Letter of Intent for Internship Template

Several Tips on Writing a Good Letter of Intent for Internship

Most internship applicants are students who want hands-on experience in their field of study. They are often required to send a letter of intent for an internship when responding to internship openings. A strong letter shows your interest in the role, your skills, and your readiness to learn. Give it real care and aim to make a good impression on the internship coordinator.

Here are eight tips for writing a letter that stands out.

1. Use a clear format and layout. A letter of intent template, like the ones on our website, gives you a layout to start from.
2. Research the organization before you apply. Read about its internship program, mission, and goals, and note two or three specific details you can mention.
3. Pick three ways your skills and experience fit the role, and add a short example for each one.
4. Make the first paragraph catchy so the reader wants to keep going.
5. Explain why you want to become an intern at this organization. Keep the letter brief, ideally one page, but expressive.
6. Finish with a call to action. Ask the coordinator to reach out by email or phone, and include your contact details.
7. Add a professional closing and your full name.
8. Ask a friend, a teacher, or a career advisor to proofread your letter before you send your application.

How to Fill Out a Letter of Intent for Internship

Follow the five steps below to write each part of your letter in order, from your contact details to the closing line. If you build your letter with our online tool, the same parts appear as questions, so you can answer them one at a time.

1. Your details and the date. In the top left corner, add your name, address, and contact information such as your email and phone number. Then write the date of the letter.
2. The recipient. Name the person in charge of the internship process at the organization you are applying to. You can usually find the name on the organization's website. If it is not listed, address the letter to the internship coordinator.
3. Opening. Use the first paragraph to explain why you are writing. Describe how the internship can help you reach your long-term career goals and how your interests match the organization's mission. This is also the place to show your enthusiasm. Mention your most relevant academic and work accomplishments and the personal strengths that make you a good fit.
4. Main body. In the main body, describe your background, both work and education. Name your degree or degrees and any relevant training. Having little work experience is common for internship applicants. If that is your case, describe the skills you built through volunteer work, class projects, or research. Finish by showing what drives you in your field and how the internship will help you grow.
5. Closing. In the last paragraph, say again why you want to join the program and how you can help the organization. Thank the coordinator for taking the time to read your letter, and mention any documents you attach, such as your resume or recommendation letters. Say that you look forward to a reply and share the best times to reach you. End with a professional closing such as Sincerely or Best regards, followed by your full name.

How to Write a Letter of Intent for Internship With No Experience

Many internship applicants have never held a paid job, and that is fine. The reader wants to see your potential, so the goal is to show skills you already have. Think about school, clubs, volunteering, and personal projects, then connect each one to the role you want.

• Coursework and projects. Mention a class project, a research paper, or a lab that relates to the role, and say what you learned.
• Volunteer work. Describe the tasks you handled, such as organizing events, helping customers, or caring for animals, and name the skill each one built.
• Clubs and leadership. A role in a student club shows teamwork, planning, and communication.
• Personal strengths. Pick two or three, such as curiosity, reliability, or strong writing, and back each one with a short example.

Use the wording from the internship posting where it honestly describes you, so the reader sees the match right away.

Sample Letter of Intent for Internship

The sample below shows how a veterinary student could apply for a fall internship at a clinic. It states the purpose in the first sentence, names a specific program, mentions the applicant's studies and background, and ends with a clear next step. Adapt the details to your own situation instead of copying the wording.

From: Terry Banks
9125 Del Monte Rd.
Pasadena, TX 77506

April 4, 2021

To: Morgan Rory
Head of the North Texas Veterinary Clinic
Volunteering Program
808 Pilgrim Street
Dallas, TX 75208

Dear Dr. Rory,

With this letter, I am submitting my interest in the Fall Internship Program that was advertised at the Career Centre at The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. I have heard about your veterinary work and the great reputation of your clinic. As a current veterinary medicine student, I would be excited to learn from distinguished experts in the field your clinic is famous for.

I am currently getting my Master’s degree, hoping to become a veterinarian. The anticipated graduation is happening in August 2021, and I would gladly benefit from the internship at your clinic.

Since early childhood, I developed a love for animals when I helped my dad take care of sheep and horses at our farm. As a result, my passion for animals made me start pursuing a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree.

I would be glad to meet you personally to discuss the internship program and its opportunities. I have enclosed recommendation letters from two professors along with my resume. I look forward to getting a call to schedule a meeting with you. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Terry Banks

Here is what this sample does well:

• It names the program and says where the applicant found it.
• It connects the applicant's degree to the clinic's work.
• It shares a personal reason for choosing the field.
• It lists the enclosed documents and asks for a meeting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Letter of Intent for Internship

A few small slips can weaken an otherwise strong letter. Check your draft against the list below before you send it. Most of these are easy to fix with a careful read-through and a second pair of eyes.

• Sending the same letter everywhere. Change the organization name, the role, and one detail about the program each time you apply.
• Misspelling a name. Compare the recipient's name and the organization's name with the posting or the website.
• Repeating your resume line by line. Use the letter to explain why you want the role and what you will bring to it.
• Writing one long block of text. Short paragraphs are easier to scan.
• Leaving out contact details. Add your email and phone number in the closing so the reader can reply quickly.
• Skipping the proofread. Read the letter out loud once to catch awkward phrases and typos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a letter of intent for an internship?

It is a letter you send to an organization to say you want an internship there. It explains who you are, what you hope to learn, and how you can help the team.

How long is a letter of intent for an internship?

Aim for one page. A short opening, two brief paragraphs about your background and goals, and a short closing is a good shape.

Who do I address the letter to?

Address it to the person who runs the internship program. Check the organization's website or ask the front desk. If you cannot find a name, write to the internship coordinator.

Can I send a letter of intent without work experience?

Yes, many applicants do. Focus on coursework, volunteer work, clubs, and personal projects, and explain what each one taught you.

What is the difference between a letter of intent and a cover letter?

A cover letter usually goes with a resume for a specific posted job. A letter of intent shows your interest in an organization or program and explains what you hope to gain and offer. Some programs use the two names for the same thing, so read the posting.

What does a letter of intent for an internship include?

Most letters cover the same parts:

• Your contact details and the date
• The name and title of the recipient
• An opening that states your purpose
• Your background, skills, and goals
• A thank-you and a professional closing

General information, not legal or tax advice.

Jennifer M. Settles

Author & Attorney

With over 25 years of experience as a business and transactional attorney, Jennifer has mastered the craft of closing highly successful deals for her clients. Through her wide-ranging expertise in commercial contracts, real estate transactions, M&A and corporate law, Jennifer secures results that are second-to-none.