Actually, writing a cover letter might feel hard at first, but it’s a great chance to show your personality, passion, and potential.
Even if you have no experience yet, a good cover letter can help you gain attention.
Below, we’ll show you how to write a cover letter for an internship using beginner-friendly tips and examples.
Let’s roll on!
An Internship Cover Letter: What Exactly Is It?
Usually, an internship cover letter serves as a personal message with your resume. It is a one-page letter that is typically formatted with 3 to 4 short paragraphs.
In it, you introduce yourself, express why you’re interested in the internship, and detail how you’re an excellent fit for the position.
Also, in your information, you can think of it as:
“Hi! Here’s a brief breakdown of who I am, what I’ve accomplished, what I care about, and why I’d love to join your team.”
According to a survey, 35.4% of new hires always submit cover letters with their applications, and those who always do so have a higher chance of getting hired (35.8%) than those who never do (21.2%).
As a part of the student cover letter for the internship application process, an applicant is expected to send a brief cover letter alongside their resume.
But Wait... Why Do You Even Need It?
Well, it's a fair question, because your resume is not good enough to speak for itself.
In particular, cover letters are critical for internships for the following reasons:
It lets you tell your story beyond the resume
You can explain what you learned in school or through projects
Shows you care and didn’t just copy-paste the same letter everywhere
Helps you highlight what you want to learn from the internship
Shows your ability to communicate clearly and professionally
Some companies require it and won’t read your resume without it
How to Write a Cover Letter For an Internship: Easy Guide With Examples
So, you have found the perfect internship! Now, the next step is to write the best cover letter for our internship that makes a strong impression.
But, relax!
This beginner-friendly guide will guide you from start to finish with entry-level cover letter tips:
Step 1: Stick to the Right Format (It’s Like Dressing Well for an Interview)
Before you go into writing, make sure your cover letter looks professional. A clean format makes a big first impression.
Here’s what to include in an internship cover letter:
Your Contact Info (Full name, phone number, professional email, LinkedIn)
Date
Recruiter’s Details (Name, title, company name, company address)
Greeting (“Dear [Name],” is best. Avoid “To Whom It May Concern” if possible.)
Body Paragraphs (Highlight education, skills, achievements, and motivation)
Closing Paragraph (Thank them and include a call to action)
Formal Sign-off (e.g., "Best regards," or "Sincerely," followed by your name)
Quick Tip: Always send your cover letter as a PDF unless the company asks otherwise.
2. Start Strong With an Eye-Catching Opening
So, you have chosen your format and now move on to the opening section.
The opening lines of any piece have to be attractive. Instead of using the generic intro, “I’m applying for this internship,” make it more unique.
You should include:
The title of the internship and the company.
An outstanding reason: a top skill or achievement
Show a bit of enthusiasm.
Example:
Dear Ms. Khan,
I’m thrilled to apply for the Digital Marketing Internship at XYZ Agency. As a marketing student who recently helped grow a campus page from 200 to 3,000 followers in 2 months, I’m eager to bring fresh energy and creativity to your team.
3. Mention the Internship Position Clearly
Your opening paragraph should make one thing super clear: what role you’re applying for.
Because hiring managers read tons of applications, they appreciate it when you get straight to the point. Never send the same cover letter everywhere.
Recruiters know when you’re using a copy-paste template. This shows them immediately:
You put in the effort to personalize your application
You have conviction in the position
You have not become a mindless automaton sending the same letter to every company.
Step 4: Match Keywords (Speak Their Language)
Generally, cover letter scanning recruiters pay attention to specific crucial words.
Look for them as:
Read the internship listing in detail.
Pay attention to the phrases or the words that they repeat, like teamwork, writing, data analyzing, or research.
Ensure these naturally form part of your letter, but ensure a proof or a reason is attached to them.
Step 5: Highlight Your Education (Especially If You Lack Experience)
Recruiters genuinely don’t expect you to have an extensive list of jobs during your internship period. But a certain level of forenamed potential is essential.
Oftentimes, your education and coursework are capable of demonstrating your potential.
Example:
“I have a major in Psychology, and for it, I have earned credits in courses like Behavioral Science and Data Analysis. I have learned to understand people and identify trends. I hope to leverage those skills in a job”.
Along those lines, do you have any school, group, volunteering, and project assignments?
Well, bring them forward, because they are relevant and add value.
Step 5: Show Where Your Skills Come From
Saying "I'm good at time management" isn't enough. Show the story behind your skills. That’s what makes you memorable.
