Monday 17 October 2016

Cover letter for externships and internships

Ever wondered how to write a cover letter for an externship or internship? Here’s how! 

Dear XXX, 

First paragraph:
Introduce yourself, state the objective of your email your date of availability or express interest in the advertised position and how you heard about it. 

I am a [level of study] student from [your school and faculty], and I am seeking an [externship/ internship] opportunity at [where you are applying to/ name of organisation and department] for a period of [X months or weeks] from [start date] to [end date]. 

Second paragraph:
Individualise your letter. State your prior work experience, excellent academic records, personal qualities, interests, talents or achievements. Relate how these attributes would contribute to your externship or internship. 

For Law students: Did you have any prior work experience in the legal industry? If not, talk about personal qualities that can contribute to the organisation (independent worker, meticulous worker) Did you complete any relevant specialised courses related to the organisation you are applying for? Are you currently or previously active in any volunteering work or student association? 

For medical/ nursing students: Did you have any prior work experience in specialised fields that is related to the position you are applying for? (Diabetes care/patient care) If not, talk about personal qualities that can contribute to the organisation (team worker, meticulous worker) Did you have any certifications/ conducted any research or study related to this particular specialised field? Did you complete any relevant specialised courses related to the organisation you are applying for?

Final paragraph:
Request for an interview and offer references and writing samples. Attach your resume, academic transcript if it works to your advantage and any supporting documents such as referral letters. Include means of contact such as email and mobile number. 

For law students: Include a writing sample 

I look forward to hearing from you and would appreciate an interview at your earliest convenience. A brief writing sample (and transcript, if appropriate) is/are enclosed and references are available upon request. Should you require any further information, you may reach me at [email and contact number] and I will follow up with you shortly. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully yours/ yours truly, [your name] 

It is crucial to keeps things simple and check for any spelling and grammatical errors. Be sure to use a formal tone a well. Try your best to edit the English to suit your writing style so that your cover letter is differentiated from other applicants. 

Disclaimer: This is a work for the sole purpose of an academic project. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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