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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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How to Write an Internship Cover Letter [Expert Advice & Examples]

Caroline Forsey

Updated: May 31, 2024

Published: April 10, 2018

It’s been a few years since I applied for my first internship, but I still remember the difficulties I encountered. After I finally crafted an eye-catching resume , I faced the daunting prospect of creating an internship cover letter for every application; I honestly didn’t know what to include or the tone I should strike.

college student looking at an example cover letter on her mobile device

Although I got the internship, in the end, I never found out whether my academic achievements, experience, or well-crafted cover letter got my foot in the door. However, I’ve always been curious.

With the benefit of hindsight — and some guidance from cover letter experts and hiring professionals — I’m here to help you write a winning internship cover letter. Let’s dive in.

→ Click here to access 5 free cover letter templates [Free Download]

Table of Contents

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship

Writing my own internship cover letter, internship cover letter examples, internship cover letter templates.

  • Include your name, date, location, and contact information.
  • Include the company name, department, and address.
  • Address the hiring manager.
  • Set the context for your application.
  • Sell your experience and personalize your cover letter.
  • Think about your cover letter’s readers (humans and machines).
  • Close the letter with grace and a call to action.
  • Proofread, proofread, and proofread.

I’ve seen some creatively designed cover letters, but in my opinion, you can’t go wrong with the traditional business letter format, which you’ll find in our free cover letter templates .

template-4

Download our cover letter templates …

Business professionals use this format style to apply for full-time roles and other purposes, so it’s something you can reuse in the future.

Remember to use formal terms such as “Dear” and “Sincerely,” and lean towards a professional tone in your body copy. Even if you know the recruiter personally, always use formal salutations instead of “Hey!” or Hi [name]. ”

1. Include your name, date, location, and contact information.

Ensure you provide your contact information, such as your phone number, email, and location, on your internship cover letter.

Since you’ll probably be sending your cover letter online (through an email or web form), you don’t need to provide your full home address — your city and state should be enough for most positions.

Your Address

Your City, State, Zip Code

Cell: 555-555-5555

Email: [email protected]

how long should a cover letter for an internship be

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.

  • Standard Cover Letter Template

Entry-Level Cover Letter Template

  • Data-Driven Cover Letter Template

Download Free

All fields are required.

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

2. Include the company name, department, and address.

With your personal information out of the way, it’s time to showcase your research skills a little. Do an internet search to find the full name and address of the company you’re applying to. Try to dig deep to find the department name, but leave it out if you’re unsure.

If the internship will be remote, use the company’s general headquarters address if the internship will be remote.

City, State Zip

3. Address the hiring manager.

Tempted to type “To whom it may concern” or “Dear hiring manager” ? In your hunt for an internship position, you’ll stand out from the crowd by being resourceful. So, channel your inner sleuth by tracking down the hiring manager’s name.

You might find their role description on the company website, but if not, your best bet is to look through LinkedIn.

If you can’t find the hiring manager's name, or you’re unsure if you’re addressing the right person, leave the name out. I think it’s safe to say that sacrificing a bit of personalization is much better than addressing the wrong person in your cover letter.

4. Set the context for your application.

The first paragraph can make or break your internship cover letter and your entire application.

I’ll admit: I’ve always found opening paragraphs tricky, whether they’re for a cover letter, regular email, or a blog post, but they’re essential for creating a strong first impression and engaging the reader.

First, explain how you found out about the company or position. If you know anyone at the company, you can mention them here. Next, express your interest in the company and how it relates to your goals and passions. Also, make sure you get your basic information down, like your name, education level, major, and interests.

Depending on the company and position, you could try a creative approach to get your reader’s attention. Here’s one that worked for me early in my career:

“Can I tell you a secret? I’ve been telling stories since I was five years old. No, not fibbing — real storytelling ...”

A word of warning, though: Be sure to research the company’s culture before taking an approach like this. While this opening statement worked well for startups and more laid-back companies, a big accounting firm might find it culturally off-beat.

Pro tip : Geoffrey Scott , hiring manager and certified professional resume writer at Resume Genius, says, “The cover letters that stand out to me are ones where the candidate’s excitement clearly comes through. Of course, the tone must stay professional, but it shouldn’t be dull. When you’re passionate about what you do, it comes through in your cover letter.”

5. Sell your experience and personalize your cover letter.

Your cover letter isn’t supposed to be a summary of your resume, so go deeper and personalize it for your internship application.

To start, read through the specific position’s description and pick out a few qualities that you think apply to you. I don’t recommend choosing all the descriptors mentioned, as it could appear disingenuous and make your cover letter too long.

For instance, if I see a company looking for someone who’s “outgoing, organized, hardworking, and willing to take criticism,” I would pick the qualities that best describe me and focus on providing examples in the body of my cover letter.

You should cover things like:

  • Relevant coursework.
  • Soft skills (e.g., teamwork, problem-solving).
  • Extracurricular activities (e.g., volunteering).
  • Work experience (if any).

That said, make sure you tie them to the internship opportunity. For example, you could say, “I understand that this role requires that I consistently meet deadlines. I held down a part-time job while keeping up with my college assignments, which demonstrates my time management skills.”

Pro tip : If you lack relevant experience, use your research and knowledge to show enthusiasm. Daniel Space , a human resources business partner who has worked with companies like Spotify and WebMD, told me he once hired a French major instead of an HR major for an HR internship.

Why? He explains, " Not only did she clearly articulate how she understood the role … she also spent a few sentences describing the company going through a merger and correctly assuming that her work would be in helping with that.”

6. Think about your cover letter’s readers (humans and machines).

According to Jobscan’s research , 487 out of 500 Fortune 500 companies (97.4%) used an Applicant Tracking System in 2023. If you’re not familiar, this is a tool used to streamline hiring tasks.

Why do they matter for internship cover letters? Well, companies use these systems to filter resumes and cover letters based on keywords.

Ben Lamarche , general manager at recruiting firm Lock Search Group, told me that his company screens internship applications using an application tracking system.

When I asked how applicants could get their cover letters seen by a human, he recommended “ avoiding excessive formatting, sticking to a basic text layout, and including a few important words from the internship description, such as the precise requirements for skills and knowledge.”

Pro tip: Wondering how long your internship cover letter should be? I recommend you limit it to under a page or around 250 to 400 words. Also, use shorter paragraphs to break up the text.

Here’s what Indrė Padegimienė , talent acquisition specialist at Omnisend, has to say on the matter: “Recruiters are pretty busy people with hundreds of applications to review, so clear and concise communication is key. A five-page cover letter won’t get you a job.”

7. Close the letter with grace and a call to action.

If the internship application does not explicitly state “ please do not contact, ” you might choose to conclude by specifying how you will follow up, such as, “I will call next week to see if my qualifications are a match,” or “I am eager to meet with you to discuss this opportunity, and am available for an interview at a mutually convenient time.”

In your closing paragraph, thank the hiring manager for taking the time to consider you, and end on a positive, confident note, such as, “I look forward to speaking with you soon.”

Pro tip : You may even go a step further and give the hiring manager a call to action . I don’t think it hurts to include a link to your online portfolio , website, or even a YouTube channel where you display your work and personality.

To see how often hiring managers follow through on your calls to action, track the number of clicks on your link using a URL tracker like Bitly .

8. Proofread, proofread, and proofread.

When I asked Scott (Resume Genius) about the cover letter pitfalls he encounters the most, applicants’ lack of proofreading stood out.

After describing the cover letter mistake of simply summarizing what’s in your resume, he shared, “Another common error that could end up costing you a position is having spelling and grammar mistakes, especially if the internship is for anything that requires close attention to detail, like data entry. This seems obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how often I see it.”

Even with the availability of spell-checking tools like Grammarly , internship applicants still submit cover letters riddled with typos. Let me put it this way: You’ve done the hard part of actually writing your internship cover letter, so don’t let small mistakes put employers off.

Pro tip : Some companies provide AI cover letter generators. You simply input your resume and the job description, and you should get a decent-looking cover letter in seconds.

Just remember that while AI generators can save you time, you should check over everything they produce to ensure the AI hasn’t told any tall tales about your hands-on experience or skill set or made any mistakes. As you’ll see in these ChatGPT-generated internship email examples , caution and revisions are advised.

If you’re still unsure after your check-up, get a friend or classmate to proofread your cover letter for clarity and spelling before you finally sign off on it and hit send.

Now, I’ll use the tips I gave you above to craft an internship cover letter. In this sample, I will be applying for an event planning position. I start by including my contact information. That includes an address, phone number, and email address.

I also included the recipient’s contact information including the department I’m applying for.

internship cover letter header

I start with a greeting and the hiring manager’s name. If you can find a direct contact, referring to the person by name is preferred. From there, I mention that I am a referral and mention my contact at the company. I can then introduce myself and discuss relevant school experience relating to the role.

internship cover letter header

In the next section, I refer to relevant professional experiences. While these may not apply to an event role in corporate, I mention club work that I’ve done that relates to the role. I also reference an orientation job I held at the university that matches the events skillset.

internship cover letter body

From there, it’s time to wrap up with a conclusion. I also used Preview’s signature function on my Mac to include a handwritten signature followed by a typed version of my name.

internship cover letter conclusion

Now, let’s explore some other cover letter examples for inspiration.

To inspire you further, I’ve curated additional internship cover letter examples tailored to different industries and positions. I’ll also explain why each example works and what you can do to evoke a similar response.

1. Hospitality Internship Cover Letter

Hospitality Internship Cover Letter Example

Why This Cover Letter Example Works

I like that this cover letter demonstrates the applicant’s passion, willingness to learn, and previous industry experience. If I were the hiring manager, I’d shortlist them based on their internship cover letter.

How to Incorporate That Into Your Internship Cover Letter

I recommend you start by analyzing your own transferable skills and experience and seeing how they relate to the internship you're applying for.

Do you have any examples, facts, or figures that you can include in your letter? This will help the hiring manager understand your interest in the position and give them more of a reason to hire you over the competition.

I often see applicants use statements like, “I helped increase my group’s scores by [X]%.” If you have any figures like this, use them, but be honest about the role you played.

2. Supply Chain Internship Cover Letter

This supply chain cover letter showcases the applicant’s relevant skills.

I could easily tell that, like many internship applicants, this student had yet to gain professional experience in the field. However, the applicant does a great job of showing enthusiasm for taking on real-world experiences.

They also demonstrate their knowledge of three areas of supply chain management: forecasting, inventory management, and logistics.

Go through your course notes and write down a list of topics and terms relevant to the internship you’re applying for. After I’ve completed coursework, I sometimes need to remind myself of what I’ve covered.

3. Fashion Design Internship Cover Letter

This cover letter wouldn’t look out of place in a job application.

The student wrote a great second paragraph discussing their experience participating in design projects with original pieces that show their “artistic vision.” I also like that the student highlights how their design philosophy aligns well with Sleeves and Thread’s commitment to “pushing boundaries.”

Do your research on the company you’re applying to. You can compliment them on awards they have won or mention how you would fit well within their company culture.

4. Finance Internship Cover Letter

Rebecca’s technical skills are highlighted in this internship cover letter.

Rebecca takes the time to highlight her skillset, but she also balances her cover letter with reasons why Banking Corporation will be a great fit for her career. She gives plenty of reasons why the company appeals to her, which helps balance the cover letter.

Don’t be afraid to explain what an internship will do for you . Yes, companies want to know how an intern can help them, but they know you’re mainly there to advance your career.

5. Marketing Internship Cover Letter

If you work in marketing or another creative industry, you’ll have more freedom when it comes to drafting your cover letter. Here, Robin takes a novel approach by weaving in colorful language that practically jumps off the page. With just enough pizazz, their personality shines through. I think any marketing hiring manager would be eager to learn more.

Let your creative side run free! On a blank page (a creative’s nightmare, I know!), type out plenty of eye-catching phrases and sentences to showcase your writing skills. Next, see if you can find the right places to add them to your internship cover letter.

If, instead of examples, you’d like a jump-off point, don’t worry — I’ve got you covered. Here are some internship cover letter templates to get your creative juices flowing.

Standard Internship Cover Letter Template

A standard internship cover letter to help you get started.

This highly customizable internship cover letter is generic but can serve as the foundation for all your applications.

Data-Driven Internship Cover Letter Template

Showcase your top stats with this cover letter template.

If your major is data-driven, like STEM, marketing, or accounting, I think this is the internship cover letter template for you. With this template, you can include the data highlights of your class projects and assignments to show the hiring manager that you can support your experience with credible facts.

As you approach your senior year of college, you may be looking for entry-level roles rather than internships. Cover letters are just as important for full-time roles as they are for internships, so use this template to make the transition in your job search.

Wrapping Up Your Internship Cover Letter

Worried about not having enough experience or skills to get your preferred internship? Don’t stress over what you haven’t achieved yet — and remember, everyone starts somewhere.

