on the theoretical.

I have attached my resume, transcripts, and a letter of recommendation from my department head for your review. If there is anything else I can provide, please let me know. Thank you for considering my application, and I hope to meet with your selection committee in the near future.

Sincerely, Lee-Ann Peterson

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship: Step-by-Step

Writing a cover letter for an internship may feel overwhelming at first, especially if you are “pitching” to a company you’ve been long admiring. But don’t let the jitters overtake you. Even though an internship cover letter should provide a glimpse into your personality, it should still look professional and sound polished. 

Here are step-by-step instructions for writing a compelling cover letter for an internship:

• Create your list of core skills and accomplishments. 
• Review the internship posting. 
• Pick all the overlapping skills and incorporate them into your cover letter.
• Next, research the company further and try to understand its core values. 
• Explain how the work the company does resonates with you on a personal level. 
• Then talk about the ways you’d like to contribute and the expertise you seek to obtain.
• Close with the formalities and mention if you have any references available, plus detail your schedule. 

How Do I Write a Cover Letter for an Internship With No Experience?

No one expects interns to have a substantial backload of professional work experience. So don’t fret over this fact. Instead, get your mental cogs rolling towards determining what educational and personal skills could make you look more “valuable” to the potential employer. It could be literary anything — from your long-lasting passion for a cause the company explores to deep familiarity with the brand’s products or the relevant coursework you took in college. Focus on communicating your “why” for applying, then detail how you could be of help. 

How Do you List Internship Experience in a Cover Letter?

Technically, you don’t have to list your past internship experiences in a cover letter. That’s what your resume is for. But if you’d like to share some tidbits, talk about any positive reviews or references the past organization gave you, a particular project you’ve contributed to, skills you’ve developed, or duties you’ve performed. 

Wrap up 

You’ll probably notice that our example internship cover letters include several keywords. Many of them are in the bulleted list. This is a good thing to do to showcase that you’ve read the requirements and fit the baseline qualifications. 

There are some other important details as well. For example, we address the recipient as Mr. or Ms., removing Mrs. as it’s largely considered to be passé.

The cover letter examples emphasize academic coursework, work experience, relevant extracurriculars, and research projects. The letters also reference the person who provided the student with information about the opportunity. If applicable, this could be replaced with a job board, student advisor, or website.

Finally, if you want to make a lasting impression, consider “packaging” your cover letter in the same style as your resume. By submitting a matchy-matchy resume and cover letter, you increase your chances of being noticed in the pile of other submissions. Take a look at our well-designed and affordable bundles here .

FAQs about Internships 

Below are some commonly asked questions about internship cover letters and interning in general! 

How long should a cover letter be for an internship?

A solid cover letter for an internship should be under 400 words, which is roughly one page in a word processing document. If you are submitting an email cover letter, it’s okay to go even shorter. After all, most companies receive a ton of applications. Erring on the side of brevity increases the chances of your cover letter actually being read, rather than skimmed through. 

What should you not do during an internship?

Most companies are not legally required to take on interns. But most do so to contribute to the development of new workforce-ready candidates. Thus, most expect interns to be eager to learn, motivated, and respectful. If you want to appear as such a person, don’t ever do the following things during your internship:

• Show up late or miss the day without providing any reason 
• Discard the workplace rules or regulations
• Argue with your superiors or undermine their authority
• Sabotage the performance of other interns 
• Pester just about anyone to show your “motivation”
• Do not deliver on the tasks entrusted to you 
• Expect any person at the office to be readily available to you 

Is it OK to make mistakes as an intern?

Yes, absolutely. An internship is first and foremost a learning opportunity. And you cannot learn without making a mistake or two. The key, however, is not being afraid of acknowledging your blunders and taking full responsibility for them. If you feel that you are getting sidetracked, bring up the issue to your supervisor and ask for their help with making corrections. 

How hard is it to get an internship?

