cover letter for undp internship

UN Internship Cover Letter Guide With Examples

Attach your internship at UN application with a UN Internship Cover Letter to increase your chances of getting the role. Find key tips and suggestions.

Pansy Thakuria

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Embarking on a journey with the United Nations is an opportunity to make a global impact. A UN internship can be the ideal launching pad for those aspiring to work in international relations, diplomacy, and public service. The competition, however, is intense. Crafting a well-articulated cover letter is vital to make a strong impression.

In this guide, we'll offer tailored templates, tips, and advice for drafting your UN Internship cover letter, irrespective of your experience level.

UN Internship Cover Letter Sample (With Experience)

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Today's Date]

[Recipient's Name] [Title] [United Nations Department/Agency Name] [Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am excited to apply for the [Specific Internship Position] at [Specific UN Department/Agency]. With my degree in [Relevant Major/Field of Study] and my experience at [Previous Relevant Experience/Institution], I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to the work of the United Nations.

While at [Previous Experience/Institution], I:

• Contributed to [specific project or task], directly impacting [specific outcome or achievement].
• Engaged in [activity], deepening my understanding of [specific global issue].
• Collaborated with diverse teams, honing my cross-cultural communication skills.

I have always been passionate about [specific global issue or UN Sustainable Development Goal]. I believe interning with [Specific UN Department/Agency] will enable me to make meaningful contributions while refining my skills and knowledge.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss how my background aligns with your team's objectives.

Warm regards, [Your Name]

UN Internship Cover Letter Sample (Entry-Level)

I am genuinely interested in the [Specific Internship Position] at [Specific UN Department/Agency]. As a recent graduate from [University Name] with a degree in [Relevant Major/Field of Study], I am enthusiastic about applying my academic foundation to address global challenges.

Although my professional experience is nascent, my academic pursuits have equipped me with a robust understanding of [specific global issue or UN Sustainable Development Goal]. My involvement in [university club or project] enabled me to [specific achievement or skill acquired].

I am particularly impressed with [Specific UN Department/Agency]'s work in [specific initiative or project] and am eager to contribute my skills and passion to your esteemed team.

Thank you for reviewing my application. I look forward to discussing my potential contributions to your mission.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Crafting Your UN Internship Cover Letter: Key Tips

1. Be Specific: Highlight the specific UN department or agency you are applying to and align your skills and interests with their initiatives.

2. Have a Global Perspective: Emphasize any international experiences, language proficiencies, or cross-cultural encounters you've had.

3. Be Passionate for Global Issues: Relate your passion for certain global issues, especially those pertinent to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

4. Be Concise and Clear: The UN receives numerous applications; ensure your cover letter is concise and immediately emphasizes your suitability.

5. Have a Tailored Application: Avoid generic statements. Tailor your application to the unique attributes and functions of the specific UN department or agency.

What to Include in Your UN Internship Cover Letter?

• Understanding or experience with global issues or challenges.
• Relevant academic pursuits or research.
• Any international or cross-cultural experiences.
• Language skills or proficiencies.
• How your personal values align with the UN's mission.

Here's a collection of cover letters for different jobs that you can explore:

Nursing cover letter

Cover Letter for Biomedical Scientist

Cover Letter for English Teacher

Cover Letter for a position in Chick-fil-A

Cover Letter for a position at Costco

Learn how to end a cover letter

Bottom Line

A UN internship is a chance to engage with global challenges on an unparalleled platform. Your cover letter should reflect your knowledge of the UN's work, your passion for international issues, and your readiness to contribute.

Personalize each application, ensuring alignment with the specific UN agency or department. Using this guide, aspiring UN interns can present themselves compellingly, aligning their skills and passion with the mission of the United Nations.

This article has been written by Pansy Thakuria . She works as a Content Marketing Specialist at Vantage Lens . Her areas of interest include marketing, mental well-being, travel, and digital tech. When she’s not writing, she’s usually planning trips to remote locations and stalking animals on social media.

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Sample Cover Letter for UN (United Nations) Jobs

Are you interested in pursuing a career with the United Nations? A well-crafted cover letter can greatly enhance your chances of landing a position within this prestigious organization.

In this post, we provide you with two sample cover letters that you can use as a starting point to create your own winning UN cover letter.

UN cover letters come in various forms, so it’s essential to choose a style that aligns with your circumstances. Whether you opt for a formal or informal tone, it’s crucial to tailor your cover letter to the specific job requirements and showcase your relevant skills.

Sample Cover Letter 1 presents an example of an Administrative Assistant applying for a position at the United Nations’ Houston Office. The candidate emphasizes their exceptional clerical skills, hands-on experience, and ability to handle various administrative tasks. The letter showcases the candidate’s enthusiasm and includes a promise to follow up on the application.

Sample Cover Letter 2 demonstrates a more generalized approach, suitable for various positions within the United Nations. The candidate expresses their passion for international development and human rights and highlights their expertise in driving positive change. This letter emphasizes the candidate’s educational background, research skills, and cross-cultural communication abilities.

Feel free to modify these sample cover letters to suit your unique qualifications and job requirements. Remember to showcase your skills and experiences effectively, aligning them with the United Nations’ mission and values.

In addition to the sample cover letters, we also recommend checking out our United Nations (UN) Resume Format and Sample, UNDP Resume Sample, and UN Internship Cover Letter Sample for further guidance and inspiration.

