Internship Cover Letter Example

Are you an intern looking for quality career advice? You've come to the right place — we’ll help you out! At cvapp.nz, we're focused on expanding your career potential. Whether you need assistance with crafting an impactful cover letter, acing job interviews, exploring different industries, or developing essential career skills, our platform is here to support you every step of the way. We believe that by empowering professionals like yourself with the right knowledge and guidance, we can help you unlock a world of opportunities and set yourself up for long-term success. We've prepared our comprehensive cover letter guide to help you secure your next internship role. Let's get into it! 

Formatting your internship cover letter

Effective cover letters usually contain the following: 

• Cover letter header
• Cover letter greeting and introduction
• Cover letter body paragraphs
• Cover letter conclusion

Let’s get started with the cover letter header: 

The cover letter header

A well-structured and comprehensive header ensures that potential employers can reach out to you easily. When crafting your header, be sure to include essential details such as your full name, professional job title, phone number, email address and professional social media profiles, if applicable. You can also consider adding your physical address, although this is becoming less common in the digital age. Including a header also provides a professional touch to your application, making it easier for hiring managers to contact you for further information or to schedule an interview. It’s also important that your cover letter header is visually appealing. Fortunately, at cvapp.nz, we have a ton of templates for you to choose from, so you can choose the best header for you. 

The cover letter greeting

When crafting your cover letter, it’s important to choose an appropriate cover letter greeting. The opening of your cover letter sets the tone for the entire cover letter and can significantly impact the first impression you make on the hiring manager or recruiter. In today's competitive job market, personalisation is key. Where possible, try to use the names of your hiring managers or employers if known. Using their names shows you've taken the time to research and personalise your cover letter. You can visit the company's website, LinkedIn, or search the internet to see if you can find the relevant contact. If you're unable to find their names, you can still use greetings such as "Dear Team Company." 

Ultimately, taking the time to choose an appropriate cover letter greeting emphasises your professionalism and attention to detail. It shows that you've invested effort in researching the company and have a genuine interest in the role. By personalising your greeting, you increase the chances of creating a positive first impression, capturing the reader's attention, and ultimately improving your chances of securing an interview.

The cover letter introduction

Your cover letter introduction should outline your career achievements and motivations, highlighting any key aspects of your professional journey. You might like to discuss why you're passionate about the industry or field you're seeking an internship in. You can also elaborate on an experience that sparked your interest and how it shaped your desire to pursue this particular career path — employees love real, genuine anecdotes, so don’t be afraid to express yourself. 

Emphasising your motivations for pursuing the internship position helps employers understand your genuine enthusiasm and dedication towards the role, making you a more appealing candidate. Furthermore, as an intern, you may want to focus on your enthusiasm to learn and grow professionally within the organisation. Highlight any educational or personal initiatives you've taken to develop your skills. You might also like to briefly mention any courses, workshops, or certifications you've pursued to enhance your expertise, linking them to how they align with the position you're applying for. This showcases your proactive attitude toward self-improvement and demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional growth. In the body paragraphs, the next section of your cover letter, you’ll be able to expand and elaborate upon these details further. 

The cover letter body paragraphs 

The body paragraphs of your cover letter serve as the backbone of your application and are arguably the most important section of your cover letter. It is in these paragraphs that you have the opportunity to expand on your professional background, skills, and experiences, all while highlighting what sets you apart and makes you the ideal candidate for the internship role.

Furthermore, you’ll want to emphasise the skills and qualities that make you a strong fit for the internship. This could include technical skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, or any other relevant competencies. Provide concrete examples of how you have utilised these skills in a professional or academic setting, highlighting your ability to contribute effectively to the internship position.

Throughout your body paragraphs, make connections between your past experiences and the requirements of the internship role. Demonstrate your understanding of the company's needs and how you can fulfill them. This shows that you have done your research and have a genuine interest in contributing to the organisation's success. Additionally, you might also like to incorporate any relevant extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or leadership roles that demonstrate your dedication, initiative, and passion for the field. These experiences can further highlight your suitability for the internship and showcase your ability to excel in a team-oriented and dynamic environment.

Body paragraphs should provide a comprehensive and compelling overview of your professional background, skills, and experiences. Use this opportunity to showcase your unique qualifications and convince the reader that you are the perfect candidate for the internship role. When well-crafted, these paragraphs can leave a lasting impression and significantly increase your chances of being selected for the position.

Cover letter conclusion

When concluding your cover letter, it is important to reiterate and emphasise why you are the ideal candidate for the internship position. Try to provide a clear and compelling summary of your qualifications and how they align with the specific requirements of the internship. It’s also important to choose a professional and respectful closing statement.  The closing statement serves as a final opportunity to demonstrate your appreciation and courtesy towards the reader. Phrases such as "best wishes," "ngā mihi," "yours sincerely," or "kind regards" are commonly used and convey a sense of gratitude and respect.