Bain Cover Letter Sample

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Bain & Company is a world-renowned strategy consulting firm. They have been ranked the #1 best firm to work for by Consulting magazine for the past nine years. This leading firm works with large corporations and multinationals across industries throughout the world.

With such a prestigious reputation, it is not surprising that many aspiring consultants want to jump start their career at this organization. Because this job market is so competitive, failing to submit an eye-catching consulting cover letter would be a huge mistake. Recruiters at top-tier consulting firms, such as Bain, will not spend a lot of time reviewing your application, so a well-written and complete application is a must.

A complete consulting application includes more than an impressive resume; you also need an equally remarkable cover letter. In fact, the results from a recent survey revealed that 75% of employers indicated that a well presented cover letter can significantly improve the chances of a less eligible candidate landing an interview, and that 53% of employers favor applications with both a resume and cover letter.

A cover letter provides you with an opportunity to highlight your relevant skills and experiences as well as convey your enthusiasm for the consulting industry, so take advantage of it. You can look online for Bain cover letter samples to guide you in writing your application.

What Bain Looks For

Bain looks for candidates who can demonstrate they possess qualifications imperative to consulting such as sharp problem solving and strong leadership skills and a true passion for consulting.

Sharp problem solving skills are indispensable for any aspiring Bain employee. If you are not sure how to incorporate your problem solving skills in your cover letter, begin by providing short yet specific accomplishments from your previous roles that demonstrate this skill. Remember, you need to exhibit this capability in order to move on to the case interview. Although your problem solving skills and thought process will be further evaluated during the case interview, you must first give them a glimpse of your potential in order to get to the next stage.

Bain is also impressed with aspiring consultants who present a results-oriented track record. You do not need to list all of your previous successful projects in your cover letter, simply highlight the most impressive one.

Strong leadership qualities are essential if you really want to work at Bain. The firm explicitly states that they seek out candidates with proven leadership experience. Whether your experience in this area is school or work-related or even through your extracurricular activities, make sure your application displays this necessary trait.

Bain values applicants who show genuine passion for consulting and for life in general. Bain also appreciates enthusiastic candidates who want to make a change in the world. You can demonstrate your passion for consulting through the relevant experience or achievements you include in your application. You can also demonstrate your passion for change by citing your activities outside the office such as volunteer work.

When applying for a consulting position at Bain, you must be able to clearly demonstrate the characteristics listed above in your cover letter and resume.

Bain Cover Letter Structure

Your consulting cover letter should only contain three to five paragraphs, and the information needs to be presented in a concise yet comprehensive manner.

Bain Cover Letter Sample: Contact Information and Salutation

The most important thing you need to remember for this section is accuracy. As the recruiter will use the details you provide here to notify you, ensure that your email address and phone number are functional and accurate. Double check your contact information before you send your application.

Moreover, do not forget to address your letter to the correct person and list his or her title at the company. Many candidates overlook this simple detail when writing their cover letters. In fact, according to feedback from top employers listed in the book, The 100 Best Companies to Work For, 91% implied that addressing a cover letter to the appropriate individual improves an applicant’s chances of getting an interview. This is because it reflects the extra time you took to research and personalize your letter as well as your great attention to details. Failing to address these aspects in your cover letter may hurt your application.

Bain Cover Letter Sample: Introduction

The first paragraph is where you mention the purpose of your letter, which is applying for the consulting position. It needs to be interesting enough to encourage the screener to read the rest of your application. Basically, this section of your letter should address the question, “Why this job?” Explain how you came to know about the job opening and briefly state why you are interested in the position. Sound sincere and do not just repeat their publicity materials. A good Bain cover letter demonstrates that you have done your research and that your letter is targeted toward the organization and have not simply sent out the same cover letter to other employers.

To convey an original, targeted, and interesting voice, you can mention any of the following: networking, articles, or events. If you happen to have a conversation with a Bain employee, you may mention how that person has inspired you to pursue consulting. You may also refer to an event, such as an inspirational talk, wherein you learned the value of working at Bain. And you may state a particular case Bain handled that has inspired you to get into consulting.

Check Bain’s website for company information or ask colleagues who are associated with them, so you can add something original in your letter. You may also check out other consulting sites for good Bain cover letter samples.

Example:

“I am interested in the Associate Consultant position at Bain & Company. I have an avid interest in management consulting, and my conversation with Mr. X, one of your senior consultants, has further inspired me to seek this position. I believe this opportunity will provide me with unparalleled experience in business consulting.”

Bain Cover Letter Sample: Middle Paragraphs

The middle section of your consulting cover letter should answer the question, “Why me?” This section can be either one or two paragraphs and convey all your significant work experience and how it relates to the vacancy. Explain briefly and clearly why you are suited for the position without using the exact same words or phrases on your resume. Refer to your most relevant skills and accomplishments and match them to the requirements of the consulting position.

Example:

“My economics studies at Toronto University have provided me with analytical skills which I will apply to diverse business scenarios. My three years of experience as a marketing manager at Accelerator honed my ability to develop and implement marketing campaigns, as well as how to effectively collaborate with a team. I led a team which devised marketing initiatives for a global campaign for Z Brands, which resulted in a 25% increase in sales after three months.