Depends on the company really. If you want to land a high-profile internship with some sort of an industry leader (think Google or Goldman Sachs), you’d be against dozens of others highly qualified and motivated interns. But you do not necessarily need to go after the top 1% of internships. Start at a lower level and approach local businesses, entrepreneurs, small-to-mid-market companies — these places often don’t have enough “helping hands” and would be eager to take on an intern even if they don’t have a formal program in place.

Updated on September 2021.

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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How to Write a Cover Letter: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples (2024)

Crafting a compelling cover letter is the first step towards landing an interview. It’s usually the first impression an employer gets before even seeing your resume, and it will help to set the tone and establish your personality before getting into your qualifications and suitability for the position.

Whether you're applying for a job, internship, or generally submitting your resume for consideration, understanding how to write a cover letter can significantly enhance your chances of success.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a formal document accompanying your resume that introduces yourself to potential employers, highlighting your qualifications, experiences, and interest in a specific job or internship. It offers you the opportunity to showcase your personality and passion for the role in a more personalized manner than a resume alone.

Cover Letter Format

The format of a cover letter typically follows a standard business letter structure. It includes your contact information, the date, the recipient's contact details, a salutation, body paragraphs, and a closing. Ensure that your cover letter is concise, well-organized, and visually appealing, using a professional font and maintaining consistent formatting throughout.

As your cover letter will often be sent as an email, check this guide on how to write an email for some general tips on subject lines, email greetings, structuring the main content, and signing off.

Cover Letter for a Job

When applying for a job, a cover letter for your resume is often expected, and it serves as your initial introduction to potential employers. It should be customized for each position, showcasing how your skills and experiences fit the job requirements. A well-crafted cover letter can distinguish you from other applicants and increase your chances of securing an interview, especially if you can show that you’re genuinely aligned with the company’s goals.

Cover Letter for an Internship

For internship applications, a cover letter is equally essential. It allows you to convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity, relevant skills, and willingness to learn. Even if you have limited professional experience, your cover letter can highlight academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and relevant coursework that demonstrate your potential value to the organization.

Writing a Cover Letter

Let’s get into how to write a cover letter, step by step:

Step 1: How to Address a Cover Letter

When addressing your cover letter, it's essential to find out the name and title of the hiring manager or recruiter whenever possible. Addressing the letter to a specific individual adds a personal touch and demonstrates your initiative. A quick note on how to address a cover letter without a name. If you're unable to identify the recipient, you can use a general greeting such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Company Name] Recruiting Team."

Step 2: What to Include in a Cover Letter

Writing a compelling cover letter requires careful attention to detail and a strategic approach. Begin by thoroughly researching the company and the position to tailor your letter accordingly. Highlight your most relevant experiences and accomplishments, using specific examples to demonstrate your qualifications. Keep your language professional, yet engaging, and avoid using generic templates or clichés. Instead, strive to make a memorable impression that sets you apart from other candidates by showing you understand what the company is about.

Structure-wise, a well-written cover letter should include the following elements:

Introduction : Start by stating the position you're applying for and how you learned about it. Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity and briefly introduce yourself.

Body Paragraphs : Use one or two paragraphs to highlight your relevant experiences, skills, and achievements. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your qualifications and fit for the role. Tailor your content to align with the job description and company's needs.

Closing Paragraph : Summarize your interest in the position and reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Thank the employer for considering your application and express your willingness to discuss further in an interview.

Closing : End your cover letter with a professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name and contact information.

By using this kind of cover letter template, you can keep a clear and structured approach whilst also easily adjusting your content each time to customize it for each specific contact.

Before you send

Remember maintain professionalism throughout and always proofread your cover letter before you send it off. Check this quick list of cover letter dos and don’ts so you can ensure you’ve done everything you can and haven’t made any glaring errors along the way.

Note for students: While it may be reasonable to apply for internships with your university email, it probably won’t come across as particularly professional for proper job applications. Contacting an employer from a free email account with a funny name you made when you were an adolescent also won’t be particularly impressive. You may want to use a service like Inbox.com and create a business email account that shows you’re a serious professional.