Instead, take stock of your academic and extracurricular achievements and see how you can apply your skills and experience to an internship.

Then, you’re ready to craft a compelling cover letter that shows you’re competent, enthusiastic, and willing to go the extra mile for every position you apply for. Whether you get your preferred internship or not, you’ll be happy that you gave it your best shot.

Professional Cover Letter Templates

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how long should a cover letter for an internship be

How to write an internship cover letter: 7 tips & an example

Learn how to create a cover letter that helps your internship application stand out.

So, you’re ready to find the perfect internship and kickstart your professional career. You’ve researched opportunities, made a list of your dream companies, crafted a great resume, and are about to apply. But what should you upload for the application’s “cover letter” field?

You’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll tell you how to write a great cover letter that will help you stand out from the crowd and get you hired. It’s often the first thing a hiring manager will see when they open your application, so it's important to get it right. After all, first impressions are everything!

Read the internship posting carefully before writing your cover letter. Pay attention to the intern’s primary responsibilities and the desired candidate’s skills and experience. Keep the job posting handy so you can refer to it while writing.

Now that you’re ready to start writing, let’s get into our guide for creating the perfect cover letter for every application on your to-do list.

1. Customize each cover letter

One of the most important intern cover letter tips is to avoid using the same generic letter for all your applications. Recruiters and employers can tell when you didn’t take time to create a unique letter for their specific internship. Instead, open your cover letter by sharing why you’re excited about this particular internship and employer and why you’re a good fit. Include information about the company and the role you’re applying for (pro tip: Use language from the application!).

2. Structure the cover letter’s flow effectively

A well-crafted cover letter should grab the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager and effectively convey key information. Achieve this by structuring your cover letter with an engaging introduction sentence and impactful first paragraph, an informative body paragraph or two, and a strong closing paragraph. It's also important to strike a balance between conveying key information and maintaining a concise and engaging tone throughout your cover letter.

Cover letters shouldn’t be very long — three or four paragraphs are plenty. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Now is not the time to be chatty! Save the chit-chat to showcase how friendly and personable you are during the interview.

Hiring managers are busy, and you want to ensure they read your cover letter from start to finish. That’s why it’s key to emphasize only the most important points relevant to the internship you’re applying for while keeping the cover letter as short as possible so it’s easy to read.

how long should a cover letter for an internship be

3. Include keywords and supporting details

It is common for employers to scan resumes and cover letters for keywords related to the internship. First and foremost, use the company name. Next, incorporate any skills or experiences listed in the job description.

While your resume lists your technical skills and experience, a cover letter should include details about desirable soft skills like time management and communication skills. If you’re mentioning soft skills, provide support. For example, if you want to highlight your leadership skills, detail a time when you led a group project or served as a student group officer.

As you consider which skills and experience to mention in a cover letter, take a look at the ones listed in the application or job posting. Pointing to those shows the hiring manager why you’re the best candidate for that role and demonstrates that you’ve read the job description carefully. Taking the time to review the role strengthens your case as a sincerely engaged and interested applicant.

4. Highlight coursework and extracurriculars

Don’t worry if you don’t have much work experience. Describe relevant coursework and major projects you’ve worked on as a college student that demonstrate your knowledge and skills. You can also add any student group involvement or volunteer opportunities.

These combined experiences show your initiative and help you stand out as a candidate (even if you’ve never been paid to do those things). Just because you didn’t make any money doesn’t mean you didn’t do a great job! You’ll have the chance to demonstrate how well you performed in those roles during the interview, so get ready to discuss the experiences you mention in the cover letter in greater detail.

5. Share what you’d like to accomplish

Cover letters aren’t just for telling employers why they should hire you. They’re also an opportunity to share what you believe you’ll get from the specific position. Whether it’s gaining a new skill or learning more about an industry, share why the role is important to you. This tells the employer that you’re not just trying to satisfy course credits with your internship — you’re also looking for valuable work experience that will kickstart your career. Who knows, maybe they’ll want to hire you as a full-time employee later.

6. Professionally format the cover letter

Your cover letter format is just as important as what’s in it. Aim to keep your cover letter concise and limited to one page. Use a clean and readable font, like Arial or Calibri, with a font size of 10 to 12 points and proper spacing and margins for a professional appearance.

Include a header with your contact information, including your full name, phone number, professional email address, and optionally, your LinkedIn profile or relevant online portfolio. Also, try to find the hiring manager’s name to address the letter. Rather than starting with a salutation like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear hiring manager,” try to find the actual name of the person you’re addressing. Lastly, don’t forget to close with a professional sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Best.”

Get help with formatting your internship cover letter by downloading our free template . Again, remember to tailor it to the company and internship role you’re applying for!

7. Proofread and ask for feedback

Once your cover letter is ready, carefully read through it and check for spelling, punctuation, grammar mistakes, and typos. Have a friend or family member review it and give feedback. If you have a classmate majoring in English or communications who wouldn’t mind taking a look, even better!

Another option is to reach out to your school’s career center . Schedule an appointment to review your cover letter and resume and ask any other application- or interview-related questions. Your school wants you to succeed in your career, so take advantage of all the tools they have to offer while you’re attending.

how long should a cover letter for an internship be

Example cover letter

Here’s an internship cover letter example to use as a starting point. Remember to tailor yours to the specific job you’re applying for rather than just copying and pasting this one:

[Your Full Name]

[Your Contact Info (include relevant social media accounts, if applicable)]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

[Hiring Manager’s Job Title]

[Hiring Manager’s Contact Info]

Dear [hiring manager’s full name],

As a passionate [college/university] student majoring in [relevant field], I am eager to immerse myself in [Company’s Name]’s groundbreaking work in the [relevant industry] through your internship position. I firmly believe my [specific skills or coursework] will allow me to serve as a valuable asset on the [Company Name] team while expanding my knowledge to real-world challenges and harnessing invaluable hands-on experience within the industry.

With a passion for [specific aspect of the industry or role], I am confident in my ability to [relevant job responsibilities or tasks]. During my studies, I have developed a solid foundation in [mention relevant coursework or projects], which has equipped me with the [skills or knowledge] necessary for success in this role. Additionally, my experience as a [relevant internship or extracurricular activity] has allowed me to further refine my [specific skills or abilities].

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s commitment to [mention a value, mission, or specific project]. The opportunity to work alongside a talented and innovative team while contributing to [Company Name]'s growth is truly inspiring. My strong [communication/analytical/technical, etc.] skills, coupled with my dedication and adaptability, make me an ideal fit for the [job title] role.

I welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications and learn more about [Company Name] in an interview. Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your Name]

Do you need a cover letter for an internship?

While a cover letter isn’t mandatory for all internship applications, we recommend submitting one. A cover letter provides an opportunity to showcase your qualifications, skills, and enthusiasm for the internship position. It allows you to personalize your job application, demonstrate professionalism, and communicate your interest in the role and organization.

A well-written cover letter can significantly enhance your chances of standing out among other candidates and securing the internship. Hiring managers know that job and internship seekers are likely applying to many other opportunities at the same time, so ensure they know their company is one you would especially like to work for.

How do you write an internship cover letter if you have no experience?

If you lack professional experience, you can still present yourself with confidence, highlight your relevant skills and achievements, and convey your eagerness to learn and contribute. Here are some tips for accomplishing this:

  • Focus on transferable skills. Highlight relevant transferable skills acquired through coursework, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. These skills can include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, organization, research, or leadership skills.
  • Emphasize academic achievements. Showcase your academic achievements, such as high grades, honors, or specific coursework relevant to the internship. Discuss how your academic knowledge and skills can apply to the internship role and contribute to the organization.
  • Showcase relevant projects or coursework . If you have completed any projects or coursework that align with the internship position, describe them in detail. Highlight the tasks, methodologies, and outcomes to demonstrate your ability to apply your knowledge in a practical setting.
  • Leverage extracurricular involvement. Discuss any relevant extracurricular activities or leadership roles you have held. For example, if you were part of a club or organization related to the internship’s field, explain your involvement and how it has developed your skills or provided you with relevant experiences.
  • Express eagerness to learn. Emphasize your willingness and enthusiasm to learn and grow in the internship. Highlight your passion for the field and commitment to acquiring new skills and knowledge. Demonstrating a positive attitude and eagerness to learn can compensate for a lack of direct experience.
  • Connect with the company's culture , mission, and values. Research the organization and align your cover letter with its mission, values, and projects. Show that you are genuinely interested in their work and how your background and aspirations align with their goals.
  • Network and seek recommendations. If possible, reach out to network contacts who may have connections or insights into the internship opportunity. Requesting recommendations or endorsements from professors, advisers, or professionals in the field can bolster your application.

how long should a cover letter for an internship be

Land your dream internship

The ultimate goal: landing your dream internship (and, later, your dream job!). An effective cover letter can help make that happen. It's your chance to shine, showcasing why you're the perfect fit for the position. A personalized and compelling letter grabs employers’ attention and helps you stand out from the crowd. Remember to be authentic, highlight relevant experiences, and let your passion shine through.

Don't underestimate the impact of a well-crafted cover letter and the opportunities that lie ahead. This is your opportunity to show potential employers your skills and abilities and share some of your background with them before the interview.

Head over to Handshake today to open doors to exciting internship possibilities. Not only can we connect you with the best companies looking for talent just like you, but you can also set up job alerts so you won’t miss that golden opportunity. Happy job searching!

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How To Write A Cover Letter For An Internship (With Examples)

  • Cover Letter Examples
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How To Write A Cover Letter For A Job With No Experience In That Field

Find a Job You Really Want In

Summary. To write a cover letter for an internship you will want to start with a header and a professional greeting. Then, your opening paragraph will hook in your reader with your interest and qualifications, while the following paragraphs will tell a story that underscores your value. Applying for an internship is a great way to jump-start the beginning of your career . Every application requires something different in the process. When you’re first starting out in your job search , writing a great cover letter is the best way to get noticed by a potential employer as a valued candidate for the job. Putting forth the extra effort of articulating your work experience, skills , and education and why it lends itself well to the position you are applying for will set you up for early success with your prospective employer. Key Takeaways: A cover letter helps increase your chance to gain an internship. Internship cover letters are written very similarly to traditional cover letters. Use keywords from the job description in your cover letter so that the applicant tracking systems (ATS) will send your application along. Upwards of 75% of applications are tossed out before ever reaching an actual hiring manager or recruiter . Tailor your cover letter to a specific internship. Since you may lack professional experience, highlight your educational and extracurricular activities in your letter. In This Article    Skip to section How to Write an Internship Cover Letter Cover Letter For An Internship: Header Cover Letter For An Internship: Greeting and Opening Paragraph Cover Letter For An Internship: Middle Paragraph Of Relevant Qualifications Cover Letter For An Internship: Closing Paragraph Cover Letter for Internship Example Cover Letter for Internship Tips Cover Letter for an Internship FAQ References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More How to Write an Internship Cover Letter

Most cover letters follow a typical format and internship cover letters are no different. Here’s the general structure we will break down:

A header. Your header should list the date and your contact information

A standard greeting. A standard greeting should be polite and professional. Do your best to be able to address a specific person.

An opening paragraph. Your opening paragraph will want to hook the reader in in such a way that clearly demonstrates your interests and qualifications for the internship.

A middle paragraph. The middle paragraph should tell a story that highlights one or two of your qualifications in action.

A closing paragraph. The closing paragraph will show your value and includes a call-to-action.

A sign-off. Respectfully end your internship cover letter with your full name.

Cover Letter For An Internship: Header

Building a header in your cover letter is easy. List your full name and then your contact information directly following, similar to how you build a resume . This allows employers to know exactly who the cover letter is from and how to reach you.

Maria Smith 612 East Street New York, NY , 10002 [email protected]

Cover Letter For An Internship: Greeting and Opening Paragraph

Start with a standard greeting. If you know the exact name of the hiring manager , you should use it.

To find the hiring manager’s name , check the job posting for the name of an individual or an email address that clearly indicates a name (e.g., [email protected]). If you can’t find a name in the job listing, consult the company’s careers page on their website or check LinkedIn.

If all else fails, you can always call the company and ask who you should address your cover letter to, based on the internship you’re applying for. You can address your cover letter to the person’s full name, or use “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name].” We don’t recommend using “Mrs.” ever since it’s tough to find out the marital status of your cover letter’s recipient.

While we recommend trying your best to find a name, it might not always be possible. In those cases, you can simply use “Dear Hiring Manager” or one of its alternatives .

Dear Ms. Candleson, Dear Jon Brown, Dear Hiring Manager,

Your opening paragraph should include a few things to stand out.

Be sure your opening contains the exact job title you’re applying for. It’s good practice to emphasize your interest in this position. These two key things can impress the hiring manager and show them that you are thoughtful and pay close attention to detail.

It can also be helpful to human resources departments who may have multiple applications for different roles across the company.

