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How to Write a Cover Letter for Internships?: For Candidates with No Experience

Are you a recent graduate who finds it difficult to get an internship or job opportunity because you do not have experience? Well, how about compensating for the lack of experience in your resume with an appealing cover letter that piques the interest of your potential employer? This blog will explore different examples to help you learn how to write a cover letter for an internship with no experience.

Table of Contents

Cover Letter: Overview

A cover letter is a short letter submitted along with the resume when applying for a job. It contains a brief introduction and highlights the skills and experience of the candidate. This letter is a great way for you to advocate why you are the best candidate for the internship role. 

You should write a cover letter when it is explicitly mentioned in the internship post or if you feel there is some information that is not clear from your resume.

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship with No Experience

A cover letter for an internship is different from that for a job. When you apply for an internship, it is assumed you have no or less prior experience. In such a scenario, what do you write about in your cover letter? There are two things you can replace work experience with within your cover letter- your soft skills and your willingness to learn.

Soft skills developed during your academic journey or through extracurricular activities can set you apart from the competition. Your motivation to learn more and dedication to the internship role can help recruiters identify you as a viable candidate. With this in mind, you can write an appealing application letter for an internship with no experience.

Cover Letter for Internship Template

The template below will help you understand the format of a student’s cover letter for an internship with no experience. 

Example of Cover Letter for Internship with No Experience

To help you better understand how the internship application letter with no experience is written, here are a few examples:

1. General Cover Letter for Internship

The following is an example of a standard cover letter for an internship when the candidate has no experience. 

2. Social Media Marketing Internship Cover Letter

The following is a sample cover letter for an internship with no experience for a social media marketing internship:

3. Teaching Internship Cover Letter

If you are applying for teaching internships or entry-level jobs in Hyderabad , you can refer to the following sample cover letter:

4. Career Change Cover Letter

If you are applying for an internship or job vacancy to change your field, you can refer to this cover letter example:

Formatting Tips for Cover Letter

Simple formatting can make your cover letter appear professional. Here are some tips to format your cover letter:

• Add a professional-looking header in the letter.
• The content should be left-aligned. 
• Set all the margins to 1”
• Use double line spacing between paragraphs and 1 to 1.15 line spacing within paragraphs.
• Use simple fonts (Times New Roman or Arial) and set it to 11 points to ensure the text is readable. 

Now you know how to write a cover letter for an internship with no experience. You can customize the above-given examples to suit the internship role you are applying for and draft a professional cover letter. Did you find this blog helpful? Share your opinion with us in the comments section below. Learn more about writing a cover letter with this cover letter format guide .

To prepare yourself for your next job, pursue this internship and job preparation course .

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Shailja Kaushik has been an Editor with Internshala since March 2023. She loves creative writing and experimenting with different forms of writing. She has explored different genres by working with journals and radio stations. She has also published her poems and nano tales in various anthologies. She graduated at the top of her class with Bachelor's in English and recently completed her Master's in English from the University of Delhi. Her experiments with writing continue on her literary blog.

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Sample Cover Letter for Internship with No Experience [+8 Tips]

Students are often required to complete internships as an integral and credited part of their coursework. To get accepted for one they need both, an internship resume and a cover letter.

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship with No Experience?

• Introduce yourself properly.
• Tell the hiring manager why you want to join their organization.
• Mention some of your transferable skills learned through education and real-life experiences.
• Show your willingness to learn because internships are technically a part of the learning process.
• The ability to follow instructions is a plus in any job, make sure your cover letter reflects it.
• Sound humble yet professional.
• Keep the length of the cover letter to one page.
• Give the employer a reason to consider you.

Related : Internship Resume No Experience

Here is an example to guide you:

Sample Cover Letter for Internship with No Experience

Samuel Johnson (000) 875-9656 [email protected]

May 28, 2023

Mr. Kyle Raymond HR Manager FNJ Software House 699 Jade Ave Dallas, TX 43100

Dear Mr. Raymond:

As a final-year Software engineering student at ABC College, I am eager to join FNJ Software House as a software intern. With my exceptional educational track record and passion for software development, I will be able to contribute significantly.

The nature of my coursework has already rendered me with excellent exposure to the practical field. Most of the credits in my courses comprise projects that involve developing and executing workable software. Besides being competent in Windows batch scripting, I’m also proficient in JAVA, C++, and C#.

Furthermore, I am a quick learner, good at following instructions, and always keen to gain more knowledge and practice in the world of software development. I firmly believe that my technical expertise, coupled with a can-do attitude and willingness to learn, make me an ideal candidate.

In order to discuss my potential further, I’d like to meet with you. Please call me at (000) 875-9656 to set up an interview date and time. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Samuel Johnson

Attached: Resume

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How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship? (+5 Real Internship Cover Letter Examples)

• Júlia Mlčúchova , 
• Updated March 20, 2024 8 min read

Trying to figure out how to write a cover letter for an internship ? Look no further!

POV: After weeks and weeks of searching for the right internship opportunity, you've finally found it. But, at the end of the posting, there's a single short sentence that takes you aback:  “Please, attach a cover letter to your application .”

Although some consider cover letter writing to be a relic of the past, it still holds its rightful place in the professional world. 

Because a well-written and persuasive cover letter can sometimes make up for the lack of work experience on your resume . And if you're trying to apply for an internship , this is probably your case, too. 

So, continue reading this article and learn: 

• What is a cover letter for an internship;
• Whether you need to attach a cover letter to your internship application;
• How to write one in 7 steps;
• 5 real-life internship cover letter examples .

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is a cover letter for an internship?

Do you need a cover letter for an internship, how to write a cover letter for an internship in 7 steps, 5 real-life internship cover letter examples, key takeaways: how to write a cover letter for an internship.

Generally speaking, an internship cover letter is a formal document that accompanies your resume when applying for an internship. 

When it comes to its content, a cover letter for an internship falls somewhere between a traditional cover letter and a motivational letter . 

• A traditional cover letter , used by job applicants with years of experience, is supposed to underline some of the candidate's most relevant and impressive skills, qualifications, and work achievements . 
• A motivational letter , used mostly in academia, aims to communicate one's passion for the subject, their motivation, and personal goals . 

Hence, a cover letter for an internship combines the purpose of the traditional cover letter (convincing the recruiters that you're the right person for the job) with the tone and strategy of the motivational letter (writing about personal motivations and goals).

A truly successful internship cover letter should answer the following questions:

• Who are you? 
• Why are you interested in this particular internship?
• Why are you the best fit for this internship?
• What do you want to gain from this internship?

Absolutely! 

In fact, you should always attach a cover letter to your internship application , even if it isn't explicitly required from you.  

Why, you ask? 

Well, consider this: Internships are crucial stepping stones towards your dream career. And they're also incredibly competitive. A single internship opening can be answered by tens of applicants at a time. 

But how can you stand out from a crowd of equally inexperienced candidates? Certainly not by your non-existent professional accomplishments, right? 

When companies look for interns, they don't expect you to have a ton of real-life experience. They aren't looking for a “finished product,” but for someone with a genuine desire to learn and enthusiasm for the job. 

And these two are your weapons of choice!

How can a cover letter for an internship help you?

Apart from the reasons mentioned above, your internship cover letter is also responsible for: 

• Conveying first impression. Usually, recruiters will read your cover letter before looking at your resume. So, it's the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to them in a memorable way. 
• Showing your efforts. Next, taking the time to craft a thoughtful cover letter shows that you're willing to put in that extra effort to stand out from the rest of the candidates. 
• Highlighting your communication skills. Also, a well-written cover letter demonstrates your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and professionally. 
• Showing your professionalism. When you walk into a room, it's polite to introduce yourself and shake everybody's hand. This is exactly what a cover letter does! To attach one to your application is a common courtesy.

Now that you're familiar with the whats and whys , let's have a look at how to write a good cover letter for an internship step-by-step. 

For example : Application for [name of the internship] internship – Surname.

Then, place your contact information (your name; professional email address; phone number; link to your website / portfolio / social media accounts if relevant) directly into the header .

If you know the recipient's name, address them by “ Dear [full name] ,” or “ Dear Mrs/Mr [last name] ,”. If you don't know who to address the cover letter to , address it more generally to “Dear Hiring Manager,” .

In the first paragraph of your cover letter , start by stating your name and where you studied (including your current degree and year of study). Proceed by explaining how you came to know about the internship and what are your motivations for applying to it.

Since you don't have much work experience, you can talk about your academic achievements; relevant coursework; dissertation project; extracurricular activities; volunteering; membership in relevant societies, etc.

The closing paragraph of your cover letter should reiterate your desire to get the specific internship, express gratitude to the recipient for their time and consideration, and include a final call for action (i.e. "I look forward to discussing the next steps during an interview." )

Finally, based on how you greeted the recipient of your cover letter, you can sign off with either “ Yours sincerely ,” or “ Yours faithfully ,” . If you addressed the recruiter by their name, sign off with the former; if not, use the latter.

Don't feel like writing your internship cover letter by hand?

Let our AI cover letter writer create the first draft of your internship cover letter!

Undoubtedly, the best way to learn something is to look at specific examples . And that's exactly what we're going to do right now! 

Below, we've prepared 5 internship cover letters written by real people with the help of our cover letter templates .

And, each of them is accompanied by our internship cover letter writing tips that you can implement into your own cover letter! 

FYI, you can use each of these examples as the first draft for your very own internship cover letter – simply click on the red button and start personalising the text (or let AI handle it).

#1 Philips Marketing Intern Cover Letter Sample

Internship cover letter example:.

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

What can you take away?

• Eye-catching header.  Firstly, the header is visually clearly separated from the rest of the text. This makes the recruiters notice it immediately. Plus, the contact information of the company is also featured in the left-hand corner - just like it would be on an actual letter.
• Research the company before applying. Notice sentences like: “ I really like and relate to what Philips stands for … ” and “ Furthermore, it is very appealing that Philips operates on an international level… ”.This shows that the candidate’s done a thorough research of the company's philosophy and structure.

#2 Warner Bros. Public Relations Intern Cover Letter Example

• Share a personal story. This can help you establish a sentimental connection between you and the company. Show them that for you, working for their company means more than any old internship.
• Name-drop a referral. Now, this is a little bit of a cheat code. But, if you happen to know about anyone who has worked/currently works for the company, slip their name into your cover letter.

#3 University of Massachusetts Boston Intern Cover Letter Example

What can you take away  .

• Write about what you want to gain from the internship. It shows that you're not there just to have something to put on your resume; but that you’re motivated by the idea of gaining actual industry knowledge and skills.

#4 Audit/Tax Summer Internship at CohnReznick Cover Letter Sample

• Mention any relevant academic activities. If you're wondering how to write a cover letter for an internship with no experience whatsoever, this is your way to go! For example, notice how this candidate noted all of his relevant courses, skills, association membership, and competition participation.
• Focus on transferrable skills. Especially when your study programme doesn't necessarily fit the internship opening to a T. Instead, focus on any transferable skills you've picked up. 

#5 Intern at NBC Cover Letter Sample

• Keep your opening and closing paragraphs short and sweet. As you can see in this example, it helps keep a certain visual harmony of the overall document. And, despite the length, both paragraphs do exactly what they're supposed to. Besides, recruiters might be discouraged to read the rest of your cover letter if your introductory paragraph is too long.

To sum it all up, an internship cover letter is a formal document that you submit together with your resume when applying for an internship. Its content should be something between a traditional cover letter and a motivational letter.

