cover letter for financial banker

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Banking cover letter example

Sometimes it’s bad news when you get a letter from the bank. But let’s talk about writing a letter to the bank. Because if you’re a banker looking for work, you’re going to need to write one — a persuasive banker cover letter.

Even if you’ve already created the perfect resume, you’re only half done. This article will discuss the crucial other half of your banker application, the cover letter. Resume.io is a leading provider of job search advice and tools, with resources that include more than 180 occupation-specific writing guides and corresponding cover letter examples.

The guide you're reading now is backed by a banking cover letter example that you can adapt for your own use.

What we’ll discuss here:

• Why a banking cover letter is a critical component of your job application
• How a cover letter is structured and what each component should contain for optimal impact: header, greeting, introduction, body and conclusion
• Proper design for a banker cover letter and why looks matter
• The psychology of persuasive writing
• Mistakes to avoid
• Tips for writing a banking cover letter when you lack experience

The job outlook for banking

“Banking” is a blanket term for a wide variety of finance-related occupations, everything from investment banking to starting out as a bank teller, but in general bankers are well-paid and in demand. For example, loan officers earned a median annual salary of $63,960 in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. J ob growth of 1% was anticipated for this profession from 2020 through 2030, much slower than the occupational average.

The banking industry grows a bit more complicated every year as new financial products are designed and new technologies develop to manage and move money globally. Banks also have to guard against the increasingly sophisticated cybercrimes that banking activity inevitably attracts. 

The good news is, if you’re a banker seeking a job, all you need are two pieces of paper. Just two! Imagine a business loan application that was so simple.

The two documents you need are an outstanding resume and an irresistible cover letter. The resume covers your employment history, education and skills. But the cover letter is how you get your foot in the door.  

For more ideas, take a look at some other cover letter writing guides and examples in our accounting & finance category listed below. 

• Accounting cover letter sample
• Finance cover letter sample
• Administration cover letter sample
• Bookkeeper cover letter sample
• Finance Assistant cover letter sample
• Finance Manager cover letter sample
• Bank Teller cover letter sample
• Auditor cover letter sample
• Private Equity cover letter sample
• Accounting and finance cover letter sample
• Bank Manager cover letter sample
• Loan Processor cover letter sample
• Accounting Internship cover letter sample
• Financial Advisor cover letter sample
• CFO cover letter sample

Why a banker needs a cover letter

Imagine you’ve been working at a bank for six years and you’d like to be considered for promotion to a new position. Would you just stick your resume under your boss’s door and wait to hear back? 

Hopefully, you would approach your boss in person, ask if s/he had a moment to talk, and then make a brief but persuasive pitch, emphasizing your previous achievements on the job and explaining why you’re ready to embrace some new challenge. Then you can hand the boss your resume. Which of these strategies do you think would be more successful — the resume stuck under the door or the personal approach?

The whole point of a cover letter is to make a personal approach to someone who has the power to offer you a job. While your job application may be subjected to all kinds of electronic filters, ultimately you’ll need a human being to offer you a job. This is your chance to introduce yourself to that person. 

There may be debate about whether or not to write a cover letter, but according to LinkedIn , you’re always better off making the extra effort.

Surveys of hiring managers have found that one of the top reasons resumes are rejected is because they aren’t accompanied by cover letters. A resume without a cover letter is like a flyer stuck under a windshield wiper: People usually throw them away.

Getting the tone right for your banker cover letter

Banking is among the most traditional and buttoned-down professions. Investment bankers don’t go to their jobs on Wall Street wearing tank tops. There’s a formality that pervades the industry, and it’s reflected in the way letters are written. Unless you belong to an uncontacted tribe in the Amazon, you’ve probably received a letter from a bank. Letters from banks tend to be friendly but professional, getting to the point quickly and informatively, and then inviting you to contact the bank if you have any questions or need any help.

Your cover letter should hit all the same notes. Keep it short, friendly and professional, yet use this space to make an irresistible pitch, and close with a call to action. The whole point of a cover letter is to establish a personal connection to a hiring manager. So while you’re writing a formal business letter, it should also be written with a personal touch.

