Internship Cover Letter Examples: Get Hired Now!

Craft a compelling cover letter and land your dream internship. Explore nine tailored examples with expert tips and actionable advice.

Why a Great Cover Letter Matters for Your Internship Application

In the competitive landscape of internship applications, a well-crafted cover letter is your secret weapon. It’s more than just a formality; it’s your opportunity to showcase your personality, skills, and passion for the role and the company. While your resume provides a factual overview of your experience, your cover letter allows you to connect the dots, highlighting how your unique qualifications align with the specific requirements of the internship.

A compelling cover letter demonstrates your initiative and attention to detail, setting you apart from other candidates who may only submit a resume. It allows you to elaborate on your relevant skills, explain any gaps in your experience, and express your genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. Ultimately, a strong cover letter convinces the hiring manager that you’re not just qualified, but also a perfect fit for their team and company culture. This article provides nine diverse examples to inspire you and guide you in creating a cover letter that will get you noticed.

9 Internship Cover Letter Examples to Help You Stand Out

Here are nine different cover letter examples, each tailored to a specific situation or industry. Remember to adapt these examples to your own experiences and the specific requirements of the internship you’re applying for. Pay close attention to the tone, structure, and content to understand how to craft a compelling narrative that resonates with the hiring manager.

Example 1: The Entry-Level Candidate with Limited Experience

This example focuses on highlighting transferable skills and enthusiasm when you lack direct experience.


[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name] (If Known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],

I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the [Internship Title] internship at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform where you saw the ad].  While my professional experience is limited, my academic background in [Your Major] and my passion for [Relevant Field] make me a strong candidate to contribute meaningfully to your team.

During my studies, I have developed strong [Skill 1, e.g., analytical] and [Skill 2, e.g., communication] skills through coursework and projects such as [Briefly describe a relevant project]. I am also a highly motivated and quick learner, eager to expand my knowledge and gain practical experience in [Relevant Field].

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s commitment to [Company Value or Mission]. I believe my dedication to [Related Value] aligns perfectly with your company culture, and I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review and welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature] (if submitting a physical letter)
[Your Typed Name]
                

Example 2: The Career Changer Seeking an Internship

This example addresses a career change and emphasizes transferable skills from a previous industry.


[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name] (If Known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Internship Title] internship at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform where you saw the ad].  While my background is primarily in [Previous Industry], I am eager to transition my career to [New Industry] and believe my transferable skills and enthusiasm make me a strong candidate for this opportunity.

In my previous role as a [Your Previous Role] at [Previous Company], I developed valuable skills in [Skill 1, e.g., project management], [Skill 2, e.g., problem-solving], and [Skill 3, e.g., client communication]. These skills are directly applicable to the responsibilities outlined in the internship description, particularly [Specific responsibility from the internship description].

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s innovative work in [Specific area of the company's work]. I have been actively pursuing further education in [Relevant Field/Skill] through [Mention online courses, workshops, or certifications] to enhance my knowledge and prepare for this career change.

Thank you for considering my application. I am confident that I can quickly learn and contribute to your team.  My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature] (if submitting a physical letter)
[Your Typed Name]
                

Example 3: The Student Applying for a Research Internship

This example highlights research experience, analytical skills, and academic achievements.


[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name] (If Known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Research Lab Name]
[University/Institution Name]
[Address]

Dear [Dr. Last Name] (If applying to a professor),

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Internship Title] research internship in [Specific Research Area] at [Research Lab Name], as advertised on [Platform where you saw the ad/University Website].  As a [Your Year] at [Your University] majoring in [Your Major], I have developed a strong foundation in [Relevant Scientific Principles] and a passion for research.

During my coursework, I have excelled in courses such as [Course 1] and [Course 2], achieving a [GPA] GPA and consistently demonstrating a strong understanding of [Relevant Concepts]. Furthermore, I have gained hands-on research experience as a [Your Role] in [Research Lab/Project Name], where I contributed to [Specific tasks/contributions].  This experience provided me with valuable skills in [Skill 1, e.g., data analysis], [Skill 2, e.g., experimental design], and [Skill 3, e.g., scientific writing].

