When to use this letter
- Summer and semester internships
- Co-op programs and apprenticeships
- Fellowships and student programs that ask for a cover letter
Internship cover letter template
For an application portal or PDF.
The letter
[Your Name]
[City, State] · [Email] · [Phone] · [LinkedIn URL]
[Month Day, Year]
[Hiring Manager's Name][Company Name][City, State]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I'm applying for the [Internship Title] at [Company Name] for [Summer/Fall 20XX]. I'm a [year] studying [major] at [School], and I'm interested in [Company Name] because [specific reason, e.g. your team's work on accessible banking apps].
In [class or project], I [what you built or did, e.g. built a budgeting app in React with two classmates] and [result, e.g. 150 students used it during finals week]. I handled [your part, e.g. the front end and user testing], which taught me [skill from the posting, e.g. how to turn feedback into changes quickly].
Your posting mentions [requirement 1] and [requirement 2]. I've used [tool/skill] in [context] and I'm [quality, e.g. comfortable asking for feedback early]. I'd like to learn [what you hope to learn] while helping the team with [specific contribution].
I'm available from [start date] to [end date] for [hours/week]. I'd welcome the chance to talk about the internship. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
What each paragraph does
- Names the internship, your school, major and year.
- Uses a class or personal project as proof, with what you built and the result.
- Explains why this company and what you'd contribute while learning.
- Gives your dates and asks for a conversation.
Short email version
For a career fair follow-up or an email application.
The email
Subject: [Internship Title] application – [Your Name], [School]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I'm a [year] [major] student at [School] applying for the [Internship Title]. In [project], I [what you did and one result].
I'm available [dates] and would love to contribute to [team]. My resume is attached. Thank you!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips
- One project told well beats a list of courses: what it was, your part, the result.
- Name your availability dates. Recruiters plan internship cohorts around them.
- Say why this company specifically. A sentence about their product or team is enough.
- It's fine to say what you want to learn, but pair it with what you'll contribute.
- If you met someone from the company at a career fair, mention them by name.
More cover letter help
For the full four-paragraph structure, formatting and sending rules, see the cover letter template guide. For a finished letter in your field, browse cover letter examples by job. Your resume does the heavy lifting, so check it with the free ATS check before you send both.