I am interested in applying for the Content Marketing internship at ABC Company.

Next, scour the internship description for keywords that stand out. Write them down or highlight them so that you can use them in your cover letter.

For example, if the job description lists ‘strong writing skills,’ ‘impeccable editing skills,’ and ‘effective communication’ as significant qualities they’re looking for , try to convey those abilities into your cover letter.

Speaking directly to the qualifications listed in the job details will get the attention of the hiring manager. It’s also another detail that many applicants often overlook.

Over the past four years in my studies at Penn State University, I have developed strong writing and editing skills that effectively communicate key details in written works.

Here are a few options for writing a winning cover letter opening. Feel free to use just one or incorporate a few different elements — remember that being concise is also important, especially early on.

Share your enthusiasm for the organization. Hiring managers get tons of applicants for interns. The key to standing out is to do your research and apply what you learn in your cover letter. Write about what drew you to the company based on their values, mission, or something else.

Be passionate. You need to come across as someone who has a deep and abiding love for the field. We know you’re likely fresh out of college (or still in it), but don’t worry about your lack of experience. Instead, focus on your passion and the fresh perspective you’ll bring to the company.

Tell a story. Storytelling is a great way to hook the reader in early. If you have a significant accomplishment under your belt from your time in school or at another job, share it early on.

Including quantitative data (numbers) to support and give context to your achievement will help hiring managers and recruiters see the true impact of your contributions.

Connect to the company. If you have a personal relationship with the company, whether as a user/consumer of their products or a friend/family member who works there, mentioning it early on can be a smart move.

Cover Letter For An Internship: Middle Paragraph Of Relevant Qualifications

In your middle paragraphs , focusing on relevant skills is key. Since this is an application for an internship, you may not have any prior relevant work history. By focusing on your skills, you can easily sidestep this issue.

A variety of experiences can be used here. Think about any clubs, groups, or volunteer work you may have participated in. Mention practical skills like time management, multitasking , or your experience working in groups.

If possible, try to use concrete examples with numbers for extra emphasis.

I have always had a love for developing strong and persuasive content. During the summer months, I volunteered at a local library where I focused on their social media marketing activities including Facebook, Twitter, and email newsletters. My attention to detail and carefully constructed prose reached 50,000 members monthly, resulting in a 12% increase in library membership during my time there.

Don’t forget to include information regarding relevant coursework. Since work history might be limited, it’s okay to focus additional attention here.

Discussing your studies is helpful for employers to understand what skills you’ve already learned and which they may need to take time to develop. Be sure to mention any achievements you may have had during your time at school.

I am currently a senior at PSU, working towards a degree in Marketing. I have taken three Persuasive Writing courses as well as an Email and Social Media Marketing course to develop my abilities in writing content that not only resonates but converts. Additionally, I was chosen as a finalist in the PSU Short Story competition for my submission ‘A Life Beyond’ which is featured in the PSU Student Writers Literary Magazine: 2020 Spring Edition.

Cover Letter For An Internship: Closing Paragraph

As you would do in sales, it’s important to end with value. Write your closing paragraph explaining how you’d benefit the business with your experience and skills.

Align the key qualifications the employer mentions in the job posting and adjust and prioritize so that they fit your current experience. This isn’t about embellishing, it’s just about adapting so that your abilities get the chance to shine.

As a writer with a variety of narrative, persuasive, and business writing experience, I have the experience and passion needed to write great marketing copy with clear, straightforward words. or As a student with a heavy focus in marketing today, I believe I have the experience and passion needed to bring ABC Company’s marketing content to the next level.

Now describe why you believe you’re a good fit for the role. This can be anything from aligned values, passion about current projects, or simply your hunger for gaining more experience in a specific area. Be honest! It’s possible your potential employer could bring up details in your cover letter in initial interviews.

I am deeply passionate about providing valuable and interesting content to readers who are hungry to learn. I believe I would make a great addition to ABC Company’s marketing team.

Finally, end your cover letter with a common close and your name. You can use something generic, or end on a more personal note.

Sincerely, Maria Smith or Thank you for your consideration, Maria Smith

Of course, your work is not done here. You’ll need to write a thoughtful email in which you’ll attach your resume and cover letter. This email should be short and sweet, as the employer will read all the juicy details of your skills and experience in both your cover letter and resume.

Afterwards set aside some time to proofread. It’s important to run your letter through a program like Grammarly or Microsoft Word to pick up on any spelling or grammatical errors. You’ll want to focus on being as detail-oriented as possible in your cover letter, to maintain your desired level of professionalism.

Cover Letter for Internship Example

Maria Smith 612 East Street New York, NY , 10002 [email protected] Dear Ms. Felton, I am interested in applying for the Content Marketing internship at ABC Company. Over the past four years in my studies at Penn State University, I have developed strong writing and editing skills that effectively communicate key details in written works. I have always loved developing strong and persuasive content. During the summer months, I volunteered at a local library where I focused on their social media marketing activities including Facebook, Twitter, and email newsletters. My attention to detail and carefully constructed prose reached 50,000 members monthly, resulting in a 12% increase in library membership during my time there. I am currently a senior at PSU, working towards a degree in Marketing. I have taken three Persuasive Writing courses as well as an Email and Social Media Marketing course to develop my abilities in writing content that not only resonates but converts. Additionally, I was chosen as a finalist in the PSU Short Story competition for my submission ‘A Life Beyond’ which is featured in the PSU Student Writers Literary Magazine: 2020 Spring Edition. As a writer with a variety of narrative, persuasive, and business writing experience, I have the experience and passion needed to write great marketing copy with clear, straightforward words. I am deeply passionate about providing valuable and interesting content to readers who are hungry to learn. I believe I would make a great addition to ABC Company’s marketing team. Sincerely, Maria Smith

Remember, after you are done with your cover letter, you still need to craft a professional email. Keep it short and sweet. Take a look at the example below to get some ideas.

Dear Ms. Felton, Attached, please find my resume and cover letter for the Content Marketing internship at ABC company. Thank you for your consideration, Maria Smith

Cover Letter for Internship Tips

How to write a cover letter

To make sure your cover letter for an internship is well-received, make sure to follow these tips:

Use keywords. In today’s world, the job application game is all about keywords. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to parse application materials to make sure you meet certain criteria. That means that upwards of 75% of applications are tossed out by software before ever reaching an actual hiring manager or recruiter.

Customize each cover letter. Writing a good cover letter can be time-consuming, but we recommend customizing each cover letter you write for the specific company and internship opportunity. Hiring managers can tell a generic cover letter from a customized one, and you’d better believe that most internships are fiercely competitive.

Leverage your college activities. For most job-seekers, a cover letter shouldn’t dwell too much on education beyond possibly mentioning your relevant degrees.

But for internships, your educational achievements are the most recent, relevant, and compelling assets you have. Pay special attention to successful group projects you participated in — jobs in the real world rarely happen without collaboration.

Stick to proper cover letter length . Cover letters should be between 200-400 words long, about half a page, and 3-4 paragraphs. Ideally, you should stick to at or below 300 words. Hiring managers are busy people, and most cover letters are skimmed rather than read. Make your cover letter easy to skim and only include relevant information.

Don’t get fancy. It’s common for recent graduates to assume the whole corporate world uses the same $5 words that your college professor wants you to use in your exam papers. That’s not the case.

People prefer short, easy-to-read sentences and commonly-used words. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that using big words and complicated sentence structures makes you sound smart — it turns people off and makes you seem inauthentic.

Cover Letter for an Internship FAQ

Do I need a cover letter for an internship?

Yes, you do need a cover letter for an internship. You more than likely don’t have much relevant work experience going into an internship, so it’s going to be important that you point out the connections between the skills and experience you do have with the internship you’re applying for, and a cover letter is the easiest way to do that.

In addition to showing how your skills will help you in the internship, a cover letter allows you to share your other most sellable quality with hiring managers: your passion for the work you’d be doing in the position.

Talking about why you want to enter the industry, the company, and the specific role will go a long way in convincing hiring managers to give you an interview, especially if you explain how your passion will further the organization.

Even with these reasons in favor of writing a cover letter for an internship, there are also exceptions to the rule, and one of the biggest is if the employer specifically tells you not to include a cover letter or does not provide space to submit one. This is rare, but it’s important to know that it is possible to find yourself in this situation.

How do I write a cover letter for a competitive internship?

To write a cover letter for a competitive internship, you need to find and focus on your qualifications that match the internship requirements best. These may include your work experience, technical skills, soft skills, interests, and goals, or some combination of all of them.

When you’re writing a cover letter, you should have three body paragraphs. The first one is a brief opener that identifies the internship you’re applying for and hooks the reader in. You can do this with a story, a connection with the company, or a summary of your most impressive and applicable qualifications.

Your next paragraph will be where you describe why you’d be a good fit for the internship and what sets you apart from other candidates. Show how your skills, experiences, goals, and interests align with the position.

As you write, reference the internship job description to make sure you incorporate the keywords listed in its requirements into your cover letter.

Don’t lie or even stretch the truth, but if the posting says, “strong communication skills,” use that verbiage instead of saying something like “excellent speaker and writer.”

This will help both human and electronic screeners find the qualifications they’re looking for in your application more easily and increase your chances of getting through to the next stage of the hiring process.

Finally, close with an overview of what you would add to the team, department, or company if you were an intern there and a call to action. This could be a request for an interview or a more subtle note about how you’d like to talk to the hiring manager some more about the position.

How can I get an internship with no experience?

You can get an internship with no experience by showing hiring managers how to apply your skills and experience to the internship.

Internships are designed for candidates with little to no relevant professional experience, so don’t sweat it if you haven’t worked in the industry before. A lack of experience just means you’ll need to work a little harder on your cover letter to show why you are qualified for the position.

To do this, look at the internship description and note any of the qualifications you meet, drawing on your classroom experience, volunteer work, or any other kind of professional or semi-professional opportunities.

For example, you might have learned communication and conflict management skills from working on group projects in college, and you might have developed your customer service skills while volunteering for a food pantry or working in a coffee shop. All of this experience is valuable, and employers will respect it.

Because of this, your goal in writing your cover letter should be to help the reader see the connection between your experience and skills and the internship’s requirements.

What typically qualifies you for an internship?

Having some applicable professional or educational experience, soft skills, and enthusiasm typically qualifies you for an internship. The technical details of this will change depending on the industry, company, and position, but these are the general qualifications you need to have.

Most internships aren’t expecting to get candidates with years of industry experience or even much professional experience of any kind.

Instead, they look for students or recent graduates who have taken enough classes to have the basic technical skills needed to help out the company: strong soft skills like communication and time management, and an enthusiasm for working hard and learning.

Because your qualifying skills come from so many different experiences, your cover letter is vital to helping hiring managers connect the dots between your resume and the internship. Look closely at the requirements listed for the position you’re applying for and note which ones you meet. Then find a way to work those into your cover letter.

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Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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6 Tips On How To Write A Cover Letter For An Internship, With Example

How can you effectively optimize your cover letter for your job or internship search?

Securing an internship in your desired industry is the first step to a successful career.

It’s your initial opportunity to gain hands-on experience, improve your skills, and make valuable contributions to your field. While internships can be both paid and unpaid, they are often difficult to get, and writing a well-written cover letter can give you a competitive advantage over the other candidates. By highlighting your interest in the position, qualifications, and suitability for the role, you will improve your chances of being selected. Here are expert tips on how to write a cover letter for an internship.

1. Know The Length of Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter should be focused and concise. One page instead of many is typically enough. One page on Microsoft MSFT Word amounts to approximately 500 words and should be enough space to showcase your experience and skills in your cover letter. Sticking to one page shows that you are capable of communicating your thoughts concisely. The cover letter does not need to be one page exactly, but your focus should be on quality over quantity.

2. Research the Company In-Depth

Researching the company before writing your cover letter shows that you are genuinely interested in becoming an intern for them. By studying the company’s mission, values, and culture, it gives you the opportunity to decide whether you want to work with them, and whether the company aligns with your goals and needs. By showing the company you have taken the time to research this, you let them know that you are serious about the position.

3. Focus On The First Paragraph

It is helpful to understand that there will be many people applying to the same internship. Therefore, you should make the effort to stand out by writing an attention-grabbing and engaging first paragraph. Start with a confident and strong opening line about why you are interested in the position. Discuss how you found out about the opportunity, whether through a personal connection, job website, or their company website. Additionally, express your enthusiasm (and not desperation) for wanting to take on the role.

4. Focus On What Matters In Your Cover Letter

Use the main section of the letter to showcase your skills, qualifications, and experience that make you the right person for the job. Write in-depth about your academic background, achievements, and extracurricular activities. Discuss how your experience and skills align with the position providing specific examples to demonstrate your abilities. If you don’t have any professional experience, talk about the work you have done as a volunteer. Mention relevant coursework or projects that highlight your skills. You can also use this space to emphasize soft skills such as problem-solving abilities, team-work, and communication skills as they are highly valued in any work environment.

