How to write an internship cover letter
If you need to write an internship cover letter, there are specific details you must emphasize to stand out from other applicants. Normally, those who apply for internships are either students or recent graduates yet to kick-start their careers. This means they have no experience to showcase.
However, your lack of experience should not discourage you from writing a compelling cover letter. Somewhere in your quiver are important details, skills, and information that sell your personality. This article will help you bring them together to make a lasting impression on prospective employers.
What is an internship cover letter?
Entry-level professionals often decide to pursue internships to gain career-specific experience. For many students, internships have become a prerequisite to earning extra academic credit.
Therefore, individuals have to scout for suitable hosts for their intern program. Because several candidates are applying for the same position, it becomes their responsibility to convince employers that they are the best fit among the rest.
Aside from researching ways to find internships, learning to create a good cover letter is necessary to secure a role. This single document informs potential employers of your interest in the position, your personality, and skills relevant to the position.
Steps to write an internship cover letter
It is important to note that an internship cover letter is slightly different from that of an actual job. Nevertheless, it still provides a chance to present yourself in a good light. With the following tips, you’ll find the process easy to navigate.
Provide your contact information
At first glance, hiring managers should find your personal information without stress. Clearly state your name as it is in your certificates, phone number, and email address.
These details should come first before any other thing, in other words, place them on the front page of your cover letter. With your contact details in place, recruiters can reach you without stress.
Write the perfect opening
A cover letter should have an address and a strong introduction. To begin with, you must address your letter to the right person to avoid confusion.
Ensure you avoid a general salutation, instead, stick to the recruiter’s name using Dear + the recruiter’s full name. Alternatively, you can address your letter to the hiring manager mentioned in the job advert if you are unsure of the employer’s name.
Include a professional summary
When drafting an internship cover letter, this is one section you must not take for levity. To make up for your lack of experience, you must sell your professional strengths pertinent to the role.
Also, you should be careful to avoid lengthy stories that will bore the reader. As the name implies, this section should contain a summary of your qualifications and skills.
For extra points, ensure you include certifications relevant to the role you are applying for. Share but don’t overshare your goals and how the internship will help you achieve them.
List your educational degrees and certification
Your educational qualification is an important feature you must not leave out of an internship cover letter. Start by making a list of the schools, the degree type you earned from them, and the year of graduation.
If you are yet to graduate, indicate your education status and program. Additionally, highlight any career-specific activities, achievements, and relevant projects you have in your quiver.
Don’t forget to highlight your skills
Listing skills work the magic in the absence of work experience to prove your capability. Usually, job postings serve as a directive on the kind of skills employers require for a particular role.
From here, you can provide a list of skills you have that will be helpful during the training period. It is important to note that the quality of your skills determines whether or not you secure a spot.
Edit your cover letter
Understand that a haphazard cover letter may cost you numerous internship benefits you can enjoy. You must ensure your documents are worthy enough to impress an employer.
Ensure your document is clear, easy to read, and error-free. Once you are satisfied with the content, proofread thoroughly and conclude the letter formally.
Also Read: How to write a job application letter
Conclusion
Finally, tailor your cover letter to match each employer’s requirements. Avoid repeating the same letter for different companies, instead make adjustments to include details specific to each job advertisement.
