So you internship applicants are now putting the final touches on your resume, have solidified which internship programs are in your top 3, got your transcripts printed, and are getting ready to send out your application packages. But wait - what about that cover letter???
For me, writing the cover letter was the hardest part of the application package. You have just one or two pages to grab the internship committee's attention and convince them that you are worth considering for their program. While you've probably written a hundred cover letters before when applying for jobs, somehow this one seems so much more intimidating than any letter you've ever written in your life.
There really isn't any template to follow in writing your internship or grad school cover letter, but there are definitely things that you need to include:
1. Do NOT use the same cover letter for all of the internship programs/grad schools. This should go without saying, but you cannot use the same letter for each program and just change the name its being addressed to. No. They will know that you created a generic letter and thought you'd get away with it. Remember, this is the first thing they will look at upon receiving your application, and it needs to stand out. If your letter is generic and doesn't make you shine, sparkle, glow, or any other effervescent adjective, your application review is not going to go much farther than the letter.
2. Review the application brochure verrrrrry carefully. Each brochure is different, and each will include some key phrases that describe what qualities their ideal candidate will possess. For example, one internship program might value your communication skills and interpersonal/teamwork skills, while others will highlight leadership abilities and organizational skills. Use these key words in your cover letter when you describe yourself and your relevant experiences.
In addition to looking for those key words, pay attention to the page limits and requirements for your cover letter. Some programs aren't too specific ("two pages"), while others will be extremely specific ("two pages, double spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font, 1" margins"). You must adhere to these requirements. Doesn't matter how ridiculous they may seem. Most programs keep the letters very short - one to two pages, usually double spaced - because they need to be concise and get to the point. It also shows that you can follow direction and pay attention to detail if you follow their specific guidelines.
3. Give examples. When you say that you have these skills/abilities that the program has mentioned in their brochure, provide examples that prove that you have these experiences. It's not good enough to say that "I like to work in a team". It is much more believable to say that "In my position at ABC Hospital, I worked with an interprofessional team to provide the best possible care to my patients". If you don't have work/volunteer experiences with that particular skill, you can still use life experiences or school experiences to demonstrate your skills. For example, working with groups to complete a project and taking a leadership role still demonstrates these abilities!
4. You must explain why you want to be a dietitian. Be honest with yourself, and be honest in your letter. It doesn't have to be a big flowery explanation or a life-changing experience, but it does need to be an honest reason.
5. Do your homework. Your letter isn't just to tell the internship program about why you are right for them - it also needs to explain why the program is right for you. Include the reasons that you applied for this particular program and why these things appeal to you. Do your homework - find out what clinics or programs the hospital offers, what their specialties are, etc.
6. Organize your letter. Again, there's no real template that you need to follow, but your letter needs to be structured in a way that makes sense. My letters followed a basic pattern:
Paragraph 1: Why I want to be a dietitian, and how I got to this point.
Paragraph 2: Why you decided to apply to this specific internship program.
Paragraph 3: My work and volunteer experiences, and how they gave me the skills/abilities that this program is looking for in a candidate.
Sincere "Thank you" for reviewing my application package
7. Review Review Review. You'll need to review your letter at least a billion times before you're happy with it. And then get other people (friends, family, professors, whoever will do it) to review it as well.
8. Breathe. Take a break from writing your letters. At least a day or two. Then go back to it for another review with a fresh set of eyes to take one last crack at revisions.
Internship applicants - have any more questions? Comment below!
Good luck!!!!!!!
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