Internships are a great way to learn about the industry and get your foot in the door. But before you can walk through that door, you need to write an internship cover letter.
That’s right! It’s not just for jobs. A cover letter is always required when applying for an internship, especially if your resume is going to be sent out to people who don’t know you yet.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Writing a cover letter is an important part of the internship application process. |
| Your cover letter should introduce yourself, explain why you’re interested in the position and company, highlight your relevant skills and experiences, and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. |
| Customize your cover letter to the position and company you’re applying to by researching their specific needs and requirements. |
| Keep your cover letter concise and to the point, while still conveying your qualifications and interest in the position. |
| Proofread your cover letter carefully to ensure that it’s error-free and professional. |
Do You Need A Cover Letter For An Internship Here’s Why
If you’re considering applying for an unpaid internship, it’s important to know how to write a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to show your interest in the company and position, as well as explain any gaps on your resume. It also allows you to show off your writing skills.
When writing your cover letter, be sure to address it specifically to the person who will be reading it (usually the person who is hiring). Address them formally by their name and title, such as “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam.”
If they don’t have a title listed on their LinkedIn profile, try searching online for “title + name” or “title + company.” If there’s still no luck with finding out their title/position/etc., just use “Dear Hiring Manager.”
You should also include any other information that might help convince them that you’re worth hiring (e.g., why do you want this job? Why are you qualified for this job?). This is where some research comes into play you should make sure that the skills listed on your resume match up with what they’re looking for!
Are you wondering if you need a cover letter for your internship application? Look no further! Our comprehensive guide on writing a cover letter for an internship will help you make a great first impression and stand out from other applicants.
Know Your Value To The Company
Knowing your company and its goals will help you understand what the organization wants in an intern. Make a list of accomplishments that speak to those needs and use them in your cover letter.
You should also do some research on how this company values its employees. Find out whether they have an internship program and whether they hire interns regularly, or if they only do so once or twice a year. If you think that your candidacy would be valuable to them, make sure it shows!
Keep Your Cover Letter Brief
Keep your cover letter brief. As a college student seeking an internship, you probably have a lot to say about why you’re the best candidate for the job. But resist the temptation to ramble on, as it is unprofessional and will only make you look inexperienced.
Keep each paragraph short and concise, focusing on one or two key points that demonstrate why you would be a good fit for this particular position and organization.
It’s best to keep your cover letter one page long no longer than about 500 words in total and doesn’t include anything extra like photos or references unless specifically asked for them by HR or hiring managers at larger companies (more on this later).
Don’t Just Reiterate Your Resume
If you have one, use it. Most employers will expect to receive both an internship cover letter and a resume. A cover letter should be used to introduce yourself and explain why you are a good fit for the position. Don’t just reiterate your resume; rather than saying “I am a sophomore majoring in math with a 3.9 GPA,” write something more creative like this
I am a sophomore majoring in mathematics with a 3.9 GPA, which has allowed me to participate on the college golf team as well as work for several local companies during my summers at home in Kentucky.
In addition to having an interest in learning about international finance and investments, I am very interested in learning more about how multinational businesses operate around the world.”
If you don’t have any experience or internships yet then mention something else that relates specifically to what they do at this company (e.g., if they do marketing say that’s your favorite class) or say what makes them different from everyone else (e.g., if everyone else applied only through LinkedIn).
When it comes to applying for a job, it’s important to explain why you’re the best fit for the position. Our guide on writing a cover letter that explains why you’re a good fit can help you craft a compelling message that showcases your skills and experience.
Do Some Research And Use That Information In Your Cover Letter
Make sure you do some research on the company and use that information in your cover letter. It’s important to show them how you fit into their mission statement, as well as why you are a good fit for the position.
Before applying for an internship, be sure to visit their website, and read any press releases or articles about their business and recent news that mentions them. This will give you insight into what they do, who they serve, and what type of culture they have at work.
Address The Recipient By Name
When you’re writing a cover letter, it’s important to address the recipient by name. This helps set up a personal connection and makes your letter seem less generic.
If you don’t know who will be reading your application, try to find out as much information about them as possible; if possible, find an email address that ends in @yourcompany or @theirdepartment (e.g., firstname@yourcompany) and use that instead of their full name.
If this is not possible and you don’t know any other way to contact them (for example, if there’s no company website), then write “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Recruiter” at the top of your page before getting into specifics about why they should.