5. The Closing Paragraph Of Your Letter

Utilize the strength of a closing paragraph to express your desire to contribute to the company and reiterate your enthusiasm for the internship opportunity. State that you would be interested in having an interview to further discuss the position. Thank the reader for their time and end with a professional closing such as, “Thank You” or “Yours Sincerely.” Make sure you include your contact details so that the hiring manager can respond.

Finally, proofread your cover letter to ensure there are no grammatical or spelling mistakes. It is also a good idea to have someone else read it to double check you have not missed anything. If you must send a physical letter, send one in the post via recorded delivery so you can track it, and send a backup letter electronically.

6. Internship Cover Letter Example

In case you’re suffering from writer’s block and not quite sure how to tie everything together, here is an example cover letter focusing on a student applying for a scientific research internship that is broken down into the elements of: introduction, first paragraph(s), main body, closing paragraph(s) and sign off.

The Introduction

Dear [hiring managers name],

The First Paragraph

Having spent one year studying [ subject at school ], I am seeking an internship that is an opportunity to immerse myself in an environment where innovation and forward-thinking abounds. I am writing to express my enthusiasm in the [ internship position ] I found on my college job board.

I became especially drawn to your company after reading about your latest stem cell breakthrough with Parkinson’s disease. I am passionate about stem cell research in this area because my grandfather died of Parkinson’s disease 3 years ago, and I have decided to dedicate my career and efforts into finding a cure and preventing this debilitating condition.

The Main Letter

I am a first year [ subject at school ] student. I graduated with a 4.0 from [ name of educational institution ], and have spent my academic life improving my skill set such as analytical and research skills related to best practices for [skill set] running studies, genetic manipulation techniques and cell signaling pathways. I have recently completed the [ outside courses or volunteer work ] outside of school hours to gain a better understanding of stem cell research. Additionally, I am currently volunteering at [ name of company ] as a junior research assistant.

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The Closing Paragraph

You will find a copy of my resume attached providing you with further details about my academic and working background. I would be thankful to have the opportunity to train with your company, learn directly from you, and contribute thoughtfully. I would appreciate the chance to have an interview with you so that I can find out more about the position and so that you can determine whether I am the right candidate for the job.

The Sign Off

Thank you for your time and kind consideration.

Yours sincerely,

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

Last Updated: August 8, 2022 References

This article was written by Amber Rosenberg, PCC and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano . Amber Rosenberg is a Professional Life Coach, Career Coach, and Executive Coach based in the San Francisco Bay Area. As the owner of Pacific Life Coach, she has 20+ years of coaching experience and a background in corporations, tech companies, and nonprofits. Amber trained with the Coaches Training Institute and is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF). This article has been viewed 4,212 times.

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.

Formatting a Cover Letter

Step 1 Use a professional heading at the top of your cover letter.

Step 2 Greet the employer directly by name.

  • “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.”

Step 3 State why you are applying for the internship.

  • “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

Step 4 Highlight your internship qualifications.

  • “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.”

Step 5 Wrap up your thoughts and thank them for their time.

  • “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

Step 6 Close the cover letter with a formal goodbye and signature.

  • 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.

Writing Tips & Tricks

Step 1 Include keywords from the internship description in your cover letter.

  • “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.”

Step 2 Research the company or organization.

  • “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.”

Step 3 Be honest about your achievements and relevant experiences.

  • 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.

Step 4 Keep things concise.

  • 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.

Step 5 Proofread your cover letter before you submit it.

  • Run your letter through an editing software like Grammarly .

How long should an internship cover letter be?

It’s recommended that cover letters stay under a page long.

  • 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.

How should you send a cover letter?

Send a cover letter as instructed in the internship description.

  • 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.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

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  • ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/535/2018/08/cover-letter-2-1.pdf
  • ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/assignments/coverletters/
  • ↑ https://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/resources/sample-cover-letters
  • ↑ https://english.washington.edu/writing-cover-letter
  • ↑ https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/sites/default/files/Cover_Letter_INT.pdf
  • ↑ https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/career/resources/marketing-materials/cover-letter

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How to Write a Cover Letter for Internship (Examples & Template)

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You’ve found the perfect internship and it’s now time to apply and land the position!

But, in addition to your resume, you also have to write an internship cover letter.

You might end up staring at the blank Word document for hours and nothing comes out.

We don’t blame you; cover letters are hard to write even if you have a decade’s worth of work experience, let alone if you’re a recent graduate or a student.

Worry not, though; in this article, we’re going to teach you all you need to know to write a compelling cover letter for your internship.

  • Do you need a cover letter for an internship?
  • How to write a compelling cover letter for an internship
  • Plug and play internship cover letter template

Do I Need a Cover Letter for an Internship?

First things first—if you’re wondering whether you actually need a cover letter for your internship application, the answer is yes . 

An internship application is just like any other hiring process, meaning that a recruiter will go over your resume , cover letter (and maybe even references), and decide whether you’re qualified for the position. 

And yes, recruiters contrary to what you might think, recruiters do read your cover letter. 56% of recruiters prefer a cover letter with an applicant’s application.

This is reasonable - a cover letter allows you to add essential information you didn’t have space for in a resume, as well as explain (in words) how your experiences are tied to the role you’re applying for.

As such, a cover letter for an internship is essential and complementary to your application package.

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s go over all the best ways to write a cover letter for an internship. 

How to Write a Cover Letter for Internship

#1. respect the format.

Before you can focus on your cover letter’s contents, you should first make sure you’re sticking to the right format. 

Otherwise, your cover letter will be disorganized and the recruiter will have a hard time following your train of thought.

So, here’s the format that your cover letter for an internship should follow: 

  • Header with contact information. This includes your full name, professional email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile (if you have one). Underneath your contact info, you should add the date and the receiver’s information (the recruiter’s name and title, the company/organization name, and their physical address). 
  • Addressing the recruiter. Greeting the recruiter with “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern” is common, but not the best approach. Want to show the hiring manager that you did your research? We recommend you address the hiring manager by name directly. Our guide on how to address a cover letter covers everything you need to know on this topic!      
  • Opening statement. Your opening statement should be brief, but at the same time professional and attention-grabbing. Here, you introduce yourself, mention the position you’re applying for, and potentially a key achievement or two.   
  • Body. The body of your cover letter consists of 2-3 paragraphs where you highlight your education, provide background for your skills, and explain how you (and the company) would benefit from each other professionally. 
  • Closing paragraph. Your closing paragraph is your chance to include a call to action, to thank the recruiters for their time, or mention anything important you left out. 
  • Formal salutation. End your cover letter with a formal salutation such as “kind regards,” “sincerely,” or “best regards.” Our guide on how to end a cover letter can teach you all you need to know on the topic. 

Having trouble getting started with your cover letter? Read our guide on how to start a cover letter and get inspired!

job search masterclass

#2. State the Position You’re Applying For in the Opening

Recruiters hate one-size-fits-all cover letters and resumes.

Around 48% of recruiters and hiring managers aren’t even going to read your cover letter if it’s not customized to the role you’re applying for.

And one of the easiest ways to do this is by mentioning the role you’re applying for right in the cover letter opening.

This allows you to:

  • Show that you will be tailoring the rest of your cover letter for that position alone.
  • Prove that your cover letter is customized for this specific internship, and you’re not just randomly applying for the job,

Here’s a practical example of how you can mention the role you’re applying for in the cover letter opening:

Dear Mr. Jacobs, 

It is my pleasure to apply for the Communications Assistant internship position at the United Nations Development Programme. I can confidently say based on my 2-year experience working as a journalist and my excellent academic results in the Mass Communications Major that I’d be a good fit for the position. 

#3. Mention the Right Keywords

When reviewing your application, hiring managers tend to scan your cover letter or resume and look for the right keywords that would make you qualified for the internship you’re applying for.

E.g. If you're applying for a job in graphic design, the recruiter is probably looking for keywords like “Photoshop,” “Illustrator,” or “InDesign.”

As such, it’s very important to include the right keywords in your cover letter.

How can you find these keywords, you might ask?

It’s actually pretty simple - just look at the internship job description and go through the required skills & responsibilities and identify the keywords that you’d think the recruiter would be looking for.

Then, do the following:

  • Sprinkle some of those keywords throughout your cover letter. When relevant, back them up with an experience. E.g. don’t just say “I’m good at Photoshop,” say how you’ve taken 3 different Photoshop classes and used Photoshop for 2 different projects.
  • Don’t include keywords that don’t apply to you, they’ll just make it seem like you’re copy-pasting from the job description.
  • Research and add other popular soft skills that recruiters look for in applicants for the role you’re applying for. E.g. If you’re applying for an internship as a communications assistant, chances are, you’ll need strong communication skills (even if this is not something listed in the job description.

Now, let’s look at a practical example. Let’s say that the internship you’re applying for requires the following skills:

  • Communication
  • Ability to meet strict deadlines

Here’s how you’d mention this in your cover letter:

During my time as Editor in Chief at my University’s newspaper, I got to develop my communication and leadership skills significantly. For over two years, I was in charge of a 7 people team, which also helped my teamwork skills and my ability to meet deadlines. 

Keep in mind, though, that it IS possible to overdo it with the keywords.

44% of hiring managers say they will dismiss a resume or cover letter that looks as if it has copied the job posting. 

Using each and every keyword mentioned in the job description (without backing the skills up with experiences) might cause the hiring manager to think that you’re just copying the job ad & don’t actually have these skills.

So, don’t just copy-paste all the keywords from the job description, and if you DO mention a lot of those keywords, make sure to back them up with practical experiences.

#4. Highlight Your Education

If you don’t have a lot of work experience, your education and relevant coursework is your best chance to show that you’re a good fit for the internship. 

Letting the recruiter know what kind of courses you’ve completed that are relevant to the internship you’re applying for will be a big plus for your application. 

Say, for example, that you’re applying for an internship as a graphic designer. To make your internship cover letter impactful, make sure to mention all the relevant courses and related accomplishments. 

Here’s an example of how you could do that:

As a Visual Design major, I have completed several courses that have helped me build my professional portfolio. A few of the most beneficial ones have been Design & Layout and Visual Communication: Theory and Practice. I have also gained valuable experience doing the layout of the university’s newspaper for 4 years and of several books as independent projects. 

#5. Provide Background For Your Skills

It’s one thing to just claim that you have a set of skills and another to prove it. 

Anyone can say that they’re great at doing something, but what makes all the difference is when you can actually put your money where your mouth is. 

For example, in your internship cover letter, instead of just mentioning that you have “good time-management skills,” actually back it up with a past experience that proves it.

During the summers I assisted my family’s wedding planning business, I learned a lot about time management. In that kind of business, it’s important that things run like clockwork so in addition to time management skills, it also significantly improved my attention to detail. 

#6. Explain Why You’re a Good Fit For The Position

In addition to just listing out the skills that are relevant and beneficial for the internship, you should also explain why you are a good fit for the position. 

This means that you should connect the dots between what the company/organization is looking to gain from its interns and what you can do to provide those services. 

So, after you research and create an understanding of what is required of you, you should use your cover letter to explain why you’re a good fit for that position. 

For the sake of the example, let’s assume you’re applying for an internship at a Human Rights organization. A big chunk of what the role requires is categorizing virtual files of the cases the organization has worked on in the past.

What you want to do, in this case, is show how you can help with that particular job as an intern. Here’s how:  

I have spent 3 summers working at the National Library, where I was tasked to sort and categorize books based on their topic, author, and year of publication, and also memorize where each section fits in the library. I believe this skill, which I have perfected over the years, can really be of use for the internship position at Organization X.

#7. Describe What You Would Gain Professionally

In addition to showing (and proving) your skills and how you can benefit the company, you should also explain how getting the position will benefit YOU . 

When it comes to internships, oftentimes they serve the purpose of helping students and young professionals acquire in-depth knowledge about the industry, create a network, and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their careers. 

So, it will surely help you make an even better impression if you show that you are self-aware about what you’ll get out of the internship and how it will help you grow professionally. 

Here’s how you can do that: 

I am excited for this internship to provide me with the necessary customer service skills and network that will help me grow professionally in my future career as a customer service manager. 

#8. Proofread Your Cover Letter

After all, is written and done, there’s one final thing to do and that is make sure your cover letter doesn’t have mistakes. 

A spelling or grammar mistake probably won’t disqualify you, but at the same time, it will probably be a red flag for recruiters that you’re not too attentive.

For this reason, ask a friend to proofread your cover letter or use spell-checking software such as Grammarly and Hemingway . 

Want to know what other cover letter mistakes you should avoid? Our guide on cover letter mistakes has all you need to know on the topic! 

#9. Match Your Cover Letter & Resume Designs

Want your internship application to truly shine?

Match your cover letter design with your resume!