Leverage the power of a well-written cover letter to make a strong impression and increase your chances of securing a rewarding career with the United Nations.

UN Job Cover Letter Sample 1

Mary Brown (000) 657-0101

November 8, 2023

Mr. Adam Doe Personnel Manager United Nations 323 Main Street Houston, TX 32101

Re: Administrative Assistant Position

Dear Mr. Doe:

As a passionate and dependable administrative professional. I am writing to apply for an Administrative Assistant position at the United Nation’s Houston Office. Owing to my exceptional clerical skills and hands-on experience in the administrative arena, I feel confident that I am a good candidate for this job.

Through my work as an Administrative Assistant for The University of Ontario, I have built a strong record of attaining progressively responsible management positions during my short career.

Specifically, I have a demonstrated ability to:

• Handle all aspects of general office coordination
• Maintain office calendar to organize workflow and meeting
• Answer telephones and transfer calls
• Perform general clerical duties such as bookkeeping, copying, faxing, mailing, and filing

The attached resume details my specific skills pertinent to your needs.

As an enthusiastic candidate, I would like the opportunity to meet with you in order to discuss your expectations in greater detail. I will call you next week to follow up on my job application. Should you have any additional questions, please feel free to call me at (000) 657-0101.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

(Sign here) Mary Brown

Attached: Resume and Reference Letters

UN Job Cover Letter Sample 2

[Your Name] [Phone Number] [Date]

[Recipient’s Name] [Title] [Department] [Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Re: [Position Title]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in applying for a [Position Title] position with the United Nations. As a highly motivated and dedicated individual with a passion for international development and human rights, I am confident that my skills and experience align perfectly with the mission and values of the United Nations.

With a [mention number of years] of experience working in the development sector, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by communities around the world. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to drive positive change through various projects and initiatives. From implementing sustainable development programs to advocating for gender equality, I have a proven track record of successfully tackling complex global issues.

My educational background in [mention relevant qualification] has equipped me with a strong foundation in [mention relevant skills or knowledge]. I am adept at conducting research, analyzing data, and developing innovative solutions to address social, economic, and environmental challenges. Additionally, my experience working in diverse cultural settings has honed my interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, enabling me to effectively collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders from different backgrounds.

I am particularly drawn to the United Nations’ commitment to promoting peace, security, and sustainable development. I believe that my expertise, combined with my passion for social justice and equality, would make valuable contributions to the organization’s efforts in achieving its goals. I am eager to leverage my skills and experience to contribute to the United Nations mission in [mention the specific area of interest or expertise].

Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details of my qualifications and accomplishments. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my candidacy with you in more detail and demonstrate my suitability for the position. Thank you for considering my application.

[Your Name]

Recommended Posts For You:

• United Nations (UN) Resume Format and Sample
• UNDP Resume Sample
• UN Internship Cover Letter Sample

9 thoughts on “ Sample Cover Letter for UN (United Nations) Jobs ”

Thank you very much for the sample Cover letter. It is simple and nice. I am mainly concerned with where you see an advert for a job in UN but you have never done such a job but you have picked experience that you can use in this job. It becomes difficult in coming up with a cover letter.

Hi Emily Thank you for your appreciation. In your cover letter, you can mention your relevant skills and knowledge obtained through your non-relevant jobs and education.

Thank you very much for the cover letter sample. I however have a question. 1. Is a cover letter the same as a motivational statement?

Thank you for your question.

The difference between a motivation letter and a cover letter is that a cover letter gives specific examples of how your experiences and skills match the job description provided by the employer. Whereas a motivation letter focuses more on your personality, career interests, passion to work for the employer and motives for applying.

If a job asks for a motivation letter, but not a cover letter, do you need to add a cover letter anyway? Perhaps in the attachment section? Resources online mention cover letters, but I haven’t seen a UN job ask for one yet.

Hi Sam No, you do not need to add a cover letter separately. A motivation letter is basically a cover letter that focuses on your personality, intentions, and reasons for applying for a specific job.

Do I need to write the subject or a reference in my cover letter for a un job?

Sample 2 is the best cover letter I have ever read. Thank you Sam

We are so glad to hear that Sample 2 was helpful to you! If you have any questions or need further assistance as you craft your cover letter for the UN, feel free to ask. Best of luck with your job application – We hope it opens doors to a fulfilling career with the UN!

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8 Tips for Drafting Your UN Cover Letter

A cover letter is an important part of any job application, but it can especially help set your application apart when you apply to UN jobs. The UN looks for specific language, skills, experience, and attitude, and your cover letter is the place for you to show that you meet the qualifications they are looking for. The UN provides some guidance on what they look for in a cover letter, so we’ve taken some of their tips, expanded them, and added a few more to help you write your best cover letter for your UN application.

Keep it brief

The UN recommends a cover letter consisting of 3 to 4 paragraphs. Most career counselors and job development professionals recommending keeping your cover letter to a page. While you want to get information in your cover letter about your experience and skills, you want to make sure to keep it within a reasonable amount of space. Keep the paragraphs concise so that the person reading the letter can get the most information in the least amount of words.

Keep it relevant

When you’re writing your cover letter it can be ready to highlight your best experiences and skills, but your best skills and experiences may not always be the best for the job you are applying for. Make sure that your cover letter stays relevant to the job you are applying for, and highlight your best skills that match what the employer is looking for and that are relevant to the job requirements.

