How to Write an Internship Cover Letter: Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Amber Rosenberg, PCC | Edited by Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: August 8, 2022 References

You’ve got your resume ready to turn in for your internship application, but there’s one small problem—they’ve also asked for a cover letter. How do you write one for an internship? Take a deep breath because we’ve got the answers. Cover letters give you a chance to explain why you want the internship and what assets you’ll bring to the table. Basically, it’s a sales pitch. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of writing a cover letter for an internship step-by-step, share some tips and tricks, and give you a few examples to follow.

This article is based on an interview with our professional life coach, career coach, and executive coach, Amber Rosenberg, owner of Pacific Life Coach. Check out the full interview here.

Section 1 of 4:

Formatting a Cover Letter

1
Use a professional heading at the top of your cover letter. Put your full name, address, phone number, and email at the top of the page above your greeting.^{[1]
X
Research source} This can be done by selecting the “Insert” tab and then “Header & footers” in your word processor.
- Amy Doe
  18 Fairy Lane
  Austin, TX 73301
  (555) 000-1234
  doeamy@email.com
2
Greet the employer directly by name. Rather than using a generic greeting like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager,” personalize your letter by addressing the hirer directly. This information can be found in the internship application or description.
- “Dear Steve Jobs,”
- “Dear Professor Warren,”
- If a name to contact is not included with the internship description, opt for something professional but broad, like “Dear Recruiting Representative.”
Advertisement
3
State why you are applying for the internship. Express an excitement or interest in the internship, writing out the exact role you are applying for. Then, write a brief introduction about who you are with points you’ll address in the rest of your letter.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- “I am writing to express my interest in wikiHow’s editorial internship. As a rising senior at the University of California studying Content Marketing, I am eager to explore different digital media and content creation fields. With my experience managing UC’s digital magazine, I will bring creativity and leadership skills to this position.”^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
4
Highlight your internship qualifications. The body paragraphs demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the position. Do you have characteristics, skills, or experiences that put you above the rest? Provide minimal details in 2 to 3 paragraphs indicating why you meet all the internship’s requirements.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- “Through my academic work in English writing, I am prepared to make meaningful contributions as a member of your editorial team. Along with my university training, I have held editorial positions with BeanSwitch, the University of Tennessee at Martin’s literary magazine, and Wilson County Press. My experiences in these positions have allowed me to grow as a writer, editor, and leader.”
5
Wrap up your thoughts and thank them for their time. The conclusion of your internship cover letter should be brief but direct. Restate your enthusiasm for the position, why you’re the perfect candidate, and indicate that you look forward to hearing from them.
- “Working for wikiHow as an Editorial Intern will provide me with an opportunity to apply and further develop my writing and leadership skills in a fast-paced environment. I welcome the opportunity to speak with you at your earliest convenience. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.”^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
6
Close the cover letter with a formal goodbye and signature. Finish with a “Sincerely,” “Thank you for your consideration,” or “Respectfully.” Then, sign your name under your farewell.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Include a printed version of your name under your signature.
- If you’re sending a digital copy, upload a .png of your signature or use the signature feature in a word processor to sign your name.

Section 2 of 4:

Writing Tips & Tricks

1
Include keywords from the internship description in your cover letter. Is the company or organization looking for a “role model,” “problem solver,” “strong communicator,” or “positive attitude”? Be sure to include keywords from the qualifications and responsibilities portion of the internship description to show the employer you mean business.
- “Through my previous experience, I learned how to effectively communicate to solve problems.”
- “Hosting a writing club taught me the importance of having a positive attitude and outlook.”
2
Research the company or organization. Having a solid understanding of the company’s values and what skills they look for in an intern can help you write your cover letter. Stating specific information from their website, history, or job posting shows that you’ve done your homework.
- “I was immediately drawn to the opportunity of working with a women-led company focused on diversity within the workplace.”
- “wikiHow’s mission to empower every person on the planet to learn how to do anything mirrors my ambitions as a writer.”
3
Be honest about your achievements and relevant experiences. Honesty is the best policy, even when it comes to internship applications. Don’t undersell or embellish yourself. Expressing what you have or haven’t learned displays confidence and professionalism.
- The information in your resume and cover letter should match up. Consistency is key; remember, an employer will want to ask your references or past employers about any relevant experience.
4
Keep things concise. Although a cover letter allows you to expand on your resume, it’s not the place to tell detailed stories. Be specific, only including brief details that are memorable.
- Remember, a cover letter is your wedge in the door. An interview is most likely the next step if they like what they read. Sell yourself with the cover letter, and share details in the interview.
5
Proofread your cover letter before you submit it. Read your cover letter aloud and ask a friend or two to read it. Double and triple checking for spelling and grammatical errors will ensure that your letter is perfect.
- Run your letter through an editing software like Grammarly.

Section 3 of 4:

How long should an internship cover letter be?

It’s recommended that cover letters stay under a page long. Your cover letter should be clear, suffice, and to the point. Unless the employer asks for a specific page length, keep it to one page where you address your main points and experiences with little to no fluff.
- If your cover letter is over a page and you’re unsure what to cut, make multiple drafts, cutting different sentences from each. Read these drafts aloud to people you trust, and ask which version paints a full but concise picture.

Section 4 of 4:

How should you send a cover letter?

Send a cover letter as instructed in the internship description. If the employer or company asks for all applications to be sent via email, attach the cover letter to your email along with your resume. Some internships can be applied on job sites like LinkedIn and Indeed, and these platforms will have areas for you to attach or copy and paste your cover letter in your application.
- Nowadays, it’s very rare for an employer to ask for physical copies of an application; however, if they do, mail your application, resume, and cover letter to the specified location.
- You can also physically hand your cover letter and resume to an employer. This personal delivery can even give you a chance to make a lasting first impression.