Its purpose is to introduce yourself to the recruiters in a more personal way than the resume allows. 

The main things you want your internship cover letter to communicate are:

• who you are,
• why you're interested in this opportunity,
• what make you the best fit for the internship, 
• your motivation (your long-term professional goals),
• your desire to learn (what you want to gain from the experience).

To write a truly impactful and persuasive cover letter, we recommend following these 7 key steps: 

• Specify which internship you're applying for in the subject line.
• Include your contact information in a header.
• Address the recipient appropriately.
• Introduce yourself & your motivations in the opening paragraph.
• Elaborate on why you're a good fit and what motivated you in body.
• End your cover letter with a confident closing paragraph.
• Finish off with a polite sign off. 

Finally, if you feel that the examples provided in this article aren't enough, you can always find more in our cover letter database . 

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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How to Write an Internship Cover Letter [Expert Advice & Examples]

Published: May 31, 2024

It’s been a few years since I applied for my first internship, but I still remember the difficulties I encountered. After I finally crafted an eye-catching resume , I faced the daunting prospect of creating an internship cover letter for every application; I honestly didn’t know what to include or the tone I should strike.

Although I got the internship, in the end, I never found out whether my academic achievements, experience, or well-crafted cover letter got my foot in the door. However, I’ve always been curious.

With the benefit of hindsight — and some guidance from cover letter experts and hiring professionals — I’m here to help you write a winning internship cover letter. Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship

Writing my own internship cover letter, internship cover letter examples, internship cover letter templates.

• Include your name, date, location, and contact information.
• Include the company name, department, and address.
• Address the hiring manager.
• Set the context for your application.
• Sell your experience and personalize your cover letter.
• Think about your cover letter’s readers (humans and machines).
• Close the letter with grace and a call to action.
• Proofread, proofread, and proofread.

I’ve seen some creatively designed cover letters, but in my opinion, you can’t go wrong with the traditional business letter format, which you’ll find in our free cover letter templates .

Download our cover letter templates …

Business professionals use this format style to apply for full-time roles and other purposes, so it’s something you can reuse in the future.

Remember to use formal terms such as “Dear” and “Sincerely,” and lean towards a professional tone in your body copy. Even if you know the recruiter personally, always use formal salutations instead of “Hey!” or Hi [name]. ”

1. Include your name, date, location, and contact information.

Ensure you provide your contact information, such as your phone number, email, and location, on your internship cover letter.

Since you’ll probably be sending your cover letter online (through an email or web form), you don’t need to provide your full home address — your city and state should be enough for most positions.

Your Address

Your City, State, Zip Code

Cell: 555-555-5555

Email: [email protected]

2. Include the company name, department, and address.

With your personal information out of the way, it’s time to showcase your research skills a little. Do an internet search to find the full name and address of the company you’re applying to. Try to dig deep to find the department name, but leave it out if you’re unsure.

If the internship will be remote, use the company’s general headquarters address if the internship will be remote.

City, State Zip

3. Address the hiring manager.

Tempted to type “To whom it may concern” or “Dear hiring manager” ? In your hunt for an internship position, you’ll stand out from the crowd by being resourceful. So, channel your inner sleuth by tracking down the hiring manager’s name.

You might find their role description on the company website, but if not, your best bet is to look through LinkedIn.

If you can’t find the hiring manager's name, or you’re unsure if you’re addressing the right person, leave the name out. I think it’s safe to say that sacrificing a bit of personalization is much better than addressing the wrong person in your cover letter.

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.

• Standard Cover Letter Template

Entry-Level Cover Letter Template

• Data-Driven Cover Letter Template

Download Free

All fields are required.

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

4. Set the context for your application.

The first paragraph can make or break your internship cover letter and your entire application.

I’ll admit: I’ve always found opening paragraphs tricky, whether they’re for a cover letter, regular email, or a blog post, but they’re essential for creating a strong first impression and engaging the reader.

First, explain how you found out about the company or position. If you know anyone at the company, you can mention them here. Next, express your interest in the company and how it relates to your goals and passions. Also, make sure you get your basic information down, like your name, education level, major, and interests.

Depending on the company and position, you could try a creative approach to get your reader’s attention. Here’s one that worked for me early in my career:

“Can I tell you a secret? I’ve been telling stories since I was five years old. No, not fibbing — real storytelling ...”

A word of warning, though: Be sure to research the company’s culture before taking an approach like this. While this opening statement worked well for startups and more laid-back companies, a big accounting firm might find it culturally off-beat.

Pro tip : Geoffrey Scott , hiring manager and certified professional resume writer at Resume Genius, says, “The cover letters that stand out to me are ones where the candidate’s excitement clearly comes through. Of course, the tone must stay professional, but it shouldn’t be dull. When you’re passionate about what you do, it comes through in your cover letter.”

5. Sell your experience and personalize your cover letter.

Your cover letter isn’t supposed to be a summary of your resume, so go deeper and personalize it for your internship application.

To start, read through the specific position’s description and pick out a few qualities that you think apply to you. I don’t recommend choosing all the descriptors mentioned, as it could appear disingenuous and make your cover letter too long.

For instance, if I see a company looking for someone who’s “outgoing, organized, hardworking, and willing to take criticism,” I would pick the qualities that best describe me and focus on providing examples in the body of my cover letter.

You should cover things like:

• Relevant coursework.
• Soft skills (e.g., teamwork, problem-solving).
• Extracurricular activities (e.g., volunteering).
• Work experience (if any).

That said, make sure you tie them to the internship opportunity. For example, you could say, “I understand that this role requires that I consistently meet deadlines. I held down a part-time job while keeping up with my college assignments, which demonstrates my time management skills.”

Pro tip : If you lack relevant experience, use your research and knowledge to show enthusiasm. Daniel Space , a human resources business partner who has worked with companies like Spotify and WebMD, told me he once hired a French major instead of an HR major for an HR internship.

Why? He explains, " Not only did she clearly articulate how she understood the role … she also spent a few sentences describing the company going through a merger and correctly assuming that her work would be in helping with that.”

6. Think about your cover letter’s readers (humans and machines).

According to Jobscan’s research , 487 out of 500 Fortune 500 companies (97.4%) used an Applicant Tracking System in 2023. If you’re not familiar, this is a tool used to streamline hiring tasks.

Why do they matter for internship cover letters? Well, companies use these systems to filter resumes and cover letters based on keywords.

Ben Lamarche , general manager at recruiting firm Lock Search Group, told me that his company screens internship applications using an application tracking system.

When I asked how applicants could get their cover letters seen by a human, he recommended “ avoiding excessive formatting, sticking to a basic text layout, and including a few important words from the internship description, such as the precise requirements for skills and knowledge.”

Pro tip: Wondering how long your internship cover letter should be? I recommend you limit it to under a page or around 250 to 400 words. Also, use shorter paragraphs to break up the text.

Here’s what Indrė Padegimienė , talent acquisition specialist at Omnisend, has to say on the matter: “Recruiters are pretty busy people with hundreds of applications to review, so clear and concise communication is key. A five-page cover letter won’t get you a job.”

7. Close the letter with grace and a call to action.

If the internship application does not explicitly state “ please do not contact, ” you might choose to conclude by specifying how you will follow up, such as, “I will call next week to see if my qualifications are a match,” or “I am eager to meet with you to discuss this opportunity, and am available for an interview at a mutually convenient time.”

In your closing paragraph, thank the hiring manager for taking the time to consider you, and end on a positive, confident note, such as, “I look forward to speaking with you soon.”

Pro tip : You may even go a step further and give the hiring manager a call to action . I don’t think it hurts to include a link to your online portfolio , website, or even a YouTube channel where you display your work and personality.

To see how often hiring managers follow through on your calls to action, track the number of clicks on your link using a URL tracker like Bitly .

8. Proofread, proofread, and proofread.

When I asked Scott (Resume Genius) about the cover letter pitfalls he encounters the most, applicants’ lack of proofreading stood out.

After describing the cover letter mistake of simply summarizing what’s in your resume, he shared, “Another common error that could end up costing you a position is having spelling and grammar mistakes, especially if the internship is for anything that requires close attention to detail, like data entry. This seems obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how often I see it.”

Even with the availability of spell-checking tools like Grammarly , internship applicants still submit cover letters riddled with typos. Let me put it this way: You’ve done the hard part of actually writing your internship cover letter, so don’t let small mistakes put employers off.

Pro tip : Some companies provide AI cover letter generators. You simply input your resume and the job description, and you should get a decent-looking cover letter in seconds.

Just remember that while AI generators can save you time, you should check over everything they produce to ensure the AI hasn’t told any tall tales about your hands-on experience or skill set or made any mistakes. As you’ll see in these ChatGPT-generated internship email examples , caution and revisions are advised.

If you’re still unsure after your check-up, get a friend or classmate to proofread your cover letter for clarity and spelling before you finally sign off on it and hit send.

Now, I’ll use the tips I gave you above to craft an internship cover letter. In this sample, I will be applying for an event planning position. I start by including my contact information. That includes an address, phone number, and email address.

I also included the recipient’s contact information including the department I’m applying for.

I start with a greeting and the hiring manager’s name. If you can find a direct contact, referring to the person by name is preferred. From there, I mention that I am a referral and mention my contact at the company. I can then introduce myself and discuss relevant school experience relating to the role.

In the next section, I refer to relevant professional experiences. While these may not apply to an event role in corporate, I mention club work that I’ve done that relates to the role. I also reference an orientation job I held at the university that matches the events skillset.

From there, it’s time to wrap up with a conclusion. I also used Preview’s signature function on my Mac to include a handwritten signature followed by a typed version of my name.

Now, let’s explore some other cover letter examples for inspiration.

To inspire you further, I’ve curated additional internship cover letter examples tailored to different industries and positions. I’ll also explain why each example works and what you can do to evoke a similar response.

1. Hospitality Internship Cover Letter

Why This Cover Letter Example Works

I like that this cover letter demonstrates the applicant’s passion, willingness to learn, and previous industry experience. If I were the hiring manager, I’d shortlist them based on their internship cover letter.

How to Incorporate That Into Your Internship Cover Letter

I recommend you start by analyzing your own transferable skills and experience and seeing how they relate to the internship you're applying for.

Do you have any examples, facts, or figures that you can include in your letter? This will help the hiring manager understand your interest in the position and give them more of a reason to hire you over the competition.

I often see applicants use statements like, “I helped increase my group’s scores by [X]%.” If you have any figures like this, use them, but be honest about the role you played.

2. Supply Chain Internship Cover Letter

I could easily tell that, like many internship applicants, this student had yet to gain professional experience in the field. However, the applicant does a great job of showing enthusiasm for taking on real-world experiences.

They also demonstrate their knowledge of three areas of supply chain management: forecasting, inventory management, and logistics.

Go through your course notes and write down a list of topics and terms relevant to the internship you’re applying for. After I’ve completed coursework, I sometimes need to remind myself of what I’ve covered.

3. Fashion Design Internship Cover Letter

The student wrote a great second paragraph discussing their experience participating in design projects with original pieces that show their “artistic vision.” I also like that the student highlights how their design philosophy aligns well with Sleeves and Thread’s commitment to “pushing boundaries.”

Do your research on the company you’re applying to. You can compliment them on awards they have won or mention how you would fit well within their company culture.

4. Finance Internship Cover Letter

Rebecca takes the time to highlight her skillset, but she also balances her cover letter with reasons why Banking Corporation will be a great fit for her career. She gives plenty of reasons why the company appeals to her, which helps balance the cover letter.