Peacebuilding Careers Guidebook

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Find ways to make the most of your experience

Even if you are qualified for a job that you’re applying for, your experience may not be an exact match for the skills and description. If this is the case, use your cover letter as an opportunity to highlight transferrable skills and experiences that you can take with you into the job you’re hoping to obtain. Instead of talking about your passion or issues related to the job, focus on your achievements and things that you’ve accomplished. Be specific, and be honest (don’t exaggerate or lie) but take the liberty to frame your experience in a way that shows you have the qualifications and skills they are looking for in a future employer.

Distinguish yourself

Your cover letter provides a chance for you to set yourself apart from the other applicants. Use it to talk about unique skills and experiences that could lead you to be the best candidate for the job. Find an attention-grabbing opening and closing that will keep the employer engaged in your story from the beginning until the end. Make sure this doesn’t outshine your experience but use your cover letter as a way to distinguish what makes you a unique and qualified candidate for the job you’re applying for.

The UN career application tips specifically mention to use action verbs and avoid passive language and clichés. These tips are advisable for any cover letter, but because the UN specifically mentions that they want to see these grammar techniques, make sure to follow them closely. While you want to grab attention with your cover letter, make every word count and don’t include cheesy lines or cliché phrases that take away from your unique skills and experience.

Target your cover letter

We’ve already talked about how you want to keep the information in your cover letter relevant to the UN job you’re applying for. In addition to relevant experience, you want to make sure that the language you use matches the language the UN uses in their job descriptions. Target your cover letter to the job and to the audience, showing you understand the culture and purpose of the organization in addition to the actual job. If you decide to apply for multiple positions, tailor your cover letter for each position; don’t send one cover letter for multiple jobs. While all the jobs may be under the UN umbrella, each department, bureau, and team is looking for a specific skillset, qualification, attitude, and applicant.

Use “I” instead of “we”

Your cover letter is about you. So if you’re talking about work you did as part of a team or in a group or as part of an organization, make sure that you avoid “we” statements when talking about achievements and accomplishments. This doesn’t mean you should take credit for work you didn’t do alone, but make sure you spend most of your time highlighting the work you contributed to the team or project to show that you gained real, tangible experience, even as part of a group.

Demonstrate that you understand the job requirements/description

This might seem like the most obvious tip, but make sure that your cover letter shows that you understand the job requirements and description. How you talk about your experience and skills can make a difference if what you choose to highlight doesn’t match what the employer is looking for. If you’re applying for a position that you don’t fully understand, try to look at similar job postings or even search for articles on the internet that might help you better understand the exact nature of the position you are applying for. Job descriptions, especially for large organizations like the UN, usually don’t go into the day-to-day functions of the position, so make sure that you stay on topic and don’t try to guess what your responsibilities will be outside of what is listed in the posting.

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Digital Transformation Internship: Global Call for 2024

Type of contract :, starting date :.

01-Apr-2024

Application Deadline :

30-Sep-24 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Duration of initial contract :.

3 months (with possibility of extension)

Time left :

Languages required :.

English  

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the development arm of the United Nations. Present in 170 countries with over  17,000 people , UNDP works on the world’s biggest problems: extreme poverty, climate change, good governance, renewable energy, crisis prevention, and women’s empowerment, among others. 

Are you ready to put your digital knowledge and skills to work in solving some of humanity’s greatest challenges?

Emerging and future digital technologies are one of the most profound drivers of change globally. Recognizing that these technologies bring both opportunities to accelerate progress in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as presenting challenges to development, UNDP has been undergoing an organization-wide digital transformation since 2019. UNDP’s digital transformation seeks to help create a world in which digital is an empowering force for people and planet.

Our  UNDP Digital Strategy 2022-2025  aims to support our partner countries to unlock the power of digital to tackle these pressing issues. The strategy lays out UNDP’s ambition to use a rights-based approach to digital technologies to improve our development results and help build inclusive digital ecosystems globally that leave no one behind. 

Please note that the start date is flexible, and needs based. We will be receiving applications on a rolling basis until September 30th, 2024, and successful applicants can hear back any time between April 1st and the end of 2024.

Please read the instructions carefully to complete your application.

Duties and Responsibilities

We are looking for motivated interns who can support our work in any of the following workstreams listed below. Please indicate in your application which workstream (maximum 3) you have the most experience and interest in. Indicate your 3 areas of interest using the  Airtable form  indicated under “Application Process”.

Competencies

COMPETENCIES

• Achieve Results: Plans and  monitors  own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
• Learn Continuously: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
• Act with Determination:   Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner:  Demonstrates  compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Other competencies

• Database management skills.
• Detail-oriented, preferably with  previous  administrative and office management experience.
• Eager  to learn new things and gradually adapt the theory into practical work.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to deliver in a high-pressure environment
• Ability to handle complex situations and multiple responsibilities simultaneously, mixing long-term projects with the urgency of immediate demands.
• Ability to collaborate with and achieve actionable results
• Excellent ability to multi-task in a high-demand and fast-paced work context
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude 

Required Skills and Experience

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Education and Experience

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or.
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (undergraduate;  minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent); or
• Have graduated with a university degree (first university degree, or second university degree or equivalent, or higher) and, if selected, must  commence  the internship within a one-year period of graduation.
• Interest/Experience in one of the workstream areas is desirable 

Application Process

The application should  contain :

