How to write a simple and effective internship application letter [+ sample template]

While the application letter is crucial to submitting MLS internship applications, it doesn’t carry as much weight as when you’re writing cover letters for remote jobs and other opportunities. This is because the MLS internship application letter is just another tick on a checklist of required documents, and the meat of the selection process comes from the exams, interviews or connections. Does that mean you should slack off? Nope, but you should do well to get to the point with your application letter.

Your application letter should contain the following:

1. Your residential address and the submission date on the right-hand side of the page. I can’t right align on medium, so while it’s on the left side in this post, it should look like this:

2. On the left-hand side is the hospital’s Principal Officer, followed by the hospital’s address: Typically, the Principal Officer is the Chief Medical Director, but in the case of the Health Service Commission, it is the Permanent Secretary.

3. A salutation: Dear Sir or Ma. Please do not write “Dear sir/ma.” If you’re in doubt about the sex of the Principal officer, a quick Google search can fix that.

4. Your intent: This should be in bold and either capitalised or underlined. Not both.

5. First paragraph: This states your name, school, position you’re applying for and hospital you’re applying to.

6. Second paragraph: Your credentials and why you think you’d be an excellent addition to the hospital.

7. Third paragraph: Your reason(s) for choosing the hospital. It doubles as a closing paragraph.

8. Yours sincerely: This is followed by a space for your signature. Underneath the space, you include your full name and phone number.

Other things to note:

• Your application letter should be free from grammatical and spelling errors.
• Go to the point. There’s no reason why your application letter should be more than one page.
• If you’re using the same template for the application process, ensure there are no mix-ups between the addresses and names of the hospitals. And make sure the date on your letter aligns with the submission date.
• Cross-check as many times as you like.
• Every time you apply, make sure to take a picture or make a photocopy of the submitted letter.

Here is a sample of the one I submitted during my time. Tailor it to your credentials.

[YOUR ADDRESS]

[DATE]

The Chief Medical Director,

[NAME OF HOSPITAL],

[LOCATION OF THE HOSPITAL’S CITY OR TOWN],

[STATE].

Dear Sir,

APPLICATION FOR THE MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE INTERNSHIP

I, [SURNAME FIRST NAME MIDDLE NAME in bolded capital letters], a first-class graduate from the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Afe Babalola University, intend to apply for the Medical Laboratory Science intern position at [INSERT HOSPITAL NAME].

I emerged as the overall best-graduating student in my department and the College of Medicine and Health Science and obtained a first-class Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS). I also possess solid theoretical knowledge of diagnostic tests and practical skills, which will be an excellent addition to the laboratory.

[INSERT HOSPITAL NAME] will provide me with the professional experience required for my career trajectory, and I will appreciate the opportunity for career growth at this hospital. I have attached my curriculum vitae (CV) and credentials for your assessment.

Thank you for considering my application.

Yours sincerely,

[SPACE FOR SIGNATURE]

[SURNAME FIRST NAME MIDDLE NAME in bolded capital letters]

[PHONE NUMBER]