Sure, you could go with a generic Word cover letter template, but why fit in when you can stand out?

At Novorésumé, all our resume templates come with a matching cover letter template , guaranteed to make your application truly special.

Cover Letter for Internship Template

Struggling to create a cover letter for your internship?

Simply follow our tried-and-tested internship cover letter template!

cover letter example for internship application

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! You should now have all the necessary information about how to create a cover letter for an internship.

Now, let’s do a small recap of the key learning points we just covered:

  • Cover letters are a must when you’re applying for an internship.
  • When you start writing your cover letter, make sure you respect the format: the header with contact information, the greeting to the recruiter, an opening paragraph, the body with 2-3 paragraphs, and a closing paragraph followed by an official salutation and your name.
  • Some of our main tips on how to write a cover letter for an internship include: state the position you’re applying for, make use of the right keywords, and back up your skills with experiences.
  • Use a cover letter builder and match it with your resume to make sure your cover letter truly stands out from the rest.

Related Readings: 

  • Entry-level Cover Letter
  • Do I Need a Cover Letter in 2024?
  • Top 21 Cover Letter Tips

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How to Write an Internship Cover Letter: Examples & Tips

Reviewed by Jacob Imm

Mar 18, 2022

Before the days of applying for jobs online, the cover letter had the perfect name; it was the cover page for your paper resume. Today, the cover letter doesn’t physically cover anything. It’s simply one of the many digital attachments you’ll add to your internship application form.

While your cover letter is no longer the first page of your application, it’s still the hiring manager’s first impression of you as a person. Whether you’re on the job search or you’re applying for an internship position that could carry you straight into your career, it’s essential to make that introduction count.

This guide on writing an internship cover letter will help you put your best foot forward.

What is the Purpose of a Cover Letter?

Without a solid understanding of an intern cover letter’s purpose, it’s easy to wander off track when writing it. So, before we provide any writing tips and internship cover letter examples, let’s explore the importance of a good cover letter in the hiring process. 

In short, a strong cover letter gives you the chance to:

  • Expand on the point-form nature of your resume – A resume is little more than a list of fast facts about you. It tells an employer about your professional experience, but it can’t explain how that experience is relevant to the internship program. A strong cover letter, on the other hand, can
  • Tailor your application to the role – Because your resume is a personal history, it’s unchanging. You’ll likely use a very similar resume for each internship application. Conversely, the cover letter is your opportunity to add more internship-specific details.

If you see that a cover letter is optional for an application, don’t skip it. According to a ResumeLab survey of hiring managers, “83% [of] respondents claimed that a great cover letter can secure you an interview even if your resume isn’t good enough.”

That figure may seem high, but think about the information that document holds. Your cover letter offers hints about your personality, your writing skills and your goals—all things that a resume can’t do.

Writing An Internship Cover Letter, Step by Step (With Examples)

A typical cover letter for an internship program should include six sections:

  • An introduction
  • A body section (one or two paragraphs)
  • A conclusion
  • A way to contact you

Open up a blank document, make yourself some coffee or tea, and follow these five steps for a top-notch cover letter.

Step 1: The Header

A header provides essential information at first glance. Your header should include your full name, your email address, your phone number and, if relevant, your physical or home address. This section of your header can be aligned in the center or left justified, depending on your preference of format.

Below your personal information, you should include the date and the hiring manager details on the left side of the page. Here is a cover letter sample:

An Example Header

Jenny Smith

555.867.5309

[email protected]

February 13, 2022

Jane Doe, Hiring Manager

Example Company Name

City, State, ZIP code

555.123.4567

[email protected]

Step 2: The Greeting

The greeting sets the tone for the rest of the cover letter; aim to be courteous and conversational. A greeting is also incomplete without a name. Always try to address the hiring manager by name to prove you’ve done your research.

In professional workplaces, you should use their title and full name. For more casual businesses, you may opt to use only their first name.

Example Greetings

If you can find the name of the hiring manager:

Dear Ms. Jane Doe ,

Hello Jane ,

If you can’t address your letter to a specific person:

Dear Hiring Manager ,

Step 3: The Opening Paragraph

The first paragraph contextualizes your application and introduces you to the hiring manager. It should include your reason for applying and a high-level summary of your qualifications.

While you may be tempted to start with a line like, “I’m applying to work as an intern at Example Company,” aim for something more compelling. The hiring manager already knows which specific position you’re applying for; take this opportunity to wow them instead.

An Example First Paragraph

With my graduation from the Example School business program around the corner, I’m looking to bring my passion for marketing into a workplace that drives change in the industry. Between my in-school experience and my work helping entrepreneurs, I’m confident I can bring fresh new ideas to Example Company as an intern.

Step 4: The Body Paragraph(s)

The following one or two paragraphs should be where you sell yourself. Write about any significant accomplishments and the relevant experience you have. Adding statistics or verifiable facts can further elevate your cover letter.

An Example Second Paragraph

My knowledge of market trends and knack for visuals have propelled me to the top of my classes. My time in the debate club has allowed me to hone my communication skills. Outside of college, I’ve helped fellow students grow their businesses by offering my knowledge of digital marketing. For one dropshipping operation, I increased sales by 25% over three months by leveraging social media ads.

Find out more about North Central College

Step 5: The Closing Paragraph

This section is where you can relate your experience to the internship opportunity and explain why you’re the best candidate for the role. Be sure to include a thank-you and a sign-off at the end.

An Example Final Paragraph

These accomplishments are aligned perfectly with the work that Example Company does. Apart from my technical skills, I believe my ambition makes me an excellent candidate for this internship. To me, self-improvement is a never-ending journey, and I’m excited for the opportunity to learn from the best at Example Company.

Thanks for taking the time to read my cover letter. I look forward to hearing back from you.

Internship Cover Letter Tips and Tricks

Once you understand the framework of a standard cover letter, it’s time to fine-tune the appearance and the content. Here are some general cover letter tips that you can leverage when applying to internships.

Make a Strong First Impression

Before a hiring manager begins reading your cover letter, they’ll notice the formatting. Cover letters should be simple; there’s no need to go overboard with borders or graphics.

For a proper cover letter, be sure to:

  • Use a professional, easy-to-read font like Calibri or Arial
  • Write in 10- or 12-point font
  • Align your document to the left

Remember: Shorter is Better

You can value a company’s time and your own by keeping your cover letter short and to the point. Writing three or four paragraphs is sufficient, and it should all fit on one page.

To keep your internship cover letter on the shorter side, you can omit some of your accomplishments or your less relevant experience, as this information will be available on your resume.

Keep the Tone Conversational

Your writing should be professional without feeling robotic. Consider the following two sentences:

“I am writing this cover letter to apply for the internship at your company.”

“I’m writing to express my interest in Example Company’s summer internship.”

Notice how the first line feels somewhat sterile. The lack of contractions and plain language remove all of the personality from the sentence. On the other hand, the second line feels warm and engaging while remaining business-like. That’s the tone you’re striving to achieve.

Demonstrate Your Worth

The company you’re applying to knows you want to intern there; otherwise, you wouldn’t have sent them a resume! Instead of writing about why you want the internship, focus on how the company can benefit from taking you on as an intern.

Don’t Worry About Your Lack of Work Experience

Companies know that interns from colleges typically have little to no work experience. Rather than mentioning your lack of on-the-job experience, find ways to make your coursework and extracurricular activities highlight your relevant skills.

For example, you can talk about:

  • How you took the lead in a school project
  • Your appreciation for teamwork as a member of the football team
  • A victory at the state science fair
  • Your time tutoring other students

Work Smarter, Not Harder

You should tailor your cover letter to each internship you’re applying to, but you don’t need to start from scratch every time. Instead, try drafting up a “template” cover letter with your major accomplishments, transferable skills, and tweak it to suit each new application.

Don’t Forget to Edit

There’s nothing more off-putting in a cover letter than an obvious typo, missing contact details or a formatting issue. These errors may seem insignificant, but to a hiring manager, they show a lack of attention to detail.

To perfect your writing before sending your application, try these proofreading tips:

  • Read your cover letter out loud
  • Change the font to make errors more visible
  • Use grammar-checking software
  • Ask a friend to read your cover letter
  • Use a text-to-speech tool and listen back to your writing

Where to Find More Support for Writing Cover Letters

The best colleges recognize the important role that internships play in helping students reach their career goals and provide the necessary support to help students land these roles. Many schools offer cover letter workshops or help from career counselors. From answering questions like “ What is an internship ?” to explaining the differences in an externship vs. internship , you can always find help. 

Look for a college like North Central College, where students and alumni can access online resources surrounding internships and jobs or work directly with the Office of Career Development to put their best foot forward.

For more advice on landing your dream internship, view our list of common internship interview questions and how to prepare.

Jacob Imm is the assistant director of communications at North Central College Office of Marketing and Communications. He has 11 years of collegiate communications experience and has worked with hundreds of college students. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University.  

Sources: 

Tomaszewski, M. (2021, December 23). Is a Cover Letter Necessary in 2022? Do I Need a Cover Letter? ResumeLab. Retrieved January 19, 2022, from https://resumelab.com/cover-letter/are-cover-letters-necessary

More North Central News & Stories

Ideal Cover Letter Length: How Long Should A Cover Letter Be?

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In This Guide:

How long should a cover letter be, example of one-page cover letter, how to achieve the ideal cover letter length, how to make the most of your cover letter word length and arrangement.

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At last, you found the job of your dreams!

The hours of scrolling through websites before bed has finally paid off.

It’s right there on the screen of your phone, just one cover letter away.

You immediately start thinking about all the things you can list in your letter.

Past job experiences, internships, soft and hard skills…

At one point, you notice the short cover letter has turned into a 3-page novel.

Is it too much?

How long is a cover letter?

And how long is too long when you’re writing about yourself and your achievements?

Can a cover letter be too short, resulting in everyone collectively laughing at your lack of imagination and experience?

Stop. Take a moment to breathe.

If you’re researching how long should a cover letter be, you’re already on the right path.

We will answer all your questions and more so that you can create a memorable cover letter that will impress the recruiters and land you the job of your dreams.

And if you need some inspiration, take a look at some cover letter examples .

Be a first-hand witness to how people just like you have found the balance between length and structure to build a cover letter that becomes the center of attention.

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Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

The average length of a cover letter is half a page. The content should contain no more than 4 paragraphs . The first one being an introduction about yourself and how you found the position; the second (or second and third) – more about your experience, why you’re a suitable candidate; and the last one an ending with a summary of the info and a call to action.

Here is an example of a successful one-page cover letter with 4 paragraphs.

Enhancv Ideal Cover Letter Length: How Long Should A Cover Letter Be?

Now that you know what your end goal should be regarding the length of your cover letter let’s dive into the logistics of reaching that goal.

This includes the structure, the recommended information that should be in it, and some writing and editing tips.

By the end of this article, you will know how to construct a successful cover letter that will increase your chances of getting to your dream position.

And if you’re still wondering why you need one, check out our article on  the purpose of a cover letter in an application.

Enhancv Ideal Cover Letter Length: How Long Should A Cover Letter Be?

Focus on your relevant skills and achievements

We know you are probably a very skilled individual with a long list of accomplishments.

However, most companies only care about the ones relevant to the job.

Job recruiters go through so many applications a day that the moment they see pieces of information that are not related to what they are searching for, your resume and cover letter are headed to the bin.

If you’re applying for a chef in a restaurant, there is no need to explain how you won a science fair in high school with a DIY solar system.

Listing unnecessary information shows that you did not care enough to do the proper research about the type of employee this business needs.

Include four or fewer paragraphs in your cover letter body

We already mentioned briefly what those paragraphs should contain, so let’s go a bit more detailed.

Paragraph 1 – Introduction

Undoubtedly the most important part – the one you will use to win the recruiters over and invite them to learn more about you.

Start by introducing yourself and how you found out about the position, followed by what motivated you to apply for it. Use this part to showcase your knowledge about the company.

You know exactly what they are looking for and, big surprise, you’re the one that can give it all. If there are any specific things you really like about this business, now is the time to list them.

Paragraph 2 and 3 – Body

Now, this is your time to truly shine. Use this part to list all your achievements, skills, and qualifications that are directly related to the job position.

Use specific examples. “I have many years of experience working with wild cats.” is good, but it can be even more precise. “I have worked as a wild cats rehabilitator in the Oregon Zoo in Portland for 6 years.”

If you’re applying for an HR specialist, pay special attention to your organizational abilities and soft skills. If it’s a more technical and precise position, give examples.

“By transforming business goals into measurable indicators with conversion rate optimization in mind, I can help clients gather and analyze user interactions in a visually appealing way that they can access anytime, anywhere.“

Show the recruiters everything they will gain by hiring you. Cover letters are usually all about how the business will benefit from you, not the other way around.

In case you don’t have enough experience in the field you’re aiming for, highlight your motivations, extra courses you’ve taken, and how you want to develop in the future.

