Learn how to write a strong internship cover letter with real examples, formatting tips, and expert advice to help you stand out and land interviews. Perfect for students and graduates.

If you’re applying for an internship, you’ll usually need to submit a cover letter with your application. Make sure your letter is customized for the specific internship and includes examples from your studies, previous projects, volunteer work, or any relevant activities.

When writing an internship cover letter, highlight the qualifications that matter most to the role. If you don’t have much formal job experience yet, it’s perfectly fine to draw from school involvement, volunteer work, training programs, and other experiences that show your skills and potential.

Key Takeaways:

Personalize your cover letter for every internship and highlight the qualifications that best match the role.

If you lack job experience, focus on your academic achievements, extracurriculars, and volunteer work.

Use clear, specific examples that demonstrate the exact skills the employer wants.

Review your letter closely, checking for errors and polishing the content before you submit it.

What to Include in a Cover Letter:

Your cover letter should contain your contact details, a proper greeting, a clear explanation of why you’re writing, a brief overview of why you’re a strong candidate, and a professional closing.

1. Contact Information: How you list your contact details depends on the format. In a printed letter, your information appears at the top. In an email, include it below your typed name.
2. Salutation: This is your opening greeting, such as “Dear Hiring Manager.”
3. Body of the Letter: This section explains your interest in the position and why you're a good fit. It usually includes a short introduction, one or two paragraphs outlining your qualifications, and a final paragraph that wraps up your message.
4. Closing: End your letter with a polite, professional sign-off—such as “Sincerely” or “Respectfully.”
5. Signature: For printed letters, sign your name above your typed name. For emails, simply add a space after your closing and then type your name.

Tips for Writing an Internship Cover Letter

1. Use the correct business format:
2. For mailed letters, follow standard business layout—your contact details first, then the date, then the employer’s information, with a formal greeting and handwritten signature. For emails, skip the header and place your contact information in your email signature instead.
3. Tailor each cover letter:
4. Write a fresh letter for every internship. Focus on the skills and strengths that match the specific role and show why you’d be a valuable intern.
5. Show proof with examples:
6. When you mention a skill, support it with a concrete example from a job, class project, or extracurricular activity.
7. Use keywords from the posting:
8. Pull key terms from the internship description and naturally include them in your letter. If the employer emphasizes skills like time management, provide an example that shows you have it.
9. Highlight academic achievements:
10. If you lack professional experience, use school projects or coursework to demonstrate relevant abilities, especially teamwork or specialized knowledge.
11. Include extracurricular and volunteer work:
12. Activities outside of class—like writing for a school paper or volunteering—can showcase transferable skills such as communication, organization, and leadership.
13. Explain your follow-up plan:
14. If appropriate, mention that you’ll check in after about a week—unless the posting states not to contact the employer.
15. Proofread carefully:
16. Review your letter for spelling, grammar, and clarity. Competitive internships leave little room for mistakes, so keep your writing focused, polished, and error-free.

Internship Cover Letter Examples

Explore sample internship cover letters for both print and email formats, and download a ready-to-use template to help you create a strong, professional letter of your own.

Internship Cover Letter Template

Joseph Q. Applicant

123 Main Street

Anytown, CA 12345

555-555-5555

josephq@email.com

May 26, 2024

Jane Smith

Director of Human Resources

BC Labs

123 Business Rd.

Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Smith,

I’m reaching out to apply for the scientific research summer internship posted through the Anytown University Career Services Office. My hands-on experience in research and environmental conservation makes me a strong fit for this role.

I have worked extensively in chemistry, biology, and geology, both in academic labs and in outdoor fieldwork. Much of my background involves environmental studies, including my current project analyzing the water quality of a local pond in our university’s outdoor lab. Because water assessment is a key part of this internship, I’m confident that my previous work directly aligns with your needs.

Last summer, I served as a conservation assistant at the National Trust’s Clumber Park, where I supported trail maintenance and collaborated with the park’s research team. I analyzed soil samples, managed data from multiple studies, and was recognized by the research director for my accuracy and commitment.

I’m confident I can contribute value to your program, and this internship would also allow me to grow my scientific and research skills while supporting your team’s ongoing projects.

I plan to follow up next week to discuss whether my qualifications match what you’re looking for and, if so, to arrange an interview at a convenient time. I look forward to the opportunity to connect.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

(Signature for printed letter)

Joseph Q. Applicant

How to Write an Email Cover Letter

When submitting a cover letter by email, the layout is simpler than a standard printed letter. Add your name and the position you’re applying for in the email subject line to make your message easy to identify.

Place your contact details in your email signature rather than at the top, and skip including the employer’s contact information entirely. Begin the body of your email with a clear, professional salutation before moving into your cover letter content.

Email Cover Letter Example

Subject: Liz Lerner – Application for Marketing Intern Role

Dear Mr. Peters,

I was excited to see your marketing internship listing on the ABC College job board and would like to express my interest in the position at Brand Solutions Inc.

As an honors marketing student, I have completed advanced coursework in marketing management, digital and print advertising, social media strategy, and data analysis. These classes have given me a strong foundation in modern marketing techniques and emerging industry tools.

My academic work also included hands-on practicums with Boyd Brothers LLC and Boulevard Bistro. In these roles, I helped both businesses build their first social media presence across Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. My responsibilities included setting up accounts, producing visual content, writing posts, running paid ad campaigns, and monitoring performance through Google Analytics and Facebook Analytics. I am also proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office.

After following the recognition Brand Solutions Inc. has received in Market Branding Today and Forbes Online, I am highly motivated to contribute to your team and gain practical experience as your next marketing intern. I’ve attached my resume for your review and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Liz Lerner

liz.lerner@email.com

555-123-4567

www.linkedin.com/in/lizlerner (optional)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to write a cover letter for an internship?

If the cover letter is optional, you’re not required to submit one — but it’s still a smart idea. A cover letter gives you the chance to highlight your strengths and explain why you’re a strong match for the internship. For applicants with little or no formal work experience, it’s an ideal place to showcase your skills, personality, and potential value to the employer.

What should I include in a cover letter if I don’t have work experience?

If you haven’t held a job yet, you can point to other relevant experiences. Highlight volunteer work, extracurricular activities, academic projects, classes, sports involvement, community organizations, or any situation where you’ve built useful skills. These examples can effectively demonstrate why you’re qualified for the internship.

Read more:

Part-Time Job Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips

How to Include Contact Information in a Cover Letter

How to Choose the Right Salutation for Your Cover Letter

Sample Email Cover Letter for a Volunteer Position