A convincing cover letter would usually accompany a CV for a graduate application. It’s not strictly required for all applications, but it’s a good-to-have document, especially for fresh graduate positions. It’s your opportunity to show recruiters your most relevant skills and demonstrate your motivation and enthusiasm for the internship role.
Be Concise and Specific
- Be clear on the specific position you applied for and explain why you’re interested in it, and convince recruiters that you’re suited for the role
- In your introduction, include relevant experiences that fit the role applied as well as your highest educational qualification
- Avoid describing yourself as “passionate” or “ambitious” as these qualities are too subjective to explain in papers, and are better exuded in person during the interview stage
Do Not…
Describe excessively your personality, detailed academic background and skills as these are already on your CV. Remember, it’s only a page long so keep it straight to the point.
Show Your Competence; Why you?
- Use the advertised job description to guide you in highlighting your strengths for the internship
- Address the selection criteria and show how your current experience ‘transfers’ into the role you applied for
- Don’t worry if you lack work experience. Put forward your soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, organisation, and time management which are highly sought-after
Do Not…
Copy sentences direct from your CV. Think about how you can rephrase the information and elaborate on particular skills and achievements you have that are right for the role.
Show Your Enthusiasm; Why them?
- Do thorough research into the organisation and jot down specific aspects of their operations, missions and culture that appeal to you
- With the information gathered, elaborate on what attracts you to working for them and be specific about it
- This helps target your cover letter to the employer and it shows your passion to want to know more about them
Do Not…
Waste space by mentioning general statements that could be said about pretty much any employer, such as ‘… because you’re a prestigious and global employer’.
Check, Check, and More Checking!
- It’s good to take a break from your cover letter and check it again later with a fresh pair of eyes and mind
- Have a physical copy of it and pour over it with a red pen – you’ll be surprised with how many mistakes you can catch
- Acquire help from someone with a strong command of English to help with proofreading or use spellcheckers; you need your cover letter to be error-free!
Cover Letter Sample
23rd February 2022
Dear Mr Alfred,
I am writing to apply for the Marketing Internship with GTI Media. My conversations with current employees at your networking session in Jan this year have reinforced my interest in your company and cemented my belief that I have the expertise and skills that you are looking for.
I am applying for this internship because your company has adopted the most modern marketing campaign methods. Through my three years of study at the School of Business and Marketing at INTI University, I have developed an understanding of creating impactful social media content and product portfolios for campaigns and advertorials.
In my previous part-time role during university, I was involved in department communications related to marketing for all types of customers. I am a strong candidate for the marketing internship position because I have an analytical mind and a willingness to learn.
Thank you for your consideration of my application. My attached resume will describe my most significant accomplishments, community work, and involvement in marketing projects. I am looking forward to hearing from you. You can reach me at my email address, rayeong97@gmail.com
Yours sincerely,
Raye Ong
