A cover letter is essential for a job search when you are applying for an internship mainly when you have no prior experience in the field. There are various reasons why a cover letter for an internship should be prioritized. For example, when you have no professional experience in the specific field you are applying for, it helps you to showcase the skills that you have gained from extracurricular activities or academics. It is essential to fill the gap between no prior experience and the requirements needed to get selected for the internship.
What is a Cover letter?
A cover letter for an internship is a tailored and customized document which is sent with a resume to highlight the skills of the person who is applying for a specific fit, it also helps to make sure that the person is a strong fit for the job. It offers context to your resume, conveys the enthusiasm you have for the role, and expresses how your application is the right fit for the job and needs of the company. A compelling touch to the cover letter for an internship makes sure that you are noticed by the hiring team.
Why is a cover letter for an internship required?
Before we get started on how to write a cover letter for an internship it is essential to understand why a cover letter is important. When you lack formal experience in the work field you are going for, a cover letter for an internship plays an important role there to helping you catch the attention of the hiring manager. It gives you a great opportunity to showcase your attributes, and accomplishments in the field of volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and academics.
To write a cover letter for an internship it is crucial to focus on tiny details which will help you to express that you are suitable for the company and the role you are applying for. Here is a detailed craft of how to write a cover letter for an internship with no prior experience.
- Contact Information
The information which will help the company to contact you should be placed at the top of the document so it is ensured that the hiring manager can easily reach out to you whenever needed. This part is crucial for being professional at your format. Make sure that the information provided is correct.
Format for how to write your contact information:
(Your Name)
(Your address)
(City, state, zip code)
(Your email address)
(Your phone number)
(Date)
2. Address the letter to the recipient
Firstly, start by researching the head of the department’s name or of the hiring manager. If it is unavailable then use a professional term such as “Hiring manager”. Personalization in the cover letter for an internship means paying attention to the details and putting in effort.
Format of the address:
(Name of the employer)
(Name of the company)
(Address of the company)
(City, State, Zip code)
Dear (“name of the head” or “Hiring Manager”)
3. Start with self-introduction
Start by introducing yourself, stating your name, and expressing enthusiasm for the internship. It is important to be specific about the position of the job and where you found it. If there is someone who referred you to this position then you should mention the name of that person. It is recommended to be professional and simple about it and use more than two or three sentences for the introduction.
4. Mention your skills and accomplishments.
In the next paragraph, discuss your skills and how they can help to contribute to the team. As you don’t have any prior experience, it is essential to write about your academics in detail and how your work relates to this job. Discuss the accomplishments you have made in your universities or any volunteer work that might benefit the company as well.
5. Explain why you are a worthy candidate.
In the main body of the cover letter, explain why you are a fitting candidate for the role. This is the time to convey your goals and values which will suit the company, which you have learned from the research on the official website of the company. The employers are attracted to candidates who show genuine interest in the growth of the company and whose traits match the algorithm of the company.
6. Express your enthusiasm to learn.
Since you are applying for an internship, it is essential to focus on your will to learn and grow. As internships are a way to learn and get new opportunities so it is important that you mention your potential and enthusiasm to get the role. The employers of the company look for candidates who are passionate about the work and are ready to put efforts towards the work.
7. End it with a humble call to action.
In the ending paragraph, show your heart-felt interest in the job position and express the desire for an interview. Requesting an interview can make sure that you get a chance for that so do not hesitate to ask for it. Show gratitude towards the reader for spending their time in this letter and conclude with professionalism.
After you have completed the letter make sure to proofread so there are no grammatical mistakes and the letter is clear, simple and makes sense.
8. Closing Signature
Make sure to have professionalism in your ending statement. It is important to have a good closing to leave a good impression.
Example:
Warm regards,
(Your name).
Here is a sample that you can customize as per your requirements and use while sending a cover letter for an internship with no experience.
(Your Name)
(Your address)
(City, state, zip code)
(Your email address)
(Your phone number)
(Date)
(Name of the employer)
(Name of the company)
(Address of the company)
(City, State, Zip code)
Dear (“name of the head” or “Hiring Manager”),
Hope this letter finds you well. I’m writing this to apply for the (Title of the job) at (XYZ Company) as it was advertised on (website/ board). Despite having no formal work experience in the (specific field), I have academic achievements and have done volunteer work which makes me a great fit for the internship.
While I was completing my major in (your major) at (your college/university name), I had completed various projects which are relevant to the work like (mention the projects). These experiences have shaped me with skills and enthusiasm which I believe will be beneficial for the role of (Title of the job).
I have been following the (XYZ Company) for (specific values/achievements). I am sure that my combined passion and skills for the (name of the specific field) will be able to make contributions that will help to grow the company in and out.
Thank you for considering my letter. I look forward to having the opportunity to discuss the internship and my skills more.
Best regards,
(Your Name)
A cover letter for an internship is much more than just an additional option for showcasing your resume. It has now become an important aspect which helps people to convey their enthusiasm, personality, and worthiness to fit in an internship mainly when you have no prior experience. By customizing it and making a strong positive first impression on the employer will help you to secure yourself a position for an interview.
FAQs
- Why should I have a cover letter for an internship if I have no prior experience?
A well defined cover letter for an internship is an essential part of the journey while searching for the right fit for a job as it showcases the enthusiasm and willingness to learn and grow along with the company. A cover letter shows the organization that you have the potential value to be worthy of the job when you have no experience.
- How long should a cover letter be?
The cover letter for an internship should be kept short and simple. It should be to the point so the reader doesn’t have to put much effort as it may not leave a good impression. It is recommended to sum it up in a single page with three to four very precise and short paragraphs. The main focus should be over quality and not quantity.
- What are the main things to be added in a cover letter?
The main parts of a cover letter for an internship must be your skills, accomplishments, academic works, any extracurricular achievements or volunteer work, and your desire to get this job. Focus to write about how your academic courses and accomplishments can help you and the company grow and how it aligns with the ideologies of the company.