I enjoy working with teams and hold several leadership positions within my various extracurricular activities. I am currently the Vice President for X Group, and I also participate in a non-profit organization that tutors local youth in math and reading. I believe that my strong work ethic, analytical skills, and initiative have given me the requisite skills and ability to contribute to the growth and success of your firm.”

Bain Cover Letter Sample: Conclusion

The closing paragraph of your Bain cover letter should reaffirm your suitability for the role. Demonstrate your enthusiasm about the possibility of working as a Bain consultant and state that you are looking forward to hearing from them. Statistics from the survey mentioned above revealed that 88% of employers agree that applicants should mention their interest in being interviewed in their cover letters.

Finally, do not forget to sign your letter. If you are submitting a paper application, you must place your handwritten signature above your name. This is a sign of proper business etiquette and professionalism. If you are sending an email application, a signature may not be necessary; however, you must not forget to write your name at the bottom of your letter.

Example:

“I look forward to the opportunity of being interviewed in order to share more about my experience and skills that I could bring to your company. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A Bain cover letter needs to be perfectly written and presented. If you want to land a consulting job with this prestigious firm, avoid committing the following mistakes:

Name dropping	If you have never talked to or met the person, do not mention them.
Lengthy cover letter	Never let your letter run over one page—brevity is best. Screeners will not spend a lot of time on your application, and if your letter exceeds one page, the recruiter may question your written communication skills, which are a critical requirement for aspiring management consultants.
Exclamation points	Mind your exclamation points. You can demonstrate your enthusiasm in a more professional way.
Lack of evidence for your claims	Ensure that whatever you put in your letter is supported by the details in your resume.
Typos and grammatical errors	Such mistakes imply a lack of attention to detail, therefore you must proofread your letter.
Poor formatting	The standard font size is 12 with 1″ margins. Ensure there are enough white spaces as hurting the reader’s eyes will hurt your candidacy as well.
Wrong firm name and/or position	This is a no brainer—mistakes like this will ruin your chances.
Rehashing your resume	Do not waste the recruiter’s valuable time by providing two similar documents to review.
Unclear statements	Read your cover letter and ensure everything makes sense.
Lack of numbers	Failing to include quantifiable accomplishments will not help your application stand out.
Insignificant details	Only mention things that are relevant to consulting such as academic excellence and outstanding social involvement.
Omitting power words and keywords	Ensure to sprinkle your letter with active and strong words like “managed,” “organized,” “implemented,” etc., and incorporate keywords related to the consulting position.

Consulting Cover Letter Outline

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The cover letter may be a basic requirement for the management consulting application process, but writing one poses difficulties for most applicants. To address this problem, we have provided a consulting cover letter outline below that can serve as a reference when crafting this document.

Header

Place your and the consulting firm’s contact information at the top of the page. Ensure that the details are accurate; otherwise, you’ll never be contacted for further assessment. If you’re sending your application via email, include your contact info at the bottom of the letter, below your signature. To eliminate confusion, the contact details should be the same as what’s provided in your resume.

Salutation

As much as possible, don’t use “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager.” Take a step further and include the addressee’s complete name and position to indicate your sincerity and interest in working for the company.

Introduction

The first paragraph of an ideal consulting cover letter outline starts with an explanation about how you heard about the vacant position. Were you informed by a person who’s currently working for the firm? Did you read about the opportunity on LinkedIn or other online job board? Also, briefly describe how your qualifications match the vacant position’s requirements in order to give the recruiter an understanding about your candidacy.

Middle Paragraphs

Expound on your knowledge, skills, and abilities by summarizing your work experience and education. Emphasize one or two qualifications that make you suitable for the job. If possible, focus on experience or accomplishments that showcase your logical, analytical, decision-making, and communication skills—the vital attributes of a consultant. If you’re a recent graduate, you can do this by discussing your extra-curricular activities, thesis, or relevant coursework and elaborate on how they have prepared you for the role.

Closing Paragraph

In the last paragraph of the consulting cover letter outline, reiterate your skills that make you the right applicant for the job and state your enthusiasm about being invited for an interview to discuss the opportunity further. Finally, thank the recruiter for taking the time to read your job application.

Signature

To end your letter, use a professional, complimentary closing such as the following:

Sincerely yours,
Very truly yours,
Kind regards,
Best regards,
Respectfully,

Don’t forget to attach your signature as it adds more integrity to your application. If you’re sending your cover letter via email, scan your signature, adjust the size, and insert it into your letter. This reveals your technological savvy, which can be an edge nowadays.

Additional Cover Letter Tips

Regardless of the consulting cover letter outline you use, here are two additional tips to remember:

Insert Keywords

Recruiters review hundreds of job applications for a single position. Without the luxury of time, they quickly move from one section to another. If they come across familiar words, they’ll easily be able to match your skills to the position. Given this explanation, carefully read the job advertisement and the firm’s website to identify what they look for in candidates and insert the appropriate terms in your cover letter.

Proofread Your Cover Letter

Before submitting your cover letter, proofread it to ensure it doesn’t contain embarrassing punctuation, grammar, and/or spelling errors. Recruiters are very particular about your written communication skills as you will be writing reports if you get hired for the position.

Consulting Cover Letter Examples

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The consulting job market can be tough. Catching the recruiter’s attention during the initial screening requires a great resume and a well-written cover letter.

