Writing an Engineering Internship cover letter doesn’t guarantee an internship spot; a good Engineering intern cover letter does. Before we go on to list samples of the best engineering internship cover letter, let’s discuss the tips and hacks around writing an Engineering internship cover letter. Meanwhile, take a look at our table of content below.
What Is A Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a letter. Well, I know that definition doesn’t give a clear meaning. Maybe because there are so many types of letters and they each possess unique characteristics. For clarity sake, a cover letter is a letter that symbolizes a candidate’s interest in an open position. In essence, it is the letter that a mechanical engineer interested in an open position at an organization sends to his plausible hiring manager. While mechanical engineering cover letters can be handwritten, the introduction of improved technological systems has increased weight. So, you can even send a cover letter via mail. Whilst most organizations might not include the need for a cover letter when making their job publications, it doesn’t undermine its importance. Read also: 20 Best Books For Mechanical Engineering Degree | Masters, Undergraduate, PhD
Why Should I Write An Engineering Internship Cover Letter?
It’s easy to decide not to write cover letters since a lot of hiring organizations don’t express the need for a cover letter in their publication. While they may believe it’s not valuable, they must also know it has a place. A cover letter is a strong statement of intent. It fundamentally summarizes your personality into sections of understandable grammar – no one wants to read a book about your life history. These highlights, in turn, convey your capability to fill the void. A cover letter is usually the first interaction you have with your employer. Hence, you have to express seriousness and commitment. A good thing to do would be to always put out information that will raise inquisition. This inquisition can earn you an interview where you can finish the job. If you post your amazing resume without a cover letter, you reduce your chances of getting the job. So, your whole focus shouldn’t be on ensuring your resume is awesome, you should pay the required attention to your cover letter.
How To Write An Engineering Internship Cover Letter
Writing an internship cover letter is a process that demands carefulness and thoughtfulness. To make the best of it, here are a few steps to follow:
#1. Research
This is where a lot of people fail even before they start writing their cover letters. They don’t execute accurate, proper and detailed research. The importance of research cannot be overemphasized. Proper research about the company wherein you want to work can grant you access to the deep information you will need on your possible interview day. Your research about any organization should basically cut focus on its mode of operation and offerings. When you perform good research, you answer your interview questions with accurate information supported by data.
#1 Use The Correct Cover Letter Format
Your cover letter should be well arranged in a way that pleases not just the eye of the reader but the mind too. Therefore, there are styles and patterns it should align with. Here’s how a good cover letter is arranged
Cover letter format: three paragraphs.Set margins at 1-inch.Left-align your cover letter, and single-space your paragraphs.Make your cover letter with no experience less than a full page.Use the same, presentable cover letter font as in your resume.
#2 Make a header with your contact information
The header of your Engineering Internship cover letter should contain your bio-data as stated in your resume header. These details should be on one page so that the reader can seamlessly go through your bio without having to turn pages.
#3 Clearly state the job you’re applying for and introduce yourself
Your cover letter should be a clear description of who you are and the position you are applying for. What this entails is that the body of the letter should be a clear description of your strengths, and reasons why you are a good fit for the position you’re applying for.
#4. Use Of Keywords
Every sector and industry has certain words that connect them or make them unique. While some people use words like “wires”, others call them “lines”. While the examples are endless, you must pay attention and have good knowledge of the keywords used in your industry. Hence, once you know them, you must mildly include them in your cover letter. Conclusively, you shouldn’t fill your cover letter with your industry “keywords”. You should limit the use to a few times in your letter. Furthermore, endeavour to use it where you cannot possibly avoid it.
#5. Following The Format
It’s easy to get lost in the euphoria of writing a cover letter – don’t! You must maintain the format to achieve orderliness and for ease in conveying your message.
#6. Keep It Simple
Stick to the most important things as concerns the role you’re applying for. You might feel the urge to write more about yourself, don’t. And while you might capture the necessary and related industry keywords, do not stuff it all up with, as it would only make your letter a bit difficult to read. Read Also: 15 Online Mechanical Engineering Degree | Careers & Salaries
Things To Avoid While Writing An Engineering Internship Letter
There are rules and steps one must follow while writing a cover letter, and one must observe these rules for the best outcome. Obeying these rules will help you stay away from the common pitfalls of writing cover letters. To get started, here are some of the most common mistakes people make when writing a cover letter. You can read our full “How to Write an Internship Cover Letter” guide here.
1. Focusing too much on yourself
A cover letter is your chance to explain why you’re qualified and passionate about the internship opportunity, but it is not all about you. So, don’t see the opportunity as a time to tell your life story. The key to a great Engineering internship cover letter is explaining how you can solve a problem for the employer and why you’re interested in the company. Be careful not to focus on yourself too much.
2. Not tailoring your letter to the company or position
Common phrases such as “Dear employer” or “I would love to work for your company” make for a weak cover letter. As we’ve discussed, you need to tailor your cover letter to the specific position and company. Dissect the job description and research the company; you’ll quickly stand out as a quality applicant.
