As an undergrad, you’ve likely been told many times that you need a summer job. You may even be under the impression that you need to take one to pay your way through college. However, a summer job isn’t exactly what it seems like. A summer internship is a great way to gain valuable career experience, while also being paid to learn new things.
So what is the difference between a summer internship and a regular job? Let’s dive into that question. As with most things in life, it depends on the circumstances. Let’s consider how you should write a cover letter for each scenario.
As An Undergraduate Student, You Should Write a Cover Letter for an Internship
If you’re an undergraduate student and you’re looking for a summer internship, then your cover letter should reflect that. Your letter should begin with a formal salutation, such as “Dear Sir or Madam,” followed by a brief and concise description of what you’re looking for in terms of the internship. Be professional, but don’t overdo it. And make sure that you have a signature at the end.
What should you include in your letter? It depends on the details of the position. If you’re applying for a technical position, then you should include your resume. If you’re applying for a marketing or administrative position, then you should include a cover letter explaining why you’re qualified for the job. Your cover letter should reflect the work that you’ve done in academic settings or through industry associations. Be specific about what you’ve done and how it relates to the job opening.
As An Entry-Level Employee, You Should Write a Cover Letter for a Job
If you’re applying for a job as an entry-level employee, then your cover letter should reflect that. Your letter should begin with a formal salutation, followed by a brief and concise description of what you’re looking for in terms of the job. Be professional, but don’t overdo it. And make sure that you have a signature at the end.
What should you include in your letter? It depends on the details of the position. If you’re applying for a technical position, then you should include your resume. If you’re applying for a marketing or administrative position, then you should include a cover letter explaining why you’re qualified for the job. Your cover letter should reflect the work that you’ve done in academic settings or through industry associations. Be specific about what you’ve done and how it relates to the job opening.
Your Cover Letter Should Reflect Your Academic Accomplishments
No matter what situation you’re in, your cover letter should reflect that you’re an academically-minded individual. So what does that mean? Your cover letter should include your academic accomplishments. If you’re applying for a job in a technical field, then your cover letter should include your work in those fields. If you’re applying for a marketing or administrative job, then your cover letter should include your work in academic settings or through industry associations. Be specific about what you’ve done and how it relates to the job opening.
Your Cover Letter Should Reflect Your Personality
Your cover letter should also reflect your personality. So what does that mean? Your cover letter should include qualities that the employer is looking for. If you’re applying for a job in a technical field, then your cover letter should include your ability to solve problems, communicate ideas, and innovate. If you’re applying for a marketing or administrative job, then your cover letter should include your enthusiasm for the field, as well as your ability to work with others.
What else should go into your cover letter? Include any relevant awards or honors that you may have earned. If you’re looking for a summer internship, then include any relevant project that you might have worked on. Be sure to include any relevant industry experience that you have. If you’re applying for a job as an entry-level employee, then include your training plan.
Your Cover Letter Should Have A Formal Salutation
As mentioned earlier, your cover letter should begin with a formal salutation, such as “Dear Sir or Madam.” Then you should follow that up with a short and concise description of what you’re looking for in terms of the internship. Be sure to end the letter with a formal sign off, such as “Yours sincerely,” or, “Sincerely,” depending on the formality of the correspondence. Your cover letter should not end with a pre-printed name, but rather, a handwritten signature.
That’s all there is to writing a cover letter. Keep this in mind when writing your cover letter, and make sure to check with your personal email adviser or academic advisor before sending off your application.