How Long Should a Cover Letter Be for an Internship
TL;DR - Quick Answer
An internship cover letter should be 250-350 words, fitting on a single page with standard margins. This length gives you enough space to introduce yourself, highlight 2-3 relevant experiences or skills, show enthusiasm for the company, and close with a call to action—without overwhelming busy recruiters who may review hundreds of applications.
For internship applicants, brevity is especially important. Hiring managers know you have limited professional experience, so they're evaluating your potential, enthusiasm, and communication skills. A concise, well-structured letter demonstrates all three better than a lengthy one filled with padding.
This guide covers the ideal internship cover letter length, how to maximize every word, and what to cut if you're running long. For comprehensive internship cover letter strategies, see our guide on how to make a cover letter for an internship.
Key Takeaways
Aim for 250-350 words: This is the sweet spot for internship applications—enough to make your case, short enough to respect recruiters' time.
One page maximum: Never exceed one page. Use standard margins (1 inch) and readable font size (10-12pt).
3-4 paragraphs: Opening hook, 1-2 body paragraphs highlighting relevant experience, and a confident closing.
Quality over quantity: Every sentence should serve a purpose—cut fluff and generic statements.
Match the company culture: Startups may prefer shorter, punchier letters; traditional firms may expect slightly more formal length.
The Ideal Internship Cover Letter Length
Research and recruiter feedback consistently point to 250-350 words as optimal for internship cover letters. Here's why this range works:
Recruiter attention spans: Studies show recruiters spend 6-7 seconds on initial resume scans. Cover letters get similarly brief attention.
Demonstrates communication skills: Being concise shows you can communicate efficiently—a valuable professional skill.
Respects limited experience: Interns aren't expected to have extensive backgrounds. Shorter letters acknowledge this reality.
Mobile-friendly: Many recruiters review applications on phones. Shorter letters display better on small screens.
For general cover letter length guidance applicable to all career levels, see our comprehensive guide on how long a cover letter should be.
Breaking Down the Word Count
Here's how to distribute your 250-350 words effectively:
Opening Paragraph (50-75 words)
Your opening should accomplish three things: state the position you're applying for, briefly introduce yourself (year, major, school), and hook the reader with genuine enthusiasm or a relevant connection to the company.
Example: "As a junior Marketing major at State University, I was excited to discover TechCorp's Summer Marketing Internship. Your recent sustainability campaign caught my attention in my Digital Marketing class, and I'm eager to contribute to a team that combines creativity with measurable impact." (52 words)
Body Paragraph(s) (125-200 words)
Use one or two paragraphs to highlight your most relevant qualifications. Focus on 2-3 specific experiences, skills, or achievements that directly connect to the internship requirements.
What to include: Academic projects, leadership roles, relevant coursework, part-time work experience, or personal projects that demonstrate applicable skills.
Learn more about what experiences to highlight in our guide on what to put in a cover letter.
Closing Paragraph (50-75 words)
End with enthusiasm, a brief mention of what you hope to learn, and a clear call to action. Thank the reader and express interest in discussing your application further.
For closing strategies, see our guide on how to conclude a cover letter.
When Shorter Is Better
Sometimes going below 250 words is appropriate:
Startup culture: Many startups value directness. A 200-word letter that gets to the point quickly can impress.
Technical roles: If you have a strong GitHub portfolio or project showcase, keep the letter brief and let your work speak.
Application systems with character limits: Some platforms cap cover letter length. Prioritize your strongest points.
When specifically requested: If the posting asks for a 'brief introduction,' stay under 200 words.
When Slightly Longer Is Acceptable
Approaching 400 words may be appropriate when:
Highly competitive programs: Prestigious internships (investment banking, consulting, FAANG) may warrant more detail.
Traditional industries: Law firms, government agencies, and established corporations often expect more formal correspondence.
Significant relevant experience: If you have substantial research, project, or work experience directly related to the role.
Specific instructions: When the application explicitly requests detailed explanations.
Important: Even in these cases, never exceed one page.
