How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship

By Kellie Hanna, CPRW, Career Advice Expert •Last Updated: November 19, 2024

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An internship cover letter serves as a personalized introduction to your resume and provides an opportunity to showcase your relevant skills, experience and enthusiasm for the position.

Unlike a resume, which provides a concise overview of your qualifications, a cover letter allows you to delve deeper into your motivations and explain why you are the ideal candidate.

In this guide, we’ll provide step-by-step tips on writing a cover letter for an internship position. Explore our examples and use our Cover Letter Generator to craft a standout letter in minutes.

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What to Include in a Cover Letter for an Internship

The primary objective of a cover letter for an internship is to grab the attention of the hiring manager and demonstrate your suitability for the role.

When paired with a well-written resume, a strong internship cover letter allows you to showcase relevant qualifications that may not be obvious from your resume alone.

It should highlight relevant experiences or coursework while also expressing genuine interest in the company or organization and your passion for the work.

Explore the key components of an internship cover letter below. We also recommend browsing our guide on what to include in a cover letter for additional tips and examples.

Header: Your cover letter header should include your name, address, phone number and email. It should also include the recipient’s name, title, company and address.
Salutation: Use the hiring manager's name if possible (e.g., "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name]"). If unknown, use "Dear Hiring Manager."
Opening paragraph: Introduce yourself (e.g., your name, school and field of study). State the position you're applying for and briefly express your enthusiasm for the role.
Body paragraphs: Highlight your relevant skills, experiences or coursework that align with the internship’s requirements.
Closing paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the position and mention your availability for an interview and any necessary follow-up details.
Sign off: Use a professional closing (e.g., "Sincerely," "Best regards") and include your name or signature.

Internship Cover Letter Examples

A sample cover letter for an internship is a valuable tool for providing insight into the ideal content, tone and cover letter format for an internship.

Explore the expertly crafted internship cover letter templates below or browse our library of cover letter examples for additional inspiration and guidance.

We also recommend exploring our library of resume examples to help you craft a strong internship resume that stands out to hiring managers.

How to Make a Cover Letter for an Internship

A cover letter for an internship should persuade potential employers that you are uniquely qualified for the internship position and explain how it aligns with your career aspirations.

The following steps will show you how to write a cover letter that increases your chances of securing an interview and ultimately landing the internship opportunity you want.

STEP 1

Prepare to write your internship cover letter

Just like writing an internship resume, writing a cover letter for an internship starts with research and preparation.

By conducting thorough research on the company, its values and its mission statement, you can effectively convey how your internship and career aspirations align with the team’s goals.

Start by thoroughly exploring the company's website and social media profiles, paying attention to its “About Us” pages and recent news or press releases.

This research will provide valuable insights into the company's goals and initiatives, which you can match to your career aspirations and emphasize in your internship cover letter.

Identify experiences from your academic, extracurricular or professional life that align with the requirements of the internship. Incorporate these experiences throughout your cover letter.

STEP 2

Choose an internship cover letter template

A cover letter template can help ensure that your internship cover letter includes all the necessary information and is formatted properly.

Using a cover letter template for an internship can also help you avoid errors and ensure that your cover letter is professional and polished.

We have an extensive library of customizable cover letter templates that you can use to craft a standout cover letter for an internship position.

STEP 3

Use the correct internship cover letter format

The appropriate cover letter format is the same as a standard business letter format. It consists of three main parts:

An introduction: This should include your contact information, a salutation, the purpose of your letter and a brief overview of why you are the ideal candidate.
The body: The body of your letter should consist of one or two paragraphs, providing more detail on why your qualifications make you the best fit for the role.
The conclusion: Your internship cover letter should conclude with a show of gratitude for the person’s time and attention and a reminder of your enthusiasm for the position.

STEP 4

Add your contact information

Your contact information should be prominently displayed at the top of your internship cover letter, just below your address.

Include your full name, city, state, ZIP code, email address, phone number and any other relevant contact information, such as a professional website or portfolio if applicable.

Make sure to include professional contact information that you will be able to access throughout the duration of your internship.

STEP 5

Add the potential employer’s address

Like any business letter, a professional cover letter for an internship must include the recipient’s contact information, even if you intend to send it by email or an online job application system.