Cover letter examples

Here are some short cover letter samples that you can use as templates for your own letter. Note that although the content should be adapted both to you and to the company you’re applying to, a similar structure applies in all cases.

1. Marketing Manager Cover Letter:

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. With over five years of experience in marketing strategy development, campaign management, and brand positioning, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and drive results for [Company Name].

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I led cross-functional teams to develop and execute innovative marketing campaigns that resulted in a 30% increase in brand awareness and a 25% boost in lead generation. My ability to analyze market trends, identify customer insights, and leverage data-driven strategies has consistently delivered impactful results and exceeded organizational objectives.

I am particularly drawn to [specific aspect of the company or job description], and I am eager to bring my expertise in digital marketing, social media management, and content development to support [Company Name]'s mission of [mention company mission or values].

Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to its continued success. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].

Sincerely, [Your Name]

2. Software Engineer Cover Letter:

I am writing to apply for the Software Engineer position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. With a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and three years of hands-on experience in software development and coding, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and develop innovative solutions for [Company Name].

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I played a key role in designing and implementing scalable software solutions that optimized workflow efficiency and enhanced user experience. My proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, and JavaScript, coupled with my strong problem-solving skills, has enabled me to deliver high-quality software solutions that meet and exceed client expectations.

I am impressed by [specific aspect of the company or job description], and I am eager to leverage my technical skills and passion for innovation to support [Company Name]'s goals of [mention company goals or objectives].

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to further discuss how my background and expertise align with the needs of [Company Name] and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to schedule a discussion.

3. Graphic Designer Cover Letter:

I am thrilled to apply for the Graphic Designer position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. With a strong background in visual communication, brand identity development, and multimedia design, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my creativity and expertise to your team and contribute to [Company Name]'s success.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I collaborated with cross-functional teams to create visually compelling designs that effectively communicated brand messages and engaged target audiences. My proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, coupled with my attention to detail and passion for design, has allowed me to deliver innovative solutions that align with client objectives and exceed expectations.

I am particularly drawn to [specific aspect of the company or job description], and I am eager to leverage my design skills and artistic vision to support [Company Name]'s mission of [mention company mission or values].

Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to its creative endeavors. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].

What is a cover letter for a job?

A cover letter for a job is a formal document submitted alongside a resume during the application process. It introduces the applicant to the potential employer and highlights their qualifications, experiences, and interest in the specific job position.

What is a cover letter for a resume?

A cover letter for a resume is a document that accompanies a resume when applying for a job. While the resume provides a summary of the applicant's skills and experiences, the cover letter offers additional context and insight into their suitability for the position.

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce the applicant to the potential employer, showcase their qualifications and experiences, and express their interest in the job position. It allows applicants to personalize their application and demonstrate their enthusiasm and suitability for the role.

What does a cover letter look like?

A cover letter typically follows a formal business letter format, including the sender's and recipient's contact information, a salutation, body paragraphs, and a closing. It should be well-organized, concise, and visually appealing, with a professional tone and consistent formatting.

How long should a cover letter be?

A cover letter should be concise and to the point, typically no longer than one page. It should provide enough information to highlight the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details.

What should be in a cover letter?

A cover letter should include the sender's and recipient's contact information, a formal salutation, an introduction stating the position being applied for and how the applicant learned about it, body paragraphs highlighting relevant qualifications and experiences, and a closing expressing gratitude and interest in further discussion.

How to Start a Cover Letter

To start your cover letter effectively, consider using a strong opening sentence or attention-grabbing statement that immediately captures the reader's interest. You can mention a mutual connection, reference a recent company accomplishment, or highlight a specific aspect of the job that excites you.

How to End a Cover Letter

Ending your cover letter on a high note is crucial to leave a lasting impression. In the closing paragraph, reiterate your interest in the position and express your gratitude for the opportunity to apply. Convey confidence in your ability to contribute to the company's success. Finally, use a professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name.

Updated: April 10, 2024 at 4:33 PM

Published: April 10, 2024 at 4:33 PM

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