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10 Steps to Write a Good Cover Letter That Will Get You an Internship
Are you looking for an internship? You will likely need to submit a cover letter with your application if you are. A good cover letter can help you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of being selected for an interview. This blog post will provide tips and ten steps to writing a good cover letter that will help you snag an internship.
Cover letters are important because they allow you to introduce yourself to a potential employer in a way that a resume cannot. They also show that you have taken the time to learn about the company and how you could be a valuable asset. The main goal of a cover letter is to persuade the reader to interview you.
Cover Letter vs Cover email
A cover letter should not be confused with a cover email, a brief email message accompanying your resume when you apply for a job. A cover email is less formal than a cover letter and can be sent as an attachment or in the body of the email.
The main goal of a cover email is to get your resume seen by the hiring manager. It is essential to personalize the email by writing it for a specific person, and it will also ensure your resume is formatted correctly. You should also highlight your skills and experience in the email and explain why you are interested in working for the company. Like a cover letter, a well-written cover can help you stand out from the competition.
10 Steps when writing your cover letter, keep these steps in mind:
1. Address your letter to a specific person
Do your research and find out the name of the person who is responsible for reviewing internship applications. Address your letter to them directly – this will show that you've put in the effort to personalize your application.
2. Start with a strong introduction.
Your introduction should be brief but catchy, and it should explain why you're interested in the position and what you bring to the table. Be sure to explain how your experience aligns with the company's needs.
3. Include Portfolio
Include a few examples of what you have done relevant to the position. Some good examples are internships, clubs, projects, freelance work, or anything else that demonstrates your skills and interests. If you don't have any internship experience yet, be creative and think about ways outside of an unpaid internship to do volunteer work or shadow someone in the industry on the side and demonstrate your interest and potential value as an employee. Just be sure to keep it professional – we aren't looking for reasons you should get an internship; we want real-life examples of things you've done.
4. Use strong action verbs throughout your letter.
Action verbs show that you are proactive and excited about the job. Some good examples are: organized, analyzed, communicated, developed, researched, etc.
5. Capture the reader's attention
In your introduction, you should explain why you are interested in the internship and what you hope to gain from it. Be sure to highlight your skills and experience related to the position. You want to capture the reader's attention and make them want to read more.
6. Explain why you are interested in the internship
In your body paragraphs, you should explain why you are interested in the internship and what you hope to gain from it. A cover letter is your opportunity to sell yourself and show the employer that you are a good fit for the position. You should highlight your skills and experience and explain how they will benefit the company.
7. Showcase your skills and experience related to the internship
In your cover letter, you should showcase your skills and knowledge related to the training. Your cover letter will help convince the employer that you are a good fit for the position. You can do this by discussing your previous work experience, academic achievements, or extracurricular activities.
8. Close with a firm conclusion
Your conclusion should reiterate your interest in the position and remind the employer why you are perfect for the job. You can also mention that you look forward to hearing from them soon.
9. Thank Them
Thank them for their time, and be sure to include your contact information to get in touch with you if they have any questions.
10. Proofread your letter for grammar and spelling errors
It is crucial to proofread your letter for grammar and spelling errors before sending it. A good letter shows the employer that you care about detail and are professional. You can write a good cover letter to get you an internship by following these steps.
Quick Bonus Tips
- Put the letter in standard business format
- Spell check and proofread your letter
- Address it properly
- Keep it short; three paragraphs are enough
- Don't lie, be truthful about everything you've done so far
- Make sure they know why you want to work for them
- Start each sentence with action verbs
- Be personal by using words the company uses on its website
- Have someone else look at it before sending it out
- Follow up if necessary
Conclusion
The ten steps listed above provide an essential guide for writing a great cover letter. However, every situation is unique, so make sure to tailor your letter to fit the specific job opening. And most importantly, be yourself - employers want to hire someone enthusiastic and passionate about the work they do.
Cover letters and emails are a vital part of the job application process, but they are not the only thing you need to worry about. Make sure your resume is up-to-date and well-organized and that you are familiar with the company's values and goals. Finally, practice interviewing to be prepared for the questions the hiring manager will ask you.