How to write a cover letter for an internship

So, after some research, you’ve made a list of dream companies where you’d love to intern. Check. The next step is preparing your application. Alongside a well-crafted resume, you’ll also need to write a cover letter.

A good cover letter showcases your relevant skills and experiences and helps you stand out from the rest. Typically, your cover letter is the first thing a hiring manager will see, so it’s important to get it right from the beginning. This guide explains in detail how to write a cover letter for an internship.

What to include in an internship cover letter

Before you get into the nitty-gritty of writing an internship cover letter, start by carefully reading the internship post. This will guide you on the experience and skill set that the employer is looking for. With that information, you can tailor your cover letter to show that you’re the best candidate.

Here are a few  key elements to include in your internship cover letter:

1. Your personal information

Be a financially smart family!

Be a financially smart family!

From saving for the future to understanding credit, see how families are thriving with Greenlight.

Try Greenlight today

At the top of your letter, include your name, phone number, email, and the date. This information will make it easy for the recruiter to identify and contact you. 

2. The company’s address

Start with the department where you’d like to intern followed by the company’s physical address. This section identifies the company (so that no one thinks you’ve sent an application to the wrong company).

3. Salutation

Every formal letter needs a salutation to the intended recipient, who, in this case, will be the hiring manager. The good old “Dear Hiring Manager” is okay, but you can distinguish yourself by researching the hiring manager’s name online. A salutation with the recipient’s name gives your letter a warmer and personalized touch. The company’s official website or other platforms like LinkedIn make great resources for finding the recruiter’s name. If you’re not sure or can’t find their real name despite your best efforts, then it’s still okay to use a generic greeting.

4. A direct introductory paragraph

Your first paragraph should state the exact role you’re applying for. Use it to grab the recruiter’s attention and set a context for the rest of the letter. Explain how the internship role aligns with your goals and passions. If you were referred by someone, mention them here. 

5. Your relevant coursework and experience

In the next paragraphs, mention the academic courses you’ve completed or are pursuing that are relevant to the position. This will tell the recruiter that you have the background knowledge and skills to perform the tasks that come with your internship. You can mention some outstanding scores, grades, and successes you’ve racked up in your coursework and projects. It’s okay if you don’t have any job experience in the role you’re applying for. But if you do, mention it along with the skills you gained and how you helped the previous company/companies advance their corporate goals. You can also talk about extra skills you’ve picked up in volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and passion projects.

6. Keywords

It’s not unusual for an employer to use applicant tracking software (ATS) to scan applications. The software will search your letter for certain words that suggest you’re the right fit for the position. For example, an internship might be looking for “self-starter” and “time management”. Use those keywords in your letter. Combine them with other keywords that describe your technical skills, language skills, or software skills. For example, using “proficient in Microsoft Office” may give you an edge because the term describes a technical skill. You can also check an organization's website for the characteristics they're looking for.

7. Your goal(s)

A cover letter provides an opportunity for you to tell the employer what you hope to gain from the internship. This may be a new skill or more insight into the industry. Whatever the case, it will tell the hiring manager that you're passionate about the position.

8. Call to action

Include a closing paragraph and call to action at the end of your cover letter. These two make up the conclusion of your letter and they provide a chance to say thank you to the hiring manager. For example, say something like, "Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon."

Research & preparation

Before you even begin to draft your cover letter, start by researching the company. Think of it as knowing your audience; you’ll figure out the key points to present to the hiring manager. Try the following:

• Visit the company’s website: Read as many pages as possible to see if its values align with yours.

• Check its social media: You’ll get an idea of the company’s culture.

• Search on Google: You can see new product announcements, press mentions, corporate social responsibility, and everything in between. 

• Check out the competition: Compare it with other companies in the same industry to see if it has any competitive advantages or areas for improvement.

• Ask others for their opinions: Other people, particularly friends, family, teachers, and school counselors may have helpful opinions about the company.

Writing the internship cover letter

You’ve researched the company and have a good understanding of what to include in a cover letter for an internship. Now it’s time to craft it! Keep these tips in mind when you start writing:

• Customize the letter: Let your voice shine in your writing, and emphasize how you are unique.

• Make it professional: You can never go wrong with a formal business letter format. Use a clear and professional font like Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial.

• Make sure it flows effectively: One point should lead to the next in a seamless way. Four or five paragraphs (one page) are okay, but anything beyond that may be too long. Many hiring managers don’t have the time to read through multiple pages.

• Share your research information strategically: Use your research about the company to match your skills with the internship description in every paragraph.

Finishing touches

Proofread and review your cover letter before hitting that send button. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes. If possible, get a friend, family member, or teacher to have a look at the letter. They’ll give you an outside perspective that may help you improve.

Grow with Greenlight

Knowing how to write a good cover letter can help you throughout your career. Even if you don't get all of the internship positions you want, every application is a good opportunity to grow the skills you'll need far into the future. Greenlight can help you with cover letters and many other skills you need as you grow. Check out our blog to learn more about leveling up your career and earning opportunities.