Don’t be afraid to explain what an internship will do for you . Yes, companies want to know how an intern can help them, but they know you’re mainly there to advance your career.

5. Marketing Internship Cover Letter

If you work in marketing or another creative industry, you’ll have more freedom when it comes to drafting your cover letter. Here, Robin takes a novel approach by weaving in colorful language that practically jumps off the page. With just enough pizazz, their personality shines through. I think any marketing hiring manager would be eager to learn more.

Let your creative side run free! On a blank page (a creative’s nightmare, I know!), type out plenty of eye-catching phrases and sentences to showcase your writing skills. Next, see if you can find the right places to add them to your internship cover letter.

If, instead of examples, you’d like a jump-off point, don’t worry — I’ve got you covered. Here are some internship cover letter templates to get your creative juices flowing.

Standard Internship Cover Letter Template

This highly customizable internship cover letter is generic but can serve as the foundation for all your applications.

Data-Driven Internship Cover Letter Template

If your major is data-driven, like STEM, marketing, or accounting, I think this is the internship cover letter template for you. With this template, you can include the data highlights of your class projects and assignments to show the hiring manager that you can support your experience with credible facts.

As you approach your senior year of college, you may be looking for entry-level roles rather than internships. Cover letters are just as important for full-time roles as they are for internships, so use this template to make the transition in your job search.

Wrapping Up Your Internship Cover Letter

Worried about not having enough experience or skills to get your preferred internship? Don’t stress over what you haven’t achieved yet — and remember, everyone starts somewhere.

Instead, take stock of your academic and extracurricular achievements and see how you can apply your skills and experience to an internship.

Then, you’re ready to craft a compelling cover letter that shows you’re competent, enthusiastic, and willing to go the extra mile for every position you apply for. Whether you get your preferred internship or not, you’ll be happy that you gave it your best shot.

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How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter for an Internship (Plus, an Example!)

As a student, you don’t have a lot of time in the day that isn’t already eaten up by classes, problem sets, essays, extracurriculars, sports, hackathons, research, dance performances…the list goes on. Applying for any kind of job is time consuming (not to mention nerve-racking), so when you see a job posting where the cover letter is optional, you might be tempted to skip it. Not so fast!

If you’re looking at internships , it probably means you don’t have a ton of work experience to set you apart from other candidates. Or perhaps you do have some experience, but it’s not the most relevant or as obviously related. The cover letter is exactly the place for you to make a case for yourself. This is where you can connect the dots for the recruiter and tell the story that your resume can’t on its own. (How does competitive ballroom dancing connect with being a management consultant?) And, if nothing else, it’s a chance to get across your excitement.

While it can certainly help to check out some general cover letter tips and read through some examples , here are some specific pointers on how to make the most of a cover letter for an internship.

1. Make It All About the Company

Step one is to introduce yourself and why you’re interested in this particular internship. As a student, you’ll probably instinctively want to write about all the things you’re excited to learn on the job. Including some of that is fine, but remember that applying for an internship at a company isn’t the same as applying for college. Companies are more invested in what you have to offer them than what they have to offer you . Or, put more bluntly, they have no reason to care about you yet. You have to give them one.

A better way to show your enthusiasm is to be specific about why you’re interested in this company. What makes it special? Is their product one of a kind or solving an important problem in a unique way? Are they working toward a particular mission that resonates with you?

Avoid being impressed in a generic way. If you can say the same thing about another company then you’re not being specific enough. In other words, don’t say: “I’m impressed that Company X is a market leader in clean-tech.” Instead, say: “Company X’s unique approach to removing plastic pollution from the ocean by using currents and robotic traps is fascinating.”

It can feel a little weird to be too fawning, but it’s fine in small doses. After all, companies have internships because they are trying to create a recruiting pipeline, so letting them know you’re a fan of their work or at least very interested in the industry is a good idea. You want them to know that you’re worth training and investing in—that you’re going to stick around.

2. Mention Relevant Projects, Extracurriculars, and Classes

In a typical cover letter, the next step would be to write about all your relevant experience. But perhaps this internship you’re applying for is the relevant experience you’re hoping you can write about one day. So what do you write about today?

It’s okay to have no directly relevant work experience . The next best thing is to choose two examples of things you’ve done that are as closely related to the role as possible and then to go into detail about the parts of the work that are most relevant. You’re trying to tell a story and you want the reader to understand that the next logical step in it is the exact internship you’re applying for. You want to give the reader an “It all makes sense!” moment.

Ideally, you’re choosing things that aren’t too far off from professional experience, like an independent project where you can show off some technical skills, or leadership experience in a student organization to get across those all-important soft skills. Experiences with a competitive element to them are great, too—think hackathons and case competitions.

If you must, you can mention coursework as well. In general, though, recruiters and hiring managers are less excited about projects where a clear solution already exists. There are always exceptions, of course. Class projects that are more creative and don’t involve a clean, preset answer might also be a good option.

3. Stitch Together Your Skills

Of course, there’s always the possibility that nothing you’ve done feels relevant. That’s fine, too. Everyone has to start somewhere! If you really can’t find any related work to write about, choose three experiences you feel comfortable talking about and then pick and choose the parts that illustrate the skills you bring to the table.

For example, if you worked a part-time job in high school as a lifeguard, you can write about how you were known for being reliable, how you’d always pick up other people’s shifts when they were out, and how great you were at being vigilant when you were on duty. You can write about the courses you’ve taken to showcase your interest in a particular subject area. Maybe they were quite advanced for a sophomore. That’d be worth mentioning to show not only your subject-matter interest, but also your ambition and ability to learn quickly. And if you served as an executive board member of a cultural group, you could write about your communication skills and how detail-oriented you needed to be to pull off a big show.

You might not have any professional work experience, but anyone recruiting interns will be interested in someone who is reliable, enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and a good communicator. Throw in that you’re a fast learner who has taken a few relevant classes and you’ll have a fair shot.

4. Don’t Apologize

So that’s all the stuff you should do. Here’s something you shouldn’t. Don’t apologize for your lack of experience. Don’t write, “Even though I’m only a freshman…” or “Despite my limited experience in fundraising…” This is one of the most common mistakes students make in their cover letters.

Instead, write something like, “I’m excited to bring my coursework alive by doing hands-on work in…” or “I’m looking forward to parlaying my campus event planning experience to fundraising for…” Basically, instead of homing in on your weaknesses, you want to highlight your strengths. You get to pick what to focus on, so choose wisely.

It can be tough to write from the perspective of what you have to offer a company when you don’t feel like you have very much work experience to lean on, especially when many of the applications you’ve worked on in the past (read: college applications) have been so focused on what you might have to gain from a particular experience. One way to increase your chances of getting a great internship is to think about the application process as more of a pitch. You’re not just applying, you’re pitching yourself, so submit a nice and tidy letter (make sure you edit it and catch any typos!) and keep it positive.

5. Read This Example to Help You Craft Your Own Cover Letter

All of this sounds nice in theory, but what does it look like all put together? Here’s a sample cover letter from a student with limited relevant experience who is applying for a product management internship. (Quick tip: Remember never to start off with “ To Whom It May Concern ”!)

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to submit my application for the product management internship at BPM Tech. As a student at Big State University majoring in electrical engineering with a keen interest in environmental studies, I believe I would be a good fit for the role. BPM’s mission to design and manufacture the world’s most energy dense batteries while protecting our planet and not taking any shortcuts is inspiring, and I would be thrilled to be able to contribute to this mission.

In a recent hackathon, I demonstrated my ability to think on my feet and lead a team through designing and prototyping stages of a project. Competing as a team of three students with different academic backgrounds and working under a tight deadline, we were ultimately able to get a working prototype together and presented our work to a panel of industry experts who awarded us second place. I was particularly proud of how close we got to winning the audience favorite award. For me, the most exciting part of working on products comes from users and their reactions.

I’ve also been an active volunteer at my local animal shelter for over five years. As a more seasoned volunteer, I’ve taken the initiative to lead trainings, organize donation drives, and serve as a dog walker. This experience has strengthened my communication skills and confirmed my belief that my motivation skyrockets when my work supports a good cause. I would be delighted to bring my focus and dedication to another organization whose mission I believe in.

Through these experiences, along with my coursework in electrical engineering, I am confident that I would be able to successfully navigate the challenges of the PM internship program at BPM. I welcome the opportunity to speak with you about my qualifications and look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Sarah Gunnarson

15 internship & entry level cover letter templates

Make a professional cover letter to land the perfect internship or entry-level job with these free easy to use templates.

When applying for a job, a well-written cover letter can be just as important as a strong resume. A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume and provides additional context for your qualifications, experience, and interest in the position you are applying for. In this article, we will explore what a cover letter is and why it is an essential part of the job application process.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that serves as an introduction to your resume. It is typically addressed to the hiring manager or HR representative and provides additional information about your qualifications, experience, and interest in the position. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and showcase why you are the best candidate for the job.

Why is a Cover Letter Important?

A cover letter is important for several reasons. Firstly, it provides an opportunity to introduce yourself to the hiring manager and explain why you are interested in the position. This can help to establish a personal connection and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job. Secondly, a cover letter allows you to highlight your relevant skills and experience, which may not be immediately apparent from your resume alone. Finally, a well-written cover letter can help to demonstrate your writing skills and attention to detail, both of which are valuable qualities in any job.

What Should be Included in a Cover Letter?

A cover letter should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for and should include the following elements:

• Introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and explaining why you are interested in the position.
• Body: The body of your cover letter should provide additional information about your qualifications and experience, as well as specific examples of how your skills align with the requirements of the job. Use this section to highlight your relevant accomplishments and demonstrate your understanding of the position.
• Closing: End your cover letter by thanking the hiring manager for their time and consideration, and expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity to interview for the position. Be sure to include your contact information so that the hiring manager can easily reach you if they have any further questions.

In conclusion, a cover letter is an important part of the job application process. It provides an opportunity to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, highlight your relevant skills and experience, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job. By taking the time to craft a well-written cover letter, you can increase your chances of standing out from other applicants and securing the job of your dreams.

Cover letter templates for internships

Software development internship.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Today's Date]

[Hiring Manager's Name] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am writing to apply for the Software Development Internship at [Company Name]. As a computer science student with a passion for programming, I am excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this field.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or programming experience. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the internship and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s software development initiatives.

[Your Signature] [Your Name]

Data Science Internship Template

I am writing to apply for the Data Science Internship at [Company Name]. As a computer science student with a strong interest in data analysis, I am excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this field.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or data-related experience. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the internship and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s data science initiatives.

Cybersecurity Internship Template

I am writing to apply for the Cybersecurity Internship at [Company Name]. As a computer science student with a strong interest in cybersecurity, I am excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this field.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or cybersecurity-related experience. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the internship and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s cybersecurity initiatives.

Marketing Internship Template

I am writing to apply for the Marketing Internship at [Company Name]. As a [Your degree program or field of study] student with a passion for marketing, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the internship and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to learn and grow with [Company Name].

Finance Internship Template

I am writing to apply for the Finance Internship at [Company Name]. As a [Your degree program or field of study] student with a strong interest in finance, I am excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this field.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or finance-related experience. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the internship and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s financial initiatives.

Journalism Internship Template

[Hiring Manager's Name] [Publication Name] [Publication Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

I am writing to apply for the Journalism Internship at [Publication Name]. As a [Your degree program or field of study] student with a passion for journalism, I am excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this field.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or journalism-related experience. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the internship and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Publication Name]'s editorial team.

