When applying for an internship, your cover letter is just as important as your CV. It’s your chance to introduce yourself, explain why you want the internship, and show the company why they should choose you—even if you have little to no experience.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to write a strong cover letter for an internship, even as a student or first-time job seeker.
🤔 What Is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit along with your CV when applying for an internship or job. It should:
- Show your motivation and enthusiasm
- Highlight your skills and goals
- Explain why you’re a good fit for the company
🧩 Structure of a Great Internship Cover Letter
Use this format to keep your letter short, clear, and effective:
✅ 1. Header (Your Details & Company Info)
At the top of the letter, include:
pgsqlCopyEditYour Full Name
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
Your Location (City, Province)
Date
Hiring Manager’s Name (if available)
Company Name
Company Address
✅ 2. Greeting
Always try to personalize it:
- “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],”
- If you don’t know the name: “Dear Hiring Manager,”
✅ 3. Opening Paragraph – Introduce Yourself
Mention who you are, the internship you’re applying for, and where you found the advert.
Example:
“I am a second-year Business Management student at the University of Johannesburg, and I am writing to apply for the Marketing Internship position recently advertised on GoIntern.co.za.”
✅ 4. Middle Paragraph – Show Why You’re a Good Fit
Talk about your skills, academic achievements, or past experiences (even volunteer work or class projects). Connect them to the internship role.
Example:
“During my studies, I’ve developed strong skills in communication, teamwork, and data analysis. I recently worked on a group project where we developed a marketing strategy for a local brand, which helped me gain real-world problem-solving experience.”
✅ 5. Final Paragraph – Show Your Motivation
Explain why you want to work for this company and how the internship will help you grow.
Example:
“I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your innovative team and learn from professionals in the industry. I believe this internship will help me gain practical experience and prepare me for a career in digital marketing.”
✅ 6. Closing
End the letter professionally:
cssCopyEditThank you for considering my application. I have attached my CV and academic record. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
📄 Sample Cover Letter for an Internship (Copy & Paste)
lessCopyEditThabo Mokoena
073 123 4567
thabo.mokoena@gmail.com
Soweto, Gauteng
11 July 2025
Hiring Manager
XYZ Marketing Agency
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am a third-year Marketing student at the University of Johannesburg, and I am writing to apply for the Marketing Internship position advertised on GoIntern.co.za. I am eager to gain hands-on experience and contribute to your team’s creative campaigns.
Through my coursework and projects, I have developed strong analytical and communication skills. In a recent group project, I led the development of a social media strategy for a student-run brand, which increased engagement by 40%. I am passionate about branding and digital storytelling, and I am eager to apply these skills in a real-world environment.
I admire XYZ Agency’s innovative approach and commitment to youth development. I believe that this internship would provide me with the practical experience I need to grow in the marketing field.
Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my CV for your review. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Thabo Mokoena
💡 Final Tips for Your Cover Letter
- Keep it to one page only
- Use a professional email address
- Tailor the letter to each internship
- Don’t just repeat your CV—explain your “why”
- Always proofread before sending
📥 Free Cover Letter Template (Download)
👉 Click here to download a free editable internship cover letter template
🚀 Ready to Apply?
Now that you have your cover letter ready, make sure your CV is up to date too! Check out these helpful resources:
Need help reviewing your cover letter? Email us at 📧 info@gointern.co.za
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