How to Write an Internship Cover Letter (with examples)

What is an internship cover letter?

Put simply, an internship cover letter is a formal letter that outlines who you are, why you are interested in the role and why you’re the best candidate.

A cover letter for an internship should urge an employer to read your CV and seriously consider your application. And, when you’re likely applying as one of many applicants, it should help you stand out.

This doesn’t mean doing anything crazy, like making all the text bold and pink. But it does mean (humbly) boasting about your attributes and skills.

Read on for the how…

How to write a cover letter for an internship

Here is a step-by-step guide to putting together an internship cover letter.

Firstly, make sure to tailor your cover letter for each application you make.

Set up a document in business letter format. There’s a template for this in Microsoft Word. But you can also find what you need on Google Docs.

Then… begin to write:

STEP 1: The opening

The opening address in a cover letter is remarkably important.

Try and avoid Dear Sir/Madam or To whom it may concern​.

Dear Full Name, Dear Mr/Ms Surname. Always write Ms instead of Miss/Mrs. Don’t presume marital status.

Finding the recruiter’s name is not always easy. If you’re struggling via LinkedIn, you have some other options…

• Ring or email the company, and ask for the name of the person who is tasked with reading the cover letters for the internship you’re applying for

• Many organisations have a ‘no name’ policy for confidentiality reasons, so if they can’t give you a name…

• Address your cover letter to the head of the department your internship is in

• If you cannot find the name of the person who handles recruitment, address your internship letter to someone who works in human resources (HR)

• As a last resort, address your cover letter to someone in the team.

STEP 2: Introduction

In the introduction of a cover letter, you need to specify what internship you are applying for.

Be specific. Here’s an example:

“I am writing regarding the vacancy for the consultancy internship with PwC.”

​It’s also a good idea to reference where you found the internship vacancy. Employers love to know what channels students use when looking for jobs. Here is an example –

“as advertised on Higherin. Please find my CV attached.”

STEP 3: Company research

Now it’s time to let the recruiter know why you are interested in the internship. You want to give specific reasons why the company or the job description has drawn you to apply.

Do some research about the company that is organising the internship. Below is a list of areas you should focus your research on…

• Origins of company​

• Has the company been in the news recently?

• Any major projects the company has been involved in?

• Background of directors or the manager of the team you’re applying to

• Company values/vision.

If you want to research the role you are applying for, check for any case studies or internship reviews written by previous interns.

Then craft your next paragraph around the question: why do you want to do this internship?

Here is an example of how to approach this –

“I am drawn to this internship at PwC because it concentrates on sustainability and climate change consultancy. I have read about PwC’s recent project implementing new sustainability procedures in government buildings across the UK. My involvement in the ‘Clear Up Our Campus’ campaign at university makes me perfect for this internship.“

Here, you have shown why you are attracted to the role, demonstrated that you understand what the internship consists of, and even commented on a recent project.

STEP 4: Work experience & qualifications

Now we move on to your work experience, skills and qualifications and why they make you perfect for the internship.

Ensure that you keep the content of your internship cover letter relevant to the role on offer.

What unique skills can you bring to the company? What previous work experience has prepared you for this internship?

Even if you don’t think you have any relevant experience, relate it to skills you have gained from your studies. Think of times you have collaborated with people, led a project, worked to deadlines etc.

If you can answer these questions, employers will be under your spell.

Try something like this –

“As my CV describes, I am two years into a BSc Sustainable Engineering degree, achieving high grades in modules focused on sustainable planning in urban environments. My studies have imparted the groundwork of knowledge and analytical skills crucial for a career in this consultancy field. I also have three years of work experience at The Bear Factory, which has imparted great collaborative skills.“

STEP 5: Outro

In this closing section, thank the recruiter for considering your application and express your interest/availability for attending an interview.

One sentence will do it. Something like this:

“Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss the job role further in an interview.”

STEP 6: Signing off

If you start your cover letter with a personal name, such as “Dear Susie,” end it with “Yours Sincerely.”

If you didn’t manage to find the recruiter’s name, use “Yours Faithfully.”

Once you’ve proofread, you’ve officially finished your internship cover letter.

Internship cover letter example

The examples from each step in this guide have been combined to form a complete example.

This example is for a consultancy internship with PwC…

Dear John Smith,

I am writing regarding the vacancy for the consultancy internship with PwC, as advertised on Higherin. Please find my CV attached.

I am drawn to this internship at PwC because it concentrates on sustainability and climate change consultancy. I have read about PwC’s recent project implementing new sustainability procedures in government buildings across the UK. My involvement in the ‘Clear Up Our Campus’ campaign at university makes me perfect for this internship.

As my CV describes, I am two years into a Sustainable Engineering degree, achieving high grades in modules focused on sustainable planning in urban environments. My studies have imparted the groundwork of knowledge and analytical skills crucial for a career in this consultancy field. I also have three years of work experience at The Bear Factory, which has imparted great collaborative skills.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss the programme further in an interview.

Yours Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Internship cover letter do's and dont's

Here are a few golden nuggets in the form of do’s and don’ts to help your cover letter shine.

• Do talk about your relevant skills and work experience. Here you’ll get the chance to expand on some parts of your CV and really show off your skills. Make sure to pick the most relevant examples.

• Do tailor your CV for each job you apply for. An employer can tell if you’re just copying and pasting cover letters and changing the employer’s name. Always make it relevant to the job you’re applying for.

• Do edit and spellcheck your cover letter. Believe it or not, employers are looking at you right from the start. So, if they see a cover letter with spelling errors – it’ll go straight in the bin. More often than not, technology will screen your application before a person sees it, and spelling mistakes are an easy reason to filter you out.

• Do research on the company. Talk about a couple of initiatives they have and link that back to your experience or your personal goals. It looks really good.

• Don’t repeat your CV. Remember this is your chance to shine, pick some of the best examples of your experience and skills and expand on those.

• Don’t use too many keywords. Use keywords sparingly and where you need to use them.

• Don’t focus on what the company can do for you. Always explain the qualities that you have and why they will work for the company you’re applying for.

• Don’t forget your salutations. A letter is a letter, so don’t forget to add your name and make sure you’re using the hiring manager’s name in the greeting.