The majority of consulting aspirants realize the value of an exceptional CV or resume; however, many are not aware of the benefits of crafting a powerful cover letter. Applicants often neglect the value of a well-written cover letter because they put all of their energy into writing their resumes. But the fact of the matter is, resumes and cover letters are equally important.

In fact, according to statistics reflected from a survey listed in the book The 100 Best Companies to Work For, 75% of employers agreed that a well-written cover letter can significantly improve the odds that a less eligible applicant will be asked to sit for an interview. The study also revealed that 53% of employers prefer applications with both a resume and cover letter. Moreover, 91% of employers said they would give greater consideration to applicants who have conducted research on their company compared to those who simply send out generic cover letters. Simply put, the cover letter matters.

How to Craft a Cover Letter

Some employers will not actually read your cover letter, but simply scan it, looking for keywords such as roles, skills, and accomplishments. Learning the art of crafting a compelling cover letter is a must for every applicant.

Employers look through cover letters not only to learn about the skills you can offer but to gain more insight on your personality as well. Your entire cover letter needs to be interesting and should consist of no less than three and no more than five paragraphs. Take a look at these consulting cover letter examples done per section of the letter:

Introduction

In most consulting cover letter examples you’ll see online, the first paragraph is usually where you mention the position you’re applying for. It needs to sound interesting enough to encourage the employer to read the rest of your cover letter. Include your objectives and how you came to know about the opening. Try incorporating the following strategies for a more personal approach:

Networking	You may drop the name of an employee or anyone else associated with the firm and mention how he or she has encouraged you to pursue a career with their organization. However, do not simply namedrop without explaining how that person inspired you to submit your application. If you don’t know any such person, you can conduct research on the Internet for informational interviews to learn what the firm is about, and incorporate the data you find into your motivation for pursuing a consulting role at their company.
Events	You may also refer to an event such as an inspirational talk given by a client, a meeting with an industry expert, or any activity which inspired you to pursue a career with their firm.
Articles	You may likewise cite a particular case or study published by your target firm and state how it has encouraged you to follow your management consulting dreams.

Here’s a good example of this section:

I have learned from your website that you are currently looking for a Management Consultant for your Miami office. I want to express my interest in this position. I had the opportunity to meet Mr.Y, one of your engagement managers, on a business convention last month. And I was greatly inspired by his talk on designing competent marketing models as well as keeping up with the trends in business strategy. I have learned a lot of valuable information which have greatly motivated me to pursue a career in this industry.

Middle Paragraph/s

The middle section of your letter can be either one or two paragraphs. You may convey all your significant work experience and accomplishments in one paragraph and how it relates to the consulting position. If the paragraph is well developed, you probably don’t need a second. However, if you feel that a second paragraph is needed to further demonstrate your different skill sets, it is perfectly acceptable to add one. Most consulting cover letter examples have two or more middle paragraphs.

Based on your credentials, select and highlight two or three of your skills and/or accomplishments. Focus on experiences and achievements that prove you possess the required criteria indicated in the job advertisement. This will help push your application to the next round. Choose the details that are the most relevant to the position and establish a strong connection between your competencies and the vacancy. You can create a table to guide you in selecting your achievements for this section and to ensure you have covered all the requirements of the job opening. Take a look at the example below:

Requirement	Qualification
Educational Attainment	Business Management Degree, University of Oxford
Professional experience	2+ years as a marketing director ABC Marketing Agency 3 month internship, IBM
Other Requirements	Fluent in English, Spanish, and French

If you are sure that you possess all of the credentials relevant to the job, you can now write the middle paragraph/s. Here’s an example:

I have been a marketing director for more than two years now, and my experience is well-suited to advise clients on strategic marketing issues. I oversee marketing strategy by analyzing market potential as well as developing advertising and promotion programs to achieve maximum sales of our products.

My education at The University of Oxford has thoroughly prepared me for advanced business practices and strategies, market research, and consumer behavior analysis. Moreover, during my three month internship at IBM, a global technology company, I worked with a competent sales and marketing team in providing recommendations and preparing presentations for tactical marketing initiatives. Furthermore, I am fluent in three languages: English, Spanish, and French. I feel that my knowledge, expertise, and experience will be a valuable asset to your firm.

Concluding Paragraph

Always end your cover letter on a positive note. Briefly state what you can offer the company and don’t forget to express your appreciation for the time they took to review your application. You may also stress your flexibility with regard to interview schedules. As you may have noticed, most consulting cover letter examples are professionally closed with “Sincerely,” “Best Regards,” “Respectfully,” etc. above the signature.

Here’s a good example:

I take pride in my passion to effect positive change for a wide range of institutions. What’s more, I have initiative and innate leadership potential. I look forward to speaking with you about this opportunity at your convenience. I sincerely thank you for your time.

