Securing an internship isn’t just about gaining experience—it’s often a stepping stone to a full-time job. In fact, 70% of employers extend full-time job offers to interns, and 80% of students accept.
Beyond employment prospects, internships teach essential workplace skills like organization, time management, and professional communication—things you won’t fully grasp through theoretical university education alone.
That’s why learning how to write a compelling cover letter for an internship is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process, providing expert tips, formatting strategies, and specific examples, so that all your application documents are top-quality and help you get noticed.
Key takeaways
- A strong internship cover letter complements your resume, increasing your chances of securing an interview.
- Proper formatting (clear structure, professional fonts, and one-page length) ensures readability and a great first impression.
- Personalization is key—address the hiring manager by name when possible and tailor your introduction to the company’s mission.
- Highlight relevant experiences (coursework, projects, or volunteer work) that showcase your skills and enthusiasm.
- End with a strong call to action, thanking the recruiter and expressing your eagerness for an interview.
What is a cover letter for an internship?
It’s a document that introduces you to employers and highlights why you’re a great fit.
Internship cover letter example
Polishing your resume is crucial when applying for an internship, as you can present your skills and achievements in the best possible light. Pairing it with a strong cover letter raises your chances of being noticed and invited for an interview.
You can create one super quickly and easily by uploading your intern resume to our cover letter generator. We’ve used it to craft a sample cover letter for a candidate like you.
Next, let’s break down the elements of a well-written cover letter.
How to format an internship cover letter
Since internships often attract many candidates, and early in your career your resume might be sparser than you’d like, an appealing cover letter is an indispensable part of your application.
While formatting may not seem as important as content, hiring managers often scan documents before reading them, so a poorly organized letter can reduce your chances of making a strong first impression. Your application materials should reflect your attention to detail and organization.
Read on to see how to format your cover letter to present your skills and enthusiasm effectively.
Contact information
Imagine you find the perfect internship opportunity, aligned with your qualifications and desires. You wouldn’t want to miss out on it due to an error in your contact information, so double-check all details before submitting.
Here’s how to structure this section correctly:
- Place your full name at the top of your document for easy identification.
- Include your phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).
- Include the current date below your contact information.
- Add the company’s name and address.
Font, spacing, and margins
A cluttered or inconsistent format can make your application difficult to read. Here’s how to keep your cover letter structured:
- Stick to the font and font size you chose for your resume. Avoid decorative or script fonts—legibility is more important than appearance.
- Use single spacing and one-inch margins to ensure a balanced, readable layout.
- Keep your text left-aligned for a clean, professional appearance.
What to put in an intern cover letter
- Header: Match your cover letter header with your resume header for consistency.
- Greeting: Address it to a specific person if possible (“Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]“).
- Introduction: Start with an opening that expresses your enthusiasm for the internship and presents you as a strong candidate.
- Body: Present relevant coursework, projects, or experiences that align with the intern role.
- Closing paragraph: End with a call to action, thanking the reader and requesting an interview.
- Professional sign-off: Use “Sincerely,“ or “Best regards,“ followed by your full name. You can also add that you’ve enclosed your resume.
Length and format
Although a cover letter might be required, hiring managers spend a limited amount of time on each application. So, keep yours concise and to the point:
- Keep the length of your cover letter between 250-350 words (one page maximum).
- Use short paragraphs (three to five sentences each) for better readability.
- Avoid repeating information from your resume—your cover letter should bring in new details to impress recruiters.
- Save your file as a PDF unless specified otherwise to ensure your layout remains intact.
- Use a clear file name, such as FirstName_LastName_Cover_Letter.pdf.
Key qualities recruiters search for in an intern’s cover letter
- Adaptability & willingness to learn: Interns are expected to quickly absorb new information, adapt to company culture, and take on tasks outside their comfort zone.
- Strong analytical & problem-solving skills: Employers seek interns who can analyze data, identify patterns, and offer insights, even with minimal experience.
- Collaboration & teamwork: Since interns often work alongside full-time employees, the ability to communicate effectively and contribute to a team is crucial.
- Time management & organization: Balancing multiple assignments, meeting deadlines, and prioritizing tasks efficiently are key to success in an internship role.
- Proactive attitude & initiative: Interns who take initiative by seeking out tasks, asking questions, and finding ways to contribute stand out to recruiters.
- Attention to detail & accuracy: Whether working on reports, data entry, or research, maintaining precision and ensuring high-quality work is highly valued.
Depending on the employer’s requirements, an e-note might be more appropriate than a cover letter. Check out the table below to learn the differences.
| COVER LETTERS | E-NOTES |
|---|---|
| The classic way to go | Easier to read on mobile |
| Follow standard business letter format | Follow a standard email format |
| More formal and longer | Less formal than a cover letter and shorter than one page |
| Enclosed as a separate printed document/attachment | Written directly in the email body |
How to write your intern cover letter salutation
Besides your formatting, your cover letter salutation is the first impression you make on a hiring manager—it sets the tone for the rest of your application. Think of it as the opening of a conversation: a well-crafted greeting shows professionalism and genuine interest in the role.
