Why Cover Letters Matter for Internships
In the competitive landscape of internship applications, a well-crafted cover letter can be your key to standing out. It provides you with a valuable opportunity to introduce yourself beyond the confines of your resume, showcase your personality, and demonstrate your genuine interest in the specific internship. Often overlooked, cover letters can be the deciding factor in whether your application gets a second look. They’re not just formalities; they are opportunities to show you care.
Understanding the Internship Cover Letter’s Purpose
The primary goal of an internship cover letter is to convince the hiring manager that you possess the necessary skills and enthusiasm for the role. It’s your chance to elaborate on your resume, connecting your experiences to the internship’s requirements, and articulating your motivations for wanting the position. Focus on how your skills and experiences align with what the employer is looking for, and clearly show how you can bring value to their company. Remember, you’re selling yourself and your potential.
Key Differences from a General Cover Letter
Internship cover letters require a slightly different approach compared to those for full-time positions. Highlight your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and any projects or extracurricular activities that demonstrate skills aligned with the internship. Since you might have less professional experience, focus on transferable skills, eagerness to learn, and your potential. Demonstrate a strong willingness to contribute and take on new challenges.
Pre-Writing Laying the Foundation
Before you even begin writing, thorough preparation is essential. This stage involves researching the company, understanding the role, and identifying your strongest selling points. The more you know about the internship and the organization, the better equipped you’ll be to write a compelling cover letter.
Researching the Company and Role
Visit the company’s website, explore its social media profiles, and read recent news articles to understand its mission, values, and current projects. Scrutinize the internship description, noting the required skills, responsibilities, and desired qualities. The more you understand the role and company culture, the better you can tailor your letter to demonstrate your fit.
Take notes on the company’s recent achievements, current projects, and the language used in their job postings. This research will allow you to customize your cover letter to show you understand their business and can contribute. Demonstrate your genuine interest beyond just applying for a job.
Identifying Your Key Selling Points
List your skills, experiences, and accomplishments that align with the internship requirements. Consider academic projects, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and any previous internships or part-time jobs. Identify the skills and experiences you want to emphasize and how you can use them to benefit the employer. Select your strongest accomplishments and prepare to highlight them.
Structuring Your Internship Cover Letter
A well-structured cover letter makes a positive first impression. A clear, organized format is crucial for grabbing the reader’s attention and maintaining their interest. Follow standard conventions to create a professional and easily readable document.
Header and Contact Information
Start with your contact information at the top: your name, phone number, email address, and optionally, your LinkedIn profile link. Include the date and the employer’s contact information (hiring manager’s name, title, company name, and address) below yours.
Salutation and Addressing the Hiring Manager
If possible, address the hiring manager by name (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith”). Research the hiring manager on LinkedIn or the company website. If you can’t find a specific name, use a professional salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Department Name] Team”. Avoid generic greetings like “To Whom It May Concern”.
The Opening Paragraph
The opening paragraph sets the tone. State the position you are applying for and how you learned about the opportunity. Briefly mention why you’re interested in the internship and the company. Show enthusiasm and make a strong first impression. Briefly outline the key skills or experiences that make you a good fit.
Highlighting Your Skills and Experiences
The body of your cover letter should demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the internship requirements. Provide specific examples to support your claims, illustrating your abilities and showing how you can contribute to the company.
Showcasing Relevant Skills and Projects
Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the internship. Connect your past experiences to the responsibilities of the role. Discuss relevant projects or coursework. Describe any software, tools, or technologies you have experience with. This section is about proving your potential by showing practical application.
Quantifying Achievements Whenever Possible
Use numbers and data to quantify your achievements. For example, if you improved a process, state the percentage of improvement. If you managed a project, mention the size or scope. Providing quantifiable results makes your claims more credible and shows the impact you can make.
Tailoring to the Internship Requirements
Customize your letter for each internship you apply for. Review the job description and tailor your letter to match their specific requirements. Use keywords from the job posting and address the company’s specific needs. This shows you have taken the time to understand their needs and are a good fit.
Expressing Enthusiasm and Interest
Your cover letter should convey genuine enthusiasm and interest in the internship and the company. This demonstrates your passion and willingness to learn and contribute. Let your personality shine through while remaining professional.
Concluding Your Cover Letter
The concluding paragraph should summarize your interest in the internship and thank the reader for their time and consideration. Make a strong closing statement that reinforces your qualifications and encourages the next step.
Call to Action and Next Steps
End with a call to action, such as expressing your availability for an interview or your excitement to discuss your qualifications further. Provide your contact information again and thank the hiring manager for their time. Reiterate your interest in the internship and express eagerness to hear back.
Proofreading and Polishing Your Letter
Before submitting your cover letter, carefully proofread it for any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or typos. A polished cover letter demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail. Get a fresh perspective by asking a friend, professor, or career counselor to review your letter as well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid generic cover letters, as they show a lack of interest. Don’t simply reiterate your resume; instead, elaborate on your experiences and skills. Be truthful and avoid exaggerating or misrepresenting your qualifications. Proofread carefully to eliminate any errors. Also, steer clear of unprofessional language or casual tones.
Final Review Checklist
- Did you tailor the letter to the specific internship?
- Did you highlight relevant skills and experiences?
- Is the letter free of errors?
- Did you express enthusiasm and interest?
- Did you include a clear call to action?