Writing a cover letter to go along with your resume is especially important when applying for an internship. Follow these tips the next time you apply and stand out from the crowd.
Why is a cover letter necessary?
If you’re applying for an internship, you likely have little real-world job experience and probably haven’t finished your degree. A cover letter allows you to make connections to a position that isn’t obvious from your resume. It’s also a great way to show you’re a strong communicator and have a personality that will fit the team and the company culture. Providing all of that in a cover letter can make you stand out in a situation you probably wouldn’t have based on your resume alone.
Focus on these items in your cover letter.
Use keywords from the internship posting in your cover letter. A lot of recruiters use software that searches for keywords. Remember, they may be sifting through hundreds of resumes. Using automated software, they can narrow the field of candidates. Making it past this first step by including the most relevant keywords is essential to getting your resume in front of a human being.
Include relevant skills and coursework. If you don’t have job experience, you’ll need to tell them that you know how to do the work at least.
Explain why you’re a good fit for the role. This fact may not be evident from your resume, so take some time to unpack your resume in a way that relates to the job posting and the company.
Describe what you hope to gain from the internship. It usually is not good advice to focus on what you will get from the company, but internships are an exception. Businesses create internships to grow new talent and give back to the next generation of businesspeople. If what you want to get out of it lines up with what they’re hoping to accomplish, that can be a great thing.
Sample Internship Cover Letter
Dear Hiring Manager,
My name is Jane Doe. I’m excited to submit my resume for the Non-Profit Finance Company Name’s summer finance internship program and introduce myself for your consideration.
I am currently in my second year at the American Financial University. Having completed my accounting courses and a financial planning course, I’m confident I can be an asset to your team from day one. I am adept at reading and interpreting financial documents as I regularly read the quarterly financials of all the companies I invest in for my personal portfolio. Finance Company Name’s financials were especially impressive this quarter, and I’m very intrigued by the growth you’re projecting over the remainder of the year.
Last summer, I volunteered with Good Will in their finance and accounting department. It was a valuable learning experience for me as I was able to connect the dots on how my finance degree could be used in a way that is both meaningful and impactful to the community I live in. All companies need skilled accountants to ensure they can continue to serve their mission. I want to become that person and be a part of that team.
I’m confident that my participation in this internship will be an important next step in my career and that I can be a useful member of your amazing team. I look forward to speaking with you further.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
555.555.5555
www.linkedin.com/in/jane-doe
Still need more info about writing cover letters? Check out our Complete Guide to Writing Cover Letters.
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