I landed a couple of internships that were out of my school’s league. The key has always been a killer cover letter. Most people treat the cover letter as just a rote, benign thing to just not make mistakes on, but it’s the best way to show passion and stand out, because it’s usually so cookie cutter. But it has to be different from the very first word. I usually start my letter with a anecdote of something I’ve done or accomplished that makes me a good fit for their organization. Ex. When I was out, knocking on doors for the eighth hour straight, my body was telling me to give up. It was the final day of a grueling campaign, I should have been tired. But what my body hadn’t quite seemed to grasp yet was that I was absolutely in love with the campaign trail and it would just have to deal with a couple more hours of work. That drive and love of campaigning is why I’m applying for the position with your organization and why I believe we are a great fit for one another.

Yeah that examples a corny (I’m trying to finish this up on a bathroom break lol)and Ive never campaigned in my life, but that type of introduction is what has always worked for me. It takes a little bit more time, and personalization, but it’s my go to.

Also don’t start with “My name is ...” Introduce yourself in some other way. A name is such a benign and nondescript first impression.