• Brief Cover Letter (in English) 
• A current and complete CV (Curriculum Vitae) in English. 
• Complete this form ( https://airtable.com/appD8tEokxGCrAQmq/shr0EXPUhhVfvELfC ) in addition to  submitting your details via the UNDP vacancy link

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

In case an applicant is successfully selected, they will be requested to  provide  electronic versions of:  

• Letter from university confirming current enrollment and graduation date;
• Letter of recommendation from a professor;
• Copy of most recent school transcript. 
• Copy of passport. 
• Visa copy- If the candidate  is located in  the USA (United States of America)
• Completed UNDP internship application form. 
• Signed UNDP Internship Agreement. 
• Medical Certificate of Good Health. 
• Copy of Medical Insurance 

UNDP Terms & Conditions for Internship   

•  In accordance with  the UNDP Internship policy, UNDP interns are eligible to receive a monthly stipend, with the rate that varies depending on the duty location. The stipend will be paid monthly, and part-time /Remote internship arrangements are prorated accordingly. 
• Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support  provided  and the applicable UNDP stipend. 
• Except for the stipend, all other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring the government or institutions. 
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship. 
• The intern must  provide  proof of enrollment in a health insurance plan.  
• Interns are not considered staff members and may not  represent  UNDP in any official  capacity
• Due to the high volume of applications received, we can ONLY contact successful candidates
• UNDP Internship Policy
• Send your queries to  [email protected] . Please allow 3-5 business days for the team to get back to you.

How to Write a Cover Letter for Internship (Examples & Template)

You’ve found the perfect internship and it’s now time to apply and land the position!

But, in addition to your resume, you also have to write an internship cover letter.

You might end up staring at the blank Word document for hours and nothing comes out.

We don’t blame you; cover letters are hard to write even if you have a decade’s worth of work experience, let alone if you’re a recent graduate or a student.

Worry not, though; in this article, we’re going to teach you all you need to know to write a compelling cover letter for your internship.

• Do you need a cover letter for an internship?
• How to write a compelling cover letter for an internship
• Plug and play internship cover letter template

Do I Need a Cover Letter for an Internship?

First things first—if you’re wondering whether you actually need a cover letter for your internship application, the answer is yes . 

An internship application is just like any other hiring process, meaning that a recruiter will go over your resume , cover letter (and maybe even references), and decide whether you’re qualified for the position. 

And yes, recruiters contrary to what you might think, recruiters do read your cover letter. 56% of recruiters prefer a cover letter with an applicant’s application.

This is reasonable - a cover letter allows you to add essential information you didn’t have space for in a resume, as well as explain (in words) how your experiences are tied to the role you’re applying for.

As such, a cover letter for an internship is essential and complementary to your application package.

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s go over all the best ways to write a cover letter for an internship. 

How to Write a Cover Letter for Internship

#1. respect the format.

Before you can focus on your cover letter’s contents, you should first make sure you’re sticking to the right format. 

Otherwise, your cover letter will be disorganized and the recruiter will have a hard time following your train of thought.

So, here’s the format that your cover letter for an internship should follow: 

• Header with contact information. This includes your full name, professional email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile (if you have one). Underneath your contact info, you should add the date and the receiver’s information (the recruiter’s name and title, the company/organization name, and their physical address). 
• Addressing the recruiter. Greeting the recruiter with “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern” is common, but not the best approach. Want to show the hiring manager that you did your research? We recommend you address the hiring manager by name directly. Our guide on how to address a cover letter covers everything you need to know on this topic!      
• Opening statement. Your opening statement should be brief, but at the same time professional and attention-grabbing. Here, you introduce yourself, mention the position you’re applying for, and potentially a key achievement or two.   
• Body. The body of your cover letter consists of 2-3 paragraphs where you highlight your education, provide background for your skills, and explain how you (and the company) would benefit from each other professionally. 
• Closing paragraph. Your closing paragraph is your chance to include a call to action, to thank the recruiters for their time, or mention anything important you left out. 
• Formal salutation. End your cover letter with a formal salutation such as “kind regards,” “sincerely,” or “best regards.” Our guide on how to end a cover letter can teach you all you need to know on the topic. 

Having trouble getting started with your cover letter? Read our guide on how to start a cover letter and get inspired!

#2. State the Position You’re Applying For in the Opening

Recruiters hate one-size-fits-all cover letters and resumes.

Around 48% of recruiters and hiring managers aren’t even going to read your cover letter if it’s not customized to the role you’re applying for.

And one of the easiest ways to do this is by mentioning the role you’re applying for right in the cover letter opening.

This allows you to:

• Show that you will be tailoring the rest of your cover letter for that position alone.
• Prove that your cover letter is customized for this specific internship, and you’re not just randomly applying for the job,

Here’s a practical example of how you can mention the role you’re applying for in the cover letter opening:

Dear Mr. Jacobs, 

It is my pleasure to apply for the Communications Assistant internship position at the United Nations Development Programme. I can confidently say based on my 2-year experience working as a journalist and my excellent academic results in the Mass Communications Major that I’d be a good fit for the position. 

#3. Mention the Right Keywords

When reviewing your application, hiring managers tend to scan your cover letter or resume and look for the right keywords that would make you qualified for the internship you’re applying for.

E.g. If you're applying for a job in graphic design, the recruiter is probably looking for keywords like “Photoshop,” “Illustrator,” or “InDesign.”

