Maybe it’s your first time, and you’re curious about writing an internship cover letter; you may have encountered some difficulties trying to create an eye-catching application that will include the tone you want to strike.
When applying for internships, a well-crafted cover letter can significantly enhance your chances of standing out among numerous applicants. Here, you’ll find guidance on composing a compelling and well-structured internship cover letter that will increase your chances of landing your desired position. Let’s begin with the first step.
How to write an internship cover letter in 8 significant steps
Introduction
Firstly, you would have to explicitly explain the purpose and importance of the cover letter, recognizing the specific person you’re addressing the letter to.
Include your personal information
You must provide your accurate contact information to enable easy feedback. Your details include:
- Your name
- Your phone number
- Address
- City
- State
- Zip code
- Email address
- Date
Include Company name, Address & Department
After your personal details, the company’s information follows. You will have to do your findings to ensure you have the company’s details for an accurate address.
However, if you’re seeking a remote internship, then make use of the company’s headquarters address. Your focus during your research should be on the following:
- Company name and features
- The Hiring manager’s name and title
- Departments
- Street
- City
- Zipcode
How to address the hiring manager
Be formal in addressing the hiring manager; don’t use words like “Dear hiring manager” or “to whom it may concern”. Addressing the manager by name will make you stand out from the crowd. Track down the name in your research through the website the follow the guide:
- The hiring manager’s name
- The Title/position
- Company’s name
- Company’s address
- City, state, and zip code
Your First Paragraph
The first paragraph will determine the value of your cover letter. It could make or break the entire letter.
Generally, open paragraphs, whether for a regular email, blog post, or cover letter, create a strong first impression to either engage or disengage the reader. Begin by explaining how you discovered the company. You can refer to what inspires your interest and express your interest in the company and how it relates to your passion and goal.
Depending on the company, you can find possible ways to get your reader’s attention. Also, don’t forget your basic information like your level of education, name, and interest.
Personalize Your letter
Focus on the specific job description and pick out the qualities that best apply to you. You can go deep with your personal qualities and how they can positively impact the position you seek. Cover areas like work experience, problem-solving, volunteering, and relevant coursework.
Most importantly, a talent acquisition specialist at Omnisend says that ” recruiters are pretty busy with hundreds of applications to review; therefore, clear and concise information is key. For example, a five-page cover letter won’t get you a job.
How to close your Cover letter
Provided the internship application does not explicitly state “Please do not contract” then go ahead to specify how you will follow up like “am eager to meet for a discussion concerning the opportunity, Or I will call next week to know if my qualifications match your expectations.
Finally, in your closing paragraph, appreciate the manager and end on a positive, confident note. You can also give the hiring manager a call to action that includes your online portfolio, website, or channel where your work or personality is further displayed.
Before You Submit
Resume genius agrees that lack of proofreading stands out as the major pitfall of most cover letters. Common spelling and grammar errors could cost you a position, especially if the internship is anything that requires close attention to detail. However, these little mistakes can be avoided by using tools like Grammarly.
Furthermore, there are some other companies that provide AI-generated cover letters. Yet, you must check the AI content again to ensure accuracy before submission. And if you’re still unsure, calling a friend to help proofread would equally be a grate decision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drafting a unique internship cover letter requires a blend of professionalism and personal touch. This may require some thorough research on the company in order to articulate your skills and experience, tailoring them to your internship. So, to make a positive impression that is sure to secure your internship, you must maintain a positive tone, be concise, and proofread for errors.