I am particularly drawn to [Research Lab Name]'s work on [Specific Research Project/Area]. I am confident that my analytical skills, research experience, and dedication to scientific inquiry make me a strong candidate to contribute to your team.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I have attached my resume and transcript for your review and welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature] (if submitting a physical letter)
[Your Typed Name]
                

Example 4: The Creative Industry Internship (Design, Marketing, Communications)

This example focuses on showcasing creativity, portfolio links, and understanding of the company’s brand.


[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Portfolio Link (Website/Behance/Dribbble)]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name] (If Known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],

I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the [Internship Title] internship at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform where you saw the ad].  As a passionate [Your Field, e.g., graphic design] student with a keen eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of [Company Name]'s brand, I am confident that I possess the creativity and skills to make a significant contribution to your team.

I have been following [Company Name]'s work in [Specific Campaign/Project] for some time and am particularly impressed by [Specific aspect you admire]. My design philosophy aligns perfectly with your company's commitment to [Company Value/Design Style].

My portfolio, which can be found at [Your Portfolio Link], showcases my skills in [Skill 1, e.g., Adobe Creative Suite], [Skill 2, e.g., branding], and [Skill 3, e.g., social media marketing].  In particular, my project on [Project Name] demonstrates my ability to [Specific accomplishment related to the internship].

I am eager to learn from the talented team at [Company Name] and contribute my skills to further enhance your brand. Thank you for considering my application. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature] (if submitting a physical letter)
[Your Typed Name]
                

Example 5: The Technical Internship (Software Engineering, Data Science)

This example emphasizes technical skills, projects, and contributions to open-source projects (if applicable).


[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Your GitHub Profile Link (if applicable)]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name] (If Known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Internship Title] internship at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform where you saw the ad]. As a highly motivated [Your Year] at [Your University] majoring in [Your Major], I have developed a strong foundation in [Technical Skill 1, e.g., Python], [Technical Skill 2, e.g., Java], and [Technical Skill 3, e.g., data structures and algorithms].

I am particularly interested in [Company Name]'s work in [Specific area of the company's technology]. My skills and experience align well with the requirements outlined in the internship description, especially [Specific requirement from the internship description].

I have experience working on projects such as [Project 1] and [Project 2], which can be viewed on my GitHub profile at [Your GitHub Profile Link].  In [Project 1], I [Specific accomplishment and technology used]. In [Project 2], I focused on [Specific accomplishment and technology used], demonstrating my ability to [Relevant Skill].

I am eager to contribute my technical skills to [Company Name] and learn from your experienced team. Thank you for considering my application. I am available for an interview to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature] (if submitting a physical letter)
[Your Typed Name]
                

Example 6: Highlighting Specific Skills Mentioned in the Job Description

This example demonstrates how to directly address the requirements outlined in the internship description.


[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name] (If Known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],

I am writing to express my keen interest in the [Internship Title] internship at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform where you saw the ad]. Your posting specifically mentions the need for an intern with strong [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3] skills, and I am confident that my experience and qualifications align perfectly with these requirements.

In my [Previous Role/Project], I developed and honed my [Skill 1] skills by [Specific action and result]. For example, I [Detailed example showcasing Skill 1].

Furthermore, my experience in [Another Previous Role/Project] allowed me to cultivate my [Skill 2] abilities through [Specific action and result].  Specifically, I [Detailed example showcasing Skill 2].

Finally, I have consistently demonstrated [Skill 3] throughout my academic career and extracurricular activities.  In [Specific example showcasing Skill 3], I [Detailed explanation of the experience and the outcome].

I am eager to leverage these skills to contribute to [Company Name]'s success and gain valuable experience in [Relevant Field]. Thank you for your consideration. I have attached my resume for your review and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature] (if submitting a physical letter)
[Your Typed Name]
                

Example 7: The “Networking” Cover Letter (After Speaking with Someone at the Company)

This example leverages a connection within the company to make a stronger impression.