3. Including taboo topics
When you are adding a personality to your cover letter, ensure you don’t add discriminating or controversial information like religion, race, class, and avoid taking any political stance unless they’re relevant to the role.
4. Too long or too short
Your cover letter isn’t a novel, therefore, it should be 3–5 brief (but content-rich!) paragraphs that explains all concisely. And keep in mind that you’re telling a story. We’ll go on to state the distinct parts of a cover letter in a few lines to come.
5. Typos
Writing without proofreading otherwise known as checking for errors, always come to futility. While you must rely on spell and grammar checks, endeavour to read the cover letter aloud or call a reliable friend to help you go through it repeatedly.
6. Don’t sound pessimistic
Sounding pessimistic is good proof that you’re not ready for the opportunity. Every organization desire employee that is willing to go the extra mile to help the company actualize its goals. Therefore, present yourself as a perfect fit for the Engineering internship position.
7. Rewriting your resume
A cover letter is not an explanation of your resume. So, don’t spend time emphasizing or restating what is already in your resume. Your cover letter is an opportunity to tell your story and how it relates to your organization’s goal, display your passion, and prove what differentiates you from other candidates.
8. Over-explaining
Don’t be a wanderer. Cut out unnecessary words and phrases. Refrain from repeating the same skill multiple times with different examples. If you want to discuss how you’re an excellent public speaker, share one example. Remember, you submit a cover letter and resume in hopes of securing an interview. If everything works out, you’ll have the opportunity to describe your experiences in further detail.
9. Starting with a boring opening
Starting your cover letter with “I’m writing to apply for the position of …” or “My name is Kelly Smith …” will put the recruiter to sleep in a second. Tired phrases like these take away prime cover letter real estate. Instead, start with an applicable skill or even an interesting (relevant) anecdote to grab their attention.
Engineering Internship Cover Letter Format
To make sure your Engineering internship cover letter passes as a professional one, there is a specific format you need to implore:
#1 Start with contact information and salutation
While writing a cover letter, ensure that your contact information is on the upper left side of your application, followed by the date and employer’s contact information. Get the accurate organization’s name and address to avoid addressing the letter to the wrong person or using the wrong designation. As for salutations, get the name and position right if available. Else you can use ‘Dear sir/madam’
#2 First paragraph
Your first paragraph should introduce who you are to your potential employee (state the basic info, your qualification and achievements), clearly state how you got to know about the opportunity, and how the Engineering internship position aligns with your interest.
#3 Second paragraph
This paragraph should highlight your skills and abilities as it relates to the Engineering internship position you are applying for. This is a section where you prove and highlight what you can do for the company. If possible, provide examples that will help you demonstrate the skills and abilities and how the opportunity will be of relevance to your career growth.
#4 Closing paragraph
This is the point where you thank the employer for taking the time to review your application and conclude with an optimistic sentence like ‘I look forward to hearing from you or speaking to you again.’
A Template Of An Engineering Cover Letter
Malik Rabb (123) 456-7891 mrabb@email.com May 1, 2018 Dear Hiring Manager, I was very excited to see your posting for the Engineer position at River Tech. I have been working in the engineering field for several years, and during that time I have been a part of multiple projects, including ones that focused on the maintenance of several roads and the design of the Cloud Clearwater Bridge. I am particularly detail-oriented, and I have always been praised for my ability to foresee potential problems and make proactive plans. In my previous role as Civil Engineer, I was responsible for examining the stability of the bridge that we were building and assessing how it would withstand an earthquake. I also helped with the maintenance and upgrading of several roads that needed drainage to make the roads safer for travel and improve the longevity of the road’s surface. I am not only attentive to detail when designing and maintaining roads and bridges. I am also attentive to the criticism of others, and I highly value the feedback that will make my projects run more smoothly. I appreciate straightforward yet relaxed professional interactions, and I aim for that dynamic with all of my colleagues and outside contacts. I sincerely look forward to further discussing the role of Civil Engineer at River Tech. I’m also excited to hear more about some of the projects that River Tech has been involved in as well as any projects in the foreseeable future. I appreciate your time in considering me for this position. Sincerely, Malik Rabb This is a document that contains details of your intention to occupy an open position in an organization. While recruiters may never find out who wrote a cover letter, it’s not advisable to let people write it for you. Follow our instructions and write it yourself. Your cover letter should contain a summary of your work experience, skills and value proposition. Yes. you can. However, you must ensure you put your intent in the subject part of the mail.
Conclusion
You can agree with me that hiring managers don’t always hire the best candidates. They hire those they deem prepared enough, and one way to ascertain this is through one’s cover letter. The good news is you’ve read this piece, therefore you will longer “take prisoners”, that is if you apply the principles as shown here. Let this article be your guide and read it over and over again, to internalize its lessons. If it is duly followed in your next application, you’d be sure to be getting a date for an interview.
References
https://www.engineering.cornell.edu/
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