You found an internship advertisement and you want to support your CV with your cover letter. Here is a cover letter format which is suitable for you. By taking as an example, you can create your letter. But you shouldn’t forget that it should be unique and it should be related to your skills and experiences. It is not necessary to be too long. It is enough to write which position you are interested in, why you apply for that job, etc.
Tips for Writing an Internship Cover Letter
Use Business Letter Format
Before you start to write your cover letter, you should find a format or you can create your format yourself. You can use business letter format which includes your contact information at the top, the date, and the contact information for the employer. You shouldn’t forget to provide a proper salutation, and sign your name at the bottom. If you are sending the cover letter via email, you do not have to include the contact information at the top of the handwritten signature at the bottom.
Individualize Your Cover Letter
Firstly, you shouldn’t forget that it should be your UNIQUE cover letter. It shouldn’t be similar to others. It has to highlight skills and abilities you have that relate to the specific internship listing.
Use Keywords
While you are writing your cover letter, you should certainly use keywords. What are they? For example, if the listing says the intern needs to have excellent “time management skills,” include an example of how you have demonstrated time management skills in the past. Shortly, keywords are the words which are related to the job.
Provide Specific Examples
If you want to mention about your skills or abilities in your cover letter, you should prove them with a specific example from you past work, academic, or extracurricular experience.
Emphasize Your Academic Experience
In your cover letter, you should mention about your educational background and also academic experience. You should also mention about your work experience even if it is so limited.
Include Extracurricular Experiences
You should mention about also your extracurricular experiences or volunteer works. For example, a reporter for a college newspaper can point to interviewing and writing skills; a history of volunteering at a shelter can provide an example of strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Follow Up
In the end of your cover letter, you should express how you will follow up the employer. You can say that you will call the office or you will send an e-mail.
Edit, Edit, Edit
You wrote your cover letter. You are sure that it is wonderful. But you should edit and proofread. It can have some spelling and grammar errors. Also, you should avoid using too many words to convey your information and intent. You should keep your points brief and targeted.
Internship Cover Letter Sample
Joseph Q. Applicant
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-555-5555
[email protected]
September 1, 2018
Jane Smith
Director, Human Resources
BC Labs
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321
Dear Ms. Smith,
I am writing to apply for the scientific research summer internship position that was listed in the Anytown University Career Services Office. I believe my research and conservation experience make me an ideal candidate.
I have had a great deal of research experience in chemistry, biology, and geology, both in the lab and in the field. Most of my experience is in environmental field studies. I am currently conducting research in our school’s outdoor laboratory to assess the water quality of a nearby pond. I know water quality assessment is a component of this internship, and I know my previous experience makes me a prime candidate for this.
Last summer, I worked as a conservation assistant at the National Trust’s Clumber Park. Along with trail maintenance and building, I also served as a research assistant for the research organization at the park. I conducted an analysis of soil samples, and input data from various research projects. I received a special commendation from the director of the research organization for my attention to detail and dedication to research.
I believe that I would be an asset to your program. This internship would provide me with the ideal opportunity to assist your organization and to expand my research skills.
I will call next week to see if you agree that my qualifications seem to be a match for the position. If so, I hope to schedule an interview at a mutually convenient time. I look forward to speaking with you.
Thank you for your consideration,
Sincerely,
Joseph Q. Applicant (signature (hard copy letter)
Joseph Q. Applicant
