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What Are the Best Tips for a Trainee Cover Letter?

Sheri Cyprus
Sheri Cyprus

The best tips for a trainee cover letter include mentioning the position being applied for in the introduction and making a concise case as to why the applicant is the best fit for the opportunity. It's also crucial for perspective trainees to mention why they want to train at that particular company, as otherwise the hiring manager could think that the applicants aren't concerned with where they'll end up, but just trying to get any internship possible. As with any job cover letter, one written for a trainee opportunity should contain organized paragraphs that emphasize the candidate's suitability for the position.

As a general rule of thumb, a cover letter can consist of introductory and concluding paragraphs plus two or three body paragraphs. No matter the number of paragraphs, the trainee cover letter shouldn't be longer than one page. Each paragraph in the letter should summarize a key area on the attached resume such as work experience or education. All of the paragraphs in a cover letter written for a trainee opportunity should always make the point that the candidate is an ideal fit for the company.

A person should sign off on a trainee cover letter with "Sincerely," and a signature.
A person should sign off on a trainee cover letter with "Sincerely," and a signature.

Trainee candidates should do their homework before applying for an internship. The applicant should understand the duties and time commitment expected as well as the basic goals of the business. In this way, the trainee cover letter can add specific details about how the applicant is a perfect match for the opportunity the company is offering. Using specific details while emphasizing a great fit between the applicant and the company can make a candidate stand out from the rest.

At the end of the letter, specify contact information, and note if you will follow up with the company -- with a phone call or email in a week or two, for example.
At the end of the letter, specify contact information, and note if you will follow up with the company -- with a phone call or email in a week or two, for example.

Keeping in mind that many firms offer trainee internships as a trial method of finding new hires is a good thing to remember when writing the cover letter. Applicants should expend a lot of effort into writing a trainee cover letter, as the internship may lead to an entry-level job. Trying to understand how difficult choosing an intern trainee from a large pool of applicants is likely to be for the hiring manager can be helpful in inspiring candidates to sell their skills and interest.

Closing the cover letter with mention of a willingness and ability to learn new skills can place the thought in the hiring manager's head that this person may be a good fit. After all, an intern trainee is expected to learn and grow during his or her time with a company. It's also important for the last sentences of a trainee cover letter to thank the reader for his or her time and mention that the candidate would like to have a meeting about the opportunity at the reader's convenience. In this way, the next step of the interview process is anticipated and mentioned, which may help the reader place the candidate on the short list of applicants.

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    • A person should sign off on a trainee cover letter with "Sincerely," and a signature.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      A person should sign off on a trainee cover letter with "Sincerely," and a signature.
    • At the end of the letter, specify contact information, and note if you will follow up with the company -- with a phone call or email in a week or two, for example.
      By: Kurhan
      At the end of the letter, specify contact information, and note if you will follow up with the company -- with a phone call or email in a week or two, for example.