For new graduates, securing an internship is a critical step in developing a successful career. A well-written cover letter might greatly improve your chances of getting your ideal internship. It acts as a formal introduction and gives you the chance to highlight your abilities, passion, and prospective utility to the organization.
In this post, we will tell you the steps of creating a cover letter for an internship. As a starting point, we’ll also offer sample formats and examples.
What is a Cover Letter for an Internship?
A cover letter for an internship is a formal document that you submit along with your resume or CV when applying for an internship position. It introduces you to the employer, explains why you’re interested in the internship, and highlights your skills, qualifications, or experiences that make you a strong fit—even if you have little to no professional experience.
Key sections of a cover letter for an internship include:
- Introduction – Who you are and what you’re applying for.
- Why this internship – What excites you about the company or role.
- What you bring – Relevant academic background, projects, or soft skills.
- Conclusion – Gratitude and a call to action (e.g., request for an interview).
Purpose of a Cover Letter for Internship
The purpose of a cover letter for an internship is to introduce yourself to a potential employer and explain why you’re a strong candidate for the internship, even if you have limited or no professional experience. It helps you:
- It showcases your professionalism and communication skills, setting the tone before the employer even looks at your resume.
- You can draw attention to academic achievements, personal projects, extracurriculars, or soft skills that align with the internship role.
- A cover letter allows you to explain why you’re interested in the company or role, showing that you’ve done your research and are genuinely motivated.
- If your resume lacks experience, your cover letter gives you a chance to tell your story, show your potential, and explain how you’re preparing for the role.
- It ends with a polite call to action, encouraging the employer to consider you for the next step in the hiring process.
Sections of a Cover Letter
An internship is a great way to gain valuable experience in your chosen field and network with professionals. However, to land an internship, you need to write a strong cover letter that will impress hiring managers.
The key elements of a cover letter include:
- Heading: Your name, address, email address, and phone number should all be included in a formal heading at the top of your cover letter. It should be positioned at the page’s top.
- Date and Recipient Information: Add the date of writing the letter followed by the employer’s name, job title, company name, and address. If you are having trouble locating this information, consider contacting the business or looking at their website.
- Salutation: Use a salutation like “Dear Mr. Sharma” or “Dear Ms. Krishnamoorthy” to address the message to a specific recipient if possible. Don’t address people with cliches like “To Whom It May Concern.”
- Introduction: Start your cover letter with a potent introduction. Mention the position you are applying for, how you discovered the internship, and how excited you are about getting the opportunity.
- Body Paragraphs: In the next paragraph or paragraphs, highlight your relevant qualifications, experiences, and biggest achievements. Consider how your abilities fit the needs of the internship and how you can help the business succeed. To prove your worth, give concrete instances and quantitative accomplishments.
- Corporate Fit: Do your study on the firm and demonstrate it. Talk about the organization’s attractiveness to you and how your beliefs align with its purpose, core principles, or culture.
- Closing: Thank the reader for their time and thoughtfulness in your closing. Say you would be happy to discuss your qualifications in an interview. Use an assured voice.
Sample Cover Letter for Internship
Consider using the given sample formats for writing the cover letter for your upcoming cover letter.
Sample 1: Cover Letter for Internship With No Experience
Apporva Buddhiraja
Marketing Student
Address: School of Business
Dehradun, 248007
Phone: 9999999911
Email: apporva.buddhiraja@gmail.com
Ms. Abhilasha Tiwari
Hiring Manager
Six Sigma Marketing Agency
20/765, Jay Mahal,
Dehradun, 248776
Date: dd/mm/yyyy
Dear Ms. Tiwari,
I am excited to apply for the Marketing Internship at [Company Name], as advertised on Naukri Campus. As a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a passion for creativity and consumer behavior, I am eager to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to support your marketing initiatives.
During my academic journey, I gained practical knowledge in marketing strategies, market analysis, and campaign execution. As part of a group project, I developed and executed a successful social media campaign for a local startup, which resulted in a 25% increase in brand awareness and a 15% rise in website traffic. My coursework also included conducting market research and developing marketing plans for various products, honing my ability to analyze data and make data-driven decisions.
