Did you know that more than 66% of the interns secure a job after they have completed their internship?
This means that getting an internship plays a significant role in creating a successful career. However, getting one is not as easy as it seems. With numerous candidates trying their luck, you need to ensure that your application stands out.
If you are ready with a great resume, it might not be enough. This is because 56% of the recruiters prefer a cover letter along with a resume!
So a well-written cover letter is an essential tool to enhance your chances of getting the opportunity. And if you don’t know how to write one, by the end of this guide, you will surely know how!
The Need For An Internship Cover Letter
According to research, 94% of recruiters say that a cover letter influences interview decisions!
The thing is, a resume is responsible for setting your first impression in front of the recruiter. But many students aren’t aware of the length limitations. Experts from Resumewriters.my suggest that the ideal length should be one page.
This limits students to only sharing factual information with the hiring managers.
However, a cover letter offers an opportunity for students to build a personalized connection by explaining things in detail.
The table below will discuss some of the key benefits of a cover letter.
| Shows interest | A great cover letter shows your enthusiasm for the job role. |
| Personalization | It allows you to introduce yourself in more detail. |
| Professionalism | It demonstrates your way of talking and professionalism. |
| Explanations | It allows you to explain any gaps in your career journey. |
| Details | You can describe how your skills and qualifications are a potential fit. |
How To Write A Cover Letter For An Internship?
Did you know that more than 60% of recruiters spend more than 2 minutes reading cover letters? This means you need to pay some extra attention to details while writing a cover letter.
A great cover letter holds the power to convince the recruiter that you are the ideal candidate for the internship position.
Follow the steps below to craft an effective cover letter.
1) Research About The Company
Before you begin writing, make sure you have done your research about the company. Visit their LinkedIn profile, website, and other digital profiles to get deeper insights. This will help you know about the company’s,
- Mission
- Vision
- Core values
- Policies
- Objectives
Make sure to align your career achievements with the company’s goals while writing the cover letter.
2) Use The Right Format
Choosing the right format is necessary. It ensures that your letter looks well-organized. Take a look below at what the recruiters have to say about formatting,
Each section contributes to leaving an impact on the hiring manager. So make sure to,
- Provide your contact information in the header, e.g, name, email, and contact number.
- Greet the recruiter by mentioning their name
- Write an attention-grabbing introduction
- Write a few paragraphs in the body, describing your experience and skills
- Close the letter by showing gratitude for their time and attention
3) Specify The Role You Are Applying For
According to 72% of the hiring managers, customizing your cover letter is extremely important!
So make sure not to use a generic cover letter for every internship role. As you begin writing the cover letter, state the role you have applied for.
This shows that,
- You have put in some extra effort for the internship
- You invested your time in writing the letter
- You have a genuine interest in the specific role
4) Use The Right Keywords
Optimizing your cover letter with relevant keywords is as important as optimizing your resume. The majority of companies scan the resumes and cover letters with Applicant Tracking Systems.
The right keyword usage will ensure that your cover letter and resume land in the recruiter’s hands.
Here is what you need to do,
- Read the internship description carefully
- Use the keywords throughout the cover letter
- Don’t use unnecessary keywords
- Mention the keywords while explaining your soft skills and experience
- Describe Your Education
5) Describe Your Education
If you have no prior experience, this section is where you need to excel! Describing your coursework and educational achievements can show the hiring managers that you have all the knowledge regarding the internship you have applied for.
Here is what you can explain in detail,
- What you learnt from volunteer work
- How did you perform in these roles
- Which relevant courses have you completed, and what are your accomplishments
6) Explain Your Qualifications
You might be qualified enough to get the internship, but if you fail to describe your expertise, the chance will be gone!
The hiring managers need to know why you are the perfect fit for the role. You need to tell them what makes you stand out among other candidates.
So make sure to,
- Detail your expertise based on the job description
- Don’t fill your cover letter with only claims
- Provide the proof along with your claims, i.e, how you used your skills in the past
This will tell the hiring manager that you have exactly what they are looking for, leading to increased chances of getting the role.
7) Discuss The Purpose Of An Internship
The cover letter should reflect your learning as well. It should emphasize how valuable this opportunity is for you. Internships are created for students to gain experience and get a better view of the industry.
So make sure to discuss what you plan on bringing to the company, such as,
- The skills
- The industry insights
- Professional growth
8) End With A Call To Action
The closing statement is your chance to leave a lasting impression, so make sure to highlight your passion for the role. Moreover, you need to include a relevant call to action as well.
Some examples include,
- I look forward to the possibility of…
- I’m eager to learn more about…
- I’m excited to join your team…
9) Sign Off Formally
Singing off professionally is one of the most important considerations. Make sure to avoid the informal phrases such as “yours truly.”
Instead, use one of these,
- Sincerely
- Best Regards
- Respectfully
Tips For Writing A Cover Letter For An Internship
When you are done writing your cover letter, make sure to keep these tips in mind.
| Tip | What you need to do |
| Proofread | Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. |
| Get feedback | Take feedback from family, friends, or your professors. |
| Match with resume | Make sure your cover letter matches the information in your resume. |
| Add examples | Provide relevant examples to highlight your capabilities. |
| Use action verbs | Make use of action verbs in your sentences. |
| Ensure clarity | Use short sentences and a few paragraphs only. |
Final Word
Writing a Cover letter for an Internship is an essential document for your application process. It gives you a chance to directly communicate with the recruiter. By focusing on explaining your skills and dedication for the internship, you can unlock your chance of getting invited for the internship interview!
Just make sure to adhere to the formatting requirements while clearly stating your interest in the opportunity, and follow the guide above to give a personalized view of your capabilities to the hiring manager.