[Your Signature] [Your Name]Template for a Design Internship

Technology Internship Template

I am writing to apply for the Technology Internship at [Company Name]. As a [Your degree program or field of study] student with a strong interest in technology, I am excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this field.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or technology-related experience. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the internship and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s technology initiatives.

Public Relations Internship Template

I am writing to apply for the Public Relations Internship at [Company Name]. As a [Your degree program or field of study] student with a passion for communication, I am excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this field.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or communication-related experience. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the internship and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s public relations initiatives.

Education Internship Template

[Hiring Manager's Name] [School Name] [School Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

I am writing to apply for the Education Internship at [School Name]. As a [Your degree program or field of study] student with a passion for teaching, I am excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this field.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or teaching-related experience. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the internship and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [School Name]'s educational initiatives.

Cover letter templates for entry level jobs

Basic entry-level template.

I am writing to apply for the [Position Name] role at [Company Name]. As a recent [Your degree or educational program], I am excited to begin my career in [Industry] and believe that this position would be an excellent opportunity to do so.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and explain your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight your relevant coursework, internships, or extracurricular activities. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the position and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name].

Entry-Level Marketing Template

I am writing to apply for the [Position Name] role at [Company Name]. As a recent graduate with a degree in Marketing, I am excited to begin my career in this field and believe that this position would be an excellent opportunity to do so.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and explain your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or internships. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the position and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s marketing initiatives.

Entry-Level Human Resources Template

I am writing to apply for the [Position Name] role at [Company Name]. As a recent graduate with a degree in Human Resources, I am excited about the opportunity to begin my career in this field and believe that this position would be an excellent opportunity to do so.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s HR initiatives.

Entry-Level Graphic Design Template

I am writing to apply for the [Position Name] role at [Company Name]. As a recent graduate with a degree in Graphic Design, I am excited to begin my career in this field and believe that this position would be an excellent opportunity to do so.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and explain your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or design projects. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the position and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s design initiatives.

General Cover letter templates

Job application template.

I am writing to express my interest in the [Position Name] role at [Company Name]. As a [Your current or most recent position] with [Number of years of experience], I am confident that I possess the skills and qualifications necessary to excel in this position.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight your relevant experience and skills. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the position and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Career Change Template

I am writing to express my interest in the [Position Name] role at [Company Name]. Although my background is in [Your previous career or industry], I am eager to pursue a new career path in [New career or industry] and believe that this position would be an excellent opportunity to do so.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and explain your career change. In the second paragraph, highlight your transferable skills and any relevant experience. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the position and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Find the right jobs for you. Get hired.

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How to Write a Cover Letter for Internship (Examples & Template)

You’ve found the perfect internship and it’s now time to apply and land the position!

But, in addition to your resume, you also have to write an internship cover letter.

You might end up staring at the blank Word document for hours and nothing comes out.

We don’t blame you; cover letters are hard to write even if you have a decade’s worth of work experience, let alone if you’re a recent graduate or a student.

Worry not, though; in this article, we’re going to teach you all you need to know to write a compelling cover letter for your internship.

• Do you need a cover letter for an internship?
• How to write a compelling cover letter for an internship
• Plug and play internship cover letter template

Do I Need a Cover Letter for an Internship?

First things first—if you’re wondering whether you actually need a cover letter for your internship application, the answer is yes . 

An internship application is just like any other hiring process, meaning that a recruiter will go over your resume , cover letter (and maybe even references), and decide whether you’re qualified for the position. 

And yes, recruiters contrary to what you might think, recruiters do read your cover letter. 56% of recruiters prefer a cover letter with an applicant’s application.

This is reasonable - a cover letter allows you to add essential information you didn’t have space for in a resume, as well as explain (in words) how your experiences are tied to the role you’re applying for.

As such, a cover letter for an internship is essential and complementary to your application package.

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s go over all the best ways to write a cover letter for an internship. 

How to Write a Cover Letter for Internship

#1. respect the format.

Before you can focus on your cover letter’s contents, you should first make sure you’re sticking to the right format. 

Otherwise, your cover letter will be disorganized and the recruiter will have a hard time following your train of thought.

So, here’s the format that your cover letter for an internship should follow: 

• Header with contact information. This includes your full name, professional email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile (if you have one). Underneath your contact info, you should add the date and the receiver’s information (the recruiter’s name and title, the company/organization name, and their physical address). 
• Addressing the recruiter. Greeting the recruiter with “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern” is common, but not the best approach. Want to show the hiring manager that you did your research? We recommend you address the hiring manager by name directly. Our guide on how to address a cover letter covers everything you need to know on this topic!      
• Opening statement. Your opening statement should be brief, but at the same time professional and attention-grabbing. Here, you introduce yourself, mention the position you’re applying for, and potentially a key achievement or two.   
• Body. The body of your cover letter consists of 2-3 paragraphs where you highlight your education, provide background for your skills, and explain how you (and the company) would benefit from each other professionally. 
• Closing paragraph. Your closing paragraph is your chance to include a call to action, to thank the recruiters for their time, or mention anything important you left out. 
• Formal salutation. End your cover letter with a formal salutation such as “kind regards,” “sincerely,” or “best regards.” Our guide on how to end a cover letter can teach you all you need to know on the topic. 

Having trouble getting started with your cover letter? Read our guide on how to start a cover letter and get inspired!

#2. State the Position You’re Applying For in the Opening

Recruiters hate one-size-fits-all cover letters and resumes.

Around 48% of recruiters and hiring managers aren’t even going to read your cover letter if it’s not customized to the role you’re applying for.

And one of the easiest ways to do this is by mentioning the role you’re applying for right in the cover letter opening.

This allows you to:

• Show that you will be tailoring the rest of your cover letter for that position alone.
• Prove that your cover letter is customized for this specific internship, and you’re not just randomly applying for the job,

Here’s a practical example of how you can mention the role you’re applying for in the cover letter opening:

Dear Mr. Jacobs, 

It is my pleasure to apply for the Communications Assistant internship position at the United Nations Development Programme. I can confidently say based on my 2-year experience working as a journalist and my excellent academic results in the Mass Communications Major that I’d be a good fit for the position. 

#3. Mention the Right Keywords

When reviewing your application, hiring managers tend to scan your cover letter or resume and look for the right keywords that would make you qualified for the internship you’re applying for.

E.g. If you're applying for a job in graphic design, the recruiter is probably looking for keywords like “Photoshop,” “Illustrator,” or “InDesign.”

As such, it’s very important to include the right keywords in your cover letter.

How can you find these keywords, you might ask?

It’s actually pretty simple - just look at the internship job description and go through the required skills & responsibilities and identify the keywords that you’d think the recruiter would be looking for.

Then, do the following:

• Sprinkle some of those keywords throughout your cover letter. When relevant, back them up with an experience. E.g. don’t just say “I’m good at Photoshop,” say how you’ve taken 3 different Photoshop classes and used Photoshop for 2 different projects.
• Don’t include keywords that don’t apply to you, they’ll just make it seem like you’re copy-pasting from the job description.
• Research and add other popular soft skills that recruiters look for in applicants for the role you’re applying for. E.g. If you’re applying for an internship as a communications assistant, chances are, you’ll need strong communication skills (even if this is not something listed in the job description.

Now, let’s look at a practical example. Let’s say that the internship you’re applying for requires the following skills:

• Communication
• Ability to meet strict deadlines

Here’s how you’d mention this in your cover letter:

During my time as Editor in Chief at my University’s newspaper, I got to develop my communication and leadership skills significantly. For over two years, I was in charge of a 7 people team, which also helped my teamwork skills and my ability to meet deadlines. 

Keep in mind, though, that it IS possible to overdo it with the keywords.

44% of hiring managers say they will dismiss a resume or cover letter that looks as if it has copied the job posting. 

Using each and every keyword mentioned in the job description (without backing the skills up with experiences) might cause the hiring manager to think that you’re just copying the job ad & don’t actually have these skills.

So, don’t just copy-paste all the keywords from the job description, and if you DO mention a lot of those keywords, make sure to back them up with practical experiences.

#4. Highlight Your Education

If you don’t have a lot of work experience, your education and relevant coursework is your best chance to show that you’re a good fit for the internship. 

Letting the recruiter know what kind of courses you’ve completed that are relevant to the internship you’re applying for will be a big plus for your application. 

Say, for example, that you’re applying for an internship as a graphic designer. To make your internship cover letter impactful, make sure to mention all the relevant courses and related accomplishments. 

Here’s an example of how you could do that:

As a Visual Design major, I have completed several courses that have helped me build my professional portfolio. A few of the most beneficial ones have been Design & Layout and Visual Communication: Theory and Practice. I have also gained valuable experience doing the layout of the university’s newspaper for 4 years and of several books as independent projects. 

#5. Provide Background For Your Skills

It’s one thing to just claim that you have a set of skills and another to prove it. 

Anyone can say that they’re great at doing something, but what makes all the difference is when you can actually put your money where your mouth is. 

For example, in your internship cover letter, instead of just mentioning that you have “good time-management skills,” actually back it up with a past experience that proves it.

During the summers I assisted my family’s wedding planning business, I learned a lot about time management. In that kind of business, it’s important that things run like clockwork so in addition to time management skills, it also significantly improved my attention to detail. 

#6. Explain Why You’re a Good Fit For The Position

In addition to just listing out the skills that are relevant and beneficial for the internship, you should also explain why you are a good fit for the position. 

This means that you should connect the dots between what the company/organization is looking to gain from its interns and what you can do to provide those services. 

So, after you research and create an understanding of what is required of you, you should use your cover letter to explain why you’re a good fit for that position. 

For the sake of the example, let’s assume you’re applying for an internship at a Human Rights organization. A big chunk of what the role requires is categorizing virtual files of the cases the organization has worked on in the past.

What you want to do, in this case, is show how you can help with that particular job as an intern. Here’s how:  

I have spent 3 summers working at the National Library, where I was tasked to sort and categorize books based on their topic, author, and year of publication, and also memorize where each section fits in the library. I believe this skill, which I have perfected over the years, can really be of use for the internship position at Organization X.

#7. Describe What You Would Gain Professionally

In addition to showing (and proving) your skills and how you can benefit the company, you should also explain how getting the position will benefit YOU . 

When it comes to internships, oftentimes they serve the purpose of helping students and young professionals acquire in-depth knowledge about the industry, create a network, and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their careers. 

So, it will surely help you make an even better impression if you show that you are self-aware about what you’ll get out of the internship and how it will help you grow professionally. 

Here’s how you can do that: 

I am excited for this internship to provide me with the necessary customer service skills and network that will help me grow professionally in my future career as a customer service manager. 

#8. Proofread Your Cover Letter

After all, is written and done, there’s one final thing to do and that is make sure your cover letter doesn’t have mistakes. 

A spelling or grammar mistake probably won’t disqualify you, but at the same time, it will probably be a red flag for recruiters that you’re not too attentive.

For this reason, ask a friend to proofread your cover letter or use spell-checking software such as Grammarly and Hemingway . 

Want to know what other cover letter mistakes you should avoid? Our guide on cover letter mistakes has all you need to know on the topic! 

#9. Match Your Cover Letter & Resume Designs

Want your internship application to truly shine?

Match your cover letter design with your resume!

Sure, you could go with a generic Word cover letter template, but why fit in when you can stand out?

At Novorésumé, all our resume templates come with a matching cover letter template , guaranteed to make your application truly special.

