Early in your career, resumes often don't say much (we've all been there). But with a strong recommendation letter, you'll have the evidence you need to showcase your skills and make your application shine. Yes, you could be one recommendation letter away from landing your dream internship.
A recommendation letter for an internship shows the hiring team that you're serious about the position and willing to go the extra mile to prove you're a good fit. “These letters offer glimpses into a candidate's capabilities beyond what resumes or academic records may reveal,” says Jarir Mallah, Human Resources Manager at the tech company Ling.
We reunited the best tips from human resources professionals, team leaders, and even a generative AI specialist to give you the ultimate guide on how to write an internship recommendation letter.
What is an internship recommendation letter?
An internship recommendation letter is a document that serves to endorse someone based on their personal character or academic performance. It is typically written by a person who knows the candidate well, such as a professor, mentor, or previous employer, and it details the applicant's qualifications, skills, and potential to excel in a professional setting.
“That being the case, the testimony that a candidate has certain hard and soft skills is not met with some second guessing”, says Martin Gasparian, owner of the law firm Maison Law who frequently conducts internship interviews. “As it's written by a highly respected person, I don't have any problem trusting it.”
A strong internship reference letter fills in the gaps that an entry-level candidate's resume might have. It provides personal insights that only firsthand observations can offer, significantly enhancing their appeal to potential employers.
What to include in an internship reference letter?
An outstanding internship recommendation letter focuses on real-world examples so the hiring team can envision how your abilities manifest on a practical level. It can include academic achievements and personal projects, for example.
“A recommendation letter for an internship should corroborate your skills, character, and potential, and confirm your ability to adapt, learn, and contribute in a professional environment,” Mallah says. “It should be specific about strengths, connect these skills to potential contributions you may bring to the role, and share instances where these skills have shone through.”
Put that recommendation letter to work—check out open jobs on The Muse and land your next interview »
How many letters of recommendation do you need for an internship?
The exact number depends on the company you’re applying to, but it’s common to be asked for one to four letters of recommendation. Always check the specific requirements in the internship application—or the recruiter might tell you during the interview process. Sending multiple letters can give a well-rounded view of your skills and character, but ensure each one offers a unique perspective.
How to ask for a recommendation letter
Follow these steps on how to choose the right person to write a recommendation letter and approach them appropriately.
1. Choose the person wisely
Approach someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths, work ethic, and character. This could be a professor or a mentor who has observed your skills and performance over time. Make sure they have a positive view of your abilities and are in a position to give you a strong endorsement.
2. Ask politely and plan ahead
Writing a recommendation letter takes time, and a polite request shows your appreciation for their effort. Approach the person respectfully and provide ample time for them to write the letter—ideally a few weeks before the deadline.
3. Provide background information
Help the chosen person to write a detailed and relevant letter by giving them information about the internship, your resume, and a summary of your accomplishments and goals. Remind them of specific projects or experiences you’ve shared to help them craft a more personalized and impactful letter.
Recommendation letter for internship: Examples
Having concrete examples can be incredibly helpful in guiding someone on how to write one for you. We compiled some recommendation letter examples tailored to different fields to serve as inspiration and ensure you know exactly what you're asking for.
Marketing internship recommendation letter: Example #1
Dear Recruiter/Hiring Manager/Hiring Team,
I am writing to recommend [Your Name] for the marketing internship at [Company Name]. As [Your Position/Title] at [Your University/Organization], I have had the pleasure of working with [Your Name] for [Duration], during which time they have demonstrated exceptional creativity, strategic thinking, and a strong work ethic.
One of [Your Name]’s notable projects involved developing a social media campaign that increased our engagement by 35% in just two months. Their ability to analyze market trends and craft compelling content is impressive and speaks volumes about their potential in the marketing field.
I am confident that [Your Name] will be an asset to your team and excel in the marketing internship role at [Company Name]. Please feel free to contact me if you need further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Recommender’s Name]
[Your Recommender’s Title]
[Your Recommender’s Contact Information]
Finance internship recommendation letter: Example #2
Dear Recruiter/Hiring Manager/Hiring Team,
It is my pleasure to recommend [Your Name] for the finance internship position at [Company Name]. As [Your Title] at [Your University/Organization], I have closely observed [Your Name]’s academic and professional growth over the past [Duration].
[Your Name] has consistently shown a keen understanding of financial principles and a knack for detailed analysis. During their time with us, they successfully led a team in a financial modeling project that resulted in a 15% cost reduction for a simulated company scenario. Their analytical skills, combined with their teamwork and leadership abilities, make them a standout candidate for this internship.
I wholeheartedly endorse [Your Name] for the finance internship and believe they will bring valuable insights and energy to your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Recommender’s Name]
[Your Recommender’s Title]
[Your Recommender’s Contact Information]
Engineering internship recommendation letter: Example #3
Dear Recruiter/Hiring Manager/Hiring Team,
I am pleased to recommend [Your Name] for the engineering internship at [Company Name]. As [Your Position/Title] at [Your University/Organization], I have had the opportunity to supervise [Your Name] in several engineering projects over the past [Duration].
[Your Name] possesses exceptional problem-solving skills and a strong foundation in engineering principles. One of their significant contributions was in a collaborative project where they developed an innovative solution to optimize the efficiency of a mechanical system, leading to a 20% improvement in performance.
Their dedication, technical expertise, and ability to work well in a team environment make [Your Name] an ideal candidate for your engineering internship program. I am confident that they will excel in this role and contribute positively to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Recommender’s Name]
[Your Recommender’s Title]
[Your Recommender’s Contact Information]
Internship recommendation letter template
Not quite there yet? Here's a template you can use to streamline the process.
I am writing to recommend [Your Name] for the [Internship Position] at [Company Name]. As [Your Recommender’s Position/Title] at [Your University/Organization], I have had the pleasure of knowing [Your Name] for [Duration]. During this time, [Your Name] has demonstrated exceptional [skills/qualities], including [specific example or project].
[Your Name] has consistently shown [positive traits such as leadership, creativity, and dedication], which makes them an excellent candidate for the [Internship Position] at [Company Name]. Their [specific skills or experiences] have prepared them well for this opportunity, and I am confident they will excel in this role.
Please feel free to contact me if you need further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Recommender’s Name]
[Your Recommender’s Title]
[Your Recommender’s Contact Information]
Make your mark in a process dominated by AI
The more internship testimonial letters, the easier the interview process
We get it—a lack of experience can make you nervous and feel less prepared compared to other candidates. However, having recommendation letters for internships from established professionals can really boost your chances. These letters can be instrumental in helping employers make informed decisions. So yes, it's definitely worth it!
Once you've got that interview, check out our 30+ Best Tips on How to Prepare for a Job Interview