When looking for summer internship opportunities, many ask about writing cover letters for interns. Today, I’m answering that question by providing a basic cover letter template for students to highlight their skills, experience, and education when writing a tailored cover letter! Use the tips and examples outlined in this article to make your cover letter stand out! I’ve also provided a video explanation for you!
Cover Letters for Interns
I suggest cover letters for interns have four paragraphs. Each one serves a unique purpose and should be tailored each time you apply for a position. Here is a cover letter template for students and an outline with a description of the information you should include.
Opening Paragraph
The opening paragraph should identify the position for which you are applying and hook the reader. Remember writing essays in middle school? Your English teacher probably told you, “You have to hook the reader in the introduction!” The same applies. Ask yourself, “What is the one thing that I can do, that I possess, etc. that would be most impressive and valuable to an employer?” That one thing is your hook to keep them reading.
Body Paragraphs
Cover letters for internships should include two body paragraphs. These paragraphs are your opportunity to really stand out amongst other candidates. For young students, I suggest writing one paragraph about your education and one paragraph about your experience and skills. For professionals with more experience, choose the two positions (or one position and education) that best highlight the skills outlined in the position description.
The biggest mistake I see candidates make is using one generic cover letter template to apply for all jobs. This is a huge mistake! The paragraphs of your cover letter, specifically these body paragraphs, should be revised and tailored each time you apply for a position.
Be as specific and tangible in your body paragraphs as possible. Include the words and language that the employer utilized in the position description. Utilize numbers as frequently as possible to communicate your achievements to the hiring manager. For example, if a job description stresses the importance of good customer service skills, make sure you provide some very specific examples and information that demonstrate those skills. Anyone can write, “I have developed exceptional customer service skills” in a cover letter. What the employer is more interested in reading is, “During my two years as a Customer Service Associate at Target, I had a secret shopper satisfaction rating of 95 percent.” Providing a number and statistic makes this statement strong, relevant and impressive to the employer.
If you writing cover letters for internships and feel as though you lack the experience to highlight, don’t worry! It is wise of you to highlight your education or training. You can state the degree you earned, or are pursuing, as well as titles of specific courses you took that relate to the job duties outlined in the description. Campus and community involvement can also be described to highlight soft skills you have demonstrated that are relevant to the position.
Closing Paragraph
The closing paragraph of a cover letter does not need to be lengthy; however, it should communicate confidence and request action. Instead of, “I hope to hear from you soon,” write, “I look forward to further discussing how my knowledge and experience will contribute to the continued success of XYZ company. To schedule an interview, I may be reached at (559) 432-1111.” Confidence and clarity are key!
Cover Letter Template for Students
So, what do the parts of the cover letter template for students look like when they are all put together? Here is an example cover letter from a student applying for a summer internship program. Notice how he has chosen to predominately highlight his part-time work experience in the body paragraphs but also finds ways to include his education as well.
It can be very beneficial to engage in the cover letter writing process with a professional. If you begin writing a cover letter but feel as though you are struggling to really highlight yourself, I offer resume and cover letter writing and revision services! Let’s chat!
Finalizing Your Cover Letters for Internships
After you have used this cover letter template to write your letter, be sure to let your work sit for a while before jumping into the revision process. When you go back and read your work, ask yourself these questions:
- Will my audience be hooked after reading the first paragraph?
- How well did I address the skills and requirements listed in the position description?
- Did I include specific examples or is my content general?
- Is my word choice confident and clear throughout the letter?
- Have I communicated passion and enthusiasm for this particular position/company?
Would you like expert eyes on your cover letter? I can help you tailor and polish your cover letter to ensure you get an interview. Confidently put yourself forward for the job of your dreams by getting assistance tailoring your professional documents! Learn more about my services here and see what others have to say about my resume and cover letter help!
Want help with your resume, cover letter, or job search?
As an experienced educator and career coach, I sit down with students and young professionals one-on-one with their career endeavors! Whether you want tailored resume help or assistance finding and landing your dream job, I can help!
Book a free consultation today!