What Great Cover Letters Have in Common

The five qualities common to all great letters are explained in the table below:

Use a personal tone.	Your letter should sound like you and not somebody else. While you want your prospective employer to be impressed with your credentials, you should not use a generic voice. You may use consulting cover letter examples found online as guide but ensure to edit it to make it sound more like you. You can incorporate keywords but don’t make it sound too formal.
Be concise.	On average, recruiters only spend a minute per application. Great cover letters are short yet contain enough information to pass initial screening. Keep your letter to a single page—brevity is key.
Stimulate curiosity.	An effective cover letter encourages the employer to learn more about the applicant. Again, this will depend on how you present your background. Provide specific instances or experiences wherein you successfully demonstrated your expertise.
Prove your suitability to the target position.	Your highlighted accomplishments should always be related to the position you are applying for. There are many qualified people out there, but why you? Focus on details which will prove that you are the most suited applicant for the job. Great consulting cover letter examples effectively demonstrate how to do this.
Share your knowledge about the firm.	Make sure you research the company. As you express the reasons why you want to work for a particular firm, reveal your knowledge about their organization. For instance if you apply at McKinsey, ensure you demonstrate that you are a problem solver, an achiever and a leader capable of creating positive impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Hand pushing red warning button on the keyboard

Below are five common mistakes to avoid when drafting a killer cover letter:

Rehashing Information from Your Resume

Data redundancy is a common cover letter mistake. Your letter must be a summary of your work experience and skills, but it should not contain the same information as your resume. Use your cover letter to entice recruiters to refer to your resume for more details.

Inaccurate Details

Lack of attention to details can cost you your dream job. Listing the wrong firm name, position, or contact information can ruin your candidacy. This can happen if you are sending out a series of applications and forget to change the details. Or when you use some consulting cover letter examples online and forget to replace original details.

Rambling On and On

This document is not the place to write your autobiography. You will never catch the attention of your employer with a massive amount of content. Only the most relevant and proven qualifications (leadership experience, analytical thinking skills) or affiliations should be included. Other professional details should be listed on your resume. In addition, it is suggested not to elaborate on your educational background in your cover letter. However, you may do so if you’re a fresh graduate and has no working experience yet.

Getting Too Casual

Although you should use your own voice in your cover letter, don’t get too casual with your tone. A good letter exudes your personality but exhibits elegance and professionalism as well. Never use slang words and don’t use a lot (if any) of exclamation points. Notice how good consulting cover letter examples are structured. You should likewise structure your thoughts using appropriate style and language. Using fancy fonts can hurt your application and your choice of formatting will likewise reflect your written communication skills, so be very careful when choosing a design.

Typos and Grammatical Errors

Many aspiring consultants send out their letters without proofreading them first. As a result, some grammatical errors and awkward phrases are not corrected. These types of mistakes can greatly affect your candidacy. Consultants are expected to have a flair for communication, particularly in writing, as one of their responsibilities is to prepare presentations and reports for diverse clients. Errors in your letter reflect your inability to write quality deliverables. In fact, according to a survey titled Confessions of the Recruitment Industry, a single spelling or grammar mistake can incite employers to throw your application into the trash.

Submitting an effective cover letter is crucial if you want to outshine the competition. Read and study how great consulting cover letter examples are done. An interesting letter can improve your chances of being invited to the much-anticipated interview. Don’t waste the time and energy you’ve spent on devising the perfect resume by writing and submitting a poorly-structured cover letter.

References

New Ebook for Consulting Resumes and Cover Letters

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Resume

To say that the number of inquiries we get about how to write winning consulting applications is numerous is an understatement. As top-tier consulting companies immediately reject poorly constructed applications, many aspiring consultants are trying to unearth the best possible ways to impress their prospective firms.

Your resume and cover letter are undeniably the most significant and potentially lucrative tools you can use to market yourself. If crafted well, they can open doors to numerous opportunities, including the one that leads to your much anticipated interview. Recruiters use your consulting application as the main basis for making decisions during preliminary screening. Your resume and cover letter will determine if you make it through the first round of candidate selection.

The successful applicant who can present his or her work and educational experiences in a clear and interesting way will likely move on to the next round of screening. The importance of a well-written resume and cover letter is inestimable. Below are some reasons why you need to submit a winning consulting application:

It Conveys Your Readiness for the Vacant Position

A well designed application will demonstrate to recruiters that you are the best person for the job. By effectively identifying your relevant educational achievements and highlighting your significant work experience and credentials, you will demonstrate your qualifications in a way that will impress your potential employer.

It Summarizes Your Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude

An effective management consulting application is concise yet comprehensive. A well-written resume contains necessary details about you and is structured in a simple and organized manner to facilitate easy reading. It clearly summarizes your major academic accomplishments, work expertise, core competencies, set of skills, and recognitions and awards. Remember, consulting firms only review your application for 30 to 60 seconds, especially if they are screening many other applications. Therefore, it is essential that you prove your value up front.

Your resume and cover letter can also reveal a lot about your character. The way you have prepared your application can reflect your personality. As your application automatically makes an impression to your prospective employer, you don’t want to hurt your candidacy by submitting a sloppy resume.

It Presents Your Accomplishments

Graduating from a prestigious university or previous experience at one of the world’s leading companies, together with a proven record of a strong performance and flawless analytical skills will surely make you a top candidate for any consulting firm. However, the challenge is how to present these achievements properly. A good application effectively showcases your attainments and other relevant skills such as strong social and leadership skills.

As many applicants vie for a single consulting position, recruiters will assemble their shortlist based on the knowledge, skills, and accomplishments stated in the candidates’ resumes. They are most likely to look at your educational and/or work-related achievements. An intelligently written application conveys the key accomplishments and responsibilities of a candidate.

