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How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship? (+5 Real Internship Cover Letter Examples)

• Júlia Mlčúchova , 
• Updated March 20, 2024 8 min read

Trying to figure out how to write a cover letter for an internship ? Look no further!

POV: After weeks and weeks of searching for the right internship opportunity, you've finally found it. But, at the end of the posting, there's a single short sentence that takes you aback:  “Please, attach a cover letter to your application .”

Although some consider cover letter writing to be a relic of the past, it still holds its rightful place in the professional world. 

Because a well-written and persuasive cover letter can sometimes make up for the lack of work experience on your resume . And if you're trying to apply for an internship , this is probably your case, too. 

So, continue reading this article and learn: 

• What is a cover letter for an internship;
• Whether you need to attach a cover letter to your internship application;
• How to write one in 7 steps;
• 5 real-life internship cover letter examples .

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is a cover letter for an internship?

Do you need a cover letter for an internship, how to write a cover letter for an internship in 7 steps, 5 real-life internship cover letter examples, key takeaways: how to write a cover letter for an internship.

Generally speaking, an internship cover letter is a formal document that accompanies your resume when applying for an internship. 

When it comes to its content, a cover letter for an internship falls somewhere between a traditional cover letter and a motivational letter . 

• A traditional cover letter , used by job applicants with years of experience, is supposed to underline some of the candidate's most relevant and impressive skills, qualifications, and work achievements . 
• A motivational letter , used mostly in academia, aims to communicate one's passion for the subject, their motivation, and personal goals . 

Hence, a cover letter for an internship combines the purpose of the traditional cover letter (convincing the recruiters that you're the right person for the job) with the tone and strategy of the motivational letter (writing about personal motivations and goals).

A truly successful internship cover letter should answer the following questions:

• Who are you? 
• Why are you interested in this particular internship?
• Why are you the best fit for this internship?
• What do you want to gain from this internship?

Absolutely! 

In fact, you should always attach a cover letter to your internship application , even if it isn't explicitly required from you.  

Why, you ask? 

Well, consider this: Internships are crucial stepping stones towards your dream career. And they're also incredibly competitive. A single internship opening can be answered by tens of applicants at a time. 

But how can you stand out from a crowd of equally inexperienced candidates? Certainly not by your non-existent professional accomplishments, right? 

When companies look for interns, they don't expect you to have a ton of real-life experience. They aren't looking for a “finished product,” but for someone with a genuine desire to learn and enthusiasm for the job. 

And these two are your weapons of choice!

How can a cover letter for an internship help you?

Apart from the reasons mentioned above, your internship cover letter is also responsible for: 

• Conveying first impression. Usually, recruiters will read your cover letter before looking at your resume. So, it's the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to them in a memorable way. 
• Showing your efforts. Next, taking the time to craft a thoughtful cover letter shows that you're willing to put in that extra effort to stand out from the rest of the candidates. 
• Highlighting your communication skills. Also, a well-written cover letter demonstrates your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and professionally. 
• Showing your professionalism. When you walk into a room, it's polite to introduce yourself and shake everybody's hand. This is exactly what a cover letter does! To attach one to your application is a common courtesy.

Now that you're familiar with the whats and whys , let's have a look at how to write a good cover letter for an internship step-by-step. 

For example : Application for [name of the internship] internship – Surname.

Then, place your contact information (your name; professional email address; phone number; link to your website / portfolio / social media accounts if relevant) directly into the header .

If you know the recipient's name, address them by “ Dear [full name] ,” or “ Dear Mrs/Mr [last name] ,”. If you don't know who to address the cover letter to , address it more generally to “Dear Hiring Manager,” .

In the first paragraph of your cover letter , start by stating your name and where you studied (including your current degree and year of study). Proceed by explaining how you came to know about the internship and what are your motivations for applying to it.

Since you don't have much work experience, you can talk about your academic achievements; relevant coursework; dissertation project; extracurricular activities; volunteering; membership in relevant societies, etc.

The closing paragraph of your cover letter should reiterate your desire to get the specific internship, express gratitude to the recipient for their time and consideration, and include a final call for action (i.e. "I look forward to discussing the next steps during an interview." )

Finally, based on how you greeted the recipient of your cover letter, you can sign off with either “ Yours sincerely ,” or “ Yours faithfully ,” . If you addressed the recruiter by their name, sign off with the former; if not, use the latter.

Don't feel like writing your internship cover letter by hand?

Let our AI cover letter writer create the first draft of your internship cover letter!

Undoubtedly, the best way to learn something is to look at specific examples . And that's exactly what we're going to do right now! 

Below, we've prepared 5 internship cover letters written by real people with the help of our cover letter templates .