Cover Letter for Internship Template

Struggling to create a cover letter for your internship?

Simply follow our tried-and-tested internship cover letter template!

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! You should now have all the necessary information about how to create a cover letter for an internship.

Now, let’s do a small recap of the key learning points we just covered:

• Cover letters are a must when you’re applying for an internship.
• When you start writing your cover letter, make sure you respect the format: the header with contact information, the greeting to the recruiter, an opening paragraph, the body with 2-3 paragraphs, and a closing paragraph followed by an official salutation and your name.
• Some of our main tips on how to write a cover letter for an internship include: state the position you’re applying for, make use of the right keywords, and back up your skills with experiences.
• Use a cover letter builder and match it with your resume to make sure your cover letter truly stands out from the rest.

Related Readings: 

• Entry-level Cover Letter
• Do I Need a Cover Letter in 2024?
• Top 21 Cover Letter Tips

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5 Samples Of Cover Letter For Internship With No Experience

When you don’t have much experience in the field you’re applying to, writing a cover letter can feel like a daunting task. While you might be tempted to submit your application without one, that would be a big mistake. So, here in this article let’s know about how to write a cover letter for internship with no experience.

Table of Contents

What Is A Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a document approximately one page long that supports your resume and highlights any skills, qualifications, experience, or other information related to the position you’re applying for.

A thoughtful cover letter is one of the best advantages you can give yourself when it comes to showing a hiring manager that your lack of experience won’t be an issue.

That’s because a cover letter is a tool that allows you to explain your motivations, strengths, and goals – even with no experience. View that blank page as an opportunity to begin your story of why you deserve a chance.

What To Include In Your Cover Letter:

A good cover letter should include:

• your name, email address, and phone number at the top of the page on the right
• the name of the employer and the contact person’s full name on the left
• a reference line – ‘Re: Application for Casual Retail Sales Assistant position’
• an address to the reader directly
• an opening statement that briefly introduces you to the reader
• the main body that highlights qualities and characteristics you have that are relevant to the job
• a closing paragraph asking to arrange an interview.

Mistakes To Avoid To Write A No Experience Cover Letter:

When you don’t have the experience to put on your cover letter, you have to work a bit harder to show a hiring manager why they should take a chance on you. Don’t let these three common mistakes get in the way of that message.

Poor Formatting:

Professional formatting can go a long way in making up for the experience you lack. Make sure your cover letter includes a well-organized header with your name and contact information. A touch of color can also help to create an attractive presentation.

Spelling and Grammar Mistakes:

These little errors can cost you big time when the hiring manager decides you don’t have enough focus or attention to detail for their opening. Luckily you can avoid these mistakes with spell check or by asking a friend to proofread.

Generic Cover Letter:

Even though you’re not an expert in the field, you should still have some idea of your goals and interests. A generic cover letter sent to many hiring managers says just the opposite.

In order to avoid looking desperate to land any job that comes your way, you’ll want to tailor each cover letter to the specific company and position you’re applying for using details from the job description.

How To Write A No Experience Cover Letter For Internship:

Good internships aren’t easy to land, especially if you’re applying to intern at a well-known company. If you’re a student with little or no relevant experience, it’s challenging to convince employers you’re the person they should choose for the position. That’s where an internship cover letter comes in.

When crafting your cover letter, you should include important information relevant to the position that will make the hiring manager believe you’re a good fit for their position and company. The steps below explain how to write a cover letter with no experience.

Greet The Hiring Manager:

Start with a formal greeting by saying, “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.” If you already know the name of the hiring manager, list their name in the salutation.

Next, introduce yourself to the reader by saying your name and your excitement about the job opportunity. Mention the exact job title you’re applying for along with where you saw the position or how you learned about the job.

If a friend or colleague who previously or currently works for the company referred you to the position, you can mention their name in this section once you’ve received permission from them to do so. Your introduction should be around two to three sentences long.

Explain Your Qualification And Skills:

This is the section of your cover letter where you can mention your skills and how they align with the position. Since you have no previous work experience, you can talk about your educational experience and how the courses you’ve taken have helped prepare you for the position. You can also mention awards and achievements you’ve received that may benefit the company.

For example, if you were president of an academic club at your university, highlight this in your cover letter. Explain that being elected president helped you develop and enhance your leadership skills, which you can apply toward the position you’re applying for.

Focus On Motivation and Passion:

Internships are designed to be entry-level positions. Most hiring managers aren’t expecting you to have a lot of formal work experience.

Instead, hiring managers are looking for interns who have the enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. These qualities show you’ll take full advantage of the training you’re given.

Communicating your passion is difficult to do through your resume. It’s essential that your cover letter conveys this passion by highlighting your motivations and convincing the employer you’re the right person for the internship.

Explain Why You Are The Best Suit For The Position:

Throughout your two body paragraphs, you should detail why you’re the best fit for the role and the company. This can be a great time to mention the values or goals you share with the company by mentioning that you read their website and agree with their specific values.

Employers are often pleased to learn about your dedication and interest in learning more about the company and that your personality may align well with their employees’ personalities.

This is also a great time to mention your passion for the role and that you’re excited to learn more. You can even outline a few of the responsibilities mentioned in the job posting and explain your enthusiasm to gain those skills and experience.

Employers are often looking for employees passionate about the role and who will put their best effort toward delivering valuable work. Some employers may value this more than experience, which can help put you ahead of other candidates with experience.

Ask For An Interview:

The last paragraph should express your interest in the position once again. You can also mention your enthusiasm for the role and how you want to speak with them again.

Your chances of getting an interview after requesting one in your cover letter may increase, so try to ask for one in your final paragraph.

Thank the reader for their time. To formally end your letter, you can write, “Sincerely , ” followed by your full name at the bottom of the document.

Conclusion Of Your Cover Letter:

End your cover letter by reiterating why you’re the best candidate and expressing your interest once again in the position.

And ask them for the interview! It’s surprising but most job seekers don’t do this, and it’s been shown to improve your chances of getting a call to come in for an interview!

To conclude your cover letter by thanking the reader for the time they took to review your application and tell them you’d like to find a time to meet for an interview to see if it might be a good fit to work together.

To close, sign off formally. Try “Respectfully yours” or “Sincerely.”

Maintain Cover Letter Format Properly:

A cover letter for an internship position should follow certain formatting. For instance, your cover letter should be four paragraphs long and use up to about one full page. Although this might sound short, it’s still plenty of space to express your talents.

Send To The Hiring Manager:

When you’ve carefully reviewed your document and applied any edits, review it once more for formatting. If it looks ready to send, you can save it as a PDF.

Check the job posting to see if they mention how they would like to receive your cover letter. Most employers prefer cover letters as a PDF and but some require them as a word document.

The job posting should also explain how to submit the cover letter. You may be required to attach it to an application file or you may email it directly to the hiring manager.

Tips To Write A No Experience Cover Letter For an Internship:

A cover letter with no experience might actually take longer to compose than a cover letter where you are picking from the various chapters of your career story. When you do not have much to say you could say anything, so what you do say will be analyzed in detail.

Look at the personal qualities that are required from the job description and build your cover letter around them. See below tips and cover letter examples.

Use Business Letter Format:

Using a business letter format is an absolute must. It is a formal application, and standard protocol is mandatory. Not only that, but a business letter format helps to deliver structured content and gives a compact outlook.

Uniform margins on 4 edges of the application pages are elementary requisites to construct a formal cover letter. It gives an organized view of the information documented. Messing up your opportunity due to lack of margins is not something you would want to associate yourself with.

Maintaining a font size of 12 is appropriate for your cover letter and is widely accepted. This is to ensure uniformity in the text of the document and not haphazardly formatted text with irregular font size, which makes the document look tardy and unorganized.

Black is the go-to color while you are typing your cover letter for an internship. Blue is also accepted depending on the context. Do not try to experiment with your cover letter. Make it formal. Make it meticulously. Make it better than the rest.

Using a formal font like Arial, Cambria, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Verdana works well for formal communication or documents. Deviating to other fonts is not the brightest idea as many companies will lose interest immediately.

Text alignment should always be ‘Justify’ to maintain parity in the document. Any other alignment creates a cluttered effect on the face value of the letter. It is all about showcasing your talent and skills and why you are a good fit, and it all goes in vain with an unformatted content alignment.

You must remember that the employer does not have all day to read your cover letter. Therefore, you must keep the length of your cover letter application moderate, neither too long nor too curt, just the right length to win over your place in the organization.

Keep in mind to proofread your cover letter as many times as you can to give it the power of Midas touch. At the end of the day, it is all about delivering an eye-catching cover letter that can persuade the employer about your dedication and sincerity. A flawless cover letter is your first chance to make an impression. Make it count.

5 Sample Cover Letter For Internship With No Experience:

One of the most common situations where job seekers find themselves writing a great cover letter with no experience is when they are applying to their first job. If this is the case for you, it’s important to remember that everyone started somewhere and while you may have nothing to say on your cover letter that couldn’t be further from the truth!

Interns are not expected to have direct experience, but they are expected to have an interest in the industry and some transferrable skills to bring to the role.

Many companies take on interns to handle the more mundane aspects of various roles, but when you are surrounded by top professionals, some of their experience cannot help but rub off on you.

An intern cover letter with no experience should contain passion and logic in equal measure. You have to justify why you deserve that place ahead of countless others – after all, it is still a business decision to hire you.

So, see below 5 sample cover letters for an internship with no experience.

[Your Name]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

Name of Employer

[Company Name]

[Company Address]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am excited to apply for an [Position Name] position with [Company Name]. When I heard about the opening via [Place You Heard About It], I knew it was the right job for me considering my [skills, interests, other reasons that explain your interest].

As a [previous volunteer position or otherwise] I was able to [skill or experience completed] in order to [result accomplished]. I believe my [relevant skills] make me the right candidate for your position and will allow me to bring [examples of what you can offer the company].

While this would be my first professional experience as a [job title], I’ve demonstrated my ability to learn quickly and to adapt to various tasks as a member of [previous role]. There, I was able to [what you accomplished] in only [time period] after applying myself to the task and asking for assistance from more experienced colleagues when needed.

I would jump at the chance to put my [relevant skills or traits] to work for [company name] and hope to speak with you in the near future. You can reach me at [phone] or [email]. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

[Name Of The HR]

Hiring Manager

Dear [Name Of The HR]

As a final-year law student at Mumbai University, I was thrilled to see the internship opportunity at [Company Name]. Your lawyers’ spectacular win in the 2017 New Delhi animal sanctuary case is actually what inspired me to study law. I sincerely hope that my 95% CGPA, excellent knowledge of local legislation, and superb communication and organizational skills will make me a worthy candidate for this internship.

I understand that you’re looking for an intern who’s eager to learn, but also ready to provide immediate value to the firm as an assistant to your lawyers. I’m happy to report that:

• During my first-year internship at GHA Law Firm, I successfully assisted in gathering and preparing materials for 5 court cases, with 100% accuracy.
• Two lawyers at GHA commended me for my time management and organizational skills.
• Thanks to my outstanding academic achievements in law-related topics, I’ve made it onto the Dean’s list every semester during my degree.

It’s incredibly inspiring that you choose your cases not on the basis of their profitability, but on the potential social impact they will have. Your work really matters, and I’d love to be part of the change. I want to make a positive difference, too, and I believe that starts with the chance to learn from the best at [Company Name].

I’d love to discuss in more detail how my skills and knowledge could become an asset to [Company Name]. My methodical approach can be highly useful in finding ever more efficient ways to manage your firm’s caseload and prepare documents for your lawyers.