It Explains Your Career Motivation

Knowing how to clearly convey your career motivation will take your application to the next level. If your resume exudes enthusiasm about working in the consulting industry, then your prospective firm will be highly encouraged to learn more about you. Nothing can beat genuine passion and gusto. Defining your goals is critical to landing a consulting job.

It Indicates Your Professionalism

How you communicate your qualifications in your application is also crucial. Your language usage can reflect your proficiencies. A professionally written resume uses industry standard language and is free from grammatical errors and misspelled words. Being meticulous about every detail in your application is an appealing characteristic. Top-tier consulting firms cater to the world’s most prominent businesses; they choose candidates who can expertly represent them.

The importance of an attractive and well-written management consulting application cannot be overstated. As reputable firms receive hundreds of responses for one vacancy, only the application which contains the most relevant information and is correctly structured will garner the recruiter’s attention.

Download Consulting Resume and Cover Letter Guide

The competition for management consulting positions is very tough. To help you sail through the process, we have written a new Management Consulting Resume and Cover Letter Guide that shows you, step-by-step, how to write a great application. Find out how to impress top-tier consulting firms such as McKinsey, Bain, BCG, and Booz through this helpful guide.

BCG Cover Letter

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Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has been recognized as one of the most prominent consulting firms in the world. Its prestige places it, along with McKinsey and Bain, in what’s known as the “Big Three” of the industry. Currently it has approximately 78 offices located in 43 countries across the world.

The firm recruits exceptional graduates and working professionals to join their team. They visit colleges and universities to find passionate individuals who are capable of developing recommendations after thoroughly analyzing a business case. Recruiters employ various tools for screening applicants, but the first document they check is your BCG cover letter.

If you’re in the process of crafting an impressive cover letter, here are some pointers to follow:

Research and Network

In order to write a letter that creates value to BCG, research the firm and network with people who are or were connected with the firm. The information you learn from the firm’s website, books, magazines, and employees will guide you in finalizing the content of your letter. A letter will only pique the interest of the recruiter if it’s customized to the company’s direction, goals. and needs.

Think of a Structure

Before you turn on your computer and start typing, think about how you will structure your BCG cover letter. To simplify things, follow this outline:

First Paragraph	Explain how you came across the vacant position. State whether you read it in a newspaper or heard about it from a connection on LinkedIn.
Middle Paragraphs	Summarize your qualifications for the position. You can state your total years of professional experience or highlight two or three accomplishments.
Last Paragraph	State your expectations from the firm. Do you wish to be contacted for an interview via your mobile phone? Will you follow up after two weeks?

A cover letter must only contain relevant information. Remember, BCG receives numerous applications each year. Recruiters only have a short time to review your document so it must expertly convey your qualifications.

Namedrop

Mentioning the name of a key person in the management consulting firm or industry can make your cover letter unique. However, when you do this, explain how your encounter with the consultant has convinced you to pursue a career at BCG. Were you motivated by his or her description of the company’s culture and goals? Are you interested in the challenging working environment? Recruiters are interested in this type of information.

Explain Issues

If your work history listed on your resume has noticeable gaps, or if you are shifting careers, you should explain these issues in your BCG cover letter. Recruiters might question why you stopped working for a couple of years or why you decided to leave sales and pursue a career in management consulting. Your explanation will help recruiters understand where you came from and how you can contribute to their goals. Everything must be clear from the beginning; otherwise, you could be instantly rejected for the opening.

Proofread Your Letter

Review your cover letter a few times before you send it to BCG. Make sure the content is relevant, interesting, and substantial. Furthermore, it must be free from spelling, grammatical, and punctuation errors. Mistakes give recruiters the impression that you are not meticulous with details and/or you have poor communication skills. If you want objective feedback about your BCG cover letter, ask a friend for help or contact an expert.

You’ll need a well-crafted job application whether you’re seeking for a position as a teacher, engineer, or receptionist. The cover letter is a very useful document for this. You’ll have a far better chance of finding your dream job if you include a professional cover letter with your CV.

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McKinsey Cover Letter Sample

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If you are applying for a position at McKinsey, you will be competing with a large number of graduates and working professionals who are also interested in breaking into the firm. Therefore, you must be able to convince recruiters to invite you to an interview. This includes submitting a McKinsey cover letter that tells the story that you are a highly motivated and ambitious applicant with a great potential.

Remember, a resume only summarizes your skills and experience, but a cover letter tells the story about you: your career plans and the fit of consulting in these plans, your personality and your key accomplishments. You need to devote ample time to crafting your letter as it can help you stand out from the pool of highly qualified candidates.

Before Writing Your McKinsey Cover Letter

Before writing your McKinsey cover letter, you need to make a list of your qualifications and accomplishments that match the skills McKinsey seek in candidates. This will help you determine which information to include in the document. Use the table below for ideas and suggestions:

Problem-solving	Relevant coursework Consulting experience (internship or professional) Conducted researches
Achieving	Accomplishments in the classroom and previous jobs Relevant awards and honors
Personal Impact	Exposure to different types of people Volunteer projects worked on Spoken and written languages
Leadership	Positions held in a community, organization, or school Group projects

McKinsey Cover Letter Structure

The cover letter should contain three to five paragraphs and the information you present should be comprehensively written. If this document exceeds one page, recruiters will doubt your written communication skills, something all management consultants should possess.

