To write a winning internship cover letter with no experience, list down notable experience or skills you gained in school, coursework, or volunteer work that fit the company’s goals and vision. Make sure to convey confidence in who you are and what you can do, even if you have no experience.
What should be included in a cover letter for an internship?
Writing a cover letter for an internship can be difficult when you have no experience. How do you prove that you are the right person for the job? In this blog post, we will provide tips on how to write a winning internship cover letter, even if you don’t have any experience!
Here are a few things to keep in mind when writing your internship cover letter:
Start with a strong opening line: Instead of starting with the usual “I am writing to apply for the [position] internship,” try to grab the reader’s attention with a unique opener. For example, you could discuss why you’re excited about the company or what qualifications you have that make you the perfect candidate for the role.
Highlight your relevant skills and qualities: Even if you have no direct experience, you likely have transferable skills that will make you a good fit for an internship. Be sure to highlight these in your cover letter!
Conclude with a call to action: Include a call to action at the end of your cover letter. For example, “I look forward to hearing from you soon” or “Please contact me at ____ to discuss further.” This will show that you are interested in the position and eager to speak with the employer.
Keep it short and sweet: Remember that a cover letter is not a resume. Keep your letter concise and to the point, highlighting only the most relevant information.
How do you write a cover letter for a job you are NOT qualified for?
Focus on your skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the internship. Even if you don’t have direct experience, highlight any applicable skills that would make you a good fit.
For example, if you’re applying for administrative staff but have no prior experience, focus on your people skills and ability to handle difficult situations or workloads. You can also mention any relevant coursework or volunteer experiences and the valuable lessons you gain that will be suitable for the internship job.
Also, be sure to express your enthusiasm for the position and explain what you can bring to the table that would make you a great fit despite not having all the qualifications.
How do you ask for an internship that doesn’t exist?
Internships are often not openly advertised, and businesses may find interns through word of mouth or contacts. So, how do you ask for an internship that doesn’t exist? Here are four tips to set yourself up for success and find hidden internships.
Make Connections
Make connections with people who can help you find an internship. Share your plans and be clear about what you’re looking for in an internship. Don’t be afraid to ask for help in finding one.
Speculatively Apply
Applying speculatively can be frustrating, but it’s worth it to keep trying. Some companies will consider hiring interns without advertising the opportunity, so go ahead and send your cover letter with your CV.
Get Referrals
A referral from someone already working in the company you’re applying to is a huge advantage. In your cover letter, provide a reference to the individual who advised you to apply.
Be Persistent
So, if you don’t hear back right away, don’t give up. Follow up and be persistent in your efforts. The more people you reach out to, the more you’ll improve your chances of being selected for an internship that wasn’t even advertised.
How do you sell yourself in a cover letter?
To get started, do some quick research on the company to show that you understand its mission and values. Once you understand the company’s mission and values, it should be easy to start writing about yourself in a way that shows you’re the perfect candidate for the job.
Then, sit down with a pen and paper and make a list of everything you have to offer that matches what the company is looking for. Point out any special training or experience you have that could be useful for the company.
If you don’t have any relevant experience, that’s okay – just focus on your other strengths. Are you a fast learner? A good problem solver? Organized? Creative? Include anything that sets you apart from the competition.
Once you have a list of your strengths, it’s time to start writing your cover letter.
Sample Internship Cover Letter
Dear management,
I am enthusiastic to be a part of the innovative and exciting work that ABC Company is doing in the marketing business.
I can juggle multiple tasks at once while still paying attention to detail. This experience will be beneficial in an internship setting, where there is often a high volume of work and a fast-paced environment.
In addition, I have gained excellent written and verbal communication skills from being part of our college’s public speaking club. I am confident in my ability to communicate in a large or small group setting.
I believe that my skills and experience make me an ideal candidate for the internship at your company.
I appreciate your time and thought, and I hope to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Sophia Adele
Internship Cover Letter Writing Tips
Do your Research: Find out as much as you can about the company and the specific internship role you’re applying for. This will help you customize your cover letter to make a strong case for why you’re the best candidate for the job.
Convey willingness to learn: One of the most important things to remember when writing a cover letter for an internship is to show that you are willing to learn. Even if you don’t have any relevant experience, conveying your willingness to learn and grow will demonstrate your value as an intern.
Use specific examples: When applying for internships, be sure to use specific examples in your cover letter. This will help you stand out from the crowd and demonstrate your value to potential employers. Use language that is clear and concise, highlighting any relevant skills you gained in school, volunteer work, or a part-time job.
Be confident in your abilities and show that you are the best candidate for the internship even if you have no work experience. For example, if you’re applying for a communications internship, share a time when you successfully managed a school campaign or wrote an effective school project budget request letter. With a well-written cover letter, you will improve your chances of being selected for an interview and ultimately landing the position.
Proofread your cover letter: It’s always important to proofread your work, but it’s especially crucial when applying for internships. Internship applications are often highly competitive, so you want to make sure that everything is perfect before you submit it. Take the time to review your cover letter and make any necessary changes. This extra step could make all the difference in landing an amazing internship.
When you’re proofreading your internship application, pay close attention to the following elements:
1. Your contact information: Make sure that your name, address, phone number, and email address are all correct.
2. The company’s contact information: Check to see that you have the correct name, address, and website for the company you’re applying to.
3. The internship position you’re applying for: Make sure that you have the correct title and job description.
4. Your qualifications: Highlight any relevant experience or skills that make you a good fit for the internship.
5. Your goals: Explain why you’re interested in the internship and what you hope to gain from it.
6. Your writing: Check for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.
By taking the time to proofread your internship application, you can be confident that you’re putting your best foot forward. This extra effort could make all the difference in landing the internship of your dreams.
Most importantly, don’t forget to have someone else proofread your application, as well! A second set of eyes can be helpful in catching any errors you may have missed.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to writing a winning internship cover letter with no experience. Good luck!
Your Key Takeaways
- Start with a compelling introduction.
- Focus on skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the position.
- Prove that you are the perfect candidate for the role by highlighting any applicable skills, coursework, or volunteer experience that could be helpful to the company.
- Showcase your enthusiasm for the position and explain how you can be a valuable asset.
- Tailor your cover letter to fit each specific internship you’re applying for.
- For unadvertised internships, tap into your network of friends, family, and professionals to find hidden internships.
- Don’t be afraid to apply speculatively and be persistent in your internship search.
- Make sure your cover letter is error-free and original by proofreading it!
Hope this guide helps you land that amazing internship!
Hanna with Tutor Phil.