Hold your cover letter to one page, with a maximum of 400 words, and put some thought into writing it. You need to find the right tone, and use that voice to highlight your experience, training and other qualifications for the job.

Always include a cover letter with a resume unless you are specifically asked not to. A few employers prefer that you send a resume only, and of course you have to respect their wishes. But it’s their loss, because a cover letter is a better vehicle than a resume to convey a candidate’s personality, enthusiasm, friendliness and professionalism.

Here is exactly how you can write a cover letter that will stand out from the crowd, and help you land that interview.

Best format for a banking cover letter

While your bank cover letter offers a lot of latitude when it comes to the tone and content, most cover letters should follow the same basic structure:

• The cover letter header
• The greeting
• The introduction
• The letter body
• The conclusion
• The signature.

Below is a banker cover letter example that you can customize for the position and hiring organization.

17 August, 2020

Dear Mr. Looker,

As a fluent Arabic speaker with four years of investment banking experience in the US/MEA markets, the analyst position at Borton would offer a fascinating next step in my international investment banking career.

After my bachelor’s degree in Finance, I spent three years working in corporate finance, but after my online MBA from Wharton, I started an analyst role in the M&A team at Flux Capital. Over the past four years at Max, I have been the lead analyst for six deals totalling $1.8 billion and have collaborated closely on dozens of others. I have considerable experience in accounting and risk analysis in international markets, with FDI experience concentrated around the Middle East.

As well as working on the valuations and financial viability assessments, I created and updated pitch books and became proficient in writing executive summaries. I enclose non-confidential examples of my best writing work — words make a difference when you are building trust. Giving the right data to the right person gets any deal across the line.

Given that Flux Capital was a boutique firm, I was tasked with raising our profile at networking events and conferences, allowing me to finesse my influencing skills. I am applying to Borton because your scale offers a broader range of opportunities, but I am certain that my “small guy” business development mentality will nevertheless prove useful.

• Lead analyst on $850 million M&A of US/Saudi natural resources acquisition.
• Supported the IPO process for eight start-ups onto the NYSE over a four-year period.
• Used my programming experience to update our in-house financial viability tools.

I am familiar with the culture and reputation of Borton as my uncle is a client and it has been a long-held ambition to work for you. When a role became available, I simply had to put my name in the running for an interview.

Yours sincerely,

Let’s explore what each cover letter component should contain.

Cover letter header

The header of your letter should be an attractively designed section at the top that contains your name, address, phone number and email. Often it will also mention your occupation — for instance, “Investment Banker”.

Other than letting the company know how to reach you, the header is a design element that provides some visual relief from what would otherwise be solid paragraphs of black text.

Your banker resume and cover letter should be designed in the same style — fonts, font sizes and formatting. This gives you a “visual brand” and shows that you’re organized and you pay attention to detail.

Mixing several different fonts and styles will make your resume and cover letter look like Frankenstein’s monster — random parts badly stitched together. Strive for a coherent and consistent design.

Goal of the cover letter header: Distinguish yourself from other job applicants with a visually distinctive style that makes your letter inviting to read. Prominently displaying your contact information makes it easy for impressed recruiters to get in touch.

Greeting for a banker cover letter 

This is the line that says, “Dear Mr. (or Ms.),” followed by the last name of the hiring manager. 

You should almost always try to address your letter to a specific individual rather than the entire company. People like to read their own names, and letters that are addressed to an individual rather than an entire company are more likely to get a reply. Also, it shows your attention to detail if you’ve gone to the trouble of finding out the name of the appropriate person to address.

If you’re responding to a job listing that doesn’t mention the name of the hiring manager, it may be worthwhile to call the company and inquire. But if the company prefers that letters be addressed more generically, follow its wishes. Sometimes you have to use a greeting that says something like “Dear (Employer) Hiring Team.”

Goal of the cover letter greeting: Start off on a professional note while making a direct personal connection with the hiring manager.

Cover letter introduction

Your intro should be an attention-grabbing paragraph that identifies your job objective and briefly previews your qualifications for the job. Use energetic, lively language that shows enthusiasm and confidence, but beware of crossing a line into arrogance or excessive familiarity. Set the right tone from the beginning, and write an opening paragraph that will make your correspondent want to read more.

