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How to write a cover letter for an internship.
Learn the steps to write a cover letter for an internship application.
A strong cover letter can make a big difference when applying for an internship. Unlike a traditional job application, an internship cover letter should focus on highlighting your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and transferable skills rather than professional experience. A well-structured and personalized cover letter can help you stand out among other candidates and increase your chances of securing the role.
Follow the steps for how to write a cover letter for an internship and learn how Adobe Acrobat tools can help streamline the process, making your internship application professional and polished. AI in education can help you create a plan, structure your content, and refine your writing to ensure a polished final product.
1. Start with an enthusiastic introduction.
The introduction of your cover letter sets the tone for your internship application. A solid opening ensures the employer knows who you are and why you are interested in the role. It should capture their attention by expressing your intent and enthusiasm. This is one of the most important aspects of how to write a good cover letter for an internship because it establishes your excitement and helps create a strong first impression.
Your internship cover letter should begin with a professional header that includes:
- Your name and contact information (email and phone number)
- The date of submission
- The recipient’s name, title, and company name
After setting up the proper formatting, open the body of the cover letter with a compelling introduction. Include the specific internship role you’re applying for and how you discovered the opportunity, and then briefly mention your enthusiasm for both the role and the company.
Here is a short example intro sentence for an internship cover letter:
“I am excited to apply for the [internship title] position at [company name], as I am eager to apply my [relevant skills or academic background] to contribute to your team and gain hands-on experience in [industry or field].”
Ensure your cover letter is properly formatted before submitting it by converting Word to PDF to maintain a professional appearance. You can still make changes after converting it using an online PDF editor. Taking this extra step helps you make a strong impression from the moment your cover letter is opened.
2. Highlight relevant academic and extracurricular experience.
Since many internship applicants will have limited professional work experience, this section of your internship cover letter is a great opportunity to showcase your strengths in other areas. Employers understand that students might not have extensive job histories, so use this space to highlight skills and traits that make you a strong candidate who is ready to learn.
Focus on your academic achievements, including any relevant coursework, research projects, or assignments that have given you hands-on experience in the field you are interested in. Beyond academics, extracurricular activities and volunteer work can be great examples to showcase your leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. These experiences can also highlight other skills, such as communication, adaptability, and time management, which are all valuable qualities in interns.
For example, if you have worked on group projects, discuss your role in the project, any challenges you might have faced, and how you contributed to the project’s success. The goal is to showcase that despite limited professional experience, your academic background and other experiences have prepared you to be a successful intern.
3. Showcase your industry and company knowledge.
Before writing this section, research the company and industry. Understanding the organization’s mission, values, and recent projects will help you customize your cover letter to align with its goals. To assist with research, an AI exam prep tool | AI exam prep tool can help you summarize important information about the company and its industry. This tool can help gather insights that then allow you to highlight connections between the company’s work and your skills and interests.
Employers will value that you have taken the time to research the organization before applying. This detail demonstrates initiative and makes your cover letter more compelling and impactful.
When incorporating this information, you can:
- Mention a specific project or initiative by the company that excites you
- Explain how your background and interest align with its mission
- Demonstrate how your skills can positively contribute to new and ongoing projects
Customizing your internship cover letter like this shows that you’re not only interested in the role but also committed to being a valuable addition to the company.
4. Write a strong closing paragraph.
Your closing paragraph should leave a memorable and positive impression on the reader while reinforcing your qualifications. It is your last opportunity in the cover letter to highlight why you are the best fit for the internship role by revisiting key skills and experiences and how they align with the company’s mission, values, and needs.
Express gratitude for the opportunity to apply, acknowledging the employer’s time and consideration. The conclusion is also a great space to emphasize your eagerness for further communication. Mention your willingness to discuss the role in more detail in an interview and offer to provide any additional materials such as references, a portfolio, or other relevant documents if needed. Keep the tone confident yet approachable.
An example closing could be:
“I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [company name] in the [internship role] and further develop my skills in [industry or relevant field]. My background in [specific skills or experiences] has prepared me to add value to your team, and I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your goals. Thank you for your time and consideration — I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you soon.”
5. Use a professional sign-off.
Finally, choose a professional sign-off that fits the tone of your cover letter. A respectful and polite closing not only reinforces your professionalism but also leaves a positive, lasting impression on the reader. It’s important to select a sign-off that aligns with the overall tone of your letter — whether it’s more formal or slightly informal. A more formal option like “Sincerely” works well for traditional industries, while “Best regards” might be more appropriate for a more creative role.
Here are some examples to consider:
- Sincerely
- Best regards
- Kind regards
- Cordially
- Respectfully
Include your full name and your contact information to make it easy for the employer to reach you. You can also provide links to a portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or other professional websites here.
Preparing for an internship interview can be daunting, especially when you’re not sure what to expect. With the right tools and preparation, you can build confidence and be ready for an interview. The Acrobat AI flashcard maker can generate potential questions and scenarios you may face during the interview, allowing you to practice ahead of time.
Frequently asked questions.
How to write an internship cover letter with no experience?
Most students applying for internships do not have a lot, if any, formal work experience. Instead of focusing on traditional work history, highlight your academic interests, achievements, and skills that demonstrate your ability to do well in the role.
Employers understand that internships are learning opportunities, so showcasing your eagerness to learn and passion for the field can help make a strong case for why you would be a great fit for the role.
How long should a cover letter be for an internship?
How do you write a cover page for an internship?
Should I follow up after submitting my internship cover letter?
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