As such, it’s very important to include the right keywords in your cover letter.

How can you find these keywords, you might ask?

It’s actually pretty simple - just look at the internship job description and go through the required skills & responsibilities and identify the keywords that you’d think the recruiter would be looking for.

Then, do the following:

• Sprinkle some of those keywords throughout your cover letter. When relevant, back them up with an experience. E.g. don’t just say “I’m good at Photoshop,” say how you’ve taken 3 different Photoshop classes and used Photoshop for 2 different projects.
• Don’t include keywords that don’t apply to you, they’ll just make it seem like you’re copy-pasting from the job description.
• Research and add other popular soft skills that recruiters look for in applicants for the role you’re applying for. E.g. If you’re applying for an internship as a communications assistant, chances are, you’ll need strong communication skills (even if this is not something listed in the job description.

Now, let’s look at a practical example. Let’s say that the internship you’re applying for requires the following skills:

• Communication
• Ability to meet strict deadlines

Here’s how you’d mention this in your cover letter:

During my time as Editor in Chief at my University’s newspaper, I got to develop my communication and leadership skills significantly. For over two years, I was in charge of a 7 people team, which also helped my teamwork skills and my ability to meet deadlines. 

Keep in mind, though, that it IS possible to overdo it with the keywords.

44% of hiring managers say they will dismiss a resume or cover letter that looks as if it has copied the job posting. 

Using each and every keyword mentioned in the job description (without backing the skills up with experiences) might cause the hiring manager to think that you’re just copying the job ad & don’t actually have these skills.

So, don’t just copy-paste all the keywords from the job description, and if you DO mention a lot of those keywords, make sure to back them up with practical experiences.

#4. Highlight Your Education

If you don’t have a lot of work experience, your education and relevant coursework is your best chance to show that you’re a good fit for the internship. 

Letting the recruiter know what kind of courses you’ve completed that are relevant to the internship you’re applying for will be a big plus for your application. 

Say, for example, that you’re applying for an internship as a graphic designer. To make your internship cover letter impactful, make sure to mention all the relevant courses and related accomplishments. 

Here’s an example of how you could do that:

As a Visual Design major, I have completed several courses that have helped me build my professional portfolio. A few of the most beneficial ones have been Design & Layout and Visual Communication: Theory and Practice. I have also gained valuable experience doing the layout of the university’s newspaper for 4 years and of several books as independent projects. 

#5. Provide Background For Your Skills

It’s one thing to just claim that you have a set of skills and another to prove it. 

Anyone can say that they’re great at doing something, but what makes all the difference is when you can actually put your money where your mouth is. 

For example, in your internship cover letter, instead of just mentioning that you have “good time-management skills,” actually back it up with a past experience that proves it.

During the summers I assisted my family’s wedding planning business, I learned a lot about time management. In that kind of business, it’s important that things run like clockwork so in addition to time management skills, it also significantly improved my attention to detail. 

#6. Explain Why You’re a Good Fit For The Position

In addition to just listing out the skills that are relevant and beneficial for the internship, you should also explain why you are a good fit for the position. 

This means that you should connect the dots between what the company/organization is looking to gain from its interns and what you can do to provide those services. 

So, after you research and create an understanding of what is required of you, you should use your cover letter to explain why you’re a good fit for that position. 

For the sake of the example, let’s assume you’re applying for an internship at a Human Rights organization. A big chunk of what the role requires is categorizing virtual files of the cases the organization has worked on in the past.

What you want to do, in this case, is show how you can help with that particular job as an intern. Here’s how:  

I have spent 3 summers working at the National Library, where I was tasked to sort and categorize books based on their topic, author, and year of publication, and also memorize where each section fits in the library. I believe this skill, which I have perfected over the years, can really be of use for the internship position at Organization X.

#7. Describe What You Would Gain Professionally

In addition to showing (and proving) your skills and how you can benefit the company, you should also explain how getting the position will benefit YOU . 

When it comes to internships, oftentimes they serve the purpose of helping students and young professionals acquire in-depth knowledge about the industry, create a network, and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their careers. 

So, it will surely help you make an even better impression if you show that you are self-aware about what you’ll get out of the internship and how it will help you grow professionally. 

Here’s how you can do that: 

I am excited for this internship to provide me with the necessary customer service skills and network that will help me grow professionally in my future career as a customer service manager. 

#8. Proofread Your Cover Letter

After all, is written and done, there’s one final thing to do and that is make sure your cover letter doesn’t have mistakes. 

A spelling or grammar mistake probably won’t disqualify you, but at the same time, it will probably be a red flag for recruiters that you’re not too attentive.

For this reason, ask a friend to proofread your cover letter or use spell-checking software such as Grammarly and Hemingway . 

Want to know what other cover letter mistakes you should avoid? Our guide on cover letter mistakes has all you need to know on the topic! 

#9. Match Your Cover Letter & Resume Designs

Want your internship application to truly shine?

Match your cover letter design with your resume!

Sure, you could go with a generic Word cover letter template, but why fit in when you can stand out?

At Novorésumé, all our resume templates come with a matching cover letter template , guaranteed to make your application truly special.

Cover Letter for Internship Template

Struggling to create a cover letter for your internship?

Simply follow our tried-and-tested internship cover letter template!

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! You should now have all the necessary information about how to create a cover letter for an internship.