Contact Information and Salutation

There’s only one thing you need to remember in this section: accuracy. Double check your contact information as the recruiters will use it to notify you about tests and interviews. Also, don’t forget to address the letter to the correct person and his or her position at the firm. Applicants often overlook these basic facts when writing cover letters. Committing these types of mistakes will hurt your application; recruiters will be disappointed that you omitted critical details.

Introduction

This section should be interesting enough to encourage the recruiters to read the rest of your McKinsey cover letter. It should contain your objectives, the specific job title you are interested in, and how you came across the opening. In order to convey your own voice, try the following strategies:

Networking	Mention how a McKinsey employee has inspired you to pursue a career with the firm. However, do not namedrop just to get the recruiter’s attention; explain how the conversation moved or challenged you to pursue a consulting role.
Events	Refer to an event, session, or any activity where you learned to appreciate the services and expertise of McKinsey. It can be an inspirational talk shared by a satisfied client or a lunch meeting with a key person in the industry.
Articles	Cite a particular study or article written by McKinsey. State how it has motivated you to follow your management consulting dreams.

Here’s is an example of this section:

I have learned from James Peterson, one of your managing directors that you are looking for an operations consultant for your Chicago office. During our conversation after his presentation on business transformation strategies last month, he shared his experience in addressing inefficient processes, designing marketing models, and helping clients build new capabilities. The valuable information I learned from him has reinforced my passion for this field and my entrepreneurial spirit.

Here’s is another example:

I met John Johnson at a recruiting event and he discussed an opportunity to work with the Marketing and Sales Practice management team as a Digital Expert. When I researched the position, I came across your article, “Powering Growth through Digital Advantage.” After reading it, I was convinced that CEOs should shape their marketing and sales agenda according to how digital media has influenced consumer behavior. If given the opportunity, I would like to help organizations realize, develop, and implement their digital strategies.

Middle Paragraphs

Based on your list of qualifications, choose and highlight two or three skills or accomplishments that will push your application to the top of the pile. Select the ones that are most relevant to the position. If you are an experienced professional, focus on your quantitative achievements at your previous job. If you are a recent graduate, you can talk about your coursework, extracurricular activities, and internship program. The important thing is to establish a connection between the job and your competencies.

Here is an example of this section for experienced professionals:

My three-year experience as a director at an online marketing agency has prepared me for this client-oriented role. I have developed various digital marketing campaigns using a range of techniques such as Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay Per Click (PPC), social media advertisements, and paid searches. I also served as a marketing partner of Bangles, a startup company that sells women’s clothing and apparel online. Two months after implementing our marketing proposal, their monthly revenue increased by 25%.

Apart from my experience, my marketing degree from the University of Colorado has also prepared me for advanced business writing, conducting market research, and analyzing consumer behavior. I believe that my technical know-how, coupled with my substantial experience, will be my key to generating marketing strategies based on the industry’s best practices and customer experience. I am confident McKinsey & Company will find my contribution to the organization’s growth valuable.

Here is an example of this section for recent graduates:

During my three-month internship at Fast Investment Bank, I helped my team in providing financial services to companies and organizations. I analyzed an investment opportunity for a private equity fund within the wind turbine sector, leading to a critical investment decision. I also developed an Excel model for the valuation using both multiple and discounted cash flow methods. This model was used by the entire team.

In addition to my internship experience, I am a Finance major from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado. My college curriculum has readied me for any challenges in business analysis, quantitative methods, and organizational behavior. Despite my responsibilities as a soccer club vice-president, I graduated with a 3.9 GPA. As evidenced by my excellent educational performance, I believe I will be able to adapt to the challenging demands of your organization.

In this section, you can also talk about your motivation for applying with the firm and personal interests. Make sure to present them in a manner that’s relevant to the desired position.

Closing Paragraph

The closing paragraph revolves around you as a person. Write about what you can contribute to the organization, your passion, personal values and skills. Finally, add one more sentence that indicates your high value. Avoid writing “If you have any questions about my application, please do not hesitate to contact me” as this creates no value. If recruiters find you suitable for the job, they will find a way to contact you.

Here’s an example of the closing paragraph:

I take pride in my innate leadership potential. When I was still in university, I was an officer of the consulting club for two consecutive years. Furthermore, my former colleagues can attest to how I motivate other people to do their tasks, and involve everyone in working towards the common goal.

Looking forward to discuss the opportunities with you.

Signature

It’s essential to close your McKinsey cover letter in a professional manner. You may use the following closing examples:

Sincerely
Best regards
Respectfully
Yours truly
Most sincerely

Also, don’t forget to attach your signature in order to add sincerity to your McKinsey cover letter. If you’re uploading your letter on the Internet, consider creating a digital signature. Just sign a piece of clean, white paper, scan it, and crop the image down to the ideal size of your signature. This will help you stand out as a professional and technically-competent applicant.

Review Your Cover Letter

Before sending out your McKinsey cover letter, review its content and structure. If you know someone who is qualified and willing to check it for you, ask for his or her objective feedback. After reviewing the document, ask yourself the following questions:

Is the content relevant and interesting enough to pique the interest of the recruiter?
Does it convey the value I can contribute to the firm?
Are my ideas or qualifications presented in a smooth and comprehensible manner?
Does it look reader-friendly?
Is it free from spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors?