Share Enthusiasm About The Company And Job
Don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm. Yes, it’s an internship. No, you won’t be making six figures and traveling the world on a private jet. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still be excited about the job opportunity or even just the idea of having one at all.
If you’re applying for a position at Google, don’t write a cover letter that says something like “This is great! I hope there are snacks here!” Instead, let them know why it’s so great for YOU!
Share some details about your research into their company or organization (you did do this right?) and how much potential they have to make positive change in this industry (you did do this right?). Your passion will help convince them that hiring you would be an excellent career move on their part and get you a foot in their door!
Do you need a cover letter? The answer is yes! Our guide on how cover letters help explains why cover letters are an important part of the job application process and how they can help you land your dream job.
Treat Your Cover Letter Like An Interview
Your cover letter is a chance to show that you have done your research and understand the company. In addition, it’s an opportunity to show off your personality. But remember: this isn’t an interview (at least not yet). Don’t try too hard to stand out or put on airs just be yourself!
Remember, employers, are looking for candidates who fit both their culture and their needs. The best way to do this is by showing that you know what kind of person they want working at their company and how you can be that person.
Researching the company shows that you care enough about their hiring process and getting hired there to invest some time in understanding them as much as possible before applying.*
Whether you need a cover letter for a job application or not can be confusing. Our guide on do I need a cover letter for a job can help you understand when and why cover letters are necessary, and how to write one that will impress potential employers.
Never Lie About Your Qualifications
Most internship application forms ask for the same information. You’ll be asked about your qualifications and experience, but don’t lie about your credentials or references.
Just like your resume should be accurate, so should the information you provide on an internship application form. If you are currently enrolled in school and say that you have graduated, this could cost you the job offer because they may want to check with your college institution to verify that fact.
If there is anything on a given application form that seems unclear or confusing to you then ask friends or family members if they know how best to answer it. They might not know much about what constitutes a good cover letter for an internship either!
Are you struggling to make your job application stand out from the crowd? A well-crafted cover letter can help! Our guide on how a cover letter can help you get your desired job provides tips and tricks for writing a persuasive cover letter that can increase your chances of getting hired.
Leave Room For Further Communication
You’ll want to leave room for further communication. If you’re applying for an internship at a large company, the hiring manager may have already filled their quota of interns. In that case, they won’t be able to accept your application and will simply move on.
You should still include contact information and a statement that you are available to meet with them. This way, if there is an opening in the future or another position becomes available that better fits your skillset, they can reach out to you directly instead of having to go through HR again.
Also, include a statement that you look forward to hearing from them! This shows confidence and enthusiasm which are always great qualities in job seekers!
Conclusion
We hope this has answered the question of whether you need a cover letter for an internship. If you’re still not sure, we recommend reading our other article about how to write an effective cover letter for an internship. This one covers all of the same points, but includes many more examples and tips to help make sure yours stands out from the crowd!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources on writing cover letters for internships:
How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship: This guide provides a step-by-step process for writing a cover letter for an internship, including tips on how to customize your letter to the position and company you’re applying to.
Writing an Internship Cover Letter with Examples: Indeed offers a comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter for an internship, including tips on how to make your letter stand out and examples of successful internship cover letters.
Cover Letter for Internship: Zety provides a guide to writing a cover letter for an internship, including tips on how to structure your letter, what to include, and what to avoid.
FAQs
What should I include in an internship cover letter?
In an internship cover letter, you should introduce yourself, explain why you’re interested in the position and company, highlight your relevant skills and experiences, and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
How long should an internship cover letter be?
An internship cover letter should generally be one page or less. It’s important to keep your letter concise and to the point, while still conveying your qualifications and interest in the position.
How can I customize my internship cover letter?
To customize your internship cover letter, research the company and position you’re applying to and tailor your letter to their specific needs and requirements. Use keywords and phrases from the job description to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
Should I mention my GPA in my internship cover letter?
It’s not always necessary to mention your GPA in your internship cover letter, but if you have a high GPA and it’s relevant to the position, you may choose to include it. Be sure to focus on your achievements and experiences rather than just your GPA.
How can I make my internship cover letter stand out?
To make your internship cover letter stand out, focus on your unique qualifications and experiences, tailor your letter to the company and position you’re applying to, and use strong, action-oriented language to showcase your skills and achievements. Additionally, proofread your letter carefully to ensure that it’s error-free and professional.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.