Goal of the cover letter introduction: Capture the hiring manager’s attention with an intriguing preview of your qualifications that motivates further reading..

Here’s an introduction idea from our banking cover letter sample.

Sample of a cover letter body 

In the central two or three paragraphs of your letter, you have to make your primary case. This is where you describe your work experience, your past achievements in banking and any other qualifications that make you a good fit for the job you’re seeking.

Be specific in describing your accomplishments at past jobs, using facts and figures wherever possible (think numbers, dollar figures, percentages, etc.). Also, try to use an anecdote or two to describe a specific challenge you faced in the past as a banker and how you resolved it.

You may also choose to use the body of your letter to discuss your education, any special certifications or credentialing, and perhaps the reasons for your interest in this particular company. Compare your cover letter to your resume, and while some cross-over is inevitable, try to use the valuable space in your letter to say something your resume doesn’t.

Remember that your letter should not be about why you deserve a job, but about how you can help this company solve its problems, save money or increase efficiency. Emphasize how you can help them, not how they can help you.

Goal of the cover letter body: Persuade this employer that your contributions as a banker would be beneficial..

Our banker cover letter sample illustrates what you might include in the middle part.

Cover letter conclusion and signature

Your last paragraph should contain some kind of call to action —you are looking forward to a reply, you would be delighted to schedule an interview, etc. 

You may even wish to ask if you could call in a week or so to follow up. This shows that you’re serious about this particular job and not just mailing letters at random. Put yourself in the shoes of the person you’re writing to — wouldn’t you pay just a bit more attention if you knew that this letter writer would be calling you soon?

However, it’s possible that some employers might find such a suggestion a bit pushy. Study your target, and write your pitch accordingly.

Your sign-off should generally be a simple “Sincerely” or the equivalent, followed by a space and your typed name. You can also insert your actual scanned signature if you like, though this is not considered essential in electronic correspondence.

Goal of the cover letter closing: End on a positive, self-assured note that suggests you expect the hiring manager will get in touch.

Below is the closing section of our banker cover letter example.

Layout, design and formatting of your banker cover letter

Your letter should look as good as it reads, and that’s why it’s important to follow some basic rules for good design and formatting.

• Fonts: Choose a modern, easy-to-read font that looks attractive but doesn’t call attention to itself. Beware of exotic fonts that may turn to garble on someone else’s computer.
• Font size: Use a font size of 10 to 12 points. If you’re having trouble holding your letter to one page, trim your text before you try to solve the problem by reducing the font size.
• Margins: Include one-inch margins on the left, right, bottom and top.
• Alignment: Body text should be aligned left, not justified from margin to margin. Leave a space between paragraphs, and keep the paragraphs short.
• White space: Don’t overlook the importance of leaving space on your page that contains nothing at all. Good design always includes an appropriate amount of white space to give the eye a break.
• File format: Unless you’re specifically asked for a Word file, save your cover letter as a PDF. The main advantage of a PDF is that it will preserve the formatting of your letter so that it looks the same on any computer. With other file types, you run the risk that some of your text may become unreadable, and it may jump all over the page in places where you didn’t put it.
• Use a professional template: To sidestep all of these potential pitfalls, use a professionally designed cover letter template from resume.io. We’ve taken care of all the formatting for you, so all you have to do is fill in your own content.

The psychology of writing a cover letter for a banker job

Never forget that you are writing a letter to a human being, and you need to think about how it will be received. Put yourself in the shoes of your correspondent, and write in a human voice that is professional but personable.

Psychologists say we all react to different stimuli with a combination of emotional and rational responses. Emotional responses are quicker and more automatic, but more deeply felt. Rational responses are slower and more deliberative. An ideal cover letter should inspire both.

So while this is a professional business letter, don’t hesitate to include language that appeals to the heart as well as the head. “Emotional language” might include some reference to your passions and desires, while “rational language” could be a more factual recitation of your employment history and banking career achievements.

