Whether you’re looking for a job at home or trying to get some work experience abroad, it can be tough applying for internships when you have no experience. But even if you’re in that position, the right cover letter can help complete your application and help you stand out, giving you a better chance at landing the role you’re going for.
At Remitly, we know how challenging it can be to take your first career steps. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you write a cover letter that shows off your strengths and helps you get noticed.
Why a cover letter matters
Your cover letter often carries more weight than you might think when you’re applying for an internship, whether it’s in the US or elsewhere. It gives you the chance to show a potential employer that you have the qualities they’re looking for.
Unlike your resume, which lays out your achievements in scannable points, a cover letter gives you the chance to show your personality as well as your motivation for applying for the internship—and your potential to be great at the job. This can be super-important when you don’t have much experience.
Telling employers about you
Most employers expect to see more than just your academic history and your hobbies in your application. They want to understand why you’re interested in the role, how your values align with theirs, and what you’re hoping to learn.
A well-written cover letter helps you to answer these questions from the get-go. It shows that you’ve taken the time to research the company and understand the role, signaling your ability to take initiative—a skill that’s highly valued in employees who are still early in their careers.
A cover letter can also show off your writing skills, your ability to connect the dots between your skills and the job, and set you apart from other candidates.
In short, a strong cover letter gives you a voice. It turns a standard application into a more human, memorable introduction to your potential employer, which can make all the difference in a competitive market.
Key components of an effective cover letter
A great cover letter needs clear structure. While the exact format may vary slightly in different countries, so this may not be exactly what you’d have done back home if you’re an immigrant looking for opportunities in the US, the key elements that need to be in there are broadly the same.
Opening paragraph
Some recruiters and hiring managers spend just seven to nine seconds scanning your covering letter or resume before they decide whether to go deeper or put it in their “no” pile. So your opening paragraph needs to grab their attention—and fast!
Be sure to mention the internship you’re applying for and briefly explain why.
A classic approach would be, “I’m writing to apply for the [position] internship at [company name].” But you could also lead with something a little different, like a personal insight or motivation. For example, “As a life-long problem-solver with a passion for tech…”
Whichever route you choose, keep it clear, relevant, and genuine.
Body paragraphs
The main body of the text is where you’ll connect your experience and strengths to the internship you’re applying for.
This is the place to mention relevant coursework, academic achievements, or extracurricular activities that show you have the skills the role requires. It’s also a great spot to include an example of how you’ve solved a problem, maybe during a group project or volunteer role, to demonstrate qualities like initiative, teamwork, and critical thinking.
To seal the deal, include some information about how your values align with the company’s mission or culture. More than appreciating sleeping pods or free lunches, you could acknowledge a business’s commitment to financial inclusion or sustainability. These days, many businesses understand that younger people in particular want to work for organizations that share their values, so they may even be expecting to see something like this.
Closing paragraph
A well-worded closing paragraph can leave the door open for the next step: the interview. It’s your last chance to leave a good impression, so you should use it well.
Here, take a few lines to express genuine gratitude to the recruiter for reading your covering letter and reiterate your enthusiasm for the internship, letting them know that you’re excited about the chance to make your mark.
End with a confident, professional call to action. Something like “I would welcome the opportunity to interview with you and discuss how I can support your team,” can work quite well. Just remember to keep your tone polite and proactive, and avoid sounding demanding.
Your cover letter: tips for internship applications
The right tone is just as important as structure; it leaves a lasting impression on whoever reads it. Fine-tune your application so it feels tailored, professional, and easy to read.
Personalize every letter
Generic cover letters are easy to spot and just as easy to overlook. Mention the company by name. Then refer to their mission or recent work, and explain why it resonates with you.
Use active, confident language
Using phrases like “I developed,” “I led,” and “I contributed” show ownership and initiative, even if your experience comes from student group projects or other elements of your academic career.
Keep it positive
The tough part about applying for internships is that you usually don’t have much experience. Focusing on what you can bring to the role—like curiosity and a willingness to learn—will put you in the best light.
Be brief
Your cover letter shouldn’t read like a novel. Keep it concise, aiming for around 250 to 300 words in total. That’s plenty to say something meaningful without overwhelming the reader.
Proofread, proofread, proofread
Typos and awkward phrasing can detract from your message. Reading aloud is a great way to catch any strange sentences. And it’s always a good idea to ask someone you trust to review it before sending—even if your spelling and grammar is outstanding, it’s difficult to proofread your own writing and you might miss something.
A few thoughtful tweaks could take your cover letter from decent to stand-out.
Common cover letter mistakes to avoid
No matter how enthusiastic you are, it’s easy to fall into some common pitfalls when you’re writing your cover letter.
