Internship cover letter
Formal internship programmes are competitive so it's important that you assemble a strong cover letter. Our internship cover letter example shows you how
When applying for an internship you'll need to do your homework. Look carefully though the job advert to see what employers are asking for. Do your best to show how you match each requirement, usually through your current or previous experience. Even if your experience is not directly relevant, match what you can to what's needed. Find examples of your skills and attributes from other contexts for example innovation, teamwork, seeing things through from start to finish, etc.
Try to use some of the words from the advert in your cover letter. It's possible in a large company with many applications that letters will be pre-selected by auto-scanning. Even when someone reads each one, they skim the letters, looking for those that are interesting and/or meet their requirements.
As a current student or recent graduate recruiters will know that you'll be applying for all the internships you can find, so make sure each letter is well-tailored to the specific company. Tell employers something you like or admire about their company but don't lay it on too thick. You need to sound sincere.
You also need to make sure that you sound enthusiastic - you will be competing with many other hopefuls. Don't be afraid to allow aspects of your personality to show through. Faced with many applicants, recruiters want to see what makes you tick as an individual.
Please be aware that this is an example. Use this internship cover letter template to help generate ideas and structure your own document but avoid copying and pasting. Your cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for.
Meredith Evans The Lodge Lodge Lane Lodgetown Lodgeshire LG24 5XY evansmj@gmail.com 07111 223344
Bill Smith XYZ Publishing Book House Tome Street London EC5 7QJ
5th May 2023
Dear Mr Smith
One-year editorial internship at XYZ Publishing
I would like to apply for the one-year editorial internship advertised on your website. I am attaching my CV, as requested.
My ambition is a career in publishing and I am particularly interested in the art and history books, as well as the periodicals that you publish. As you can see from my CV, I graduated in journalism and am now studying for a Masters in publishing.
My research project focuses on the role of publishing in the promotion and public understanding of heritage through heritage events. I based this on my work (part paid, part voluntary) on the bicentenary celebrations in my university town. This brought me into contact with local organisations including schools. I produced a series of infoquizzes for Key Stage 1 and 2, (including commissioning artwork) and leaflets for adults to run alongside audioguides. My blog helped me to formulate my plans and to promote the project through marketing and engagement.
As well as confirming my passionate interest in communicating heritage to a wider audience, I developed skills in:
- negotiation, by liaising with the heritage industry, publishers and BiCentenary2022 partners, including local businesses
- time management, as I was doing this in the third year of my degree while completing my dissertation
- multi-tasking and project management to deliver within the bicentenary deadlines
- fact-checking, proofreading and editing.
I work part-time in a local branch of a national chain of booksellers where I'm usually based in the art history and heritage section, although I help out as needed throughout the shop. I enjoy developing my knowledge of books and periodicals in the field and using this to help customers.
All this whetted my appetite for a career in publishing and I'm eager to learn more from experienced staff in the art and heritage publishing world. I look forward to working with committed professionals. I am willing to do any tasks, as I want to experience all aspects of publishing.
I hope to be able to use my practical experience of creating and marketing an arts and heritage project, my project management skills and my enthusiasm for public engagement to make a contribution to the company.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
(sign your name here)
Meredith Evans
Find out more
- Read up on cover letters.
- Learn more about work experience and internships.