An internship is an exciting chance for a college student or recent graduate to gain practical experience at a company in the field of their choice. Under the guidance of a professional in the field who can direct and mold your coursework into practical experience, you can learn on-the-job skills.
When you eventually enter the workforce, having completed an internship will not only look good on your resume, especially if you used professional resume writers, but it will also assist you in developing the necessary skills in your field of study.
It’s important to keep in mind that many other students are probably vying for the same internship as you are as you sort through and submit applications. The question then becomes how you can set yourself apart from rivals.
You should make sure that your resume is thorough and includes all of your relevant educational background, professional experiences, and skill sets. You must also create a cover letter that makes your application stand out from the competition.
Here is an in-depth tutorial on how to create a cover letter for an internship that is both expert and captivating and will help you land the internship of your dreams.
How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship?
The structure of a formal letter should be used while writing a cover letter for an internship. The typed letter should be completed in conventional font size (11 or 12 points would do) and style (avoid “fancy” fonts, aim for readable over exciting), and it should fit entirely on one page.
The remainder of the letter should be typed in black ink, though the return address portion can be formatted into a unique cover letter header with a different color and font.
No matter what kind of job you are applying for, cover letters for internships should adhere to a standard format. The body is divided into four paragraphs, each of which contains crucial details that employers consider before deciding whether to further investigate you as a contender for the post.
You can learn how to write a cover letter that demonstrates your professionalism, interest in the position, and skill set by paying attention to these essential components of a standard cover letter format.
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Contact information and date
Any official letter must start with your name, address, and the date. Your entire name, your present mailing address, a phone number, and an email address must all be provided.
You will be contacted using this information to discuss your application for the job, therefore it’s crucial to check and make sure all of the information is correct. (Yes, it does occur. We’ve heard tales of missed calls and incorrect phone numbers.)
If using the standard format for formal letters, the information will either be aligned to the left side of the page or printed at the very top of the page as a header. When using a header or typing in the conventional format, the date should be written after a space or apart from the contact information.
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Employer Contact Information
The following element of the cover letter is comparable to the first section and provides the same employer’s contact details. Start by introducing the formal name and position of the individual specified on the internship job offering as the point of contact.
Next, include the firm or organization’s name and mailing address. It is not necessary to give the employer’s email or phone number in a cover letter, just as you did for yourself.
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Salutation
The salutation gives you the first chance in your cover letter to address the organization’s point person directly. The honorific that the person prefers to use should be used in a formal greeting.
To be sure you have the right contact person and are addressing them correctly, you may need to do a little research on the organization’s website or by calling the office, particularly if you are unsure based on their first name or their potential PhD status.
Getting this minor detail perfect will demonstrate your dedication to the task’s finer elements and persuade the reader to keep reading. A colon, not the comma used in informal letters, should come after the salutation once you are sure how to address the recipient.
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Body of the Letter
Your chance to catch the employer—that is, capture their attention—is in the opening paragraph. While it might seem straightforward, companies are looking for you to specifically mention the internship you wish to secure.
Without copying and pasting, specifically, mention the role and utilize language that is similar to the job posting. Reiterate your interest in the job and your conviction that, given your training, professional background, and skill set, you are the best candidate.
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Closing
Select a formal closing for your letter, such as “best regards” or “sincerely.” Type your legal name a few spaces below that, leaving space for your handwritten signature. In order to keep the letter’s formal tone, make sure you only use black or blue ink.
What Qualities Are Employers Seeking in Internship Applicants?
There is typically a sizable field of applicants vying for the same position when you apply for an internship. You will be better able to help yourself stand out as an ideal candidate if you are aware of what the employer wants to see in your resume and cover letter.
All employers are searching for particular qualities in their internship applicants, even though the precise skills will vary depending on the field and position. Here are some of the most typical qualities that you should emphasize to catch the employer’s attention.
Effective Communication Skills
The cover letter is your first chance to demonstrate to the employer your communication style and your ability to persuade the reader of your argument in a clear and succinct manner.
Employers want to know that you already have this talent because communication is an essential component of any employment or internship as you get instruction and share your progress and reflections with your supervisor.
By specifically addressing the requirements of the job advertising and having your letter proofread, you may demonstrate excellent communication. This will also help you make sure that you have adequately described your experience and preparation for the role. internship for students
Experience Collaboration with Others at Work
Every employment requires collaboration with coworkers and superiors, but this is especially true with internships where you are learning from and following the lead of others. An employer wants an intern who will work well with others when hiring an intern.
To demonstrate your capacity to collaborate well with others, draw on your previous job experiences and any group tasks or projects that are pertinent to the position you’re applying for.
Ability to be flexible and adaptable
Your employer will expect you to perform a variety of duties as an intern within the parameters of your responsibilities. The employer needs to know that you have the skill set to deal with unforeseen situations effectively because your job inside the company may change without warning.
It is important to demonstrate your capacity to adapt and be flexible throughout your educational and professional experiences, for as by juggling multiple tasks at once or changing your research project’s focus when a fresh perspective emerges.
What Should Your Cover Letter Include?
A cover letter is your chance to address all of the qualifications the company is looking for and to introduce yourself to them when you apply for an internship.
While a professional resume will list your precise schooling, pertinent skills, and previous employment, your cover letter for an internship will provide the employer a chance to learn more about your interests and driving forces for applying to the position and the organization.
Additionally, before the company ever sees your CV, you have the opportunity to highlight your unique qualifications from other applicants with comparable qualifications in your cover letter.
It is not appropriate to be modest in a cover letter and assume the person reading it will recognize your best traits. It is an opportunity for you to portray yourself as the ideal candidate for the job.
Employers expect you to show that you understand the internship’s requirements and can successfully perform in this temporary position given your background in education, work experience, and coursework.
You need to also demonstrate from the outset of the hiring process that you are among the best and most qualified prospects because a hiring manager wants to only interview the best and most qualified applicants.
An internship cover letter should show a personal touch in addition to outlining your qualifications in relation to the position for which you are seeking. As you explain to the company why you’re the greatest candidate for the job, share your interests and passions with them.
Along with your application and CV, this helps to paint a picture of who you are and indicates that you are someone they want to learn more about. Let your letter and interview reflect your passions, whether they are for technology, golf, video games, training animals, or anything else.
Summary
Even while your cover letter isn’t the very first thing an employer sees about you, it’s still the first impression you’ll make. It is important to make a good impression while looking for a job or an internship that could lead to a full-time position.