Now, let’s do a small recap of the key learning points we just covered:

• Cover letters are a must when you’re applying for an internship.
• When you start writing your cover letter, make sure you respect the format: the header with contact information, the greeting to the recruiter, an opening paragraph, the body with 2-3 paragraphs, and a closing paragraph followed by an official salutation and your name.
• Some of our main tips on how to write a cover letter for an internship include: state the position you’re applying for, make use of the right keywords, and back up your skills with experiences.
• Use a cover letter builder and match it with your resume to make sure your cover letter truly stands out from the rest.

Related Readings: 

• Entry-level Cover Letter
• Do I Need a Cover Letter in 2024?
• Top 21 Cover Letter Tips

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Research, writing and data analysis voluntary remote internships.

• Shelter Centre

This internship is to participate in humanitarian projects, such as our Humanitarian Library, as well as to participate in pioneering propsals to innovation donors, for young professionals seeking to explore a career in the humanitarian sector.

Key to this role will also be participating in proposal writing, based upon ongoing discussions with a donors interested in taking the Library forward. This will involve internal innovation workshops, listening to the past reflections of hundreds of interns who, in the past, have contributed to its development.

Applicants with a range of skills wishing to contribute remotely to humanitarian activities are sought to join a dynamic and diverse global team for full-time internships, although applications are welcome also from candidates who have some prior commitments but are available almost full-time. The reason for this is that we work in teams and it otherwise becomes difficult to arrange meetings across availability and time zones.

We are seeking passionate and motivated, well-organised, results-oriented professionals with a strong interest in the humanitarian sector. Ideally, candidates will have some experience in writing and research.

In addition to technical capability, teamwork, empathy, and the ability to function and add value in overcoming challenges is essential to join a dynamic and diverse global team. The successful candidate(s) will remotely join and support a talented and diverse multiskilled global humanitarian team.

The intern will be mainly involved in research, the review and development of training materials, proposal development and report writing.

Shelter Centre, www.sheltercentre.org , is a small international humanitarian NGO registered in Switzerland that does not implement operations alone but instead collaborates with agencies in direct support of their operations, as well as building capacity in the sector. Shelter Centre is dedicated to supporting collaboration, consensus, and capacity throughout the global technical humanitarian community of practice. We serve the global technical community of practice through regular global practitioners' events and resources.

These voluntary positions are for those committed to a future career in humanitarian action, seeking experience and opportunities to inform their decisions in identifying directions. Our people are the foundation of our work and we offer weekly bilateral personal development opportunities. Giving the opportunity of professional growth, former volunteers have gone on to work with donors, UN agencies, the Red Cross Movement, NGOs, and CSOs.

Additionally, volunteers are expected to contribute to a series of ongoing projects, including but not limited to:

• knowledge management through the Humanitarian Library, an innovative inter-agency inter-sector knowledge management platform developed with funding from USAID by supporting the team’s efforts to surface and share practical guidelines, evidence, and learning from our activities and other organisations activities.
• concept development of innovative new approaches to local support, involving AI (NLP)

Main responsibilities and tasks

Informed by preliminary feedback, the intern will participate in the development of the various projects mentioned. This may involve activities including, but not limited to:

• understanding the contexts and audiences of projects, as Shelter Centre always recognises affected populations as the primary responders
• development of a shelter and settlement online training course requiring research into areas such as coordination, gender and age, and summarising this research into training materials. Building damage assessments
• attending various meetings and workshops with government, international organisations and NGOs
• data and document management
• collaboration on report writing
• reviewing existing drafts and implementing revisions
• secondary internship activities

Applicants should also be flexible and motivated to work on other projects and activities, which may range from supporting operational technical work to collaborations with agencies.

Required education, skills, and experience

• commitment to humanitarian action
• self-starters with strong self-motivation and self-discipline, with practical experience in working independently
• excellent research and writing skills, including methodologies and analysis
• strong organisational skills and demonstrated experience in project management, multi-tasking, prioritising, and working accurately to set deadlines
• proven ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues of varied cultural and professional backgrounds
• fluent spoken and written English (minimum Level C1 proficiency)
• general computer literacy, including in Microsoft Office and Google Drive

Desired education, interests, skills, and experience

• ideally, a university (or accredited professional institution) degree involving structured research
• interest or experience in working at a national level, around the world, in the private sector, humanitarian sector, or civil society
• interest or experience working within varied cultures around the world and in remote areas
• interest or experience in project management
• knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research and analysis methods and ease with handling quantitative data and in statistical analysis
• fluency in French, Spanish, Arabic or other languages is an added value
• understanding of humanitarian crises

What do interns get?

Interns are the foundation to Shelter Centre’s work and weekly personal development opportunities are offered in exchange. The interns are further supported by their manager through a personal weekly mentoring session including the review of curricula vitae, cover letters, job opportunities, references, and writing personal reports. The team also benefits from regular personal development events involving external speakers, conferences, celebrations, and other activities organised by and at the request of the interns.

We are seeking full-time or part-time volunteers, to work remotely a total of 35 or 20 hours per week respectively, taking into consideration different time zones. Flexibility is a key consideration, bearing in mind that the Shelter Centre team is based and operates across multiple time zones to support our stakeholders and constituents from the disaster/conflict front lines to the headquarters of donors and agencies. Please ensure that you specify your core time availability and any flexibility in your application. The availability sought is a minimum of three months. Please note that applicants willing to undertake a full-time internship will be prioritised over those only able to commit to a part-time internship

The positions are virtual, meaning interns will work from home. Shelter Centre will only consider applications from individuals who hold or are likely to obtain a valid permit that allows them to reside and undertake internships in their country of work. Shelter Centre has been working online across the globe by developing a collaborative way of working for over a decade.

