When you want to apply for an internship, chances are you’ve already done your research on the company and its mission. But even if you’ve got that down pat, it still helps to have a well-written cover letter tailored to each specific position.

That’s why we’ve created this template and guide for how to write a strong application letter for any type of job opportunity—and what makes one better than another.

A well-written cover letter can make all the difference in helping you Apply for an Internship.

A well-written cover letter can make all the difference when you apply for an internship. It’s your first impression, so it should be tailored to the position and easy to read.

Keep it short:

Your cover letter should be no longer than one page (including font size and margin). If possible, avoid using any graphics or images in your cover letter because they will take up valuable space on a small screen when viewed via a mobile device or computer.

Use correct grammar:

Make sure that all of your sentences are written correctly and are easy for anyone looking at them to understand clearly without having any trouble following along with what you say next!

This includes knowing when not to use contractions such as “don’t” instead of just writing out those words themselves; doing this will ensure people know exactly how much control over their thoughts/actions they have – which is important when you apply for an internship!

Use proper formatting:

Make sure your cover letter looks professional. This includes using a standard font (such as Times New Roman) and making sure there are no weird spacing issues or strange characters showing up where they shouldn’t be.

If possible, avoid using any graphics or images in your cover letter because they will take up valuable space on a small screen when viewed via a mobile device or computer.

Write correctly

Make sure that all of your sentences are written correctly and are easy for anyone looking at them to understand clearly without having any trouble following along with what you say next!

Determine which internship is best for you

Before you apply for an internship, it’s important to know what the employer is looking for in an intern. The job description will tell you that and more! LinkedIn is a good source of this kind of information.

The company culture can also be a good indicator of whether or not this internship is right for you. If there are many people from different backgrounds working at the company, then it may not be as diverse as other industries—which means that if your background isn’t like theirs then they may not have much interest in hiring someone who doesn’t share their values and beliefs.

Location is another big factor when deciding which type of internship would best suit your needs: Do I want my first experience with an employer to be via distance learning? Will I need access to transportation / public transportation? What about food? Is there any kind of cost involved (e.g., housing/food/etc.)? Are there any other needs we haven’t discussed yet (e..g., pets)?

Research the company and find out what they’re looking for

Research the company and find out what they’re looking for.
Find out what the company culture is like, how many interns they hire, and whether or not you’d fit in with their team.
Make sure that you’re going to be working with people who share your values and interests; this will help make sure that your internship experience is meaningful and rewarding.

Also read: Which is best for you: Small business or startup?

Get your cover letter template and get to work

A cover letter is a formal letter that accompanies your resume and application. It’s not the same thing as an email, but it does have to be written in proper English and formatted properly for submission to an employer.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself and tell the reader why you’re applying for this particular position—not just why you think you’d be good at it! It should include:

Your name and contact information
Why you’re interested in working for this company (i.e., which skills they need)
How your qualifications match up with what they’re looking for.

Download free cover letter templates here.

Key Steps To Write A Cover Letter and Apply for an Internship

Step 1: Header

Your name, address, phone number, and email.
The date you are applying for the internship.
The name of the person you are applying to (the person who runs the internship program).
The job title and description of your future employer’s company.

Target your cover letter like a laser beam

When you apply for an internship, you need to target your cover letter like a laser beam.

Address the cover letter to a specific person, rather than “To whom it may concern.” This can help you avoid getting screened out by HR before you even get in touch with them.

Include the job title in the salutation, such as “Dear Mr./Ms., [name], I am writing because I would like to apply for an internship at [company].“

If possible, briefly explain why you’re interested in working there and what skillsets or experiences qualify as relevant experience for this position (e.g., “I have experience working on web development projects as part of my college studies”).

You should also include information about why now is an ideal time for such an opportunity (e.g., “My graduation from college will soon be upon us!”).

Step 2: Start your cover letter with a strong opening.

You’ll want to mention where you found the job listing and how you fit the position. If the job posting specifically mentions a certain skill set or field of study, for example, “strong writing skills” or “a passion for entrepreneurship,” then make sure your cover letter reflects those same characteristics.

Otherwise, if you’re applying for a position where writing isn’t required but still want to highlight your strengths as an applicant (like writing blog posts), check with the company first before sending out samples of what they would like from their interns.

Step 3: Make sure your introductory paragraph is short and sweet

An introductory paragraph is the first thing a hiring manager will see, so make it count. The goal of your intro is to grab their attention and make them want to read on. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point.

Mention where you found this job listing

That is, from a friend or someone else in the industry. This will show interest in your ability to find jobs that are relevant to your background and career goals—and also helps establish credibility with potential employers who may not yet know about you!

If you have any relevant experience, be sure to mention it.

Write about why you’re qualified for this position (elevating yourself above other candidates). Don’t go into detail here—just give one sentence that highlights all of your skillset(s), such as “I have experience working as a part-time social media editor at [name] Magazine & Co..”

Or maybe something like “My experience with graphic design has given me an edge over other candidates because I understand how important color schemes are when designing logos/brochures/etc..”

Step 4: Add relevant coursework (here are some examples)

Add relevant coursework. If you have relevant coursework, this should be reflected in your cover letter. For example, if you’ve taken a class on body image and feminism and published an article about it as part of your research project—this would be an excellent addition to the cover letter. If not (and we can understand why), consider taking additional classes that will give you more experience with writing and researching.
Ask your professor if they would mind sharing some advice or resources that might help prepare for internships like this one!

If you don’t have any relevant coursework, consider taking a class on writing and research. You can also consider volunteering at an organization that works with women and girls or even just providing your own personal experiences as a woman.

Step 5: If you have any volunteer experience, be sure to mention it

Volunteer experience is a great way to show that you can work independently, as well as in a team. It’s also an excellent way to demonstrate your ability to work under pressure. If you have any volunteer experience, be sure to mention it!

Step 6: Add relevant skills and buzzwords from the job posting while avoiding resume filler words.

When you’re writing your cover letter, make sure it’s tailored to the job you are applying for. Don’t use filler words like “I am a hard worker.” Instead, use buzzwords from the job posting in your cover letter.
Don’t use buzzwords that are not relevant to the position or industry you are applying for. For example, if you wanted to work at a bank as an admin assistant and they were looking for someone with two years experience working in finance (or even just one year), then don’t say things like “I have experience managing budgets” or “I am good with numbers.” You’ll just sound like a robot who doesn’t know anything about what makes money and how businesses work!

Instead, say things like “I am currently working as a bank teller and have experience processing deposits and withdrawals for customers.” You can also mention how you enjoy helping people out with their questions because it makes you feel good to solve problems.

Step 7: End your letter

The final step in the letter process is thanking the employer for considering you for the position and asking them to contact you if they need any further information.

You should also mention any additional materials that might be helpful, such as an online portfolio or resume (if applicable). Finally, close with a polite sign-off:

“Thank you again for your time!”

Here’s a template you can use to guide you:

Conclusion

If you follow these steps to apply for an internship, your cover letter is sure to impress. In fact, we guarantee it!

How to Apply For An Internship: Free Template and Guide