Try using the AIDA model to inject your letter with emotional appeal:

• Grab the reader’s attention by telling a story about yourself related to the job
• Increase interest level by appealing to the hiring manager’s needs
• Create a desire to hire you by detailing how you satisfy the job requirements
• Close with a call to action.

It’s important to study each employer carefully to determine the best approach. If you’re aware of specific needs or problems the company has, and if you have your own strategy for resolving them, say so. It’s always a good idea to include something in a cover letter that shows you’re writing to a specific employer and not mass-mailing a letter to all.

You should also look at the tone of voice the company uses in addressing the public. Most banks use a friendly but formal voice on their websites and in communications with customers. You should endeavor to match the style and tone used by your prospective employer.

You should also consider your position as a banker relative to the employer. If a bank is seeking a new CEO and you’re eminently qualified, you would probably write in a more authoritative voice than a college student looking for her first internship.

Mistakes to avoid in a banking cover letter

Here are some of the common mistakes people make in writing cover letters:

• Writing errors: These include typos, misspellings and errors in grammar, punctuation and capitalization. Surveys have found that simple writing mistakes are the most common reason job applications are rejected.  
• Clichés: “I am writing to….” Stop there! We already know you’re writing, because we’re reading your letter. “Please consider this letter my application for….” Ditto! Other clichés include describing yourself as a “self-starter” or a “team player” who “thinks outside the box. Avoid using stock phrases that every recruiter has read a thousand times before, and strive for fresh, original language.  
• Non-customized letters: If your letter says nothing specific about the company you’re writing to, most hiring managers will assume it’s the same copy-and-paste letter that you’re also sending to all their competitors. Make every cover letter unique, targeted to a specific employer.  
• Irrelevant info: Avoid discussing your hobbies or other aspects of your life that aren’t relevant to the job you’re seeking.  
• Design errors: Strange fonts, tiny margins, huge blocks of text, zero white space and other formatting errors can disqualify your letter at a glance.

Banking cover letter sample with no experience

You may feel that you are stuck in a circular situation: You can’t get a banking job without experience and you can’t get experience without a banking job. That’s a frustration every worker has felt, yet they all got their first job somehow. 

The key is to start with the skills you do have. If you are new to the banking industry, but not to the workforce, explain in your banker cover letter why you want to move into banking. Then, highlight the skills you used in your previous jobs that will transfer to banking. 

Any business or project manager work ranks high, so check out resume.io cover letter examples for those fields, too. Emphasize your communication, organization and problem-solving skills — all abilities that will stand you in good stead in any career.

Consider mentioning your emotional intelligence , also known as emotional quotient or EQ, because, according to Forbes , hiring managers know that a vast majority of their high performers also rank high in this area.

Key takeaways for a banking cover letter

• Bankers who are seeking employment need an excellent resume and an outstanding cover letter, the latter in order to make a personal appeal to a hiring manager.
• A cover letter is your way of introducing yourself personally to a prospective employer. You should always include a cover letter in a job application unless you’re specifically asked not to.
• Cover letters have a formal structure that you should adhere to, and each component of your letter should serve a specific function.
• Design can be as important as content, and you must ensure that your letter adheres to basic rules about fonts, formatting and the overall look.
• Every cover letter should be unique and targeted to a specific employer.
• A professionally designed template can save you from a multitude of errors. The quickest and safest way to write a cover letter is to start with a proven structure where all you have to do is add your own information.

Free professionally designed templates

Finance Cover Letter Example (w/ Templates for 2024)

You can navigate the landscape of numbers, investments, and economic intricacies.

You’re a financial pro, and you’ve got the expertise to prove it.

But there's just one thing standing between you and a successful job application – your cover letter.

Writing a compelling finance cover letter can feel more complicated than analyzing stock market trends. You might find yourself paralyzed with no idea how to prove your financial prowess.

Don’t worry! We’re here to guide you through it.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

• What an Amazing Finance Cover Letter Looks Like
• 5 Steps to Writing a Job-Winning Finance Cover Letter

3 Essential Finance Cover Letter Tips

Finance cover letter example.

5 Steps for the Perfect Finance Cover Letter

Now that you know what a great cover letter looks like, you're all set to write your own !