If you answered “yes” to all of these questions, you can submit your McKinsey cover letter with your resume and other required documents.

How to Craft a McKinsey Cover Letter

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cover letter

Consider your McKinsey cover letter as a marketing document that will help you land a job with the firm. In order for your cover letter to stand out with recruiters, it should contain professional language and correct grammar in conveying your relevant qualifications.

Numerous graduates and professionals vie for a position at McKinsey because it is one of the most reputable global consulting firms in the world. Therefore, it is essential that you are able to communicate your value in your cover letter in order to convince the recruiters that you deserve to be interviewed. Here are some questions to guide you in crafting a McKinsey cover letter:

What Do You Know about McKinsey?

In order for a building to be unshakable, it must have a strong foundation. The same thing goes for your McKinsey cover letter. Your foundation is your knowledge of the industry and the company. Conduct research on the firm’s goals and expertise by reading its website, attending its events, networking with its employees, and following its social media profiles. Read stories about the firm’s successful research projects and strategies they have developed for clients. With the information you gather, you will be able to answer the next question.

What Qualities Do You Possess that McKinsey Will Find Interesting?

Your cover letter is not only a narration of your strengths and accomplishments; it must contain qualities that are relevant to McKinsey’s day-to-day operations. On their website, the firm states that they prefer applicants who are:

Problem-solvers	Can you develop recommendations for solving urgent problems?
Achievers	Can you make a positive and lasting impact on their clients?
Relationship Builders	Can you establish trusting relationships with clients from a range of industries?
Leaders	Can you effectively lead a team to work for a common goal?

If you have networked with McKinsey consultants, you may be able to add more specific qualities to the list. However, regardless of the number of qualities McKinsey is looking for, the most important question is, “Which ones do you possess?” The answer to this question will guide you in choosing information that will move your cover letter to the top of the pile.

How Should You Structure Your McKinsey Cover Letter?

After you thoroughly research the firm and reflect upon your skills, you can begin structuring your cover letter. Use the table below as your guide:

First Paragraph	Explain how you came across the vacancy. Did you read the advertisement on an online job board, or were you informed by one of their former clients? If you want to mention the name of a consultant who has motivated you to pursue a career at McKinsey, this is where it should be stated.
Middle Paragraphs	Summarize your experience and highlight a couple of qualifications that are interesting not to you, but to the firm. It was mentioned above that McKinsey prefers leaders, so if you’re a recent graduate who held a leadership position in a school sponsored club or organization, emphasize the experience in this section.If you are not new to consulting, you can share how your previous jobs have developed your problem solving and analytical thinking skills. If you are a working professional who shifted from a very different industry, explain your motivation for the career change, then focus on your soft skills that are applicable to your future consulting role.
Final Paragraph	Indicate what you expect from the firm. You can say you will follow up after a couple of weeks or that you expect to be scheduled for an interview within the month. Also, don’t forget to express your gratitude to the hiring committee for considering your application.

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Booz Cover Letter

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Business man letter signature

Booz & Company, one of the prestigious consulting firms, offers a stimulating and fulfilling work environment. If you pass the screening process, you will be surrounded by people who will intellectually challenge you, enhance your skills and inspire you to reach your ambitions.

But how do you beat competent candidates who aspire to join one of Booz’ 58 offices spread throughout 33 countries? How do you prove you have the ability to advise top organizations, businesses, and governments? How do you craft a cover letter that summarizes your credentials and proves you will be an asset to the management consulting firm? Below are some tips on how to sell yourself:

Personalize Your Cover Letter

Recruiters have gone over thousands of cover letters during their career; only those which are well-written and customized usually merit their time and effort. To make this possible, ensure that your letter conveys the following:

Opening	Explain how you learned about the vacancy.
Experience or Education	If you’re a working professional, elaborate your expertise, summarize your work experience and highlight your most relevant accomplishment. If you’re a recent graduate, explain how your academic background prepared you for this industry.
Motivation	Include why you are interested in breaking into management consulting.
Closing	Thank the recruiter for considering your qualifications. Further, state that you wish to be interviewed or you will follow up the status of your application in two weeks.

You can also insert the following keyword phrases in your cover letter:

Strong analytical skills;
Desire to make a difference;
Excellent academic record from an outstanding academic institution;
International work experience;
Business-level fluency in the language of the target location; and
Willingness to adapt to the culture of Booz.

Customizing your Booz cover letter is the best way to demonstrate your sincerity, interest, and company knowledge. Focusing on your achievements alone, without considering Booz’ priorities is pointless because the document won’t reflect how you can contribute to the growth and success of the firm.

Include the Right Information

Your cover letter and resume have different purposes—that’s why the former must not be a repetition of the latter. Your cover letter can include the following:

Summarize your expertise and experience in a few sentences;
Elaborate on an achievement that proves your marketing brand;
Explain your motivation for applying at Booz;
Express what you expect from the recruiting team; and
Clarify obvious working gaps or any information that may bring up questions about your resume.

Your cover letter’s main goal is to persuade the screening team to review your resume in detail.

Mention a Consultant’s Name

Applicants who have networked have an edge over the competition. If you have interacted with a Booz consultant in a school or social event, mention that person in the letter and how the encounter inspired you to pursue a job with the firm. This unique and interesting experience tells the screening committee you’ve taken your research one step further.

