How To Write A Sharp Internship Cover Letter + Templates

You found yourself an internship opportunity you are excited about. That is great but before you hit submit, there is one more crucial step: the internship cover letter. It can feel like a hurdle –  figuring out what to write and where to begin. After all, a strong cover letter can make a BIG difference.

So how do you craft a cover letter that stands out? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to write internship cover letters so sharp, they practically cut through the competition. We will share 10 effective strategies to create an impressive cover letter and highlight common mistakes to avoid. Plus, we will give you 2 useful templates to get you started.

10 strategies for writing a winning internship cover letter

78% of recruiters prefer candidates who submit a cover letter, you need one that convinces the hiring manager that you are the ideal match. Here are 10 proven strategies to create a great cover letter.

1. Research company background, culture, & operations

Before you even start typing, research the company you are applying to. Hiring managers love it when you show that you did your homework. It tells them you are genuinely interested in their company. 

So start with their website. Check out their mission statement, values, and the products or services they offer. Understand what they do and what they value. 

Next, look for recent news about the company. Check out their LinkedIn or X. This gives you a sense of their company culture and the kind of people they hire. 

Don't forget to visit their team page. Knowing about the people behind the company gives you valuable insight into the type of team you could be a part of. 

2. Customise the letter to the internship description

You need to customise your cover letter for each internship position you apply to. Read the internship description carefully. Pay close attention to the qualifications and responsibilities they are looking for. 

Now think about how your experiences, skills, and accomplishments match with what they are asking for. Don't just repeat your resume. Instead, pick out specific examples that show why you are the perfect fit for the role. 

Use relevant keywords from the job description throughout your letter. This helps applicant tracking systems pick out your application and shows the hiring manager you understand their needs.

3. Focus on relevant skills & experience

 

List down the skills and experiences the company is looking for. Now think about your background. Maybe you took relevant coursework or completed projects that show those skills. Maybe you did part-time jobs or internships where you used those abilities. Whatever it is, highlight them in your cover letter. 

Be specific and quantify everything. Don't just list off skills. Provide examples of how you used them in the past. For instance, if they are looking for someone with strong communication skills, talk about a group project you led or a presentation you gave. 

If they want someone with experience using a specific software or tool, mention coursework or projects where you used it.

4. Discuss what you can bring to the internship

When writing your cover letter, it is easy to get caught up in talking about yourself – your skills, your experiences, your accomplishments. But recruiters want to know what you can do for them. So shift the focus to what you bring to the internship. 

Don't just repeat what the internship description says you will do and don't repeat your resume either. Focus on what unique value you bring to the company. 

Think about your strengths and past experiences (even volunteer work) that align with the internship. Highlight it in your cover letter and tie it back to the internship description. Show the hiring manager the value your skills and experiences can bring to the company.

5. Use strong action verbs & concise language

When it comes to writing a good cover letter for an internship, the words you choose matter. Instead of using weak, passive language, pick strong action verbs that show your skills and accomplishments. For example, instead of saying "I helped with," say "I spearheaded" or "I led." 

These action verbs convey a sense of initiative and drive. Also, keep your language concise and to the point. Avoid unnecessary fluff and jargon that can clutter your cover letter and make it hard to read. Remember, hiring managers are busy people so make every word count. Stick to the essentials and get straight to the point.

6. Use professional language & tone

Your internship cover letter is your first impression. So use professional vocabulary. Avoid slang or informal expressions. This means no emojis or exclamation points. Instead, use formal greetings and sign-offs, like "Dear [Hiring Manager]" and "Sincerely," or "Best Regards." 

Also, strike the right tone. You want to sound self-assured but not arrogant. Formal doesn't have to mean boring, though. Show enthusiasm for the internship opportunity without going overboard. This enthusiasm comes across by highlighting your genuine interest in the company and the specific internship.

7. Address the hiring manager by name

Generic "Dear Hiring Manager" greetings are okay but a personalised touch goes a long way. Invest a few minutes to find the hiring manager's name. Many internship postings list this information. 

If not, try the company website or a quick LinkedIn search. You can even call the company directly for it. If you can't find the hiring manager's name, you can use a generic salutation but as we said earlier, personalised greetings are always better.

8. Include a strong opening & closing

The first paragraph of your cover letter is prime real estate. Get the reader's attention with a strong opening sentence that connects you to the internship. Start with a strong hook that introduces who you are and why you are excited about the internship.

Mention a specific accomplishment or experience that relates to the internship. Or share a brief anecdote that highlights your passion for the field.

End your cover letter on a high note too. Don't just say "Thank you for your time." Make sure to include a strong call to action, like expressing your desire for an interview or saying that you look forward to hearing from them soon.

9. Proofread for errors

Errors can make you look careless and cause the hiring manager to question your attention to detail. After writing your cover letter, take a break. Then come back to it with fresh eyes. Read it slowly and carefully and check for any spelling or grammatical mistakes. 