Paragraph 4 – Ending

And now it’s time for the big finale. Thank the hiring managers for their time and undivided attention, provide them with extra contact information and finish up with a call to action.

Let them know when you’re available for a callback, what is the best way to reach you, and that if they have any further questions, you will be at their disposal every day.

You can include one last sentence about how excited you are applying for this position, without sounding too needy, of course.

Write short and direct sentences

The way you express yourself is important. Prolonged and heavy sentences will put anyone off from what they’re reading.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you should write the whole cover letter in simple sentences, as they can sound quite robotic.

But there needs to be a pleasant flow to your writing. The reader should not struggle with understanding your cover letter.

So here are a few tips that will help you write short, concise sentences that are straight to the point and don’t sound like they’ve been written by a bot.

  • No “fluff words” – These include words such as “really”, “actually”, “totally”, etc. The main rule is – If you can remove it and the sentence doesn’t lose its meaning, then remove it.
  • Use active voice – The usage of passive voice prolongs the sentence with unnecessary clunky words that bear no meaning.
  • Get rid of redundant words – “In order to” can be just “to”, “in close proximity” can be “close”. No need to overcomplicate your sentences just to appear smarter.

Here is an example of transforming a long sentence into a short one.

“I truly believe that all of my skills will be of great use to your company should you decide to hire me.”

“If I am hired, my skills will prove to be useful for your company.“

Leave some information to be revealed later at the interview

Outline the most important info but don’t go into too much detail. You want to intrigue the recruiters enough that they invite you for an interview.

You don’t want to leave the impression that they’ve learned everything about you in the span of two short paragraphs, right?

Use a professional cover letter format

The content of your cover letter is the second thing HR managers will see. The first ones are the layout and design.

Our years of experience have shown that candidates that use a professional format for their cover letters have a better success rate when applying for interviews.

Use a readable and plain font, for example, Times New Roman, Arial, Verdana, or Calibri. The size should be no more than 13 point and no less than 11 point. Make it too small, and it’s illegible, make it too big and it looks like you’re trying to fill up space.

Except for the three paragraphs we already talked about, every cover letter should contain the following elements – a heading, a greeting , and a signature at the end.

Leave space between the paragraphs to make the text easy to read and scan, and align the text to the left.

Make sure it doesn’t look cluttered and messy.

Before you start writing, check if there are any specific requirements posted by the recruiters regarding your cover letter. Some companies will tell you exactly what they want for length and content.

Don’t tell too many stories. Giving examples is great but don’t go overboard.

Can my cover letter be 2 pages?

If you’re wondering about a 2-page resume, ask yourself, why do you need it to be so long?  Most of the information should be on your resume, the cover letter is just an add-on.

You’re not telling your life story, you’re simply listing all the relevant experience and skills you have so you can get invited to an interview. You will have more chances to market yourself once you get there.

Unless it’s for a pretty high-end position, such as a heart surgeon, professor ina university, or a science researcher, you should be able to fit everything in half a page.

How many words should a cover letter be?

Since we already established that the average length for a cover letter is two-thirds of a page, maximum, how many words is that?

Well, if you don’t have any specific instructions from the employer, keep it between 250 and 400, ideally 300. If you’re using a 12 point font and you’ve written your 3 paragraphs, that’s the usual word count at the end.

In any case, the average word count should be a guideline, not your main focus.

What about academic cover letter length?

The cover letter for an academic position is one of those rare cases where you can exceed the one-page maximum. In

It usually needs to include all sorts of important information such as teaching, research, departmental service, published papers, relevant accolades, and anything else that might be required for the position.

How long should my intern cover letter be?

A cover letter for an internship  should follow the same guidelines as the typical cover letter. Between 200 and 400 words is ideal.

It could be shorter, as well. If you’re applying for an internship, chances are you don’t have a lot of experience resulting in fewer things you can include in your cover letter.

  • Focus less on how long does a cover letter need to be and more on what is required from the company you’re applying to;
  • Always research for specific instructions from the hiring managers regarding cover letter length and other requirements;
  • Unless you’re applying for an academic position or another one that demands a longer letter, don’t go over one page;
  • The format of the cover letter should be professional and clean. The goal is to make your text easy to scan and understand. You can use Enhancv’s Content Analyzer  to check everything.
  • Write simply and use short sentences;
  • Tailor your letter to the position you’re applying for. Make it personal and show that you care.

What are your experiences with writing cover letters? Have you ever written a cover letter longer than one page?

Tell us in the comments below and if you found this article useful, make sure to share it with anyone who might need it.

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What’s the Ideal Length for a Cover Letter? —Plus Tips to Get Yours There

person sitting at a window table in a cafe typing on laptop, with two plants on the table and more in the background

When you have a task to complete, it helps to know what the end product should look like. It's especially true when you’re doing something you might find difficult—like writing a cover letter . How long should it be? What information do you need to include?

Hiring managers and recruiters are busy people, so you don’t want to disqualify yourself by writing a cover letter that’s too long. But you do want to make sure your cover letter is effective. “The cover letter should serve as an introduction to your resume, highlighting why you’re interested in the position, what you’re looking for in your next role, and how you can potentially add value to the position or company,” says Muse career coach Yolanda Owens , who has over 20 years of recruiting experience. 

So how much space do you have to do all that? And how can you make the best use of that space?

How long should a cover letter be?

The ideal cover letter length is:

  • Less than one page
  • Three to five paragraphs
  • Less than 400 words

At least that’s the approximate consensus we came to based on research and input from a few experts who have worked as hiring managers, recruiters, or both.

If this feels short, “Keep in mind that the cover letter is not a tell-all of everything you've done,” says Muse coach Emily Liou , a recruiter and HR professional. “You just want enough to position yourself as a fit and to pique the curiosity of the reader.” You don’t need pages and pages to do that.

In a survey of 205 HR professionals, ResumeLab found that 42% of respondents preferred cover letters between half and one page and 40% preferred cover letters that were less than half a page. Only 18% said they preferred cover letters longer than one page. Muse coach Steven Davis , a technical recruiter, advocates for a cover letter that “can be comfortably read in less than a minute.”

How do you write a cover letter that's just the right length?

Here are a few tips that'll get your cover letter to the ideal length:

1. Pay attention to your structure.

You may remember the five-paragraph essay from school: introduction paragraph, body paragraphs, and conclusion paragraph. Cover letters are structured similarly.

Basically, you should lay out your cover letter like this:

  • Introduction (one paragraph): Your cover letter opening should be original and creative to draw your reader in. It should show your connections to the employer and your interest and excitement for the position, Liou says. You might also use this paragraph to explain that you’re making a career pivot or re-entering the workforce after an employment gap .
  • Body (one to three paragraphs): Your body paragraphs should focus on the ways you can help the organization or team, Owens says. Talk about what skills and experience you bring to the company, and back up what you’re saying with past examples—but keep them concise.
  • Conclusion (one paragraph): Your conclusion should be “a final paragraph thanking the reader for their time and reiterating your interest,” Owens says.

2. Figure out what matters to the employer.

“This is a great time to dissect what is most important to this position,” Liou says, so you can focus your cover letter on what your prospective employer cares about most. Go back to the job description and read it thoroughly. What’s listed first and what’s repeated? From there, Davis says, you should be able to identify the top skills and experiences they’re looking for.

Then, think about what in your background most exemplifies these qualifications—with an emphasis on situations where you’ve made an impact for your past employers, Liou says. These are the experiences you should recount in your cover letter.

3. Use concise examples to pique your readers’ interest.

Davis suggests using the “the STAR format without any details to create curiosity and motivate the interviewer to review the resume.” If you’re unfamiliar, the STAR method is a way of telling stories in an interview where you make sure that you hit on the situation, task, action, and result of the experience you’re recounting. Using a compact version of the STAR method in your cover letter will help show the impact you’ve had in past roles and how without adding too much length. So you might write something like:

“When my last company redesigned their website, I took the lead on layout, and by working as a constant liaison between our product team and our users, I helped produce a website that our users found 50% more intuitive and drew 33% more repeat users.”

4. Go beyond your resume—without regurgitating it.

“The cover letter should be a supplemental piece to your resume, not a summary,” Owens says. So don’t waste space regurgitating other parts of your application. “Use the cover letter to tell the employer what you want them to know about you that’s not on your resume,” or anywhere else, Owens says.

Focus your precious page or less on highlighting your relevant achievements and explicitly connecting your resume to the position. Don’t worry about including all of the context and details about your past jobs. For anything you talk about in a cover letter, your resume can “continue your narrative—filling in the remaining details of the where, when, and what of your work experiences and history,” Owens says.

5. Consider using bullet points.

And we don’t mean repeating your resume bullet points . We mean using a few bullet points to concisely relay a few key pieces of information that aren’t on your resume, but contribute to your qualifications as a candidate, without taking up too much space.

For example, Owens says you might create a “What I bring to the table” section with three to four bullet points (one or two sentences each). In a section like this, you can touch on a few more disparate topics such as your management or leadership style, pain points you can help your next employer with, or work environments you have experience thriving in, Owens says.

6. Use standard formatting.

Did you ever make your font size a bit larger or choose a slightly wider font to hit a page count on an essay for school? What about widening those margins? Did you ever do the opposite to slip in under a page maximum without having to do another editing pass at 3 a.m.? (Guilty!)

These tactics won’t fly for your cover letter (or your resume for that matter). Instead, stick to standard, easy-to-read formatting. Generally this means:

  • Common fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman
  • Font sizes between 10 and 12 point
  • Margin sizes of about one inch on the top, bottom, and sides
  • Lines that are single spaced (1.15 max) with an additional space between paragraphs if you'd like.

Don’t make your cover letter harder to read by cramming as much onto a page as possible. Also keep in mind that your cover letter often passes through the same applicant tracking system (ATS) that your resume does—so any flashy formatting could trip up the software that parses your application materials.

7. Trim the excess.

If your cover letter is still too long, take another look and trim out anything extra that doesn’t need to be there. Some things to cut include:

  • Content about how much you’d enjoy doing the work, Davis says—beyond what you need to express enthusiasm.
  • Mentions of years of experience: While the job description may call for three years of experience with a CRM (customer relationship management) program, you don’t need to use your cover letter to write a word problem where your six months experience from one internship, three months each from two classes, and two years at your last job equals three years.
  • Extra details in your examples, especially those that are found on your resume or don’t contribute to your strength as a candidate
  • Filtering language: This includes phrases like “I think” and “I feel.” You don’t “believe you can help” a company solve a problem, you can help a company solve a problem.
  • Overused or cliché phrases
  • Anything about what the job would do for you : Focus on what you can do for them.

Read More: How to Cut Your Cover Letter Down to One Page (Because Any Longer and No One's Reading)

8. Follow any instructions in the job description.

Finally, all of the above are just guidelines. The best indicator of what an employer is looking for in a cover letter—length-wise or otherwise—is the employer itself.

So if a job posting tells you that a cover letter should be a different length than we’ve indicated, default to the job description. If a job posting tells you that a cover letter should include different things than we’ve indicated, default to the job description. If a job posting tells you that you shouldn’t include a cover letter at all, default to the job description.

how long should a cover letter for an internship be

Contoh Cover Letter Internship (Latihan Industri)

Ramai pelajar yang memohon internship sering terlepas pandang kepentingan menyertakan cover letter bersama permohonan mereka.

Cover letter yang baik membolehkan anda mempamerkan nilai unik, menunjukkan minat dan motivasi, serta menjelaskan sebarang kekosongan atau peralihan dalam resume anda. Ia juga berfungsi untuk menarik perhatian bakal majikan.

Artikel ini akan memberikan panduan lengkap untuk menulis cover letter internship yang profesional dan komprehensif termasuk contoh-contoh untuk rujukan. Ikuti langkah-langkah yang disediakan untuk memastikan cover letter anda menonjol daripada calon lain dan seterusnya meningkatkan peluang anda untuk mendapatkan internship yang anda impikan.

Apakah itu internship?

Apakah itu cover letter internship, struktur asas cover letter, contoh cover letter, tips tambahan untuk menulis cover letter internship, soalan lazim (faq).

Internship, atau latihan industri,adalah tempoh praktikal di mana pelajar atau fresh graduate bekerja di sebuah syarikat untuk mendapatkan pengalaman kerja yang sebenar.

Tujuan utama internship adalah untuk menerapkan pengetahuan teori yang diperoleh di bilik kuliah ke dalam situasi kerja sebenar. Latihan industri membolehkan pelajar memperoleh kemahiran praktikal yang diperlukan dalam industri, dan berpeluang membina rangkaian profesional yang berguna untuk membina kerjaya mereka.

Baca artikel ini “Kenapa Latihan Industri (Internship) Penting Untuk Kerjaya,” supaya anda dapat mendalami bagaimana latihan industri boleh membuka pintu kepada peluang yang tidak pernah terlintas di fikiran anda.