Don’t make the rookie mistake of using generic or outdated salutations like “To Whom It May Concern“ or “Dear Sir/Madam.“ These can feel impersonal and makes your application seem less tailored. Instead, try to find the hiring manager’s name for a more personalized approach.
How to find the hiring manager’s name
Before settling on a generic greeting, take a few extra minutes to:
- Check the job listing for the hiring manager’s name.
- Look at the company website under the “Team“ or “About Us“ sections.
- Search LinkedIn for relevant managers in the department you’re applying to.
- Call or email the company to inquire if the hiring manager’s name isn’t listed.
If, after your search, the name remains unknown, avoid overly formal phrases and opt for a warm yet professional greeting instead.
Professional greetings for an internship cover letter
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Department] Team, (e.g., Dear Marketing Team,)
- Dear [Company Name] Internship Coordinator,
- Dear [Company Name] Recruiting Team,
- Greetings, [Company Name] Internship Program Team,
Your cover letter can have a slightly warmer tone than your resume, but keep it professional at all times. A thoughtful, well-researched greeting instantly makes your application more engaging and personal, increasing your chances of standing out.
Now, let’s see how to introduce yourself in your intern cover letter.
How to write your internship cover letter intro
The cover letter introduction is the opening paragraph immediately following the salutation. It should outline why you’re interested in the opportunity and present you as a strong candidate. The most effective way to make your application memorable is to use an engaging hook. This could be a unique fact, a personal story, or an impressive achievement to capture attention.
Adhere to these tips when creating your introduction:
- Research the company’s mission, values, and culture to align your experiences and beliefs with theirs, demonstrating a genuine fit.
- Share specific instances where your values and experiences mirror the company’s ethos, showcasing your potential as a cohesive team member.
- Clearly articulate why you’re excited about the company’s mission and how it resonates with your career aspirations.
- Keep your introduction informative yet brief—two to three sentences are ideal. Reserve detailed experiences for the body of your cover letter.
Here’s an example of an accounting internship cover letter.
Cover letter introduction
As a third-year accounting student at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, I have honed my analytical skills through rigorous coursework and practical experience. Notably, I led a team project that streamlined our campus organization’s budgeting process, resulting in a 15% cost reduction. I am confident that my dedication and proactive approach align with Deloitte’s values, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your esteemed team.
Have a compelling story that will capture attention? The body of your cover letter is where it belongs.
How to write your internship cover letter body
The cover letter body is the core section of your cover letter. Here, you delve into more specific examples of your achievements.
Even if you don’t have much experience, avoid including irrelevant details to compensate. Instead, to present yourself as a top candidate, share relevant academic projects, extracurricular activities, and volunteer experiences that demonstrate your transferable skills and suitability for the role. Use power words and action verbs to sound confident.
When constructing the body of your internship cover letter, you can choose between two effective approaches to showcase your qualifications:
- Narrative аpproach:
Incorporating storytelling into your cover letter is a psychologically effective strategy to engage readers. Narratives captivate attention and foster emotional connections, making your application more memorable. Use a story to describe a significant project or personal initiative that highlights your relevant skills and experiences.
Here’s an example of a body for a finance cover letter.
Cover letter body example #1
In my Financial Analysis course at Yale University, I led a team project analyzing a Fortune 500 company’s financial statements. We identified key trends and provided strategic recommendations to improve profitability. Our analysis was commended by the faculty for its depth and accuracy, reinforcing my passion for corporate finance and analytical proficiency.
- Bulleted highlights
If you prefer a concise format, use bullet points to outline your achievements. This approach allows hiring managers to quickly assess your relevant skills and accomplishments and gives visual variety to your text.
We’ve provided an example from an engineer’s cover letter:
Cover letter body example #2
- Designed a robotic arm in a Mechatronics course, enhancing precision by 20% compared to previous models.
- Collaborated on a renewable energy project, increasing solar panel efficiency by 10% through innovative material use.
- Awarded “Outstanding Contributor“ in the Engineering Club for leading workshops on CAD software.
Finally, create a professional closing tailored to your addressee.
How to write the closing paragraph
Your cover letter ending should aim to summarize your main points, express gratitude fоr the recruiter’s time, and provide a strong call to action.
Briefly reiterate how your skills and experiences align with the internship requirements as well as your genuine interest in the position and the company. Politely suggest the next steps, such as the possibility of an interview, and indicate your availability for further discussion.
Cover letter closing
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager for the opportunity to discuss how my marketing coursework, hands-on experience with content creation, and passion for digital strategy align with HubSpot’s internship program. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team and learning from industry leaders.
Maintaining a courteous and professional tone, thank the hiring manager for considering your application, and always end with a professional closing phrase, which is tailored to your recipient.
- If the recipient is known: Use a courteous and professional sign-off such as “Sincerely,“ “Best regards,“ “Kind regards,“ or “Warm regards.“
- If the recipient is unknown: Opt for a more formal closing like “Yours faithfully,“ “Respectfully,“ or “With appreciation.“
Finally, sign off with your full name. Below your signature, you can note that you’ve attached your resume to ensure the recruiter won’t miss it.
Conclusion
A well-crafted cover letter for an internship program demonstrates your skills, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn—helping you stand out even with limited experience. Use our tips and examples as a foundation to create a compelling application that sets you apart!
