We are all passionate professionals, but how do you sound passionate while also being professional? It’s an issue. When it comes to writing a cover letter for a position you’ve been ogling after for what feels like forever, you want to express the immense amount of zeal you have in your writing without sounding like a One Direction groupie. Here’s how to manage your brimming enthusiasm while still sounding professional.

1. Play by the rules. Keep your cover letter to its destined format (one page and no more than three paragraphs.) While scribing the novel of the love story between yourself and the company may seem heartwarming, it’s long, typical, and unprofessional.

2. First things first; be bland. Write out a boring version of your cover letter so you have an established format and framework that includes your skills and expertise. Once that’s penned, it’s time to paint the town! Interject colorful sentences here and there to display your passion and pizzazz!

3. It’s okay to get personal. If this is the holy grail of internships for you, express that (tastefully.) In 2-4 sentences (max) share a personal anecdote or craft a powerful statement proving why you want to work for the company.

It’s all about balance!