Best regards,

[Hiring Manager’s Name] [Company Address] [Company Address] [Email Address]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I’m writing to you regarding the marketing role that opened up recently. I came across the job description on [Website Name], and was delighted to find that my academic accomplishments meet all of the necessary requirements. I am seeking a challenging but rewarding internship, which is why I was drawn to this exciting opportunity.

As a junior marketing student at the University of Georgia, I have acquired skills in advertising, PR, product development, and market research. Currently, I hold a 3.8 GPA and have been on the Dean’s List every semester. While in the college of business I have strategically focused my coursework in the following areas:

• Marketing Analytics
• Marketing Management
• Survey Research
• Strategic Internet Marketing
• Integrated Marketing Communications

Using my knowledge of the above, I designed a marketing campaign for a local pet grooming business that yielded the highest return on investment based on a budget. The campaign was so well received that I was awarded third place in UGA’s business plan competition.

I would be delighted to have an opportunity to personally interview you. Please accept the enclosed resume and feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

[Your name]

[Your Full Address]

[Your Email]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

Dear Sir/Ma’am,

I am writing for the summer internship program for the Android Developer position at your company. With my prolonged knowledge acquiring perseverance, and exposure to multiple projects, I sincerely believe I am an apt fit for the role.

I have spent 4 years for my undergrad at XYZ University, during the course of which I have learned Android Architecture, OpenGL, and working with XML/JSON. It has made me adept in the android app-building process and can also further add value to your application wire-framing team.

I have been involved with a start-up that is working to develop an application (name the app) that can help you track a lost mobile phone with just its IMEI. The initiative has seen immense success and is today used by local and global authorities to locate mobile phones of criminals or other offenders of the law.

My one-year stint with the company has not only been instrumental in understanding the various stages of app development but also to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously while adhering to the job requisites along with leadership. I have developed an in-depth knowledge of the market trend of applications and can add value to the developing team.

Your organization is an ideal opportunity to hone my skills and become a vital cog in your team and achieve new heights.

I’m looking forward to your response.

{Your Address]

[Manager’s Name]

I am interested in applying for the post of backend engineering intern in your organization. This is apt for someone who has specialized in computer science and server optimization.

I have completed my undergrads from [College Name], and further specialized in frontend development. My past experience in an MNC as an intern has given me the tools to deal with deadlines and strict adherence to client requirements is my top priority.

I hope you will consider my application and would let me be an impetus for your business growth with my innovative and out-of-box thinking and would be an able helping hand to your team.

Your company has all the necessary scope to help develop a buddying frontend engineer, and I want to be a contributor to the ventures of the company. With my keen observational, and communication skills and quick problem-solving and decision-making ability, I am confident of bringing a positive impact on team performance.

I hope to hear from you soon so that we can set up a meeting and discuss how I can contribute to your esteemed organization.

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Internship Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Text Examples

How To Write an Internship Cover Letter

When writing your cover letter for an internship, focus on how you can quickly apply course concepts at the company that posted the position. Also, emphasize the related skills you’ve gained through your school, work, or other life experiences so far. This guide offers cover letter examples and tips for landing an internship.

Internship Cover Letter Templates and Examples

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Internship Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

Mackenzie Martin Business Administration Student | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | St. Louis, MO 63101 | LinkedIn

January 1, 2024

Andrea Tarentino Recruiting Manager Creative Communications, Inc. (314) 987-6543 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Tarentino:

At Prairie Landing Business College, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA for seven consecutive semesters. I’ve also worked as an administrative assistant in the bursar’s office for two years, processing financial aid and tuition payments.

I’m passionate about the business world, so I’m completing my bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in digital marketing. The skills I’ve gained through my degree program will help me excel as a marketing intern at Creative Communications, Inc.

Here are three of my achievements to date:

• Participated in more than 30 events for DECA’s Competitive Events Program and received several recognition awards
• Won first place in the St. Louis Regional Library’s annual junior business leaders competition
• Maintained perfect attendance for six out of seven semesters at Prairie Landing Business College

I look forward to possibly speaking with you more about how I can support your organization. Please let me know a date and time that works well for you to discuss the opportunity. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Mackenzie Martin

Gertrude McDaniel Marketing Supervisor | [email protected] | (434) 395-9244 | Atlantic City, NJ 54321 | LinkedIn

January 11, 2024

Sidney Brockley Senior Hiring Manager BigAds Agency (323) 386-3948 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Brockley:

After a successful career in traditional marketing, I recently earned a master’s degree in digital marketing. I’d love the chance to add value to your organization while gaining experience in this fast-growing sector.

For the past six years, I’ve served as a marketing supervisor for the global brand Molson Coors. My team played a key role in recent changes that modernized the company and led to 5% growth within a year.

I would be delighted to bring the knowledge I’ve gained about digital marketing to BigAds as an intern. Below are three more of my achievements to date:

• Trained and motivated team members, helping the department set a new staff retention record of 96%
• Pinpointed areas of overspending and helped make significant Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) improvements
• Raised my company’s marketing return on investment (ROI) by 2% in 2019 and 4% in 2020

After reading your company’s values and mission statement, I’m certain my skills and attitude align with the culture at BigAds. Please let me know the best time for an interview. I appreciate your time and look forward to possibly hearing from you soon.

Gertrude McDaniel

Maria Esperanza Data Scientist | [email protected] | (123) 878-0990 | Los Alamos, NM 50557 | LinkedIn

Jenny Medina Senior Hiring Manager Viome, Inc. (373) 232-7224 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Medina:

My advanced work experience in applied statistics, SQL, and Python makes me an ideal candidate for the internship position at Viome. In my current role, I implemented big data analysis techniques and learning algorithms that optimized classifiers across the company.

Mathematics and wellness are my two main passions, as shown by my bachelor’s degree in applied statistics, master’s degree in nutrition, and pursuit of a Ph.D. in data science. Recently, I started working toward the Data Science Council of America (DASCA) Senior Data Scientist (SDS) award.

I would love the chance to work at your high-tech startup. The skills I’ve acquired can transfer perfectly from a business-driven data science role to a dynamic smaller company with a humanitarian mission. My achievements include:

• Using data mining techniques and machine learning to forecast product sales with 96% accuracy
• Performing ad-hoc social media analyses to help the sales and marketing department streamline the acquisitions process

I’d be delighted to set up an interview so we can discuss your company’s internship program further. Please let me know a date and time that suits you. Thank you very much for your consideration.

Maria Esperanza

A great internship cover letter usually has five sections, outlined below. When possible, connect each section back to your relevant entry-level skills and the employer’s internship program. The following advice and examples show what to include in your cover letter so it’s optimized for each intern opportunity.

At the top of the page, include your resume contact header, the date, and any contact details you have for your recipient. To set a clear focus, add a professional title to your contact header. In the internship cover letter example below, see how the title “Business Administration Student” quickly reveals the applicant’s career direction and knowledge base.

(Note: Feel free to omit this section if you send your letter as an email message and your contact information is part of your email signature.)

2. Salutation

Whenever you can, address your recipient by name – it’s the fastest way to signal you’re sending a custom letter and not a boilerplate. If you can’t find the recipient’s name, use “Dear Internship Coordinator” or a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager” so your greeting is still tailored somewhat to each opportunity.

Dear BigAds Agency Hiring Manager:

3. “Hook” or introduction

To catch the reader’s attention, start your letter with a specific achievement or key qualification the company is looking for. Choose a highlight that shows you can quickly build knowledge and apply new skills. This highlight will likely come from your degree program but could also be any related work or volunteer experience you have. (Consult your resume bullet points for ideas.)

4. Body paragraph(s)

Use the main section of your letter to tell why you’re drawn to this internship or employer. For instance, maybe the work overlaps with one of your recent school papers or projects. Or the company’s product set or mission statement appeals to you and the direction you’d like to take your career.

Following this explanation, cite two or three more of your main skills or achievements , possibly as bullet points.

5. Call to action

Finally, request an interview and thank the hiring manager for their time. Consider briefly restating why the position interests you and how you’d like to apply your education. To end your cover letter, use a simple closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards” and then your name.

Internship Cover Letter Tips

1. show you can quickly apply new knowledge.

Whether or not a company pays its interns, it must spend time and resources training and supervising them. That investment, and the short-term nature of these roles, means you need to show you can apply your skills and knowledge quickly. By demonstrating you’re a quick study, you can assure hiring managers you’ll add value even if your role is limited or temporary.

2. Highlight your relevant skills and traits

Great interns are usually open-minded, collaborative, reliable, and resourceful. View your own experience through that lens. Have certain courses or part-time jobs allowed you to develop any or all of those qualities? Mention them on your cover letter, possibly as bullet points, so they stand out from your other information.

3. When in doubt, brainstorm

Any time you’re stuck on a section of your cover letter, take 10 minutes to jot down your thoughts on a separate document or sheet of paper. By pausing to think more creatively, you can jog your memory and find new details to include about your experience. Brainstorming also helps you figure out the best and most original way to describe that experience, giving your letter the confident tone it needs to catch a hiring manager’s attention.

Internship Cover Letter Frequently Asked Questions

Should i tailor my cover letter for each internship -.

Yes. The main advantage of a cover letter over a resume is it lets you speak directly to the hiring manager about why you fit the role. By tailoring your letter to each internship, you can make the most of this advantage and boost your chances of an interview.

How do I write a cover letter with no work experience? -

Focus on your relevant academic, extracurricular, or volunteer experiences. No part of your letter needs to be about work. But every component should be about the knowledge, curiosity, and dedication you’ll bring to your internship. Even if you've never held a job, you can probably cite various ways you’ve developed these important qualities.

What should my cover letter’s design look like? -

Your resume’s. Carry over all of that document’s basic format settings , like font style, line spacing, and page margins. By styling your cover letter like your resume, you can make your intern application more cohesive and memorable.

Craft a new cover letter in minutes

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Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

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Internship Cover Letters: What To Write When You Have No Experience

Applying for any job can be challenging, but applying for an internship position brings some unique challenges of its own. Specifically, internships are usually offered for college students or law students who are looking to get their first experience in a particular field. Often, internships are highly competitive and require the applicants to be interested in a specific field. One tool to get noticed through the crowd even when you don't have experience is to have a stand-out cover letter.

What is a cover letter? A cover letter is an email or letter that accompanies your resume on internship applications. This document highlights the important skills, experience, and other qualifications that are directly related to the internship you are applying for. The cover letter should explain why you are the perfect fit for the position by connecting your qualities to the responsibilities of the internship.

An engaging cover letter is one of the best ways to make yourself stand out, but how do you do that when you have no experience? In this post, we will explore various parts of a cover letter and how to write it to highlight transferrable skills, your intent in the industry, and your passion.

No experience? No problem!

Just because you don't have experience doesn't mean you don't have anything to say on a cover letter. Consider the cover letter as an opportunity to show why you deserve that internship. You have skills that you have developed throughout your life to that point, and this is the perfect opportunity to showcase those skills alongside your interests and goals.

The first step in creating an internship cover letter with no experience is to research the company you are applying to. Carefully review the internship details and responsibilities and make note of key terms and skills they require or expect in that position. This is important, because you want to directly connect the internship and company requirements with your skills, interests, and goals. For example, if the internship position is at a law firm, they may be looking for someone with the ability to manage records and filing documents. You would use that information to highlight your organization skills.