Successful candidates will bear their own insurance, accommodation, and living costs. Travel is not required.

How to apply

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV and motivation letter as soon as possible, as recruitment will be undertaken on a rolling basis.

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter which responds to the ToR above to [email protected]

Closing date: 31st Aug 2024 (22h00, Geneva time, CEST, GMT+1)

FYI: applicants to be considered for possible interview will be contacted with further practical questions. Interviews will be undertaken on a rolling basis, due to key activities ongoing.

Latest Updates

Bangladesh + 1 more

Bangladesh Red Crescent Society - Population Movement Operation (PMO), Cox's Bazar, Operational Update No. 98 - May 2024

Yemen + 4 more

Yemen Humanitarian Update: Issue 5, July 2024

Afghanistan

ACAPS Anticipatory Report: Afghanistan - The key risks Afghans face between 2024–2030 that are driven or compounded by climate change (31 July 2024)

Acaps thematic report: afghanistan - mapping informal economies in informal settlements as a local integration pathway for idps (30 july 2024).

The University of Chicago The Law School

Judicial internship sample cover letter.

[Your street address] [City], [State (2 letter abbreviation)] [Zip Code] [Phone Number] [UChicago Email Address]

December 1, 2024

The Honorable [First Name] [Last Name] United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois 219 S. Dearborn Street, Suite 1486 Chicago, IL 60604

Dear Judge [Last Name]:

I am a first-year law student at The University of Chicago Law School writing to apply to your summer 2025 judicial internship position. I believe my strong legal research and writing skills would allow me to contribute to the important work of your chambers. As an aspiring litigator, I am also eager for the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in federal court. Having grown up in the Chicago suburbs, I plan to practice here following graduation. I am fortunate to have summer funding available from my law school for legal volunteer work.

My academic and work experiences have prepared me for this role. As a senior at Northwestern University, I wrote an honors thesis on how public policy influences the development of high tech industries. In the process, I examined the intersection of the government and the economy, conducting extensive research and authoring a clear and precise academic paper. During my internship with the United States House of Representatives, I quickly and thoroughly reviewed proposed legislation and drafted memoranda analyzing the impact on existing law. My legal coursework, including a memorandum on the ministerial exception in employment discrimination, has refined my research and writing, and by pursuing a judicial internship, I hope to continue improving these skills in a practical setting.

Please find my resume and writing sample attached for your review. My law school transcript should be available by late January. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

/s/ Sally Student

Sally Student

Attachments

• Get Involved

Work with us

The paramount consideration in the recruitment and selection of UNDP staff members is “the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity”, as set forth in Article 101, paragraph 3, of the UN Charter and UN Staff Regulation 4.2.

The recruitment and selection of staff members at UNDP is guided by the following five principles:

• Competition : Selection will follow a visible and fair competitive process for all vacancies.
• Objectivity : Screening is conducted with professional rigor, with candidates measured against clearly articulated criteria, job skills and competencies and corporate priorities.
• Transparency : The recruitment and selection criteria and all phases of recruitment processes are transparent to staff and candidates to the fullest extent possible. 
• Diversity : The United Nations Development Programme is committed to workforce diversity. Women, persons with disabilities, other ethnic or religious minorities, persons living with HIV, as well as refugees and other non-citizens legally entitled to work at UNDP, are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Accountability : Hiring managers are accountable both for their selection proposals and the manner in which they have followed the processes leading up to them.

Types of opportunities

UNDP hires personnel through international or local recruitment. It applies several types of contracts depending on a number of criteria, such as legal basis and duration of services. The standard types of contracts are:

• Fixed Term Appointment (FTA) – nationals and international;
• Temporary Assignment (TA) – nationals and international;
• Service Contracts (SC) – nationals only;
• Personnel Services Appointment – nationals and international.
• Internship- nationals and internationals

Fixed Term Appointment (FTA) . FTA is concluded for the staff members contracted under Staff Rules. Salary scale for national staff is based on the best prevailing local conditions. Salary scale for international staff is based on the best comparator civil service.

Temporary Appointment (TA) . TA is concluded for the staff members under TA Guidelines. Maximum duration of the contract is 364 days. Salary scale for national staff is based on the best prevailing local conditions; Salary scale for international staff is based on the best comparator civil service.

National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA).  NPSA   is a   contract modality, established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in order to engage the services of individuals to provide a time-limited service to UNDP under a service-based contract. The duration of the NPSA contract is from 1 day to 6 months (short-term contract) or from 6 months-to 1 year (regular contract). The two types of contracts have the flexibility of being both office and/or home-based. 

International Personnel Services Agreement (IPSA).  IPSA   is a contract modality, established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in order to engage the services of individuals to provide a time-limited service to UNDP under a service-based contract. An IPSA Holder is normally a person engaged to perform specialist functions in a country other than their home country or place of permanent residence. An IPSA may be issued for up to 12 months at a time, and may be renewed for up to 4 years, however, not to exceed the maximum duration of the project. The maximum period for the use of an IPSA is normally for the duration of the project and/or its expected funding period.

