Securing an internship in your desired industry is the first step to a successful career.
It’s your initial opportunity to gain hands-on experience, improve your skills, and make valuable contributions to your field. While internships can be both paid and unpaid, they are often difficult to get, and writing a well-written cover letter can give you a competitive advantage over the other candidates. By highlighting your interest in the position, qualifications, and suitability for the role, you will improve your chances of being selected. Here are expert tips on how to write a cover letter for an internship.
Know The Length of Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter should be focused and concise. One page instead of many is typically enough. One page on Microsoft Word amounts to approximately 500 words and should be enough space to showcase your experience and skills in your cover letter. Sticking to one page shows that you are capable of communicating your thoughts concisely. The cover letter does not need to be one page exactly, but your focus should be on quality over quantity.
Research the Company In-Depth
Researching the company before writing your cover letter shows that you are genuinely interested in becoming an intern for them. By studying the company’s mission, values, and culture, it gives you the opportunity to decide whether you want to work with them, and whether the company aligns with your goals and needs. By showing the company you have taken the time to research this, you let them know that you are serious about the position.
Focus On The First Paragraph
It is helpful to understand that there will be many people applying to the same internship. Therefore, you should make the effort to stand out by writing an attention-grabbing and engaging first paragraph. Start with a confident and strong opening line about why you are interested in the position. Discuss how you found out about the opportunity, whether through a personal connection, job website, or their company website. Additionally, express your enthusiasm (and not desperation) for wanting to take on the role.
Focus On What Matters In Your Cover Letter
Use the main section of the letter to showcase your skills, qualifications, and experience that make you the right person for the job. Write in-depth about your academic background, achievements, and extracurricular activities. Discuss how your experience and skills align with the position providing specific examples to demonstrate your abilities. If you don’t have any professional experience, talk about the work you have done as a volunteer. Mention relevant coursework or projects that highlight your skills. You can also use this space to emphasize soft skills such as problem-solving abilities, team-work, and communication skills as they are highly valued in any work environment.
The Closing Paragraph Of Your Letter
Utilize the strength of a closing paragraph to express your desire to contribute to the company and reiterate your enthusiasm for the internship opportunity. State that you would be interested in having an interview to further discuss the position. Thank the reader for their time and end with a professional closing such as, “Thank You” or “Yours Sincerely.” Make sure you include your contact details so that the hiring manager can respond.
Finally, proofread your cover letter to ensure there are no grammatical or spelling mistakes. It is also a good idea to have someone else read it to double check you have not missed anything. If you must send a physical letter, send one in the post via recorded delivery so you can track it, and send a backup letter electronically.
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