Here is an example of the requirements section in a job post for a Legal Intern at Dataiku :

• Pursuing a J.D. or LL.M degree from an A.B.A. accredited law school
• Authorized to work in the United States
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Detail oriented and highly organized
• Self-starter who can meet deadlines

The bold words are examples of transferrable skills that you likely already have. In a cover letter for this position, one would want to write that they are detail oriented and are dedicated to meeting deadlines . This will communicate specifically that you have the exact skills they require in this internship.

Some types of skills you will likely need to showcase include:

• Problem solving
• Adaptability
• Time management
• Organization
• Verbal communication
• Customer service
• Computer skills
• Technical skills
• Marketing skills
• Critical thinking
• Conceptual skills

Note that you always want to customize your cover letter for each internship you are applying for.

One additional reason to do some research before writing your cover letter is that job application websites and human resources software now automatically filter applications based on certain keywords. This type of service is called Applicant Tracking Software (ATS). ATS is designed to help hiring managers filter through applications and save time in the hiring process. But if your cover letter and resume don't use the same keywords as the internship job post, then your application might get lost or ignored by the ATS.

What to write

The steps of making a cover letter are pretty straightforward, but each part is important when appealing to internships.

1. Contact information

You want the internship hiring manager to have no trouble contacting you, so be sure to list your contact information at the top of the cover letter. You will need to include your name, phone number, and email address. Place this information in the top left corner of the letter or, if you are feeling particularly professional, place it in the header in a letterhead format.

2. Employer information

Add the current date, and then if you know the employer's name and address add that under the date. This makes your cover letter more formal and professional.

3. Greeting

Add a salutation, such as "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Hiring Manager." If you know the name of the hiring manager, then use their name in the salutation. It is always a good idea to do some research to find out the hiring manager's name, if possible. This shows that you have researched the company and are very interested in their company.

4. Introduction

Next, you want to introduce yourself. Tell them your name and what internship you are interested in. Express your excitement about the opportunity. You may also want to specify how you heard about the internship, especially if you heard about it through someone who works at the company. Internships are often given to people who have contacts within a company, so don't be afraid to leverage your connections. This also shows resourcefulness. This paragraph should be no more than three sentences.

Example: "My name is Marissa Knightley, and I am excited to apply for the private detective internship at the Hidden Secrets Detective Agency. I heard about this internship from my friend, Nick Cross, who is a former client of yours. I believe my strong time-management and organization skills will help me excel in this internship."

5. Tell them your skills

Once you have introduced yourself, it's time for you to shine. This is where you will connect your skills with the internship requirements. With no applicable work experience to mention, instead talk about your education that has led you to this point, and maybe talk about some specific courses that have prepared you for the internship. If you have received any awards or achievements that would show relevance to the company, then include those as well. For example, if you were the president of a club at your college, discuss how that experience helped you develop leadership skills that will directly apply to the internship position. Keep this paragraph to five or six sentences.

Example: "As a recent graduate from the University of Maine, I gained strong researching experience through my journalism major, and further learned critical thinking skills with my criminology minor. As the president of the criminal investigations club, I led my fellow students in investigative journeys and communicated regularly with campus police and administrators. I can apply these same skills in this internship."

6. Tell them why you are the best fit

This third paragraph is where you will tell the hiring manager why you are the best fit for this internship. Write about how you share specific values or goals as the company, and express what it is you want to learn that they have to offer. If you read about the company on their website, let them know that. Getting an internship may rely more on your dedication, interest, and excitement about the position than on any direct work experience. List some of the responsibilities from the internship post and connect them directly to your enthusiasm, goals, and transferrable skills. Tell the hiring manager that you will put your best efforts into the internship, both to learn as much as possible and to deliver high quality work. This can put you ahead of other candidates. Keep this paragraph to about four sentences.

Example: "My dedication to research, organization, and communication within tight deadlines make me the perfect candidate for this internship. If I were selected to work as a private detective intern, I would enjoy expanding my skills in both office administration, client communication, and research. Your website mentions your passion for helping your clients get accurate information for their business and personal needs. I share this passion with you, as I felt very motivated to participate in the criminal investigations club to bring true and accurate information into the light."

7. Anticipate an interview

In this last paragraph, tell the hiring manager once more how interested you are in the internship. Then, before ending the internship cover letter, express that you would like to speak with them and ask when they might be available for an interview. Thank them for their time and consideration, then end the letter with a professional closing, such as "Sincerely."

Example: "I'm looking forward to speaking with you and learning more about your company. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Please let me know when you are available to arrange an interview. I hope to hear from you soon."

Header photo by deagreez .

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Cover Letter for Internship with no Experience: 09 Samples & Examples

Looking for Cover Letter for Internship with no Experience. If you’re looking for a way to jump-start your career, internships offer an excellent opportunity. Internships don’t just provide valuable work experience and networking opportunities; they also give employers the chance to see what type of worker you are before hiring you full-time. But how do interns with no previous experience get their foot in the door? So Here’s how! You can get any internship by using an attractive cover letter.

Cover letters can be tricky. You want to show that you’re a great fit for the position, but you don’t want to seem like you’re trying too hard or exaggerating your qualifications. And if you don’t have any experience in the field, how do you even begin to write such a letter? Don’t worry – we’re here to help. Therefore In this post, we’ll give you tips on how to write a cover letter for an internship with no experience. Keep reading for more information!

A cover letter is a must when applying for an internship, whether you have experience or not. When writing a cover letter for an internship with no experience, be sure to emphasize your strengths and how you can contribute to the company. You may also want to indicate why you are interested in the position and what you hope to learn from it. Tailor your letter specifically to the company and position you are applying for, and be confident in your abilities. Showing initiative and enthusiasm will demonstrate that you are motivated and passionate about learning new skills. By following these tips, you can create a strong cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition.

Cover Letter for Internship with no Experience sample

Dear Hiring Manager,

To start with I am applying to the  position of an accountant intern offered by your company. So, I have finished my four year college course on Accountancy followed by a one year post-graduate diploma in computing and accounts, also after my MBA. This is what compels me to look for the best career option as a finance specialist.  Actually, I have understood the fact that you are looking for an Accountant intern who can work as a team with your finance department and is responsible for preparing invoices, purchase orders, bills of exchange, etc.

I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that I am very interested in this job and that I am available for an interview.  I appreciate your considering my application and look forward hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Thanking you, Your Name

Internship Cover Letter Examples with no Experience

I am writing to you in order to explain why I believe that I would be a valuable addition to your company. I have recently graduated from College and as such would love the opportunity to gain some real world experience and learn new skills which will benefit my future endeavors.

The specific job opening for which I am applying is:

Position: Marketing Internship

I believe that my qualifications would be a perfect match for this position. I have assisted in planning and executing marketing strategies in the past, and understand. How important it is to follow through with precise execution in order to ensure flawless brand image. Please find attached my resume for your reference. Because, I would apologize for its length, but I believe it is important to highlight my experience and qualifications.

I hope that you will appreciate my interest in the position, and I would be happy to provide you with any additional information that you might require. My contact information can be found on my resume. THANK YOU for your time and consideration!

For More: Internship Cover Letter Examples:10 Samples & Templates

Student Cover Letter for Internship with no Experience

Respected Sir,

In response to your advertisement for the open internship program, I would like to apply as a _______ Intern.

I have done my Bachelors of Commerce from ____ University and am currently pursuing MBA in Marketing. After completing my education, I worked as an Accounts Manager with ____ Corporation for two years where I managed multiple projects and developed a team from scratch. I have been placed in many challenging situations where I had to manage multiple projects with limited resources at work. In addition, while interning for a local restaurant during my college days. So, I gained experience in customer service by dealing directly with clients.

I will be able to contribute my skills and experience to grow your establishment through effective planning, development, execution, and evaluation. So, I am able to work well within a team environment as well with minimal supervision. I am confident that with my qualifications outlined above, so I can help increase your revenue via customer relationship management.

So, I am attaching my CV along with this letter. I will contact you shortly for an interview at your convenience. Thank you very much for the opportunity.

Regards, Your Names

Sample Cover Letter for Engineering Internship With no Experience

Dear _________,

I’m writing to express interest in the _____ position that was advertised on Monster.com yesterday. I would like to request a meeting with you on May ____ at 10 am. In preparation for this interview, I have attached my resume and a copy of my transcript from the University of Engineering.

I am very interested in working as an engineering intern. Because it is a field that offers extensive opportunities for creativity, innovation, and new technology. Within the field of engineering, I am most interested in _____ because of my love for math and science.

I have attached my resume and transcripts to show you. So, that I have taken some relevant courses at University of Engineering, but more importantly, they demonstrate my strong work ethic. I look forward to meeting with you. Thank you for your consideration.

Cover Letter for Accounting Internship with no Experience

I am currently looking for Accounting Internships. Require someone who can work in team environment and also has great attention to detail.

Experience with technical accounting systems is beneficial but not required, as my strong knowledge of financial reports will allow me to succeed with or without this experience. I have looked at your website and believe I can contribute to your company.

My qualifications include: (Put your qualification here)

Bachelor of Business Degree majoring in Accounting at the University of Sydney.

I am eager to learn and take on new challenges, so if you are looking for someone with determination and a positive attitude I am interested in hearing more about your internship program. Thank you for your consideration; I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely, Your Name

For More: Cover Letter for Marketing Internship: 05 Sample ideas

It is my pleasure to send you my cover letter for an internship with your esteemed company. I am writing in response to the advertisement for an intern that was forwarded to me by…(name of person who referred you).

I have particularly interest in this position as an intern because. Because, This will give me the perfect opportunity to put into application the key skills that I have acquired during the course of my degree. So, During the past few years, I have been actively involved in research and have written several papers on (field/subject).

As a prospective intern with your company, I would be grateful if you could see your way clear to offer me an internship position…

I am enclosing herewith a copy of my CV. Thanking you, I remain hopeful of your positive response at the earliest.

Yours Sincerely, (Name) (Address) (Phone No.) (E-Mail ID).

I hope this blog post has given you some valuable information that will help you in your job search. If so, please share with your network. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn or Twitter for more career advice and insight to help you land the internship of your dreams. Because, When it comes down to cover letters, make sure yours is tailors to each company’s needs and requirements. Remember to highlight what makes YOU a great fit – not just how much experience you have had in a certain field. What do you think?

If it’s not too much to ask, please share with me what strategies have worked for you so far! Let us know in the comment section below how these tips work out for you and if there are any additional questions or concerns. Your feedback is always welcome- thank you for reading! so Let us know in the comment section below!

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Be part of the european hr community, create your own talent pool, find your perfect job, improve on your career with our career coach, how to write an internship cover letter with little to no experience.

• December 9, 2021

Applying for an internship with little to no experience is a daunting task. But don’t be discouraged, you will actually have a chance by writing a stunning cover letter along with your CV. In this article, we will guide you through the Do’s and Don’ts of internship cover letters , how to expand your skills, and give you some examples of different internship cover letters. 

Cover letter 101

In earlier articles, we discussed the basics of cover letters. Please make sure to check out “The best 10 tips to write the perfect cover lette r” and “30+ concrete ideas and tips for an English cover letter” , as there will be a ton of helpful advice and guidance on cover letters with little experience. There are many approaches to writing your motivational letter for internships, Here is a summary of the key takeaways with a focus on internship cover letters: 

Cover letter Do’s

• Before you start typing, take a moment and think about the open position and why you would be a great fit. 
• This is your chance to present yourself. Choose your words well . Sometimes less is more.  
• Keep it short, authentic, and interesting. 
• If you are lacking experience for the role, be truthful. There is no point in pretending to be someone else and there is definitely no shame in being an entry-level applicant. 
• Point out how your (even if only a few) existing skills and studies are going to be a contribution to the company. 
• Be an expert on what the company stands for, its mission & values. 
• Dare to send a stunning cover letter , instead of doubting that you are not good enough. 

