Cover Letter for Internship

Many people spend hours writing the perfect resume, but what they fail to pay attention to is the cover letter. A cover letter to a resume is like a prelude to a book, which generates the right amount of interest in reading further. Having a bad cover letter will not lead the reader to your resume, even if it is top-class. As such you require a good cover letter, especially if you are applying for an internship as you may not have the relevant experience to back you up.

Helpful Tips

Though a cover letter for an internship is similar to one seeking a permanent position in a particular company, the only difference is that, as an intern, you lack the experience that a professional would have. For a company to choose you as an intern over several others, you will need to make your cover letter stand out. Follow these tips to be able to write a good cover letter.

• Since you don't have the required experience for any particular job in case of an internship, the best you can do is portray your enthusiasm to work with the organization. A dull cover letter will land you nowhere except in the group of other rejected aspirants.
• Avoid writing in a very professional manner, as even the company understands that you are new to the field and the job market. It is important that you be yourself, and not what a company would seek in an 'ideal' aspirant. It is your unique personality and passion that will help you stand out from the rest.
• Clearly state why you choose to work with that particular company. Also, the resume that you include with your cover letter should also be well-written. Don't focus on skills you still need to develop or learn. Make the most of what you have. Combine your previous job experiences as a teenager, your education, and your passion for your chosen field, and you are sure to hit the nail in the head.
• Keep it short. Don't ramble on about how you would like to make a 'difference' with your experiences. Every company has heard that before. Instead, state how working with them will make a difference to your career and future. Ask for a date of interview as it shows genuine interest in attaining the internship position.

Internship Cover Letter Sample

Your Name Your Address Your Cell Phone Number Your Email Address Date Authority Name (HR Manager/Head of the Department/Hiring In-Charge) Authority Designation Company Name Company Address Dear Ma'am/Sir/Mr. or Mrs. Last Name, With the reference of an acquaintance, Ms. Ziona Willis, who is also an associate in your company, I have been informed about the upcoming internship program in your organization. I am writing to you to request you to kindly consider me for the position of intern in the Human Resources Department (or relevant department). I am currently in the third year at (mention university name) and am pursuing a bachelor's degree in Business Management (relevant degree), with my special subject being Human Resources (relevant specialization). I have worked in the same department at the university while pursuing this degree, as an assistant to the HR manager. As such, I have had great exposure to dealing with employees and their issues. I believe this experience will greatly help me as an intern with your organization. As a part-time job, I have also worked with KFC as an assistant store manager, where dealing with customers has helped me develop strong communication and people skills, which again, I believe, are sure to benefit my position as an intern with you. Apart from the English language, I am also fluent in foreign languages such as Spanish and French, which can help me while interacting with employees whose first language is not English. I look forward to meeting you and am available for an interview whenever convenient. Thank you for your consideration. Yours Sincerely (Your Signature) (Your Name) Encl: Resume

In some cases you may have to email your cover letter. In such a case, just omit the address of the organization. Your signature will not be applicable here so don't leave a space for it. Try not to repeat what you have already mentioned in your resume. Instead, highlight all those skills that you believe will help the organization. The mention of the knowledge of foreign languages in the above-mentioned cover letter is an example. Go ahead and write the perfect cover letter and land yourself the internship you so deeply covet. Good luck!