Just follow these straightforward steps:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Start your finance cover letter by creating a header for your contact details, the same as on your resume .

Here's what you should have in there:

• First and Last Name. Make sure your full name is in plain view at the top.
• Professional Title. Match this with the specific finance role you're after. Hiring managers usually hire for several roles at once, so this will help them notice your application.
• Email Address. Keep it professional, like a combo of your names. The quirky high school email won't cut it. (e.g.: [email protected] is not a good look, but [email protected] is fine.)
• Phone Number. Ensure your phone number is accurate since employers need to reach you easily. A missed digit could mean a missed interview.
• Location. Usually, city and state/country are enough. But if you're open to relocating or working remotely, mention it.
• Relevant Links (optional). Share your LinkedIn or any other relevant social media that can back up your financial expertise.

Now, let's talk about reaching the hiring manager’s contact information :

• Company Name. Mention the financial institution you're applying to.
• Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find it, great! Check the job listing, the company's website, or LinkedIn profile.
• Hiring Manager's Title. If they've got a fancier title than “Hiring Manager”, such as “Chief Financial Officer”, address them accordingly.
• Location. City and state/country details are crucial, especially for global firms.
• Date of Writing (optional). Adding the date you penned your letter gives it a professional touch.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've sorted out your finance cover letter's contact details, it's time to address it properly .

Say goodbye to the generic "To Whom It May Concern."

The right greeting can make a positive impression on the hiring manager and set the tone for your entire finance cover letter.

Start with some research. Check the job ad, the company's website, or their LinkedIn profile to identify the finance department's hiring manager. Find their name and use it.

Be sure to address them professionally. You can use “Ms.” or “Mr.”, followed by their last name. But if you're unsure about their gender or marital status, simply use their full name. For example:

• Dear Ms. Anderson
• Dear Emily Anderson

And if you can't find information about the hiring manager or the head of the finance department, address your letter to the department or the company as a whole:

• Dear Finance Department
• Dear Finance Hiring Team
• Dear Human Resources Team
• Dear Head of Finance

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

As the saying goes, time is money, and hiring managers value time a lot. In fact, it doesn’t take them more than a few seconds to decide if an application is worth reading in detail.

That's why writing a strong introductory paragraph in your finance cover letter is essential. Start by introducing yourself as a professional and clearly stating why you're enthusiastic about the position. Showing your passion for the finance industry or the specific role can instantly capture the hiring manager's attention.

But conducting some research on the company can significantly boost your chances, too. The more insights you gather about the employer, the better you can show them your alignment with their work culture or company goals. This shows that you're not applying randomly; you genuinely have your sights set on this specific opportunity, and you’re ready to put in the work.

Depending on your level of experience, you can also kick off your cover letter with an accomplishment or a skill that makes you an ideal fit for the role. Just make sure that this paragraph isn’t too lengthy. All you need to do is spark the hiring manager's curiosity and encourage them to explore your cover letter further.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The body of your cover letter is where you have to prove you’re the ideal candidate for the position.

But don’t repeat what it says on your finance resume . This is your opportunity to really show your financial prowess and qualifications in a way that leaves a mark. Your mission is to persuade the hiring manager that you're the standout choice among the competition, even if they have similar experience and skills.

So shine a spotlight on any noteworthy achievements you have and use the job advertisement as inspiration.

Tailoring your cover letter to align with the specific job ad is crucial. You should emphasize skills and experiences that resonate with the company's needs. For example, if you're applying for a finance role in a tech-driven firm, focus on your tech-related financial skills rather than more generic experiences in finance.

Be sure to demonstrate your understanding of the company, its financial model, or the intricacies of the finance industry as a whole. If you're well-acquainted with the company's financial products or services, mention it in your cover letter to show how and why your financial expertise aligns seamlessly with the company’s mission and corporate culture.

Lastly, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through your words. Convey your genuine excitement for the position and your confidence in your ability to contribute to the company. Show them that you're not just another candidate but the financial talent that meets all their requirements.

If you need even more inspiration, check out our other cover letter examples !

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

The ending of your finance cover letter is your opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager.