Example:
“At a community food bank, I scheduled a calendar of shifts for over thirty volunteers. It taught me to prioritize, handle multiple deadlines, and manage stressful situations.”
When you provide examples, not just claims, your cover letter not only complements your application but also adds to your value.
Step 6: Prove You’re the Right Fit
In actual words, companies want interns who add value even as learners.
So this is your chance to connect the dots: Here’s what you’re looking for, and here’s how I can help.
Quick Tip: Mention something specific about the company to show you’ve done your homework.
Step 7: Share What You Hope to Learn
Gaining knowledge and skills is a big aspect of an internship. Almost every company would take in a candidate who aims to develop their skills.
Use a sentence or two to describe what you wish to achieve or learn from the internship.
Example:
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to develop my design skills by working in a fast-paced agency and learn from collaborating with professionals on client campaigns.”
8. Proofread (Yes, It’s a Must!)
Great job finishing your letter! Now check it carefully.
Look for spelling and grammar mistakes.
Make sure it’s clear and easy to read.
Keep the tone friendly but professional.
Also, you can use tools like Grammarly or ask a friend to review it. Even a small typo can make you look careless.
9. Style Your Resume and Cover Letter (Optional)
This part is up to you. You can match the fonts or layout of your resume and cover letter.
It’s not required, but it shows you care about the details. A clean, polished look can help you stand out.
Now that you know how to write an internship cover letter, let’s look at an example!
Hiring Manager’s Name
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Subject: Application for [Name of Internship Position]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I’m excited to apply for the [Name of Internship] at [Company Name], as posted on [Where You Found It]. I’m a [Year] student at [Your University], studying [Your Major], and eager to gain hands-on experience while contributing to your team.
I’ve built skills in [e.g., marketing, data analysis, etc.] through coursework and projects like [brief example], where I improved my [mention skill]. I’m especially drawn to your focus on [something you admire about the company], and I’d love to be part of a team that values [e.g., innovation, impact].
I may be early in my career, but I’m a quick learner, hard-working, and ready to grow. I’ve attached my resume and would appreciate the chance to talk more about how I can support your team.
Best,
[Your Full Name]
Quick Note: You can use AI tools to create a cover letter quickly and confidently. A free AI cover letter writer helps with structure, wording, and highlighting the right skills for the internship.
With an AI cover letter generator free, just enter a few details and get a polished draft in minutes. It’s a smart way to follow entry-level cover letter tips and avoid writer’s block.
For beginners, this is an easy way to create a cover letter with AI and make a strong first impression.
Internship Cover Letter Tips You Shouldn’t Miss: (DOs & DO N’Ts)
As we already mentioned that writing the cover letter for your internship does not have to be hard. Follow these simple dos and don’ts to avoid mistakes and ensure that your letter checks every box.
DOs: What You Should Do
Make sure that it doesn’t exceed one page.
Adjust each letter to the internship and company you are applying for.
Always name the company and mention the exact role to which you are applying.
Use the company’s tone (formal or creative) to match your own.
Mention any relevant courses, projects, or outline particular achievements.
Illustrate your skills with real-life examples.
Carefully check for errors in grammar, spelling, and format.
Adhere to any job post instructions (filename, format, etc.).
Use an appropriate naming convention for the file, keeping it professional, for instance, JohnDoeCoverLetter.pdf.
DON’Ts: What To Avoid
Avoid beginning your cover letter with dull phrases, for example, “I am applying for this internship.”
Avoid repeating your resume in your cover letter.
Avoid discussing your goals exclusively; address what you can provide as well.
Do not make up skills and experience or exaggerate your actual competencies.
Do not miss the editing stage. Your first impression can make or break the deal, and misspelled words can ruin that.
Don’t address it as “To Whom It May Concern” if you can find a name.
Stick to PDF format unless a Word file is specifically requested.
Complex language is not permissible, but natural and clear language is.
Don’t send a Word file unless specifically asked. Use PDF format.
Don’t forget to include your contact information.
Last Say
And that’s it. You've now got a clear step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter for an internship.
We’ve discussed how to start strong, what key points to include, and how to close with confidence.
Even if this is your first time applying, you now have the tools to create a cover letter that feels real. This letter shows your interest and highlights your strengths.
Don’t worry about limited experience; your passion and willingness to learn can set you apart.
Just be clear, stay focused, and let your personality come through. Use the tips and examples from this guide, and you’ll be one step closer to landing that internship opportunity.
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