Proofread Your Cover Letter

Before submitting your Booz cover letter, review it thoroughly and correct any grammar and spelling errors. Check the content as well to ensure that the aforementioned pointers are integrated in the message. Evaluate the language you used; it should be professional enough to convey your capabilities and credibility. You can approach a friend or a professional to help you with proofreading for objective feedback.

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Bain Cover Letter

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resume or cv job application

Bain has been labeled as one of the most prestigious management consulting firms in the world. Its 5,000+ employees, located in 48 offices in 31 countries, are committed to helping startups and large companies attain maximum economic value. Its prestige attracts thousands of applicants each year, making the firm’s recruitment process highly intense.

The techniques below can help you craft a Bain cover letter that stands out among the other candidates.

Know What They Are Looking For

Bain’s recruiting materials state that they are looking for exceptional candidates who possess:

Problem-Solving Skills	To generate recommendations for clients, you should be able to analyze complex issues, think logically, and be resourceful.
Team Skills	The ability to communicate and work smoothly with team members is vital in defining and achieving the common goal.
Excellent Personality	Your energy and enthusiasm demonstrate your commitment to meeting challenging responsibilities and a demanding work schedule.

These prerequisites will guide you in customizing and finalizing the content of your Bain cover letter. Unique content expresses your sincere interest in the job and consequently helps you stand out among the other applicants.

Include Relevant Information

You may have a number of achievements but including everything is highly discouraged. Recruiters spend less than 30 seconds per application, so every word in your one-page document must reflect what the firm needs.

The letter should answer the following questions:

How did you learn about the opening?	Explain whether you read the advertisement on their Facebook page, website, or other job platform. If applicable, you can also mention that a Bain employee or a key professional relayed the information to you.
Why are you interested?	Include your motivation for applying at Bain. Are you inspired by their contribution to global companies? Do you believe your personality and competency fit their culture?
Why should Bain hire you?	Summarize your experience, skills, and abilities that are necessary to the position. You can highlight an accomplishment or your major responsibilities but do not rehash your resume details—it’s a waste of space.

Other Cover Letter Information

Your Bain cover letter should also explain potential issues recruiters may detect from your resume. For instance, if there is a major gap in your work history, you can explain your activities while you were unemployed. Did you leave your previous employer because you wanted to pursue a graduate degree or because your spouse was relocated to a different city? This is also applicable to those who wanted to shift into a management consulting career. Elaborate upon the reasons that influenced such a major decision and include the soft skills you possess which will enable you to carry out all consulting responsibilities.

After proofreading your cover letter, you can hand it to Bain representatives during job fairs or you can upload it onto their website.

Strategy Consultant Cover Letter

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Strategy Consultant Cover Letter

Strategy consulting is one of the main functions of McKinsey, Bain, BCG and other management consulting firms. It focuses on creating plans to achieve a company’s goals, whether related to marketing, operations, or change management. It is often coordinated with the top executives, who make the final decisions.

If you are interested in applying for a position in an international or boutique firm that specializes in strategy consulting, tailor your cover letter according to the requirements of the job responsibilities. Listed below are some useful techniques:

Know the Qualities of a Good Strategist

It is impossible to write an effective cover letter if you have no idea of the ideal qualities of a strategist. Below are some of the qualities recruiters look for:

Quality	Description
Objectivity	Strategists fundamentally rely on facts, not on opinions and aspirations, to guarantee the practicality, effectiveness, and efficiency of their recommendations.
Analytical Thinking	When the client asks, “Is it advantageous for us to acquire ABC Bank next year?” strategists must be able to identify and analyze several factors before answering such a critical question.
Decision Making	Towards the end of the project, strategists make decisions based on research, documents, and other references. They should be capable of choosing the best option from several alternative scenarios.
Innovation	Strategists should be creative enough to develop innovative plans for the client’s products, processes, technologies, or services.

Use a Structure

Use the structure below to organize the information in your cover letter:

Part of a Cover Letter	Content
Contact Details	Include your address, phone number, email address, and the date you will send the letter.
Consulting Firm’s Contact Information and Salutation	Include the addressee, his or her position title, and the name and address of the firm. When possible, use the full name of the addressee (not just “Dear HR Director”) to convey your interest and sincerity.
First Paragraph	Explain why you are writing, how you learned about the vacancy, or how an employee has encouraged you to give strategy consulting a try.
Middle Paragraphs	Summarize your relevant qualifications, which include number of years in a specific field, your MBA degree from a top-tier university, and vital accomplishments. Among your previous jobs, choose one that’s closely related to the qualities mentioned above. Elaborate it in two or three sentences and then explain how your experience can help you carry out the responsibilities of a strategy consultant.
Final Paragraph	Thank the recruiter for reading your cover letter. State that you will get back to them in a week or two or you wish to be scheduled for an interview.
Complimentary Close and Signature	Use “Sincerely,” “Respectfully,” or any formal complimentary closing. Do not forget to attach your written signature to boost your integrity.

Proofread Your Cover Letter

After writing your cover letter, check it for grammar, construction, spelling, and punctuation errors. Better yet, ask a friend or a professional to reread it for you. He or she can give you honest and objective feedback.

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