Start closing your finance cover letter by confidently reiterating why you’re the perfect fit for the role and giving a brief recap of your key skills that prove it.

After that, it’s time for a call to action. Encourage the hiring manager to take the next step, whether it's scheduling an interview or exploring your application in more detail. A well-placed call to action can make all the difference and get you closer to your dream job.

Finally, choose an appropriate closing line. And don’t forget to sign your full name underneath. Like so:

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me via the provided email or phone number so that we may further discuss my application. I eagerly await the opportunity to go over how I can help Company X on its mission to success.

Best regards,

And if you're seeking an alternative to "Best regards," consider these options:

• Warm regards,
• Respectfully yours,
• Thank you for your consideration,

You've got the basics of cover letter writing under your belt!

Now it's time to refine yours with some essential cover letter tips :

#1. Match Your Resume

Clarity is important in the finance industry, and the best place to start with it is on your cover letter.

You have to make sure your finance cover letter’s formatting and layout align with your finance resume as much as possible. This can convey a polished and well-organized image of you as a candidate and make it easier for the hiring manager to identify your application out of the bunch.

So keep your text neatly arranged on the page and maintain uniform font styles and sizes. Pay attention to the page margins and line spacing so your cover letter remains concise and still fits on a single page .

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Feeling overwhelmed?

Just try our resume builder and matching cover letter templates to make crafting your application easier.

Each template is crafted with input from hiring experts worldwide, so they meet all industry standards and look gorgeous.

#2. Mention Skills and Keywords

You don’t want your finance cover letter to come off as generic.

Try to mention as many keywords from the job advertisement as you can. Hiring managers already know what they want from a candidate, so you have to show them you meet all their criteria.

Doing this proves you’ve paid careful attention to the job advertisement, and it also directs hiring managers to the information they care the most about. Just don’t throw in those keywords randomly!

You want to build a narrative that shows your expertise. Focus on the most important skills mentioned in the job ad that match the ones you already have, and explain how they’ve helped you excel at your job.

#3. Add Any Relevant Links

Your finance cover letter should match your resume’s contact information down to a T.

So, if you added any relevant links to one, make sure the other has them, too. Specifically, when it comes to listing personal websites or social media profiles like LinkedIn, hiring managers appreciate it.

This gives them quick and easy access to see your previous work instead of having to circle back to your resume to find a link. They could even connect with you directly on LinkedIn, so this extra touch of accessibility and professionalism can leave a great impression on potential employers.

Key Takeaways

And you’re all set with writing your finance cover letter!

After reading our guide, we trust you’re well-equipped to secure the exact job you have your sights set on.

Before you head off, let’s summarize some main points from our article:

• Your finance cover letter’s look should match your resume since it shows professionalism, and attention to detail, and makes it easier for the hiring manager to spot your application. Use a resume builder with matching cover letter templates to save time.
• Keep your contact information factual and professional. You don’t want to use an immature email address from your high school years since it could leave a bad impression.
• Include any skills and other keywords from the job description in the body of your cover letter. Use them to illustrate how your experience matches what the employer is looking for and to present yourself as an ideal candidate.
• Wrap up your cover letter with an appropriate closing line, and don’t forget to sign your name at the bottom. This little detail is the bow that ties together a spotless application.

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Banking cover letter examples

If you’re hoping to land your next banking role, then you need a cover letter that’s right on the money.

In our step-by-step guide, we’ll share our top tips and advice for writing an impressive application.

We’ve also created some banking cover letter examples to inspire your own. Check them out below.

CV templates 

Banking cover letter example 1

Build your CV now 

Banking cover letter example 2

Banking cover letter example 3

These 3 Banking cover letter example s should provide you with a good steer on how to write your own cover letter, and the general structure to follow.

Our simple step-by-step guide below provides some more detailed advice on how you can craft a winning cover letter for yourself, that will ensure your CV gets opened.

How to write a Banking cover letter

A simple step-by-step guide to writing your very own winning cover letter.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When writing your Banking cover letter, it’s best to type the content into the body of your email (or the job site messaging system) and not to attach the cover letter as a separate document.