Cover letter Don’ts

• There is a difference between confidence and pretense. Be aware of this fine line, when writing your internship cover letter with no experience.
• Only point out relevant prior work experience. Avoid talking about the one time at the age of 15 when you had a summer job in a café if you are trying to get an entry-level tech role in an elaborate company. 
• Avoid spelling and grammar errors. You must proofread your cover letter and CV in general.
• If applying to startups, you will have more room to write a less conventional cover letter. Nonetheless, bear in mind that an internship cover letter should also include a few essentials such as personal details (name, address, phone number), hiring manager’s name (if available), source of vacancy, suitability for the position, your “value add” to the company and a closing statement. Check out this article to find guidance on “How to nail your cover letter to join a startup company” . 

A chance to shine 

The basics of cover letters have been pointed out. Having only a little or even no previous work experience when applying for an internship is not necessarily a deal-breaker as the main aim of an internship is to gather experience, support full-time employees and simply dive into the company’s culture. Writing an impressive internship cover letter is the first hurdle to impressing HR. 

So take the chance to present yourself. You will have many more opportunities to prove yourself once you get the job. If you lack years of work experience, an important takeaway for this kind of entry-level position is that you can convey your passion for the field and role, as well as focus on your studies and your goals. Furthermore, a well-written cover letter can cover up for your (maybe semi-convincing) resume.

How to obtain more skills 

If you are at a point in your life, where every job opening seems out of reach due to a lack of experience and missing skill set, we recommend stepping back and thinking about how you could change this fact. In this day and age, the possibility for growth and additional training are endless. Consider online-learning program s , in-person training, finding a mentor, exploring online forums, and attending meet-ups to exchange skills. If you start looking for these opportunities, they will be there. Check out the next paragraph to find out which industries are wanted in 2022.

10 Top Employee Skills in 2022

According to edyoucated.org , tech-centered industries will still be high in demand in 2022. Please consider them as examples that are especially popular in the startup sector. Inform yourself, get to know them, maybe these industries are actually more interesting to you than you would have thought. 

• Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Web Development
• Cloud Computing
• Blockchain Computing
• Remote Communication & Collaboration
• Data and IT Security
• Stress Management
• Innovation Management

Examples of industry-specific cover letters

Do you want to become the leader of tomorrow but you are lacking work experience? No worries! Let’s start at the very beginning. Everyone has to start at some point. We want you to get a better feel for a well-written cover letter sample for internships with no experience. That is why we prepared two industry-specific cover letters for internships for you. The following industries are in high demand for startups. Here is a reminder of the most basic formatting rules for an internship cover letter: 

• Contact info in the header 
• Company contact info in the header 
• Address the hiring person (if possible) 
• In the first to third paragraph, you have the chance to explain why you are a great fit (including all the points we mentioned above) 
• Formal closing paragraph 

An example for Data Analyst is shown below or download it here for free.

Example template for UX/UI designer is shown below or download it here for free.

Bottom line 

Bear in mind, the company is not looking for a top performer, it is trying to fill the position with someone who is eager to learn and handles basic tasks well . So, do not worry if you do not have prior professional experience. Be sure to write an internship cover letter that is specific and intentional. Keep in mind that you have to convince the company in a few paragraphs why you are interested in their business, this specific role, and the particular tasks. Companies take interns not only to support existing employees but also to train these young professionals into capable, efficient future full-time employees. 

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Sample Cover Letter With No Experience in Field (And How to Write Yours)

By Biron Clark

Published: November 10, 2023

Cover Letters | Recent Grads

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

Writing an articulate cover letter is challenging for all job seekers. But if you have little or no work experience in a field, the stakes are higher. It’s more challenging to prove your value when you don’t have a series of professional accomplishments to back up your assertions. On the bright side, you probably have more to offer an employer than you realize. You just have to package your strengths the right way.

In this article, you’re going to learn how to write a cover letter for a job with no experience in that field. And we’ll look at a full sample after going through the steps.

Let’s get started…

How to Write a Cover Letter With No Experience

1. the main purpose of your cover letter with no experience.

The purpose of a cover letter is to complement your resume and convince more employers to interview you. You may refer to your resume when writing a cover letter for a job application, but you must expand upon points made in the resume when writing the cover letter.

The cover letter should breathe life into the points made in the resume, and create a compelling—or even emotional—narrative around your career hopes and aspirations . It’s your chance to tell your story and show that you have the passion and the drive to come into a job and make a difference.

And at the end, it should ASK for the interview. We’ll talk about that coming up. Let’s get started by going through how to write a cover letter with no experience, step-by-step…

2. Cover Letter Contact Information

When beginning a cover letter for a job application, start with your contact details in the top left-hand corner of the page. Include your name, city of residence, phone number, and email address. (To preserve your privacy, do not include your physical address). You should also include your LinkedIn URL. Next, write the name of the company you’re applying to, and its city of residence.

3. Your Salutation

Ideally, you address your reader by name in your salutation. Internet sleuthing may reveal the name of the hiring manager. If you can’t find a name, you have two options: call the organization and ask to learn more about the position, or write “Dear ” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”

This isn’t ideal, though. You should really only be sending a cover letter if you know the hiring manager’s name and have some specific information about the position. So if you know nothing specific about the hiring manager or job, and the company hasn’t asked for a cover letter specifically, then you probably don’t need to send it .

4. Cover Letter Introduction

Use this section of your cover letter to introduce yourself and share your enthusiasm and why you applied for the position .

Start with your name and provide some background on your strengths. Always identify the position you’re seeking and how you learned about it. If someone at the company told you about the job, then mention that person’s name (only after asking their permission, though). Aim for one to two sentences in your Introduction—keep it short, sweet, and precise.

Example Cover Letter Introduction with No Experience in the Field:

“Hello, my name is Grace Addington, and I’m a goal- and detail-oriented civil engineering graduate from Petaluma College. I was excited to learn about the Junior Engineer internship at Bay Area Rapid Transportation through my former classmate Katie Heinz.”

5. Body Paragraphs

Here comes the most critical part of writing a cover letter with no experience. The purpose of your body paragraphs (one to two brief paragraphs, tops) is to prove that you’re the best candidate for the position. Seeing as how you have little or no previous professional work experience to fall back on, you’ll want to place emphasis on soft skills —attributes of a personal nature that say a lot about your work ethic and ability to work in sync with others. Or, if you have job-related skills (AKA hard skills) from another type of role, point out how those skills will help you transition into this next job and succeed quickly.

That’s what hiring managers are looking for! So while it’s great to write about soft skills and put together a cover letter talking about how you’re willing to learn their job… it’s much better to point out any hands-on experience that you have. So if you’re able, always highlight that first and foremost.

For example, if you had an internship, worked in an unrelated field, did a few academic projects while studying, gave a presentation, etc., those are still valuable pieces to put on your resume AND in your cover letter.

Your resume likely already consists of part-time jobs or school activities or memberships in school associations that maybe aren’t 100% related to the job you’re going after.

Look closer, though—you’ve probably garnered skills in these experiences that can carry over to the job you’re applying for. Below are two examples of cover letter body paragraphs that hone in on two key phrases noted in a job advertisement as requirements: “strong interpersonal skills” and “positive work ethic.” You should be able to figure out pretty quickly which example hits the mark.

Let’s look at two sample paragraphs now from cover letters with no experience in a field:

“I am Twig & Twine’s ideal office manager. As my resume states, I served as an RA at my dorm. I know how to manage an array of things.”

“You’re looking for a candidate with strong interpersonal skills and a positive work ethic. While serving as an RA at Porter College’s main dormitory, I planned monthly social events for over 200 students, settled two to five student disputes per week, and mentored a select group of students in Composition. The experience taught me, rather quickly, how to efficiently multi-task, and how to effectively settle conflicts of all types in a calm, level-headed manner. I feel confident stating that I can bring these talents to Twig & Twine’s office manager position.”

The second example takes the duties that likely appeared in the RA position on the resume and then digs deep, illustrating how the tackling of those duties turned into accomplishments, and led the applicant to grow the crucial skills needed for the office manager position.

One last thing about body paragraphs—remember to frame your message around the employer’s needs, and not yours. Focus on what you can bring to the job, and how your talents will translate into success for the company. That’s important in any cover letter, and becomes even more crucial in a cover letter with no previous work experience.

6. Concluding Your Cover Letter

End your cover letter by reiterating why you’re the best candidate and express your interest once again in the position. And ask them for the interview! It’s surprising but most job seekers don’t do this, and it’s been shown to improve your chances of getting a call to come in for an interview!

So conclude your cover letter by thanking the reader for the time they took to review your application, and tell them you’d like to find a time to meet for an interview to see if it might be a good fit to work together. To close, sign off formally. Try “Respectfully yours” or “Sincerely.”

7. Proofread Everything

Before sending out your new cover letter, read it out loud to catch errors quickly. Ask a trustworthy person to read it as well. Nothing stops you from getting interviews faster than an obvious typo or error in your cover letter or resume, and you only have to check once, but make sure you’re checking it thoroughly!

8. Save it as a PDF

Once the content is finalized, save it as a PDF and title it “ Cover Letter” to prevent confusion. Voila! You’re done. If you follow the tips above, you’ll have a great cover letter with no experience so you can get interviews and job offers in this new field!

Sample Cover Letter With No Experience in Field:

Next, let’s look at a full sample of a cover letter that explains why you’d fit well in a role ( and why you chose to apply for this type of role ):

Dear Name, I’m writing to you regarding the Sales Associate job posting, which I believe reports to you. I can offer 5+ years of experience working directly with customers over the phone and in person, primarily in customer support. Although I haven’t worked directly in sales, my customer support experience has helped me build skills in communication, persuasion, and problem-solving, which I believe will translate well into selling software subscriptions for your firm. I’m motivated to transition into sales to continue challenging myself and growing in my career, and I’ve always enjoyed a challenge, which I think working in sales will provide me. I’ve attached my resume for your review. If any of the above sounds interesting, I’d welcome the chance to talk on the phone this week. Thanks for considering my note today. Best regards, Your Name

This cover letter is upfront and clear that you have no experience in the field of sales, but shows that you’re willing to learn and excited to learn this new job. That’s essential!

You don’t JUST want to say you’re willing to learn, though. You want to PROVE that you’ll be able to learn. That’s why this letter also mentions the experience you have that is most similar. In the case of the example above, it’s the customer service experience and communication skills.

While this person may not have sold anything to customers, they still interacted with customers directly, which will be seen as a plus.

One other thing you should always point out if possible: Experience working in the same industry. So if you’ve never done sales, but you did customer support in the exact same industry as the employer, that’s a huge plus… because it means you’ll have less learning needed on the job!

Other Articles That May Help You:

• 3 more tips for writing a cover letter that stands out.
• General tips for how to get a job with no experience.
• How to write the perfect resume “Summary” section with no experience.

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This really helped me

Thanks for this! Really helpful for me as a new graduate and non native English speaker. I’ve started using the steps here and am planning on sending a lot of applications this week to see how it works.

Thank you for the examples. I hav ea little bit of experience so I’m not writing the cover letter with absolutely no work experience but this still is helpful and seems to work for me.

One hiring manager told me that the reason they chose to call me was my cover letter.

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