Cover letter internship merupakan surat pengenalan yang dihantar bersama resume semasa memohon latihan industri. Fungsi utama surat ini adalah untuk memperkenalkan diri anda dengan baik dan menjelaskan sebab anda berminat untuk menjalani internship di syarikat tersebut.

Ia juga berperanan untuk menunjukkan bagaimana kemahiran serta kursus yang anda pelajari di kolej atau universiti menjadikan anda calon yang sesuai untuk syarikat mereka.

Gunakan pelbagai contoh cover letter internship yang disediakan dalam artikel ini untuk membantu anda dalam menyediakan cover letter yang profesional dan tersusun.

Seorang individu sedang menggunakan laptop

Menulis cover letter yang baik memerlukan struktur yang teratur dan komponen yang tepat. Berikut adalah komponen asas yang perlu disertakan dalam cover letter anda:

1. Pengenalan:

Mulakan dengan memperkenalkan diri anda dan nyatakan tujuan surat anda. Jelaskan bagaimana anda mengetahui tentang peluang internship yang diiklankan dan nyatakan minat anda terhadap syarikat dan jawatan tersebut.

"Nama saya Amirul Hakim, seorang pelajar tahun akhir dalam bidang Kejuruteraan Elektrik di Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Saya menulis surat ini untuk memohon peluang latihan industri di syarikat anda, XYZ Electronics, seperti yang diiklankan di portal Jobstreet.

Saya sangat bersemangat untuk menyertai XYZ Electronics kerana syarikat ini dikenali dengan inovasi teknologi dan pendekatannya yang progresif dalam industri elektronik. Ini amat selaras dengan minat dan pengajian saya.”

2. Badan surat:

Dalam bahagian ini, jelaskan pengalaman, kemahiran, dan motivasi anda untuk menyertai syarikat tersebut dengan padat dan tersusun. Terangkan bagaimana pengalaman dan kemahiran anda sepadan dengan keperluan jawatan yang dimohon serta bagaimana anda boleh menyumbang kepada syarikat tersebut.

"Sebagai pelajar tahun akhir dalam bidang Kejuruteraan Elektrik di Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, saya telah mendalami prinsip-prinsip reka bentuk sistem dan teknologi elektrik melalui pelbagai kursus akademik. Pengetahuan ini telah memberikan saya asas yang kukuh dalam bidang yang saya ceburi.

Kemahiran saya dalam penyelesaian masalah dan kerja berpasukan telah diperkukuh melalui latihan yang diperoleh dalam kursus-kursus tersebut. Selain itu, saya juga mempunyai kemahiran komunikasi yang baik dan keupayaan untuk menyesuaikan diri dengan cepat dalam persekitaran baru.

Pengalaman saya dalam aktiviti kokurikulum, seperti penyertaan aktif dalam kelab inovasi teknologi, telah memperkaya kemahiran praktikal saya dan membentuk keupayaan saya dalam menangani cabaran secara kreatif. Setelah meneliti projek-projek inovatif di XYZ Electronics melalui laman web syarikat, saya sangat bersemangat untuk menyumbang kepada inisiatif tersebut dan berhasrat untuk memanfaatkan kemahiran serta pengalaman saya bagi menyokong matlamat syarikat.”

3. Penutup:

Akhiri surat dengan kesimpulan ringkas yang merangkumkan minat anda dan nyatakan cara untuk menghubungi anda. Ucapkan terima kasih kepada majikan kerana mempertimbangkan permohonan anda.

Contohnya :

“Saya amat menghargai peluang untuk ditemu duga dan berbincang lebih lanjut tentang bagaimana saya boleh memanfaatkan peluang latihan industri ini untuk belajar serta menyokong matlamat syarikat anda. Saya juga berharap dapat menyumbang dengan sebaik mungkin sepanjang tempoh latihan ini. Untuk sebarang maklumat lanjut atau pertanyaan, sila hubungi saya di [nombor telefon] atau melalui e-mel di [alamat e-mel]. Terima kasih kerana mempertimbangkan permohonan saya.”

Sebuah laptop terbuka dengan layar email

Menulis cover letter yang berkesan dapat meningkatkan peluang anda untuk mendapatkan internship. Untuk memudahkan anda, berikut adalah beberapa contoh cover letter internship yang boleh digunakan sebagai panduan.

Anda boleh memilih untuk menggunakan contoh cover letter internship dalam Bahasa Melayu atau Bahasa Inggeris, bergantung kepada keperluan syarikat yang anda mohon.

1. Contoh cover letter internship dalam Bahasa Melayu

Syarikat yang terlibat dalam sektor kerajaan mungkin lebih menghargai penggunaan Bahasa Melayu dalam cover letter. Berikut adalah contoh cover letter internship dalam Bahasa Melayu yang boleh anda gunakan untuk memohon tempat latihan industri.

Ili Binti Sulaiman ⁠24, Jalan Anggerik, ⁠42350 Kuala Lumpur ⁠ [email protected]

1 Julai 2024

Encik Mohd HusainiABC Sdn Bhd ⁠Pengurus Sumber Manusia ⁠ABC Sdn Bhd

Permohonan untuk Internship di syarikat ABC Sdn Bhd

Saya, Ili Binti Sulaiman, ingin memohon peluang untuk menyertai program internship di syarikat ABC Sdn Bhd dalam bidang pemasaran. Saya sedang mengikuti pengajian dalam bidang Multimedia di Politeknik M dan ingin memohon untuk menjalani latihan industri di syarikat ABC Sdn Bhd bermula 1 Ogos 2024 hingga 1 Disember 2024.

Sepanjang pengajian saya dalam bidang Multimedia di Politeknik M, saya telah mengikuti kursus-kursus yang meliputi reka bentuk grafik, pengurusan media sosial, dan strategi pemasaran digital. Kursus-kursus ini telah memberi saya pemahaman yang mendalam tentang prinsip-prinsip dan teknik-teknik terkini dalam pemasaran.

Selain kemahiran kreatif dalam reka bentuk grafik, saya juga fasih dalam beberapa bahasa, termasuk Bahasa Inggeris, Melayu, dan Mandarin. Keupayaan komunikasi saya membolehkan saya berhubung dengan pelbagai pihak secara efektif dan menyesuaikan diri dengan mudah dalam persekitaran kerja yang pelbagai.

Tambahan pula, penglibatan aktif saya dalam aktiviti persatuan telah memperkaya pengalaman saya, terutamanya dalam mengendalikan kempen media sosial dan mereka bentuk poster untuk bisnes kecil-kecilan. Melalui projek-projek ini, saya telah mengasah kemahiran praktikal saya dalam reka bentuk grafik dan strategi media sosial.

Saya percaya bahawa latihan industri di syarikat ABC Sdn Bhd akan memberi peluang kepada saya untuk mengaplikasikan pengetahuan teori yang telah saya pelajari ke dalam situasi kerja sebenar. Saya juga yakin bahawa pengalaman ini akan membolehkan saya membangunkan kemahiran profesional yang penting dan membina rangkaian industri yang luas.

Saya berharap dapat berbincang dengan lebih lanjut mengenai peluang ini. Saya boleh dihubungi melalui email di [email protected] atau telefon di 011-234567

Terima kasih atas pertimbangan tuan.

Yang benar,

Ili Binti Sulaiman ⁠Pelajar Tahun Ketiga, politeknik M

2. Contoh cover letter internship dalam Bahasa Inggeris

Di kebanyakan sektor swasta, penggunaan Bahasa Inggeris dalam permohonan kerja adalah perkara biasa, termasuk untuk permohonan internship. Oleh itu, adalah penting untuk menulis cover letter dalam Bahasa Inggeris bagi menunjukkan kesediaan anda untuk berkomunikasi dalam bahasa profesional yang digunakan dalam industri.

Berikut adalah contoh cover letter internship dalam Bahasa Inggeris yang boleh membantu anda dalam memohon tempat internship:

Muhammad Daniel Ikram ⁠33, Jalan Desa, 42350 Kuala Lumpur ⁠ [email protected]

1st July 2024

Ms Jennie Tan ⁠HR Manager ⁠ABC Sdn Bhd

Dear Ms. Jennie Tan,

Application for Internship at ABC Sdn Bhd

I am writing to express my strong interest in the IT Project Assistant Internship position at ABC Sdn Bhd, as advertised on Jobstreet. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology at University T, and I am eager to intern with your esteemed organization from 1st August 2024 to 1st December 2024.

Throughout my academic career, I have built a solid foundation in IT, focusing on system administration, network management, and cybersecurity. My projects and coursework have endowed me with practical skills in troubleshooting, database management, and IT support, alongside proficiency in SQL, Linux, and Cisco networking.

I have also honed essential soft skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. My ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly has been instrumental in collaborative projects, and my proactive approach has consistently driven team success.

I have also been involved in a project to develop a web application for the university's IT Society. This role involved designing functionality, addressing technical issues, and managing smooth operations, providing me with hands-on experience in SQL, Linux, and network configurations using Cisco.

I am particularly impressed with ABC Sdn Bhd's commitment to innovation and excellence, highlighted by your recognition as the "Top IT Solutions Provider in Malaysia" by the Malaysian Digital Association and your pivotal role in the nationwide cybersecurity initiative.

The opportunity to contribute to and learn from such an esteemed organisation excites me. I am confident that my technical skills, combined with my proactive approach and eagerness to learn, will allow me to make meaningful contributions to your IT team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background, skills, and enthusiasm align with the goals of your team. I can be reached at [email protected] or 01-1145365 at your convenience.

Sincerely, ⁠Muhammad Daniel Ikram ⁠Final year IT student, University T

Anda juga boleh mengikuti panduan dalam artikel Fresh Graduates: How to Make Effective Cover Letters that Stand Out ini untuk menulis cover letter yang menarik perhatian majikan.

3. Contoh cover letter internship accounting

Berikut adalah contoh cover letter internship dalam bidang perakaunan yang sesuai untuk pelajar perakaunan yang ingin memohon internship. Contoh ini boleh digunakan sebagai panduan untuk mempamerkan kemahiran serta minat anda dalam bidang tersebut.

Shamini Nadarajan ⁠10, Jalan TTC2, 47000 Sungai Buloh ⁠ [email protected]

Encik Aaron Lim ⁠Pengurus Sumber Manusia ⁠ABC Sdn Bhd

Permohonan untuk Internship di Bidang Perakaunan

Saya, Shamini Nadarajan, merupakan pelajar tahun akhir dalam bidang Perakaunan di Universiti A dan ingin memohon untuk program internship di ABC Sdn Bhd. Tempoh latihan industri yang saya memohon adalah dari 1 Ogos 2024 hingga 1 November 2024. Saya yakin bahawa peluang ini akan membolehkan saya mendalami aspek praktikal perakaunan serta memperkukuhkan asas teori yang telah saya pelajari sepanjang pengajian saya. Pengalaman ini akan menjadi batu loncatan yang penting dalam membangunkan kemahiran dan pengetahuan saya, sambil memberikan sumbangan yang bernilai kepada pasukan di ABC Sdn Bhd.

Antara kursus yang saya telah ambil adalah Perakaunan Kewangan dan Perakaunan Pengurusan untuk mengasah kemahiran teknikal dalam bidang perakaunan. Selain daripada keupayaan komunikasi yang baik, saya juga memiliki kebolehan memimpin dan bekerja dalam pasukan, serta dikenali sebagai seorang yang teliti dan analitikal.

Ini membawa kepada pemilihan saya sebagai Bendahari Kelab Usahawan di universiti, di mana kami telah menjalankan pelbagai program keusahawanan. Dalam peranan ini, saya berpeluang untuk mengurus bajet, menyelaraskan laporan kewangan, dan memastikan ketepatan rekod kewangan.

Pengalaman ini telah membantu saya memperkukuhkan kemahiran dalam pengurusan kewangan, serta meningkatkan kecekapan saya dalam setiap tugas yang diamanahkan.

Saya berharap dapat diberi peluang untuk menjalani internship di ABC Sdn Bhd dan menerapkan kemahiran yang saya pelajari dalam projek-projek syarikat sepanjang tempoh latihan industri ini. Saya boleh dihubungi melalui e-mel di [email protected] atau nombor 019-8765439

Shamini Nadarajan ⁠Pelajar Tahun Akhir Jurusan Perakaunan, Universiti A

4. Contoh cover letter untuk management trainee dalam bahasa melayu

Sebagai fresh grad atau pelajar tahun akhir, mengambil bahagian dalam program latihan seperti management trainee adalah langkah strategik untuk memperluas pengalaman profesional. Berikut adalah contoh cover letter untuk management trainee dalam Bahasa Melayu yang boleh membantu anda memohon jawatan ini dan membina asas kerjaya anda.

