Consulting Cover Letter Outline
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.