How to Trim Your Cover Letter
If your letter exceeds 350 words, here's what to cut:
Remove These Elements
Generic statements: "I am a hard worker" or "I work well in teams" without specific evidence.
Resume repetition: Don't list everything from your resume—highlight 2-3 key points only.
Obvious statements: "I am writing to apply for..." can often be shortened or implied.
Apologetic language: "Although I don't have much experience..." wastes words and undermines you.
Excessive company flattery: One sentence about why you admire the company is enough.
Tightening Techniques
Replace phrases with single words: "due to the fact that" → "because"
Eliminate redundancies: "past experience" → "experience"
Cut weak qualifiers: "I think I would be" → "I would be"
Use active voice: "The project was completed by me" → "I completed the project"
Remove throat-clearing: "I wanted to take a moment to" → just say it
Formatting for Optimal Length
Proper formatting ensures your letter looks professional at any word count:
Font: Use professional fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) at 10-12pt
Margins: Standard 1-inch margins on all sides
Spacing: Single-spaced paragraphs with a blank line between them
Header: Keep contact information concise—name, email, phone, LinkedIn
File format: PDF preserves formatting across devices
For complete formatting guidance, see our guide on how to format a cover letter.
Length Comparison: What Works
Too Short (Under 150 words): May appear lazy or uninterested. Doesn't provide enough information for meaningful evaluation.
Just Right (250-350 words): Demonstrates genuine interest, highlights key qualifications, shows communication skills, respects reader's time.
Too Long (Over 400 words): Suggests poor editing skills, may go unread, often contains unnecessary padding.
Using AI to Optimize Length
AI tools can help you hit the ideal word count while maintaining quality content. Our AI cover letter generator creates appropriately-sized internship cover letters that you can then personalize with your specific experiences.
For more on AI-assisted writing, see our guide on how to use ChatGPT to write a cover letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 200 words too short for an internship cover letter?
200 words can work for casual startup environments or when paired with a strong portfolio. However, 250-350 words gives you better opportunity to demonstrate genuine interest and relevant qualifications. Err on the side of the recommended range unless you have specific reasons to go shorter.
Is 500 words too long for an internship cover letter?
Yes, 500 words is generally too long for an internship cover letter. At this length, you're likely including unnecessary information or repeating your resume. Edit ruthlessly to get under 400 words, ideally closer to 300.
Should I fill the whole page?
No. Filling an entire page often means you're padding with unnecessary content. A well-written 300-word letter that fills two-thirds of a page is more effective than a 450-word letter that fills it completely.
Does word count matter more than content?
Content always matters more than hitting an exact word count. However, length affects readability and recruiter engagement. A brilliant 600-word letter may never get read, while a solid 300-word letter will. Aim for quality within the recommended range.
How do I know if my letter is too long?
Read it aloud. If you find yourself skimming or losing interest, it's too long. Ask a friend to read it—if they can't summarize your main points, you've included too much. Every paragraph should directly support why you're a good fit.
Should international students write longer cover letters?
No. The same length guidelines apply regardless of background. International students should focus on highlighting unique perspectives and experiences concisely rather than writing longer letters.
Do cover letter length expectations vary by industry?
Slightly. Creative fields may appreciate brevity and personality. Finance and consulting sometimes expect more formal, detailed letters. Tech often prefers shorter letters with links to portfolios. Research your target industry, but stay within 250-400 words regardless.
What if the application doesn't ask for a cover letter?
If there's an option to include one, do so—but keep it concise (200-250 words). A brief, targeted letter shows initiative without being presumptuous. Focus on your strongest selling points only.
Conclusion
For internship cover letters, 250-350 words is the sweet spot. This length allows you to introduce yourself, highlight relevant qualifications, demonstrate enthusiasm, and close professionally—all while respecting recruiters' limited time.
Remember: every word should earn its place. Cut fluff, avoid resume repetition, and focus on what makes you uniquely qualified. A concise, well-crafted letter demonstrates the communication skills employers value in potential interns.
Ready to create your internship cover letter? Our AI cover letter generator helps you craft the perfect length letter in under 60 seconds. For more examples, explore our cover letter examples.
