A powerful application letter can make all the difference between securing an internship that helps establish a strong foundation for your future career or losing an important opportunity. Unfortunately, knowing how much is at stake can make writing an application letter a challenging and stressful experience.If you are a student, you may feel unsure whether you have enough experience to write an effective letter. With limited job experience, it can be difficult to pinpoint relevant qualifications or skills to emphasize, and you may face the temptation to incorporate generic or general statements as filler sentences. However, failing to submit a personalized, focused, and concise application letter can deter managers from taking your application seriously or considering your application.For help creating a letter that captures and communicates the reasons you would be a great fit for the position, follow our application letter for internship templates.
ǀApplication Letter for Internship Templateǀ
Below is an internship application letter written by Emily Stevenson. Emily is in the third year of earning her Bachelor of Arts in Government. She hopes to build her resume by securing a government relations internship with a large transportation company. Although she doesn’t have extensive experience, she successfully pulls from the skills developed through her undergraduate education to demonstrate how she will excel in the position.
Dear Mrs. Anderson,
It is with great interest and excitement that I submit my resume for the government relations internship opportunity listed in the Texas A&M University Student Opportunity Guide. As a junior in the George Bush School of Government at Texas A&M, I have developed strong research, analytical, and communication skills that will enable me to contribute to the continued success of the company through consistently high-quality work.
Through more than 45 hours of upper-level coursework in government and political science, I have maintained a 3.92 GPA that reflects my commitment to responsibility, hard work, and attention to detail. I also believe my experience as the research assistant for Dr. Lynn Hartgrove has trained me the in thorough efficient discovery, examination, and communication of complex material necessary to successfully review and report on the proposed bills and policies relevant to Atlas Transportation’s interests. Extensive in-office hours have also equipped me with professional etiquette and the ability to to communicate effectively with business and government leaders.
Enclosed are my resume and current transcript. I look forward to meeting you to further discuss the position and any potential opportunities. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Emily Stevenson
ǀHow to Write an Application Letter for Internshipǀ
The purpose of this letter is to draw attention to the strengths, skills, and abilities that will enable you to succeed in the internship. As you connect your qualities and experience specifically to the company’s needs, you frame yourself as a promising candidate who both understands and can meet the challenges of the position. This can significantly increase your chances of impressing managers and landing interviews.
Before you even begin writing, it is important to start the process with research. First, try to find the name of the person who will most likely be reviewing your application or making the decision on hiring interns and address the letter directly to him or her. You should also take this opportunity to familiarize yourself with the company’s vision, purpose, and potential needs.
Keep your audience in mind and be professional from the very beginning of your letter. Clearly state the position you are pursuing, and pique the curiosity of the reader by including some of your most relevant qualities. You may also mention how you learned about the position, though it’s best to keep this brief and to the point.
The next paragraph should be the meatiest and most interesting portion of your letter. As demonstrated in our application letter for internship template, this section should expand on a few key elements of your resume and connect those skills and experiences specifically to the requirements or responsibilities of the position. Though you should keep the letter succinct for clarity and readability, it is important to include relevant details to demonstrate your knowledge of the employer.
Finally, end your letter on a strong note by indicating your interest in an interview. Refer to any additional documents you included, and be sure to thank the reader for his or her time.
ǀWhat to Avoid in Your Application Letter for Internshipǀ
The biggest mistake you can make in your application letter is to present yourself as uninformed or uninterested in the position by relying on predictable and trite generalities. Avoid boring form letters and custom tailor each application letter to the position for which you are applying. Company websites and even the internship posting itself can provide helpful information about the company’s goals and needs.
Although details and specifics can strengthen your letter, unnecessary verbosity can sabotage your letter. For maximum impact, focus only on your most applicable qualifications and restrict the letter to around a half page in length. You may only have a few seconds to impress the employer, so it’s important to concentrate on readability and make every line count.
Finally, exaggeration or unsubstantiated claims can deter employers from considering you as an internship candidate. Be honest, and provide at least one or two examples for each statement you make about your skills.
ǀHow to Follow Up After Sending Your Application Letter for Internshipǀ
Waiting to hear back about an internship opportunity can be stressful, but it’s important to have patience. The first and most important rule about following up after you submit your application letter is to follow to the requests of the employer or organization. If the application specifically asks that applicants not contact the employer, it is crucial to adhere to that. Otherwise, it may be appropriate to reach out by e-mail if you haven’t heard back in at least two weeks. Try to e-mail the person you originally communicated with about the position. This provides him or her the opportunity to review your application status and record any correspondence with you. If you still don’t have any luck getting a response, you may call.
ǀTop 5 Application Letter for Internship Writing Takeawaysǀ
1. Don’t let the pressure paralyze you
The application letter writing process may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Using a template can provide the inspiration and direction you need to craft a powerful letter that helps you stand out to employers.
2. Research, research, research
No matter how talented, accomplished, or smart you are, a vague form letter may land your application immediately in the employer’s “no” pile. A little research goes a long way in demonstrating your attention to detail and dedication to quality work.
3. Include specifics
Although it’s best to keep the letter brief, specifics can maximize the impact of each sentence. For example, don’t just mention your commitment to hard work; demonstrate it through your relevant accomplishments.
4. Don’t focus too much on yourself
It may sound counterintuitive, but your application letter isn’t really about you. It is primarily about the company and what they’re looking for. The goal is to capture their interest by communicating how you can meet their needs and excel on their team.
5. Be professional
If you are a college student, this is even more important. Demonstrate consistent professionalism through the format, content, and tone of your letter to prove that you are able to perform well in an office environment.