Farhan Hazim ⁠143, Jalan Indah Permai, 47000 Sungai Buloh [email protected]

Puan Cheryl Raj ⁠Pengurus Sumber Manusia ⁠ABC Sdn Bhd

Permohonan untuk Jawatan Management Trainee

Saya, Farhan Hazim, ingin memohon jawatan sebagai Management Trainee di ABC Sdn Bhd. Saya merupakan pelajar tahun akhir di Universiti S dalam bidang Ijazah Sarjana Muda Pengurusan Perniagaan.

Saya amat berminat untuk menyertai syarikat ini kerana ABC Sdn Bhd dikenali sebagai peneraju dalam industri dengan reputasi cemerlang dalam inovasi dan pengurusan projek. Saya ingin memohon untuk menjalani tempoh latihan di syarikat ABC Sdn Bhd dari 1 Ogos 2024 hingga 1 November 2024.

Sepanjang pengajian saya, saya telah mempelajari pelbagai aspek pengurusan seperti Pengurusan Kewangan, Pengurusan Sumber Manusia, dan Pengurusan Strategik. Penguasaan dalam bidang-bidang ini membolehkan saya memahami asas-asas penting dalam pengurusan perniagaan dan strategi korporat.

Selain itu, saya mempunyai kemahiran dalam menganalisis data, membuat keputusan strategik, dan menguruskan projek. Pengalaman sebagai Ketua Projek untuk beberapa inisiatif universiti seperti Projek Keusahawanan Muda dan Program Kesedaran Kewangan telah membolehkan saya mengasah kemahiran dalam memimpin pasukan, merancang strategi, dan melaksanakan projek dengan jayanya. Pengalaman berorganisasi ini telah mengajar saya untuk mengurus masa, sumber, dan pasukan dengan cekap.

Saya berharap dapat diberi peluang untuk membincangkan bagaimana saya boleh mengambil bahagian dalam pasukan ABC Sdn Bhd dan menyumbang kepada projek-projek syarikat sepanjang tempoh latihan ini.

Saya percaya bahawa pengalaman ini akan menjadi landasan kukuh untuk kerjaya saya dan membantu saya mencapai matlamat profesional saya. Saya boleh dihubungi melalui e-mel di [email protected] atau nombor 018-765432.

Saya sertakan bersama resume untuk rujukan pihak Puan. Saya berharap untuk mendapat peluang menghadiri temu duga dan seterusnya menyertai pasukan ABC Sdn Bhd.

Sekian, terima kasih.

Yang benar, ⁠Farhan Hazim ⁠Pelajar Tahun Akhir Ijazah Sarjana Muda Pengurusan Perniagaan, Universiti S

Rujuk artikel 6 contoh cover letter dalam bahasa melayu untuk fresh graduate untuk dapatkan idea dan inspirasi untuk menulis cover letter bagi pelbagai jawatan lain.

Seorang wanita sedang duduk di depan komputer dan berfikir

Terdapat beberapa Do's and Don'ts yang penting untuk memastikan cover letter anda menonjol daripada calon-calon yang lain.

  • Ringkas dan padat: Pastikan surat permohonan anda tidak melebihi satu halaman agar anda dapat menyampaikan maklumat penting secara efektif.
  • Fokus pada kemahiran dan pengalaman relevan: Sorot kemahiran dan pengalaman yang berkaitan dengan jawatan yang dimohon, dan jelaskan bagaimana kemahiran tersebut boleh menyumbang kepada syarikat.
  • Semak kesalahan tatabahasa dan ejaan: Pastikan tiada kesalahan tatabahasa atau ejaan, kerana kesalahan ini boleh menjejaskan profesionalisme anda.
  • Jangan menggunakan bahasa santai atau informal: Elakkan gaya bahasa yang terlalu kasual yang tidak sesuai dengan suasana profesional.
  • Jangan menghantar surat permohonan generik: Hindari menggunakan satu cover letter yang sama untuk semua permohonan. Pastikan ia disesuaikan khusus untuk syarikat dan jawatan yang dimohon.
  • Jangan mengulang maklumat dari resume: Elakkan mengulangi maklumat yang sudah terdapat dalam resume anda. Sebaliknya, fokuskan pada bagaimana pengalaman dan kemahiran anda relevan dengan jawatan yang dimohon.

Cover letter adalah elemen penting dalam permohonan internship, kerana ia memberikan peluang untuk memperkenalkan diri dan meyakinkan majikan bahawa anda adalah calon yang ideal untuk menyertai pasukan mereka.

Dengan cover letter, anda dapat menonjolkan kemahiran dan pengalaman yang relevan serta menunjukkan minat anda terhadap syarikat tersebut. Selain itu, cover letter yang disusun dengan baik menunjukkan kesungguhan anda dan boleh memberikan kelebihan berbanding calon lain.

Gunakan panduan dan contoh-contoh ini untuk memastikan cover letter anda profesional, tersusun, dan mampu menarik perhatian majikan. Ini akan meningkatkan peluang anda untuk berjaya mendapatkan internship yang diinginkan.

1. Perlu saya menyebutkan tempoh latihan industri dalam cover letter?

Ya, menyebutkan tempoh latihan industri dalam cover letter adalah penting kerana ia membantu majikan menilai kesesuaian tempoh latihan anda dengan keperluan syarikat.

2. Bagaimanakah cara menunjukkan minat terhadap syarikat dalam cover letter?

Kaji dengan teliti syarikat tersebut dan terangkan dalam cover letter apa yang menarik minat anda mengenai syarikat itu serta bagaimana ia sejajar dengan matlamat anda.

3. Apakah perbezaan antara cover letter dan resume?

Cover letter adalah surat pengenalan yang menerangkan minat dan kelayakan anda, manakala resume adalah dokumen ringkas yang merangkumi pengalaman kerja dan kelayakan akademik anda.

4. Bagaimanakah cara untuk menonjolkan diri dalam cover letter?

Fokuskan pada kemahiran dan pengalaman yang relevan, dan berikan contoh konkrit tentang bagaimana anda telah menggunakan kemahiran tersebut untuk mencapai kejayaan.

5. Adakah saya perlu menghantar cover letter jika tidak diminta dalam iklan jawatan?

Ya, menghantar cover letter walaupun tidak diminta menunjukkan bahawa anda bersikap proaktif dan ini boleh meningkatkan peluang anda untuk mendapat peluang temu duga atau internship di syarikat tersebut.

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  5. How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? Length & Word Count

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  6. How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? (+Formatting Tips)

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COMMENTS

  1. How To Write an Internship Cover Letter (With Examples And Tips)

    A well-written cover letter can highlight relevant skills and experiences that showcase why you're the right fit for an internship role. Here are a few steps you can follow when writing an internship cover letter: 1. State the exact role you want. Consider starting your cover letter by mentioning the specifics of the position you're applying for.

  2. How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship? (+5 Real Internship

    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.

  3. How to Write an Internship Cover Letter [Expert Advice & Examples]

    How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship. Include your name, date, location, and contact information. Include the company name, department, and address. Address the hiring manager. Set the context for your application. Sell your experience and personalize your cover letter. Think about your cover letter's readers (humans and machines).

  4. How to write an internship cover letter: 7 tips & an example

    Include information about the company and the role you're applying for (pro tip: Use language from the application!). 2. Structure the cover letter's flow effectively. A well-crafted cover letter should grab the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager and effectively convey key information.

  5. How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship

    A cover letter for an internship, also called a letter of introduction, an application letter, or a personal statement, expresses how your skills and experiences make you the best candidate for the position. It should showcase your personal style while expanding upon and complementing your résumé. Always include a cover letter when it is requested to solidify your chance of becoming a ...

  6. How To Write A Cover Letter For An Internship (With Examples)

    Cover letters should be between 200-400 words long, about half a page, and 3-4 paragraphs. Ideally, you should stick to at or below 300 words. Hiring managers are busy people, and most cover letters are skimmed rather than read. Make your cover letter easy to skim and only include relevant information.

  7. 6 Tips On How To Write A Cover Letter For An Internship, With ...

    Here are expert tips on how to write a cover letter for an internship. 1. Know The Length of Your Cover Letter. Your cover letter should be focused and concise. One page instead of many is ...

  8. Top Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for Internships

    Examples of an internship cover letter The following examples can help you see what an internship cover letter should look like: Sample 1 Max Brown 845 Baker Street Brooklyn, NY 00954 (654) 391-0622 [email protected] November 1, 2019 Blake Garcia Director, Human Resources DC Offices 423 Hallwell Rd. Heatherton, CA 54321 Dear Mr. Garcia, I am writing to apply for the biology research summer ...

  9. How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship (Plus…

    And, if nothing else, it's a chance to get across your excitement. While it can certainly help to check out some general cover letter tips and read through some examples, here are some specific pointers on how to make the most of a cover letter for an internship. 1. Make It All About the Company. Step one is to introduce yourself and why you ...

  10. How to Write an Internship Cover Letter: Examples & Tips

    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] This can be done by selecting the "Insert" tab and then "Header & footers" in your word processor. Amy Doe.

  11. Examples and Guide for an Internship Cover Letter

    5. Use the right internship cover letter format. A cover letter for an internship position should follow certain formatting. For instance, your cover letter should be four paragraphs long and use up about one full page (but no more than that). Although this might sound short, it's still plenty of space to describe your talents.

  12. How to Write a Cover Letter for Internship (Examples & Template)

    Respect the Format #2. State the Position You're Applying For in the Opening #3. Mention the Right Keywords #4. Highlight Your Education #5. Provide Background For Your Skills #6. Explain Why You're a Good Fit For The Position #7. Describe What You Would Gain Professionally #8. Proofread Your Cover Letter #9.

  13. How To Write an Internship Cover Letter (With Examples)

    Here are some steps you can use to write an effective internship cover letter: 1. Convey your interest in the specific internship. You should always start your cover letters by stating which internship (or role) you wish to apply for. This will show that you haven't simply sent out the same cover letter for multiple internships.

  14. How To Write a Cover Letter For Internship (With Example)

    How long should a cover letter for an internship be? Ideally, a cover letter is between half a page and a full page long. As a general rule, limit the length of your cover letter to four to five paragraphs. You may write concise summaries of your expertise, experience and credentials. In certain cases, employers may offer particular ...

  15. Examples for Writing a Cover Letter for an Internship

    The very first sentence of your cover letter for an internship should make a lasting impression on the hiring manager. If it doesn't, they'll move on to the next candidate— ... Our guide has all the answers: How Long a Cover Letter Should Be. 5. End Your Cover Letter for an Internship With a CTA.

  16. Cover Letter Examples for Internships: How to Craft a Standout

    Shows enthusiasm: A cover letter allows you to express your passion for the industry and the specific company, helping you stand out from applicants who submit only a resume. 2. Cover Letter Format for Internships. A cover letter for an internship should be professional, concise, and structured to capture the employer's attention.

  17. How to Write an Internship Cover Letter: Examples & Tips

    Your writing should be professional without feeling robotic. Consider the following two sentences: "I am writing this cover letter to apply for the internship at your company.". "I'm writing to express my interest in Example Company's summer internship.". Notice how the first line feels somewhat sterile.

  18. Ideal Cover Letter Length: How Long Should A Cover Letter Be?

    A cover letter for an internship should follow the same guidelines as the typical cover letter. Between 200 and 400 words is ideal. It could be shorter, as well. If you're applying for an internship, chances are you don't have a lot of experience resulting in fewer things you can include in your cover letter.

  19. How long should internship cover letters be? : r ...

    Ideally, a cover letter would be 1/3 to 1/2 a page. I want to see a quick introduction, a VERY succinct summary of what you can do for us, and some kind of statement about how you're interested in learning more about our company, etc. Something I can skim in 10-15 seconds.

  20. Q&A: What's the Ideal Cover Letter Length?

    Break up your text by adding a blank line between paragraphs, setting 1-inch margins on each side. With lots of white space, your cover letter will look like an enjoyable read rather than a wall of text. 4. Limit your cover letter to four paragraphs. Generally, your cover letter should be between half a page and one full page in length.

  21. How Long Should a Cover Letter Be in 2022?

    You don't need pages and pages to do that. In a survey of 205 HR professionals, ResumeLab found that 42% of respondents preferred cover letters between half and one page and 40% preferred cover letters that were less than half a page. Only 18% said they preferred cover letters longer than one page. Muse coach Steven Davis, a technical ...

  22. How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship

    Learn how to write a cover letter for an internship with this comprehensive guide. Impress hiring managers with well-crafted cover letters.

  23. Contoh Cover Letter Internship (Latihan Industri)

    1. Contoh cover letter internship dalam Bahasa Melayu . Syarikat yang terlibat dalam sektor kerajaan mungkin lebih menghargai penggunaan Bahasa Melayu dalam cover letter. Berikut adalah contoh cover letter internship dalam Bahasa Melayu yang boleh anda gunakan untuk memohon tempat latihan industri. Ili Binti Sulaiman ⁠24, Jalan Anggerik,