How to Write a Standout Cover Letter for Your First Internship
Landing your first internship is an exciting step toward building your career, but let’s be honest—writing a cover letter can feel intimidating, especially when you don’t have much work experience to showcase. The good news? A well-crafted cover letter isn’t about listing job titles; it’s about telling your story, highlighting your potential, and showing enthusiasm for the industry. Here’s how to write one that stands out.
Strong Hook
Start Strong: Hook the Reader from the Beginning
Hiring managers skim dozens (if not hundreds) of applications, so your opening line needs to grab their attention. Avoid the generic “I am writing to apply for the [internship role] at [company]” and instead, make it engaging. Try something like:
"As a [your major] student passionate about [industry], I was thrilled to discover the [internship role] at [company]. My coursework in [relevant subject] and hands-on experience with [project/volunteer work] make me excited to contribute to your team."
This opening immediately introduces your enthusiasm and qualifications in a compelling way.
Tailoring Letter
Tailor Your Letter to the Role
A cookie-cutter cover letter won’t impress anyone. Research the company and internship description, then customize your letter to align with what they’re looking for.
Mention the company’s mission or recent projects that excite you.
Highlight key skills they list in the job posting and connect them to your experiences.
Show how you can add value as an intern, not just what you hope to gain.
For example, if the role is in marketing, and you’ve done a class project analyzing social media trends, mention it! If it’s an engineering internship, reference a technical project you worked on.
Skills and Experience
Highlight Transferable Skills & Relevant Experience
Even if you don’t have formal work experience, you still have plenty to offer. Employers value soft skills like teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving just as much as technical know-how.
Here’s how to showcase your strengths:
Instead of:
“I don’t have direct experience in [industry], but I am eager to learn.”
Try:
“Through my role as [student organization/volunteer project], I developed strong collaboration and leadership skills, which I’m eager to apply in a professional setting. For example, I led a team of five students to [describe project], demonstrating my ability to [relevant skill].”
This approach highlights what you can do, not what you lack.
Concise & Impactful
Keep It Concise & Impactful
A cover letter should be one page max—keep it clear, direct, and focused. Use bullet points if needed to make key skills stand out.
Quick Checklist for a Winning Cover Letter:
✅ Strong opening that grabs attention
✅ Tailored content that aligns with the role
✅ Emphasis on relevant coursework, projects, and skills
✅ Concise, professional, and engaging tone
✅ Proper formatting (one page, readable font, clear structure)
CTA
End with a Confident Call to Action
Your closing paragraph should reinforce your interest and prompt the next step. Avoid passive endings like “I hope to hear from you.” Instead, try:
"I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to [company] and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with this role. Thank you for your time—I look forward to hearing from you."
And don’t forget to sign off professionally with “Best regards,” or “Sincerely,” followed by your name.
Need a Ready-to-Use Cover Letter Template?
Writing your first cover letter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Download our Entry-Level Internship Cover Letter Template and get a head start on crafting a compelling application!