[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name] (If Known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Internship Title] internship at [Company Name], following a conversation I had with [Employee Name], [Employee's Title] at [Company Name].  [Employee Name] suggested that my skills and experience in [Relevant Skill/Area] would be a valuable asset to your team.

Our conversation reinforced my interest in [Company Name]'s work in [Specific Area of the company]. I am particularly drawn to [Specific project/initiative] and believe that my skills in [Relevant Skill 1] and [Relevant Skill 2] would allow me to contribute meaningfully to this area.

In my [Previous Role/Project], I [Specific accomplishment that aligns with the company's work].  I am also a highly motivated and quick learner, eager to expand my knowledge and contribute to [Company Name]'s continued success.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature] (if submitting a physical letter)
[Your Typed Name]
                

Example 8: Emphasizing Passion and Alignment with Company Values

This example focuses on showcasing your enthusiasm for the company’s mission and culture.


[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name] (If Known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],

I am writing to express my deep admiration for [Company Name]'s mission to [Company Mission/Values] and my strong interest in the [Internship Title] internship, as advertised on [Platform where you saw the ad].  I have long been an advocate for [Cause/Value aligned with the company] and am deeply impressed by [Company Name]'s commitment to [Specific example of their commitment].

My passion for [Relevant Field] and my dedication to [Related Value] make me a strong candidate to contribute to your team. In my [Previous Role/Project], I [Specific accomplishment that demonstrates your alignment with the company's values].

I am confident that my skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3], combined with my unwavering dedication to [Company Value], will allow me to make a significant contribution to [Company Name].

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review and would be thrilled to discuss how I can contribute to your team's mission.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature] (if submitting a physical letter)
[Your Typed Name]
                

Example 9: Addressing a Lack of Specific Required Skills Head-On (and Offering Solutions)

This example is for when you lack a *specific* skill requested but are otherwise a great fit. Be very careful using this, only use if you can *credibly* make the case you can learn it quickly.


[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name] (If Known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Internship Title] internship at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform where you saw the ad]. While I understand the position requires experience with [Specific Skill you lack], and I am still developing expertise in that area, I am confident that my other skills and my rapid learning ability make me a strong candidate to quickly contribute to your team.

I have a strong foundation in [Related Skill 1] and [Related Skill 2], and I am actively pursuing resources to gain proficiency in [Specific Skill you lack]. I've already completed [Mention online course, tutorial, or other learning activity] and am eager to further develop this skill in a practical setting.

My experience in [Previous Role/Project] demonstrates my ability to quickly learn new technologies and adapt to changing requirements. In that role, I [Describe a situation where you learned a new skill quickly and successfully].  I am confident I can bring that same dedication and learning agility to quickly master [Specific Skill you lack] and contribute meaningfully to your team's goals.

Thank you for considering my application. My resume, which is attached, provides further detail on my qualifications. I am available for an interview to discuss how I can rapidly acquire the necessary skills and contribute to [Company Name]'s success.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature] (if submitting a physical letter)
[Your Typed Name]
                

Conclusion: Crafting a Cover Letter That Gets You the Internship

These nine examples offer a solid foundation for crafting your own internship cover letter. Remember, the key is to tailor each letter to the specific internship and company. Highlight your relevant skills, express your enthusiasm, and demonstrate your understanding of the company’s mission and values. Don’t just repeat your resume; use your cover letter to tell a compelling story about why you are the perfect fit for the opportunity. By following these guidelines and adapting these examples to your own unique situation, you can create a cover letter that will grab the hiring manager’s attention and land you that dream internship.

Pro Tip: Always proofread your cover letter carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling. A polished and error-free cover letter demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.

Consider having a trusted friend, family member, or career counselor review your cover letter before submitting it. A fresh pair of eyes can often catch mistakes that you might have missed.

© 2023 Internship Cover Letter Guide. All rights reserved.

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