Application Procedure for Fixed Term Appointments (FTA) and Personnel Services Agreement:

To apply for a vacant position, please submit your application through the vacancy links below.

Other relevant information:

Vacancies are posted in UNDPs eRecruitment platform (Oracle). The application is filled in and submitted online.

Internships give students and recent graduates the opportunity to get a taste of UNDP’s community and mission. 

Qualifications Interns are selected on a competitive basis. UNDP seeks applicants who exhibit an interest in the field of development and in our mission. UNDP internships should not exceed 6 months. Exceptionally, internships may last 9 months when they are being completed for academic credit.

Applicants to UNDP internships must at the time of application meet one of the following academic requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a university degree (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
• Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation.

International applicants should have written and spoken proficiency in at least English.

For national interns, at least working proficiency of written and spoken English and fluency in Lao is required.

Financing : UNDP interns are provided with a monthly stipend.

Application: Please fill in this application form and submit together with your CV/Resume and cover letter to [email protected] and [email protected]

Current vacancies

UNDP is currently aware of fictitious vacancy announcements that are being circulated through email messages and different web sites. The purpose of such fraudulent activity is to deceive an individual and convince him/her to send a "registration/visa/booking/other fee" prior to "hiring". UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training, visa or other fee). Since logos, emblems, forms, names and addresses are publicly available and can be easily copied or reproduced, applicants are strongly advised to take particular care in applying for vacancies, including undertaking all appropriate measures to protect against such advanced fee frauds. If you believe that you became a victim of such fraud, you may wish to report it to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.

Information Disclosure Policy

By accessing this website, certain information about the user, such as Internet protocol (IP) addresses, navigation through the website, the time spent, along with other similar information, will be stored on UNDP servers. These will not specifically identify the user. The information will be used internally only for website traffic analysis. If the user provides unique identifying information, such as name, address and other information on forms stored on this website (e.g. job applications), such information will be used only for purposes stated and will not be shared with parties outside of UNDP or published for general access. UNDP, however, assumes no responsibility for the security of this information. For any questions about how UNDP discloses its information, please see the  Information Disclosure Policy .

Supporting Documents

Individual Contract Template

PDF (133kb)

IC General Terms and Conditions _ Annex II

PDF (183kb)

OFFEROR’S LETTER TO UNDP CONFIRMING INTEREST AND AVAILABILITY _ Annex III

DOCX (36kb)

DOCX (41kb)

Sample cover letter for Full Time position at UNDP

Project officer.

Cindy Nickel

108 Help St Savannah QLD 7820 T: (05) 3872 7001 M: 0417 030 983 E: [email protected]

Reece Brown Programs Manager Emergency Hunger Action Lighthill QLD 7800 Dear Ms Brown Re: International Aid Program Coordinator position I am writing to apply for the position of International Aid Program Coordinator, as advertised recently on the EHA website. I am a qualified, dedicated and experienced international humanitarian aid worker, specialising in nutritional program coordination. My most recent role has been the coordination of all aspects of local nutrition programs in South Sudan for Exfam International, a small humanitarian relief organisation. My time in South Sudan has seen me plan, implement, evaluate and report on programs that provide both immediate emergency relief and sustainable local development. I have overseen the distribution of essential foods and supplements, coordination of primary health care services, training of program delivery teams, provision of logistical and technical support, and the preparation of funding submissions and grant proposals. This role has also involved collecting and analysing data on the impact and effectiveness of our health programs on communities, as well as ensuring WHO compliance in every aspect of our program delivery. This experience, in addition to my previous experience in humanitarian relief in South East Asia, has given me knowledge and perspective in humanitarian emergency situations, and an understanding of the importance of developing sustainable community development programs. I have a strong academic grounding in international aid, health and project management, having completed a Bachelor of Arts (International Aid and Development), a Graduate Diploma in International Health and a Certificate IV in Project Management. I possess excellent organisational skills and an ability to maintain the big picture while attending to details and logistics. I am an excellent communicator, with an ability to manage large teams of people; and I remain calm and positive under pressure, especially in what can be difficult or traumatic situations. My life and career have been driven by a strong passion to alleviate the suffering of disadvantaged people around the world. I believe the West has a responsibility to help poorer nations, and I would love to play an integral part in enacting that. My resume is attached and I look forward to being able to discuss the position with you further. Kind regards, [sign here] Cindy Nickel

- See more at: http://www.careerfaqs.com.au/careers/sample-resumes-and-cover-letters/international-aid-program-coordinator-sample-cover-letter/#.dpuf

Management Trainee Fall 2024 Internship

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• Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
• Must be enrolled as a Senior at a 4 year University pursuing a Bachelor's degree. Any major considered. Graduating by December 2024.
• 3 months customer service, leadership or sales experince is required.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and not require work authorization sponsorship by our company for this position now or in the future.
• Must be able to commit to a minimum 10-12 week program starting no later than October 1st.

Perks and Benefits

Health and wellness.

• HSA With Employer Contribution
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability

Office Life and Perks

• Company Outings
• Happy Hours

Vacation and Time Off

• Personal/Sick Days
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Volunteer Time Off

Financial and Retirement

• 401(K) With Company Matching

Professional Development

• Promote From Within
• Mentor Program
• Access to Online Courses
• Internship Program

Diversity and Inclusion

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
• Woman founded/led
• Veteran founded/led
• Employee Resource Groups (ERG)

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