We all know that internships are an essential component to the college experience. From developing crucial skills to building lasting connections that can help your future career, internships provide tons of benefits for any college student. But with the job market so competitive these days, how can you actually land an internship?
While high grades and a strong resume are important in the application process, it’s your cover letter that can really capture the attention of hiring managers. Cover letters can help you convey who you are and why you’re the right person for the role. (Plus, it’s a great opportunity to prove your strong writing and communication abilities — you know, the skill you probably have listed on the “soft skills” section of your resume.)
Of course, writing the perfect cover letter can be intimidating, time-consuming, and stress-inducing. Luckily, there are some great internship cover letter templates that you can work from to many your own — and many of them are available for free on TikTok! So, take a break from browsing LinkedIn and give yourself permission to scroll on social media… for cover letter inspo, that is. Here are 10 internship cover letter templates from TikTok to get you started.
- A Concise Cover Letter
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According to this video from @techtalkuk, the best cover letters are simple, direct, and provide concrete evidence of your soft skills. This cover letter features a concise opening line that shows your excitement for a particular role before listing top strengths with specific experiences to demonstrate them. But the most unique part of this cover letter comes from its “play intro” button, which allows you to attach a short video of yourself and really stand out from competitors.
- The 3- To 5-Sentence Method
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In this video, TikTok creator Emily The Recruiter asks why employers and hiring managers even require cover letters anymore. Despite her skepticism, she still provides valuable tips for writing your best cover letter yet. She recommends providing a three- to five-sentence summary telling employers about yourself and the traits that make you special. Then, she mentions writing another three to five sentences about your current role (if applicable) and how this experience will translate to your desired role. She also emphasizes the importance of writing a cover letter that authentically represents yourself and your values.
- A Short & Simple Cover Letter
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The TikTok account @epicareersg has a video of a general cover letter template that could work for practically any entry-level role: You just need to plug in the job title, the hiring manager’s name, your relevant experience, and basic contact information such as your phone number. Just make sure to emphasize the skills and experiences that make you a perfect fit for your preferred role.
- Showcasing Your Company Knowledge
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TikTok user @parisiandesire swears by this cover letter template that landed her an interview for a Paris-based technology gaming company. Her main tip is to emphasize certain traits specific to the company. (For example, your cover could mention a company’s recent sustainability initiative if it prioritizes environmental advocacy.) This shows your knowledge for the company, which may increase your chances of securing an interview.
- A Cover Letter That Doesn’t Suck
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Looking for a cover letter that doesn’t suck? This is the template for you! Specifically designed for college students, this cover letter asks you to write down the company’s address, hiring manager’s name, your interest in the role, two relevant experiences, one soft skill, and one hard skill.
- Handshake’s Internship Cover Letter
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It seems like every college student is trying to get a job or internship on Handshake, the career platform built for those enrolled in higher education. A video from Handshake’s TikTok account has all the tips for writing your perfect internship cover letter: using certain keywords, explaining your desire for this internship, and listing your relevant experiences (beyond just professional credentials) can help you land your next big internship.
- The Strategic Cover Letter To Get Paid
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TikTok user @Hali Jama advises users to take advantage of cover letters for securing paid internships: A simple layout, an attention-grabbing opening sentence, clear enthusiasm, and tailoring your writing to fit the job description are crucial elements of writing a strong cover letter. A survey from the National Association Of Colleges And Employers (NACE) found that 72% of paid internships result in full-time job offers, so use your cover letter as a leg up from the competition!
- A Cover Letter For No Experience
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If you’re worried that you don’t have enough professional experience to secure an internship, this one is for you. TikTok career coach Greg L. advises users to express their excitement for a certain role so employers will feel more confident in hiring someone with minimal experience. Just like some of these other videos, you should write down your top four relevant skills and provide an experience that demonstrates each skill (e.g., if one of your skills is team leadership, you could write about a time when you worked on a group project with your classmates and received a high grade). Hiring managers simply want to know the skills you bring to the table, so don’t worry if you weren’t paid for your extracurricular involvements or other experiences.
- A No-BS Cover Letter
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Write a cover letter free of BS by using this template from @NoBSCareer! According to the video, the three pieces that make up a good cover letter include a short opening paragraph, using bullet points to demonstrate your skills, and a concise closing sentence thanking the hiring manager. This template treats your cover letter as your way of saying, “I have all of the qualifications you’re looking for and I deserve consideration.”