The covering letter for an internship application
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A COVERING LETTER?
This is the first thing a recruiter reads about an application. Being a determining factor, it must be clear so that it is not confused with a job application.
The covering letter supports and complements your CV, is factual and concise. It highlights certain aspects of your application. It is vital for three reasons:
- Courtesy. It is common practice to enclose a letter when sending a document, CV or other.
- Effectiveness. Ideally, it should be sent to a specific person by name. You have more chance of having your application read than if you write to the “Internship Manager”.
- Interest. In your letter, you can clearly explain your reasons (motivation, requirements) for your application and you can provide clarifications about the internship (response to an offer or spontaneous application, start date, duration and so on).
THE CONTENT OF THE
COVERING LETTER
Written on just one page, the covering letter covers three topics in the following order:
- Your interest in the company: demonstrating your motivation for the banking sector is key. This also shows your professionalism. Before you write this letter, find out about the company and its products. Do not add information, provide information in moderation.
- Your career plans: set out what you would like to do in the banking sector. More generally, show that the internship is based on a specific notion of your objectives, or better still, present a project which will attract the recruiter’s attention.
- The suitability of your profile: to convince the recruiter that your profile is the best suited to his requirements, carefully consider the content of the internship if you are responding to an offer. Highlight two or three strengths which stand out: a feature of your education, an internship already completed in the banking or financial sector, etc. A covering letter for an internship is effective if its recipient reads your CV to find out more.
WHAT TO DO
- Write the letter on just one page.
- Take care with your wording and presentation.
- Show in your letter that you have found out about the company.
WHAT NOT TO DO
- Repeat information from your CV: there is no need for repetition in your covering letter!
- Not use the same letter for spontaneous applications.
- Fail to correct spelling mistakes: proofread your letter!