How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship

A cover letter is a short document summarizing a person’s educational experience, relevant skills, career goals, and interest in a particular job. Cover letters are standard for job applications and are often necessary for internships. This introductory letter often supplements a résumé in the internship application process. A great cover letter captures the hiring manager’s attention and clearly explains why you are the perfect candidate. When crafting an internship cover letter, express your professional aspirations and make a positive first impression.

Cover letters typically include education credentials, work experience, and contact information. Follow this step-by-step guide to writing a cover letter for an internship:

1. 1. Add your contact information. The header of your cover letter, located at the top of the page, should contain your personal contact information. This is usually your full name, home address, cell phone number or personal phone, and educational email address. You can align this information in the center or to the left margin of the page. Next comes the date, the hiring manager’s name, their position, and the organization's physical address.
2. 2. Address the hiring manager. Skip impersonal greetings like “To Whom it May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam.” Instead, address the hiring manager, or the person in charge of the internship, by name, as in “Dear Mrs. Smythe.” Including the hiring manager’s name shows that you’ve researched and know who will read your application.
3. 3. Briefly introduce yourself. In the first paragraph of your cover letter, briefly introduce yourself, your current educational status, and your interest in the internship. You may also mention a relevant experience for the training program.
4. 4. Expand on your educational background. In the second paragraph, elaborate on your introduction. List why you chose your particular educational path, your current relevant coursework, your GPA, what you hope to do professionally, and most importantly, why you believe this internship will shape your career path. You can also mention soft skills, such as communication skills, organizational ability, time management, people skills, and punctuality.
5. 5. Sign off with a salutation. To conclude your letter, which should be no more than three paragraphs, sign off with a closing salutation such as “kind regards,” “best wishes,” or “sincerely.” Include a call to action in the closing paragraph about future contact, showing your seriousness for the role. If you print a hard copy of the application, type your name and include your signature on the document before mailing it.

When crafting a cover letter for an internship, consider the following tips:

1. 1. Be specific. Using the same cover letter, with minor alterations, to apply to multiple internships can be tempting. The best practice is to be as specific to the internship at hand. Many cover letter templates and cover letter builders are available online to help you save time and effort, but put the work into tailoring the cover letter to the specific internship. Personalization stands out.
2. 2. Find cover letter samples. Read a few internship cover letter examples to get a feel for the cover letter format and see the current trends in formatting.
3. 3. Highlight extracurricular activities. While your educational experience matters, you want to list your extracurricular activities—such as sports, volunteer work, hobbies, or organizing—to let a hiring manager know that you are a well-rounded person.
4. 4. Proofread your letter. Remember to proofread your cover letter, as even a small typo can steer a recruiter in the other direction. After composing your cover letter, carefully proofread it, then give it to a friend for a final pass.
5. 5. Send a follow-up email. You can follow up on your application two weeks after you submit it. A follow-up call or email can remind them of you and establish your further interest in the internship.

All you need is a MasterClass Annual Membership and our exclusive video lessons from the likes of Elaine Welteroth (the former editor in chief of Teen Vogue and host of CBS’ The Talk), Issa Rae (the powerhouse multihyphenate behind HBO’s Insecure), Robin Arzón (the lawyer-turned-head instructor of Peloton), and other luminaries who have have embraced the twists and turns on the path to professional success. With their guidance, you’ll learn how to lean into your strengths, follow your heart, and build the career of your dreams.