Look for common errors like typos, missing punctuation, or incorrect verb tense. Use spellcheck but don't rely on it solely. Read your cover letter aloud or ask a friend or family member to review it. Sometimes, another pair of eyes can catch errors you missed.

10. Follow the application instructions

This may seem obvious but it is surprising how many applicants overlook this crucial step. Pay close attention to the application instructions that the company has provided. Read details like formatting requirements, font size, and submission method.

If they ask for a specific file format (like PDF), use it. If they have a word count limit, stick to it. If the instructions say to address the cover letter to a specific person or include certain information in the subject line, do it.

Following instructions shows you can follow directions and pay attention to detail – important qualities for any internship. Double-check that you included everything the company asked for before submitting your application.

Internship cover letter examples: 2 templates to use

These are 2 examples to get you started. Remember, an internship cover letter template provides a solid foundation but you have to personalise it. So pick the internship cover letter format that works best for you. 

Internship cover letter example 1 - Marketing

Internship cover letter example 2- Engineering

6 mistakes to avoid when writing an internship cover letter

When it comes to creating an internship cover letter, it is easy to slip up and make mistakes that could cost you the opportunity. Let's look at 6 common blunders you should avoid when crafting yours.

I. Being too casual or informal

An internship is a professional opportunity. While you can be yourself, avoid overly casual language or slang. It can give the wrong impression and make you seem like you are not taking the application seriously. Skip phrases like "super excited" or "totally down for this." Use a friendly but professional tone.

II. Repeating your resume

Repeating your resume in your cover letter can be redundant and boring for the hiring manager. Use the cover letter to expand on your experiences and show your personality. If there are any gaps in the resume, explain them in the cover letter.

III. Using clichés or generic phrases

Phrases like "I'm a team player" or "I have excellent communication skills" are so overused that they have lost their meaning. Using such phrases in your cover letter can make you blend in with the crowd rather than stand out. Instead, use specific examples to show yourself. These details paint a picture and make your skills come alive.

IV. Making the cover letter too long

Hiring managers are busy and they likely have a stack of other applications to review. A cover letter that stretches on for pages likely won't get read. Even if they start with it, there is always the risk that the manager will lose interest before they get to the important details. Aim for one page, single-spaced letter with clear margins.

V. Not including contact information

Forgetting to include your contact details is one of the worst mistakes you can make in a cover letter. The hiring manager has no way to reach out to you for an interview without your contact information. Always include your contact information at the top of your cover letter.

VI. Exaggerating or lying about qualifications

It might be tempting to inflate your skills or experiences to make yourself seem like the perfect candidate. But trust us, it is not worth it. We know internship applications are competitive but the truth has a way of coming out eventually. Lying or exaggerating about your skills and experience will hurt your credibility and reputation in the long run. 

Prosple: Fast-track your career with targeted internships

 

Prosple is a platform designed to help you launch your career after graduation, or even before. We have a large collection of graduate jobs and internships across various industries, including law, engineering, finance, healthcare, media, and IT. 

Unlike general job boards, Prosple understands the needs and experience level of recent graduates. That is why we have made it easier for you to find entry-level opportunities that match your qualifications. Let’s take a look at Prosple’s key features:

i. Advanced & easy-to-use dashboard

Prosple’s dashboard is informative without being overwhelming. It has a user-friendly interface to view the status of jobs you have applied for. You can easily update your profile details and keep track of interesting job searches with specific filters applied.

ii. Easy search with advanced filters & job alerts

Prosple's search function allows you to filter by location, industry, job type (full-time, internship, etc), and salary. With job alerts and notifications, you get notified whenever a new job matching your saved searches gets posted. This ensures you don't miss out on relevant opportunities.

iii. Powerful search engine with advanced algorithms

Prosple uses sophisticated algorithms to understand your profile and preferences. Its search engine prioritises jobs considering your profile, past applications, and keywords you use in your searches. It then suggests jobs or companies you might not have considered but could be a good fit for you. 

iv. Expert career guidance with different resources

Prosple offers resume and cover letter templates to give you a head start on crafting impressive application materials. With our interview tips, you can learn how to answer common interview questions and make a good impression. You can also understand the average salary ranges for different positions and locations with our salary guides.

v. Day in the Life series

You can watch videos or read blog posts from recent graduates about their experience at different companies. This way, you can learn about company culture, work environment, and typical tasks for specific positions. This gives you a realistic idea of what it is like to work at a particular company before you even apply.

Conclusion

Remember, even a small advantage can make a big difference. So don't underestimate the power of a well-crafted internship cover letter. Take advantage of the provided templates as a starting point. Personalise them with your unique experiences and watch your internship applications stand out. 

Prosple is your one-stop shop for finding the perfect internship and getting the tools you need to shine in the application process. With a vast network of top employers and resources, Prosple empowers you to make a confident and compelling impression. Join Prosple today and see how Prosple can help you get ahead.