Writing Winning Internship Applications
Internships are highly competitive in Australia, with many students competing for limited positions at top companies. Your cover letter is crucial for standing out from other applicants and demonstrating why you're the ideal intern candidate. Whether you're applying for a summer internship, university placement, or work experience program, a strong cover letter can make all the difference.
What Employers Look For in Interns
When hiring interns, Australian employers prioritize:
- Enthusiasm and eagerness to learn: Passion for the industry and role
- Cultural fit: Alignment with company values and team dynamics
- Relevant coursework: Academic preparation for the internship
- Basic professional skills: Communication, reliability, initiative
- Potential: Indication of future value as a graduate hire
Key Elements of Internship Cover Letters
1. Compelling Opening
Start strong by stating the internship position, how you found it, your current academic status, and your genuine interest in the company.
Example Opening:
"I am writing to apply for the Summer Marketing Internship at [Company Name], as advertised through the University of Melbourne Career Hub. As a second-year Bachelor of Commerce student majoring in Marketing, I am excited about the opportunity to apply my classroom knowledge to real-world challenges at one of Australia's leading digital marketing agencies."
2. Highlight Relevant Coursework
Emphasize courses, projects, or academic achievements directly related to the internship:
- Relevant subjects completed or currently studying
- Major projects or research papers
- Academic awards or distinctions
- Technical skills learned through coursework
- Group projects demonstrating teamwork
3. Showcase Transferable Skills
Even without professional experience, you've developed valuable skills through:
- Part-time or casual work (any industry)
- Student society involvement or leadership
- Volunteer work or community service
- University group assignments
- Personal projects or hobbies
Top Tips for Internship Cover Letters
- Research the company: Show you understand their business, culture, and recent achievements
- Be specific about timing: Clearly state when you're available and for how long
- Show genuine interest: Explain why this specific company and internship appeals to you
- Highlight relevant skills: Match your abilities to the internship requirements
- Be professional but personable: Show your personality while maintaining professionalism
- Proofread meticulously: Errors suggest lack of attention to detail
4. Demonstrate Company Knowledge
Research is critical for internships. Show that you've taken the time to learn about the company:
- Reference specific projects, campaigns, or products
- Mention company values that resonate with you
- Discuss recent news or achievements
- Explain how their work aligns with your career goals
5. Express What You Hope to Learn
Internships are learning opportunities. Express specific skills or knowledge you hope to gain:
- Technical skills relevant to your field
- Industry insights and practices
- Professional development opportunities
- Mentorship from experienced professionals
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic applications: Always customize for each company and role
- Focusing only on what you'll gain: Also explain what you'll contribute
- Underselling yourself: Confidence is important, even as a student
- Ignoring the job description: Address specific requirements mentioned
- Being too casual: Maintain professional tone despite being a student
- Typos or formatting issues: These are especially damaging for entry-level applications
Structure for Internship Cover Letters
Recommended Structure:
Paragraph 1: Introduction – Position, source, your current academic status, and initial enthusiasm for the opportunity
Paragraph 2: Academic background – Relevant coursework, projects, academic achievements, and technical skills
Paragraph 3: Experience and skills – Part-time work, extracurriculars, volunteer work, and transferable skills gained
Paragraph 4: Company fit and goals – Why this company specifically, what you hope to learn, and what you'll contribute
Paragraph 5: Closing – Availability details, thank them for consideration, express interest in an interview
Industry-Specific Considerations
Technology and Engineering
Highlight: Programming languages, technical projects, hackathons, GitHub contributions, coursework in relevant technologies.
Finance and Accounting
Highlight: Financial modeling coursework, Excel proficiency, analytical projects, attention to detail, numerical aptitude.
Marketing and Communications
Highlight: Social media management, content creation, campaign projects, creative work, communication skills.
Legal
Highlight: Research skills, written communication, mooting or debating, relevant law units, attention to detail.
Availability and Logistics
Clearly communicate:
- When you're available to start
- Duration you can commit to (full internship period)
- Whether it's for academic credit or experience
- Any academic requirements or deadlines
- Your availability during the week
Following Up
After submitting your application:
- Note any stated response timeline
- If no timeline provided, wait 1-2 weeks before following up
- Send a brief, polite email reiterating your interest
- Don't call unless specifically invited to do so
Internship Letter Checklist:
- Specific position and company are named
- Current academic status is clearly stated
- Availability and duration are specified
- Relevant coursework is highlighted
- Transferable skills are demonstrated with examples
- Company research is evident
- Both learning goals and contributions are mentioned
- Enthusiasm and genuine interest come through
- Professional tone is maintained
- Letter is one page or less
- Contact details are current and professional
- Document is error-free
Maximizing Your Chances
Competition for internships can be fierce, especially at prestigious companies. To improve your chances:
- Apply early in the recruitment cycle
- Network through university career services
- Attend company information sessions
- Connect with alumni working at target companies
- Build a professional LinkedIn profile
- Develop a portfolio of relevant work
- Consider less competitive but valuable smaller companies