First, add the date just below your contact information. Below that, add the potential employer’s name, title, company name and mailing address.

If you have their phone number and email address, include them here. Make sure to double-check the contact information you include to ensure it is up-to-date and accurate.

STEP 6

Greet the hiring manager with a professional salutation

Knowing how to address a cover letter for an internship is crucial to writing a cover letter that gets noticed.

Address the person by their full name whenever possible. If you can not find their name, use “Dear Hiring Manager.”

If you know their title, use that, like “Dear Professor Stone.” It’s also appropriate to address a department, like “Dear Marketing Director.”

STEP 7

Write a compelling internship cover letter introduction

Start your cover letter by introducing yourself and explaining why you are passionate about the internship and the organization you are applying to.

Here’s a sample cover letter introduction for an internship to help you get started:

“As a junior nursing student at the University of Michigan, I am excited to apply for the Summer Clinical Internship at Mercy Hospital. With hands-on experience in patient care through my clinical rotations in pediatrics and adult medicine, combined with my strong academic foundation in pharmacology and health assessment, I am eager to contribute my skills and compassion to your patient-centered care team.”

STEP 8

Showcase your skills and experience in the body paragraphs

In the body of your cover letter, show the hiring manager exactly why you are a great fit for the position with specific examples of your skills and experience.

Without regurgitating your resume, highlight the relevant qualifications that make you an ideal fit for the internship, emphasizing measurable accomplishments relevant to the position.

Here is an example of a strong body for an internship cover letter:

“During my clinical rotations at the University of Michigan Medical Center, I provided direct patient care to diverse populations, including administering medications, monitoring vitals and assisting with wound care for patients in a 20-bed unit. In my pediatric rotation, I developed patient education materials to help families manage chronic conditions like asthma, which improved caregiver understanding as reflected in post-education surveys.

Additionally, my experience volunteering at the local health clinic allowed me to refine my communication skills by coordinating care for underserved populations and ensuring they received the resources needed for follow-up treatment. These experiences have strengthened my ability to deliver empathetic, evidence-based care in fast-paced environments—skills I am eager to bring to Mercy Hospital.”

STEP 9

Wrap it up with an inviting conclusion and call to action

When you write an internship cover letter closing statement, reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how your experience aligns with the needs of the employer.

Remember that you’re writing a cover letter to a specific person, so thank them for their time and consideration. You should also encourage the recipient to follow up.

“I am eager to bring my clinical experience, patient-centered approach, and passion for nursing to the Summer Clinical Internship at Mercy Hospital. This opportunity aligns perfectly with my goal of advancing my skills in delivering compassionate care to diverse patient populations. I would welcome the chance to contribute to your team and learn from Mercy Hospital’s exceptional healthcare professionals. Thank you for considering my application; I am happy to provide additional information or schedule an interview at your convenience.”

STEP 10

Sign off professionally

When writing a cover letter for an internship, sign off with a polite, professional and formal word or phrase, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”

Don’t sign off with personal or informal words or phrases like “Yours,” “Cheers,” or “Thanks!” as these can come across as unprofessional and overly casual.

Internship Cover Letter Tips

Personalize your cover letter: If possible, address the hiring manager by name and tailor the content to the specific internship and company.
Showcase relevant skills: Highlight key hard skills and soft skills, coursework or experiences directly related to the internship description.
Provide specific examples: Demonstrate your capabilities using concrete examples from previous experiences (e.g., projects, volunteering or part-time jobs).
Optimize with keywords: Add keywords from the job description so the potential employer can identify easily that you have the necessary qualifications for the role.
Research the company: Mention what excites you about the organization and how your goals align with its mission or values.
Focus on growth potential: Emphasize your eagerness to learn and grow through the internship, highlighting how it aligns with your career goals.
Keep it concise: Write 3–4 short paragraphs, avoiding unnecessary repetition or lengthy sentences. Use action verbs to reduce wordiness and add impact.
Proofread thoroughly: Check for grammar, spelling and formatting errors to ensure professionalism. This shows hiring managers that you pay attention to the details.