We mentioned the weaknesses of generic, one-size-fits-all templates which can make it seem like you’re not genuinely interested in the role. But another common error is skipping the greeting or using something vague and general, like “To whom it may concern.” If you know the name of the specific person you’re writing to, use it.
The next blunder to avoid might seem a little counterintuitive: avoid making the letter all about you. While it’s fine to talk about your goals, the focus should be on what you bring to the role and how you can support the team, not what you’ll get out of the deal.
Finally, don’t repeat your resume word for word. Your cover letter should complement what’s in there, adding context and personality that helps your potential employer picture you in the role.
Internship cover letter templates
A strong cover letter doesn’t have to follow the same well-worn formula that recruiters are used to. We’ve come up with examples of how to write a cover letter for an internship from two different angles.
We’ve used Remitly as the example company and included skills and other information that would be relevant if you were applying for an internship with us.
Tailor the text in brackets in our examples to include the relevant names and details, showcase your skills and experience, and speak to the company you’re applying to.
Internship cover letter example 1: the standard format
This is a straightforward, professional cover letter that sticks to the basics. It’s ideal if you want a no-nonsense approach that covers all of the essentials:
[Hiring Manager’s name]
[Remitly]
[Remitly Global, Inc.
1111 3rd Ave., 21st Floor
Seattle, 98101]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s name]
I am writing to apply for the [internship title] position at [Remitly]. As a [current year] student at [your university’s name] studying [your major], I’m excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a company that’s making a global impact through accessible financial services.
During my studies, I have developed strong skills in [research], [data analysis], and [collaboration], which I’ve honed through coursework and group projects.
For example, in a recent class project, I [worked as part of a team to design a customer service solution for a fintech app]. [Our end product was capable of improving response efficiency by 20%]. This is an experience that I’m confident has prepared me to contribute meaningfully to your team.
What draws me to Remitly is your mission to [make international money transfers faster, easier, and more affordable] as it’s a purpose that resonates with my passion for [creating inclusive technology].
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to speak further about how I can support your team during this internship. I’m available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at [phone number] or [email address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Internship cover letter example 2: the storytelling angle
Here, you can use storytelling to create a personal connection between you and the company. By sharing a meaningful anecdote up front, you can show your motivation and values in an authentic, memorable way.
[Hiring Manager’s name]
[Remitly]
[c/o Remitly Global, Inc.
1111 3rd Ave., 21st Floor
Seattle, 98101]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s name]
When I was 10 years old, I watched my parents spend hours at a local exchange agency trying to send money to our relatives overseas. The process was slow, expensive, and frustrating.
As I was searching for internships, I came across [Remitly] and instantly remembered that moment—and resonated with your mission to [make international remittances faster, simpler, and more affordable].
Now, as a [x-year] student at [your university’s name] majoring in [your major], I’m thrilled to get the opportunity to apply for the [internship title] position.
During my studies, my coursework has strengthened my skills in [communication], [critical thinking], and [problem-solving]. For example, in a recent group project, I led the team in exploring [how digital tools can improve financial inclusion].
What excites me most about this internship is the opportunity to contribute to a company that’s [not only innovative, but deeply human in its impact]. I’m particularly drawn to your [user-first design approach] and the way you [balance compliance with accessibility in different regions].
Thank you for considering my application. I would be thrilled to learn from your team and contribute wherever I can. I’m available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at [phone number] or [email address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Make your application count
Writing a cover letter for an internship can feel intimidating—especially if you’re applying for a role overseas. But, with the right structure, a clear message, and a bit of personalization, you can show potential employers exactly why you’re worth considering for the role.
Focus on your strengths, stay positive, and tailor your letter to each opportunity. It’s all about making an introduction that complements your resume and sets the tone for your time at the company. We hope our examples give you a good idea of a couple of ways to go about it. Good luck with your hunt!
FAQs
What should I write in a cover letter for an internship?
You should introduce yourself, specify the internship you’re applying for, and express your enthusiasm about the role and the company. Also be sure to highlight your skills as well as academic achievements that align with the company’s goals or mission.
How to write a cover letter for an internship with no experience?
Focus on transferable skills that you’ve gained during the course of your studies, or while volunteering or taking part in extracurricular activities. Emphasize qualities like adaptability, teamwork, and a strong desire to learn—these will make you a valuable addition to any team.
What is an example of a good covering letter?
A good cover letter is tailored to the specific internship, showcases your enthusiasm for the role, and connects your skills to the company’s mission. For example, you could highlight some of the company’s values and show how your background brings you in alignment with these.