I am impressed by Six Sigma’s innovative approach to marketing and the exceptional campaigns you have executed for your clients. It reflects the company’s commitment to making a positive impact on society while delivering outstanding results for clients. As a creative and detail-oriented individual, I believe I can contribute fresh ideas and enthusiasm to Six Sigma’s marketing team. I am eager to learn from your team’s expertise and contribute to the success of future projects.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be delighted to discuss how my skills align with your marketing objectives further. Please find my resume attached for your review.
Sincerely,
Apporva Buddhiraja
Sample 2: Cover Letter for Internship Example for Software Engineers
Mehul Luthra
B.Tech – CS
Address: Indian Institute of Technology
Delhi, 110016
Phone: 9999999911
Email: mehul.l@gmail.com
Mr. Pallav Sharma
Hiring Manager
Google Signature Towers
691, Delhi – Jaipur Expy, Silokhera,
Sector 15, Gurugram,
Haryana 122001
Date: dd/mm/yyyy
Dear Mr. Sharma,
I am excited to apply for the Software Engineer Internship at Google, as advertised on the company’s website As a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a passion for solving complex problems through coding, I am eager to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to your dynamic software development team.
During my academic journey, I developed a strong foundation in programming languages such as Java, Python, and C++, and I have experience working on various software projects, including web development and mobile app development. I have also participated in coding competitions, where I honed my problem-solving abilities and collaborated effectively with teams to build innovative solutions.
I am impressed by Google’s reputation as a leader in software development and your commitment to pushing technological boundaries. As a fast learner and detail-oriented individual, I am confident that I can contribute effectively to Google’s software engineering projects. I am eager to learn from your team’s expertise and contribute to the development of cutting-edge solutions that impact real-world challenges.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be thrilled to discuss how my technical skills align with your software engineering objectives further. Please find my resume attached for your review.
Sincerely,
Mehul Luthra
Conclusion
For new graduates looking for internships, a strong cover letter is a crucial resource. It gives you the chance to highlight your abilities, experiences, and zeal while proving that you are a good fit for the organization and its objectives. Don’t forget to personalize your cover letter for the particular internship and business you are applying to. You may now confidently create your own great cover letter and improve your chances of getting that desired internship by using the offered sample formats and samples.
Use the Naukri Campus free Resume Maker tool to generate a professional resume that will improve your chances of landing the job you want.
FAQs on Internship Application Letter
How to write a cover letter for an internship?
A cover letter is a document that you submit with your resume when applying for an internship. Here are some tips for writing a cover letter for an internship:
- Start by introducing yourself and briefly stating your qualifications.
- Explain why you are interested in the internship and what you hope to gain from it.
- Highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the internship.
- Express your enthusiasm for the internship and your desire to learn and grow.
- Proofread your cover letter carefully before submitting it.
What should I include in my cover letter for an internship?
Your cover letter should include the following information:
- Your contact information (name, email address, phone number)
- The name of the internship that you are applying for
- The name of the hiring manager
- A brief introduction of yourself
- Your reasons for being interested in the internship
- Your skills and experience that are relevant to the internship
- Your enthusiasm for the internship
- A call to action
What are some common mistakes to avoid in a cover letter for an internship?
Some common mistakes to avoid in a cover letter for an internship include:
- Writing a generic cover letter that could be sent to any company.
- Not tailoring your cover letter to the specific internship that you are applying for.
- Making grammar or spelling errors.
- Overselling yourself or making unrealistic claims.
- Not proofreading your cover letter carefully before submitting it.
What are some keywords to include in my cover letter for an internship?
When writing your cover letter, it is important to include resume keywords that are relevant to the internship that you are applying for. This will help your cover letter get noticed by the hiring manager. Some keywords that you may want to include:
- The name of the internship
- The name of the company
- The industry that the company is in
- The skills and experience that are required for the internship
- The benefits of the internship
How long should a cover letter for an internship be?
A cover letter for an internship should be one to two pages long. If you are a student with limited work experience, you may be able to get away with a shorter letter. However, if you have more experience, you may need to write a longer letter in order to provide more detail about your qualifications.
How do I write a cover letter for an internship with no experience?
Focus on your academic achievements, skills, and enthusiasm. Mention relevant coursework, college projects, or extracurriculars that align with the internship. Tailor your cover letter for internship with no experience to show your potential and willingness to learn.
What should I include in a cover letter for an internship with no work experience?
Include a strong introduction, your educational background, key skills, and motivation for applying. A cover letter for an internship with no experience should highlight your passion, adaptability, and how you can contribute to the company’s goals.