Key Takeaways

Begin with a compelling opening that captures the reader's attention and clearly states your interest in the internship position.
Convey genuine interest in the organization and the internship opportunity. Employers appreciate candidates who are passionate about their work.
Maintain a formal tone throughout the letter, ensuring proper grammar, punctuation and spelling to reflect professionalism.
Conclude with a strong closing statement that invites further discussion, expressing your desire for an interview or to provide additional information.
Always review your cover letter for errors or typos before submission. A polished letter demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.

FAQ

Do you need a cover letter for an internship?

While a cover letter may not always be mandatory for an internship application, submitting one can enhance your application and provide a more comprehensive view of your qualifications.

If in doubt, it’s generally advisable to include a cover letter unless the internship description specifies otherwise. Here are a few reasons why an internship cover letter is beneficial:

Provides an additional opportunity to differentiate yourself from other candidates and allows you to express your enthusiasm for the position in a more personal way.
Allows you to convey your personality and interpersonal skills, such as communication and teamwork, which may not be fully captured in your resume.
Helps you explain your motivations, clarify gaps in your resume or elaborate on specific experiences that relate directly to the internship.
If you have a contact within the organization or have been referred by someone, including a cover letter can reinforce that connection and express your appreciation.

Explore answers to the common question, “Are cover letters necessary?” for additional guidance from career advice experts.

How do you write a strong internship cover letter?

When writing a cover letter for an internship, it is essential to highlight relevant skills and experiences that show hiring managers you are a strong candidate for the position.

Focus on transferable skills (such as leadership, teamwork and problem-solving) gained from coursework, extracurricular activities or part-time jobs that are applicable to the internship.

Mention pertinent technical skills in your cover letter. Employers often value candidates who possess specific technical knowledge as it can contribute positively to their team’s productivity.

Provide concrete examples for each skill or experience mentioned, demonstrating how they have prepared you for this particular internship opportunity.

You can use an AI cover letter generator to easily make your internship cover letter in a matter of minutes.

How do I make a cover letter for an internship with no experience?

Even if you lack direct experience, your internship cover letter can focus on relevant coursework, projects or volunteer experiences that demonstrate your skills and abilities.

For example, if you took a class on marketing, discuss a project where you applied marketing principles that are relevant to the internship you are applying for.

Emphasize soft skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving and adaptability. Use examples from school projects, group work or extracurricular activities to illustrate these skills.

Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and your desire to go the extra mile. Research the company and highlight details like its business mission, goals, values and culture.

This shows that you are a serious candidate and have taken the time to learn about the company and its objectives.

Who should I address my internship cover letter to?

If you can’t find the name of the hiring manager, it’s acceptable to write “Dear Hiring Manager” when writing a cover letter for an internship.

Start the letter by addressing the company or organization. For example, “Dear English Department.” Do not write “To Whom It May Concern,” which is generic and impersonal.

How should I start an internship cover letter?

Here are some tips for how to start a cover letter for an internship:

Start your cover letter with a strong opening sentence that clearly states why you are writing and what position you are applying for.
Introduce yourself and explain why you are the perfect candidate for the internship. Highlight any relevant skills, qualifications, or experiences.
Include details that demonstrate you are knowledgeable about the company and the position.
Show your enthusiasm for the internship. Explain why you are excited about the opportunity and how it will help you develop your skills and career.

How do you end a cover letter for an internship?

Here are some tips for how to end a cover letter for an internship:

Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for their time and consideration. Request an opportunity to discuss the position further.
Express appreciation for the opportunity to apply for the internship.
Summarize your qualifications and emphasize why you are the best fit for the position.
Provide contact information (even though it’s written at the top of your resume) and reiterate your interest in the position.
End with a professional closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best Regards.”
Include your full name and contact information at the bottom of the letter.

How long should a cover letter be for an internship?

A cover letter for an internship should generally be no longer than one page and consist of three or four succinct paragraphs.

Your letter should be concise and to the point, highlighting the skills and experience that make you uniquely qualified for the position.

Proofread your letter for any errors before sending it to employers. Discover the ideal cover letter length and explore tips and examples from certified career experts.

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Kellie Hanna, CPRW

Career Advice Expert

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Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with extensive experience in digital media. She is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.

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