Writing a Consulting Focused Cover Letter
Never discount the power of the basics. A cover letter with strong language, proper grammar, correct spelling, and keen insight of the firm you’re applying to can go a long way towards enhancing your candidacy. It shows that you care and illustrates your ability to effectively communicate. On the contrary, a bad cover letter can immediately destroy your interview chances. Things like spelling errors, bad grammar, and applying to the wrong firm will immediately ruin your chances as it demonstrates laziness and that perhaps this job doesn’t mean all that much to you. Take your time and get it right. When sifting through piles of resumes, so many people on paper feel identical. The cover letter could very well be the tie breaker between you and other candidates.
While I reiterate I’m no authoritative cover letter expert, having screened resumes and cover letters as part of my recruiting responsibilities for the past two years, I have a fairly strong idea of what works, the language consulting firms look for, and the type of experiences consulting firms want to read about. While my cover letter format won’t blow anyone away, it provides a solid structure that will only reinforce your candidacy.
Tips for writing a good consulting cover letter:
1. ¾ Page- Four Paragraph Format: If I’m tasked to review 50 resumes and cover letters, trust me when I say I’m not going to read every word. In fact, if I see a long cover letter that’s more than a page, I may even end up reading fewer words out of discouragement. With cover letters, I kind of bounce around from sentence to sentence. You just have to realize that anyone who ultimately reads your resume and cover letter whether they work in HR or work in the business is human and prone to the same instinctual tendencies of boredom and restlessness. Not to be condescending but honestly for the greater majority of you, there is nothing you accomplished in your professional and academic life that is so amazing and news worthy that it needs to extend beyond a 1 page cover letter. Keep it concise. In consulting you’ll be expected to summarize 5 pages of information in 1 power point slide. So why not practice this art of condensing now.
2. Don’t ruin your chances by making inane mistakes. Do note that while I’m not going to read every word, you better have the name of the company, the position you’re applying for, and 98% of your spelling correct. It’s McKinsey and Company not McKinsey Group or McKinsey Corporation. Also to this effect, make sure you distinguish between the multiple entry level positions you’re applying for as the titles extend from business analyst, analyst, associate, to consultant. This is not the time to get lazy. Meticulous attention to details; one of the many necessary requisites of being a strategy consultant!
3. Paragraph One- Say who you are and what your purpose is. Very basic stuff here. Let them know how you heard about the firm, that you’re excited about the prospects of joining the firm, and that you’re writing to be considered for an entry level position. I’ve outlined this in the cover letter below, and it’s seriously all you really need to accomplish in the first paragraph. Make something up if you have to. Write how you spoke with representatives at the career fair, had some engaging conversations with representatives at the presentation, and did some research on the company online and are thrilled with the opportunity to apply. Show some excitement!
4. Paragraph Two- Write about why you want to be considered for a position with the firm you’re applying to. This is where you discuss the values of the firm that differentiate it from its competitors. While consulting firms are mostly the same across the board, write something that sounds substantive in this paragraph. You can mention how the firm you’re applying to works with diverse clients, in a wide array of industries, and has a proven track record for delivering value and achieving results in all areas of business operations. Reinforce in your readers mind that you know what makes their firm special and a leader in the industry.
5. Paragraph Three-Write about yourself. Show how you’ve succeeded in the academic world and have applied yourself in professional settings. It doesn’t matter what your background is. The key is to show passion for what you’ve done and demonstrate how that intellectual curiosity will translate into success in the professional realm. Tell the story that best demonstrates your analytical, quantitative, and qualitative abilities. Show how you delivered results and made a critical impact to the projects you worked on. Cover letters are a great way to show professional growth and development. Demonstrate why you think you’re a fit to succeed in the demanding profession of strategy consulting.
6. Paragraph Four- Concluding Remarks; A simple good-bye. This should be short and concise. Reiterate how you really want to be considered for the position, provide one last statement on why you’re a strong fit, and indicate where you can be reached. Don’t forget to thank them for their time! The End. You just wrote a solid cover letter.
Cover Letter Example:
Words I Like and Encourage You to Use are In Red. Start developing business lingo that fits into your story, helps demonstrate who you are, and sounds impressive. For your interviews you have to become comfortable ‘talking the talk.’
Example 1:
I am a senior at University XXXXX, and while I have thoroughly enjoyed my collegiate years, I am thrilled about the professional life that awaits me. I first learned about Major Consulting Firm at the on-campus career fair, and my excitement about your company only grew after the information session and engaging one-on-one interactions I had with representatives from your firm. Having gained a perspective of the outstanding qualities of your firm and your people, I am writing to express my interest in the associate position and am submitting my resume for consideration.
Major Consulting Firm is at the forefront of the management consulting world. With teamwork, innovation, and integrity, Major Consulting Firm provides a broad spectrum of high value adding consulting services to a diverse portfolio of clients. With a strong strategic focus, the case studies I’ve read confirm the continual benefit that Major Consulting Firm is delivering to its clients; partnering with them to become high achievers within their relative industries.
The quantitative, research, and analytical abilities I’ve acquired through my coursework and internship experiences have given me the confidence to know that I can succeed in the professional realm. I firmly believe that I will be able to quickly assimilate into the consulting world and positively contribute to my project team. Majoring in XXXX at University XXXX has given me a fundamental background in research and problem solving which has allowed me to hone my analytical and quantitative abilities. This past summer I was able to leverage these skills as a marketing intern working in the consumer packaged goods industry with Company XXX. For Company XXX I was responsible for conducting research on major food and beverage products, outlining their profit margins and the effectiveness of the marketing strategies used to promote them, and identifying other influencing factors that may have been a potential catalyst for driving the success of these products. Following my research, I then teamed with my manager to analyze and present our findings to a panel of executives within our firm. Our presentation ultimately led to a thoughtful reevaluation of a proposed marketing campaign of a new beverage launch. The challenging deadlines I managed and the stimulating environment I worked in has led to profound professional growth and has instilled in me a do-whatever-it takes attitude. Through my intellectual curiosity and passion for delivering results, I am confident that I have developed the necessary skill set to thrive in consulting.
With the firm emphasis I place on accountability and hard work, I feel I could be a strong asset as an associate with your firm. I welcome the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further and would love the opportunity to interview with your firm and learn more about your organization. I can be easily reached at your convenience via email @ or by phone at XXXX. Thank you for your time.
Best Regards,
XXXXXX
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