And, each of them is accompanied by our internship cover letter writing tips that you can implement into your own cover letter! 

FYI, you can use each of these examples as the first draft for your very own internship cover letter – simply click on the red button and start personalising the text (or let AI handle it).

#1 Philips Marketing Intern Cover Letter Sample

Internship cover letter example:.

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

What can you take away?

• Eye-catching header.  Firstly, the header is visually clearly separated from the rest of the text. This makes the recruiters notice it immediately. Plus, the contact information of the company is also featured in the left-hand corner - just like it would be on an actual letter.
• Research the company before applying. Notice sentences like: “ I really like and relate to what Philips stands for … ” and “ Furthermore, it is very appealing that Philips operates on an international level… ”.This shows that the candidate’s done a thorough research of the company's philosophy and structure.

#2 Warner Bros. Public Relations Intern Cover Letter Example

• Share a personal story. This can help you establish a sentimental connection between you and the company. Show them that for you, working for their company means more than any old internship.
• Name-drop a referral. Now, this is a little bit of a cheat code. But, if you happen to know about anyone who has worked/currently works for the company, slip their name into your cover letter.

#3 University of Massachusetts Boston Intern Cover Letter Example

What can you take away  .

• Write about what you want to gain from the internship. It shows that you're not there just to have something to put on your resume; but that you’re motivated by the idea of gaining actual industry knowledge and skills.

#4 Audit/Tax Summer Internship at CohnReznick Cover Letter Sample

• Mention any relevant academic activities. If you're wondering how to write a cover letter for an internship with no experience whatsoever, this is your way to go! For example, notice how this candidate noted all of his relevant courses, skills, association membership, and competition participation.
• Focus on transferrable skills. Especially when your study programme doesn't necessarily fit the internship opening to a T. Instead, focus on any transferable skills you've picked up. 

#5 Intern at NBC Cover Letter Sample

• Keep your opening and closing paragraphs short and sweet. As you can see in this example, it helps keep a certain visual harmony of the overall document. And, despite the length, both paragraphs do exactly what they're supposed to. Besides, recruiters might be discouraged to read the rest of your cover letter if your introductory paragraph is too long.

To sum it all up, an internship cover letter is a formal document that you submit together with your resume when applying for an internship. Its content should be something between a traditional cover letter and a motivational letter.

Its purpose is to introduce yourself to the recruiters in a more personal way than the resume allows. 

The main things you want your internship cover letter to communicate are:

• who you are,
• why you're interested in this opportunity,
• what make you the best fit for the internship, 
• your motivation (your long-term professional goals),
• your desire to learn (what you want to gain from the experience).

To write a truly impactful and persuasive cover letter, we recommend following these 7 key steps: 

• Specify which internship you're applying for in the subject line.
• Include your contact information in a header.
• Address the recipient appropriately.
• Introduce yourself & your motivations in the opening paragraph.
• Elaborate on why you're a good fit and what motivated you in body.
• End your cover letter with a confident closing paragraph.
• Finish off with a polite sign off. 

Finally, if you feel that the examples provided in this article aren't enough, you can always find more in our cover letter database . 

Julia is an experienced career writer at Kickresume, who brings you expert tips on how to score big in the job market. From helping people improve their English to gain admission to their dream university, to guiding them on how to advance professionally, it would seem that her own career is also on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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Sample Letters

Writing an Application Letter for Internship (Free Templates)

In this guide, I’ll share my insights, provide you with three unique templates , and offer tips based on personal experience to help you craft a compelling application letter.

Key Takeaways

• Importance of Personalization: Tailor each letter to the specific internship.
• Structure Matters: Follow a clear, professional structure.
• Showcase Your Strengths: Highlight relevant skills and experiences.
• Be Concise and Focused: Keep it to one page, focusing on key points.
• Professional Tone: Maintain a professional tone throughout.
• Proofread: Ensure your letter is free from errors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an Application Letter for Internship

1. understand the structure.

The structure of your application letter is crucial. Here’s a basic outline:

• Header : Your contact information and the date.
• Employer’s Contact Information : Name, title, company, and address.
• Salutation : Address the letter to a specific person.
• Introduction : State the position you’re applying for and how you found out about it.
• Body : Highlight your skills and experiences relevant to the internship.
• Conclusion : Summarize your suitability and express enthusiasm for the role.
• Closing : A polite closing statement and your signature.

2. Personalize Each Letter

One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is sending generic letters. Personalize each letter by mentioning the company’s name and specific details about the internship. Research the company and refer to specific projects or values that resonate with you.

3. Showcase Your Strengths

Use the body of your letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Provide concrete examples that demonstrate your abilities. For instance, if you’re applying for a marketing internship, mention any marketing projects you’ve worked on.

