Internship cover letter example

The cover letter, also known as the application letter, is the perfect “covincer” for getting an internship position. It can be more powerful than a graduate’s temporarily thin resume. 

Whether you’re fresh out of college or simply moving from one professional field to another, internships are a great way to get your foot in the door. They lead to dream jobs, stable salaries, and growth opportunities.

A cover letter shows off your current skills and displays your eagerness to learn on the job!

Internship full text-only cover letter example 

Sections of an internship cover letter

The cover letter structure for any intern position will usually be the same or similar, regardless of profession or position. Cover letters should include these key components:

1. Cover letter header. This element of your cover letter provides your name, contact information and the date, making it simple for the internship coordinator to reach out.
2. Greeting. Use the name of your reader whenever possible in this friendly opening. People take notice when they see their names.
3. Introduction. This opening paragraph may just open doors. Start with a fact that will pique their interest. Why did you choose this career or this internship?
4. Body. Detail the personality traits and foundational skills that will make you an excellent intern. Add why you’re a great fit for this particular company.
5. Conclusion. Summarize your qualifications and enthusiasm for the internship and end with a call to action.
6. Signature. End professionally and sign off with your first and last name.

While each of these cover letter parts is important, make sure they build to form a strong, consistent message. An internship application letter should never be more than one page that details your fitness for the position.

For an in-depth look at writing each of these sections, as well as free example sentences, check out our article on how to write a cover letter.

After you developed your header and addressed the hiring manager, you’re ready for the introduction.

Introduction of an internship cover letter

This is one of the most crucial parts of the cover letter, as it contains your opening sentence. Avoid being bland at all costs, but don’t go too far with eccentricity. As an intern, you want to open by projecting respectfulness, energy, and work discipline/ethic.

The goal of the cover letter introduction: grab emotional attention, don’t ramble, and introduce yourself in one powerful, friendly but professional sentence. 

A good tactic is to drop in one or two of your most impressive and relevant achievements or qualities you have.

Note the details and enthusiasm that shines through in the first example. Internship coordinators don’t expect you to have mid-level career achievements, but they do expect you to have a passion for the field. Show it off in your introduction.

Internship cover letter body

This is the main text-heavy section of your internship application letter. Use it to strengthen and expand the opening theme of your introduction. 

Explain why you’re a good fit for the internship role, and what qualities and achievements prove that. 

Follow this format to accomplish that:

• Highlight any skills you’ve learned in school and any relevant experience
• Show why you fit the internship’s goals and the company’s culture
• Wrap up with an anecdote or achievement that wows
• Finally, bow out with a call to action that makes the hiring manager want to contact you

First body paragraph: Your suitability for the role (skills & experience) 

This space is typically reserved for a detailed description of your skills and experience. If you have previous internships or jobs in your field, you have more advantages than the average intern. Showcase the attributes that make you an excellent choice.

Tell the story of your nascent career using the following:

1. Put your education front and center. Even if you have not yet earned your degree, the classes you have taken stand in for some experience.
2. Volunteer work. Seemingly unrelated jobs may demonstrate transferable skills such as leadership or time management.
3. Industry knowledge. If you’re up on the latest in your chosen industry or have taken related classes, show what you know.
4. Technology savvy. It’s difficult to name a job that doesn’t make use of any technology. Any software or computer skills you know is an asset.
5. Related hobbies. For example, a passion for travel or fluency in other languages or cultures is a plus if you want to work in foreign markets.
6. Memberships in clubs or organizations. Only if they have bearing on the skills and attributes you need for the internship.

Second body paragraph(s): Alignment with the organization

As a future intern, there are a few ideas/emotions you want to convey to show that you will make the most of this internship or externship opportunity. 

You’ll want to show your eagerness and ability to learn, passion and sincerity. It’s important to . include statements that mesh with the company’s mission statement. 

For example, if you’re aiming for one of Google’s coveted spots, check out its “About Google” page to read the motto:

• Organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful
• Improving the lives of as many people
• People using technology to benefit others

Review any pages dedicated to the company vision, commitment, or values. Watch any videos. Then, relate your passions to the company’s.`

Call to action & conclusion: End on a high note

The conclusion might be the tricky part for some people, even if you aced the cover letter introduction and body sections. The key is to land on “determined” but not “too arrogant/forceful.”  

Reiterate your main point and let the recruiter know you are eager to discuss why your skills, attributes and interests make you an intern who will contribute to the program.

Thank the recruiter for taking the time to review your application. Finish with a statement that confidently but not arrogantly suggests further consideration in the internship process. 

Finally, sign off with a polite “Sincerely” or “Best regards” and your full name.

Key takeaways 

The internship cover letter is the final “convincer” that lets you influence hiring decision-makers. It’s vitally important and extremely useful even if the internship doesn’t require one. 

Display enthusiasm for the opportunity and highlight any transferable skills. Make it clear that your professional skills and philosophy make you a great fit for the internship.

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