If you are hoping to launch your career forward, an internship is a worthwhile pursuit.
A sweeping 91 percent of employers prefer that candidates have work experience, according to a survey by The National Association of Colleges and Employers. Out of these employers, 56% prefer that the experience comes from an internship or co-op.
In addition to making you more valuable to employers, an internship offers hands-on learning and gives you a firsthand look at a specific industry.
With so much to gain, nailing your internship interview is key. An internship interview thank you letter is a great way to leave a lasting impression and encourage the interviewer to keep you in mind.
For tips on composing a professional and memorable note, read on!
Internship Interview Thank You Letter Tips
Having a shiny new internship on your resume furthers your ability to impress employers and leverage your experience into job offers down the line. To secure the role, you’ll need to be a candidate that stands out. Keep these tips in mind when composing your interview thank you letter.
First and foremost, personalize the note. The interviewer likely receives lots of generic cover letters and unoriginal notes. Your message should be a delightful break from that mold. To accomplish this, include specific references to topics that you and the interviewer discussed during your conversation. This shows that you were listening, and you care enough to remember what was discussed.
Additionally, you’ll want to emphasize your interest in the role. Ideally, you already made this point clear during the interview. Now is the time to gently bring up again why you are passionate about working for the company. You can also write a sentence or two about how your skills will translate well into the role.
Of course, the main point of this brief note is to thank the interviewer for the opportunity. Whether you think the interviewer was fair or unduly difficult, thanking them is crucial. Showcasing your gratitude for the time the interviewer allotted to you is a great way to place yourself in a positive light. Be sure to thank the interviewer and include a specific thing you are thanking them for (their time, the opportunity, getting welcomed back for another round of interviews, etc.) Companies would prefer grateful interns over entitled ones, so make sure you come across as thankful.
How to Craft the Perfect Internship Interview Thank You Letter
Now that we’ve discussed three essential components of an internship interview thank you letter, it’s time to put them into practice.
Here are three examples displaying how to end the interview process on a positive note:
Virtual Interview
An increasing number of companies are turning to virtual interviews as they search for ideal internship candidates.
What’s Inside:
- A reference to a specific company value that the interviewer mentioned
- A mention of past relevant experience
- An ending including the day the interviewer indicated that they would reach out again
What’s Left Out:
- Explanations about poor internet connection or technical difficulties
- Questions about whether or not you will be selected for the internship
- Any unprofessional email usernames or signatures
Virtual internship interview thank you letter example:
Hi [interviewer’s name],
Thank you for taking the time to interview me today and answering my questions about the hands-on internship program at [company name]. Speaking with you about the in-depth programs that [company name] offers made me even more excited about potentially joining the team this summer.
I am eager to put the lessons I’m learning in my journalism classes into practice during the internship. I truly believe that the writing skills I cultivated during my time working for the school newspaper will allow me to excel in this role. When you mentioned teamwork as a core value at [company name], I immediately thought about the collaborative efforts I’ve been a part of at the paper. I look forward to the opportunity to put these skills to use and learn more about the reporting and publication industry.
Thank you again for the opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you on Wednesday.
Sincerely,
[Name]
In-person interview
An in-person interview allows you to connect with the interviewer and make a more impactful impression that video calls may allow. Once you’ve answered the questions and parted ways, start drafting a thank you note like the one below.
What’s Inside:
- A clear message of interest in the position
- An upbeat tone and focus on the positive future
- Multiple expressions of gratitude for the interviewer and the opportunity
What’s Left Out:
- Questions about wages (for paid internships)
- Discussion of any mishaps that happened during the interview (late arrival, misunderstanding a question, etc.)
- A list of references from past bosses or colleagues (only attach this if the interviewer requests it)
In-person internship interview thank you letter example:
Dear [interviewer’s name]
What a pleasure it was to sit down with you and learn about the exciting innovations taking place in the intern program at [company name]. Thank you for allowing me to share my professional background with you and for walking me through what a day in the life of an intern looks like at [company name].
Hearing about the real-world supply chain problems that past interns have been able to solve was inspiring. The attention to detail and critical thinking skills I have developed during my time in the honors business program will come in handy during this internship. No matter what team I am assigned to, I plan to work diligently and effectively.
I appreciate the opportunity and am thankful that [company name] is considering me for this position. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to make this process run smoothly.
Best Regards,
[Name]
Multiple Rounds of Interviews
As you move deeper into the interview process, you’ll be able to get a better understanding of the company and determine if it’s a great fit for you. If so, wow them with a well-written thank you note.
What’s Inside:
- A glimpse into what you have learned about the people and values of the company
- The skills you bring to the table for this internship
- A clear message of your enthusiasm about the internship
What’s Left Out:
- Any suggestion that the company has an obligation to hire you after multiple rounds
- A discussion of reimbursement for travel expenses and time
- Any indication that the applicant is growing tired or impatient
Internship interview thank you letter after multiple rounds example:
Hello [interviewer’s name],
After submitting my proposals and hearing your feedback, I feel more eager than ever to join the team at [company name]. The commitment to excellence and welcoming attitude that the team displays is something that I am continually grateful for. Thank you for your time today and for inviting me back for another discussion about a role as a [company name] intern.
At each point in this process, I’ve been able to learn more about [company name], and I can picture myself more and more as a valuable member of the team. From the up and coming product launches to the community involvement that the company takes part in, there is so much to look forward to about a future with [company name].
Visiting the offices allowed me to get a glimpse of the people who make [company name] great. I can see myself putting my communications and advertising skills to use on the marketing team. I hope to join the team and get the chance to learn from some of the amazing professionals at the agency.
Thank you again for the opportunity.
Respectfully,
[Name]
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