4. Maintain a Professional Tone

While it’s important to show enthusiasm, ensure that your letter remains professional. Avoid using slang or overly casual language.

5. Proofread

Before sending your letter, proofread it to eliminate any grammatical or spelling errors. A well-written, error-free letter reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

Real-Life Example

When I applied for my first internship, I tailored my letter to the company’s ongoing projects. I mentioned how I admired their innovative approach to marketing and referenced a recent campaign they had launched. This personalization caught the hiring manager’s attention, and I secured the internship.

Templates for Internship Application Letters

Template 1: marketing internship.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Today’s Date]

[Employer’s Name] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Internship position at [Company Name], which I found advertised on [Website/Job Board]. With a passion for creative marketing strategies and a strong academic background in marketing, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.

During my time at [Your University], I have developed skills in digital marketing, content creation, and social media management. I recently led a project where my team increased our university’s social media engagement by 30%. I am particularly impressed by [Company Name]’s innovative campaigns, such as [Specific Campaign], and I am eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to your company.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s marketing team.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Template 2: Engineering Internship

I am writing to apply for the Engineering Internship position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Website/Job Board]. With a solid foundation in mechanical engineering and hands-on experience in project management, I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your innovative projects.

At [Your University], I have excelled in courses such as Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and CAD Design. I also led a team in designing a sustainable energy solution that won the [University’s Competition]. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]’s commitment to sustainable engineering practices and am eager to bring my technical skills and passion for innovation to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s engineering projects.

Template 3: Finance Internship

I am excited to apply for the Finance Internship at [Company Name], which I found on [Website/Job Board]. With strong analytical skills and a keen interest in financial markets, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your finance team.

My academic background in finance at [Your University] has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary for this role. I have successfully completed projects involving financial analysis and portfolio management. I am particularly impressed by [Company Name]’s approach to [Specific Financial Strategy], and I am eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s finance team.

Tips from Personal Experience

1. research the company.

Before writing your application letter, research the company thoroughly. Mention specific projects or values that align with your interests and skills. This shows the employer that you have a genuine interest in their company.

2. Highlight Relevant Experience

Focus on experiences that are directly relevant to the internship you’re applying for. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.

3. Keep It Concise

Aim to keep your letter to one page. Be concise and focused, emphasizing the most important points that make you a suitable candidate for the internship.

4. Show Enthusiasm

Employers want to see that you are genuinely excited about the internship. Express your enthusiasm for the role and the company in your letter.

Table: Do’s and Don’ts for Internship Application Letters

Final Thoughts

Writing an effective application letter for an internship requires personalization, clear structure, and showcasing your strengths. By following the tips and templates provided, you can create a compelling letter that increases your chances of securing the internship you desire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: how should i start an internship application letter.

Answer: I always begin my internship application letter with a formal greeting and a brief introduction, stating who I am and the position I’m applying for, which sets a professional tone from the start.

Q: What should I include in the body of my internship application letter?

Answer: In the body of my letter, I highlight my relevant skills, experiences, and achievements, and explain how they align with the internship role, demonstrating my value to the potential employer.

Q: How can I make my internship application letter stand out?

Answer: To make my letter stand out, I personalize it by mentioning specific projects or values of the company that resonate with me, showing that I’ve done my research and am genuinely interested.

Q: How long should an internship application letter be?

Answer: From my experience, an effective internship application letter should be one page long, concise yet detailed enough to cover all essential points without overwhelming the reader.

Q: Should I include my GPA in the internship application letter?

Answer: If my GPA is strong and relevant to the internship, I include it to showcase my academic strengths; otherwise, I focus more on my skills and experiences.

Q: How do I address any lack of experience in my internship application letter?

Answer: I emphasize my eagerness to learn and my ability to quickly adapt to new environments, drawing attention to any relevant coursework or volunteer work that demonstrates my potential.

Q: Can I use the same internship application letter for multiple companies?

Answer: While the core structure can be similar, I tailor each letter to the specific company and position, addressing their unique requirements and showing my genuine interest in each opportunity.

Q: How important is the closing paragraph of an internship application letter?

Answer: The closing paragraph is crucial as it reiterates my enthusiasm for the internship, thanks the reader for their time, and includes a call to action, such as requesting an interview.

Q: Should I mention references in my internship application letter?

Answer: I typically do not include references in the letter itself but mention that they are available upon request, keeping the letter focused and concise.

Q: How do I convey enthusiasm in my internship application letter?

Answer: I convey enthusiasm by using positive and confident language, sharing. specific reasons why I’m excited about the internship, and showing how it aligns with my career goals.