This ensures that your cover letter gets seen as soon as a recruiter or employer opens your message.

If you attach the cover letter as a document, you’re making the reader go through an unnecessary step of opening the document before reading it.

If it’s in the body of the message itself, it will be seen instantly, which hugely increases the chances of it being read.

Start with a friendly greeting

To start building rapport with the recruiter or hiring manager right away, lead with a friendly greeting.

Try to strike a balance between professional and personable.

Go with something like…

• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Stay away from old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal companies – they can come across as cold and robotic.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try to uncover it via these methods.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Once you’ve opened up the cover letter with a warm greeting to start building a relationship, it is time to identify which role you want to apply for.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so you need to ensure you apply to the correct one.

Be very specific and use a reference number if you can find one.

• I am interested in applying for the position of *Banking role* with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 406f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for a junior project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The sole objective of your cover letter is to motivate recruiters into to opening your CV. And you achieve this by quickly explaining your suitability to the roles you are applying for.

Take a look at the job descriptions you are applying to, and make note of the most important skills and qualifications being asked for.

Then, when crafting your cover letter, make your suitability the central focus.

Explain why you are the best qualified candidate, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider you for the job.

Keep it short and sharp

A good cover letter is short and sharp, getting to the point quickly with just enough information to grab the attention of recruiters.

Ideally your cover letter should be around 4-8 sentences long – anything longer will risk losing the attention of time-strapped recruiters and hiring managers .

Essentially you need to include just enough information to persuade the reader to open up your CV, where the in-depth details will sit.

Sign off professionally

To round of your CV, you should sign off with a professional signature.

This will give your cover letter a slick appearance and also give the recruiter all of the necessary contact information they need to get in touch with you.

The information to add should include:

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Kindest regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network –  e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Jill North IT Project Manager 078837437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip: To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate documents that you could copy in.

What to include in your Banking cover letter

Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Banking cover letter…

The exact info will obviously depend on your industry and experience level, but these are the essentials.

• Your relevant experience – Where have you worked and what type of jobs have you held?
• Your qualifications – Let recruiters know about your highest level of qualification to show them you have the credentials for the job.
• The impact you have made – Show how your actions have made a positive impact on previous employers; perhaps you’ve saved them money or helped them to acquire new customers?
• Your reasons for moving – Hiring managers will want to know why you are leaving your current or previous role, so give them a brief explanation.
• Your availability – When can you start a new job ? Recruiters will want to know how soon they can get you on board.

Don’t forget to tailor these points to the requirements of the job advert for best results.

Banking cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Banking cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

Hello Harry

I am keen to showcase my interest in the Bank Manager position at Investec. With a distinguished career in the financial service industry spanning over 15 years, I am excited about the opportunity to lead a dynamic team, steer exceptional customer experiences, and contribute to the success of your company.

Throughout my career at Metro Bank, I have held progressively responsible roles, where I honed my expertise in optimising branch operations, client service, team management, and business development across all activities. Some of the significant contributions I have played throughout my time at Metro Bank include, increasing deposits by 30% through integrating targeted marketing campaigns and relationship-building strategies, developing training programs which enhanced branch staff’s cross-selling of bank products by 50%, and lessening annual expenses by £80K by negotiating favourable contracts with suitable vendors.

My passion for fostering a customer-centric culture has been the driving force behind my success, and I am confident that my collaborative approach and ability to build and maintain relationships will ensure continued growth for Investec as a whole. Thank you very much for considering my application and I hope to hear from you very soon regarding scheduling an interview.

Kind regards

Ellen Mount ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

I hope you’re well. I am thrilled to apply for the Private Banker role at Santander, as advertised on Indeed. With a successful track record in wealth management and a deep commitment to delivering personalised financial solutions to high-net-worth clients, I am eager to contribute my expertise to your institution.

I possess 7 years of experience as a Private Banker at CitiBank, where I increased AUM by 20% since 2016, successfully generated £3M in revenue and exceeded individual/team targets through cross-selling financial products to clients. I also boosted CSAT scores by 10% within 3-months due to promptly addressing any complaints.

I am eager to leverage my skills to enhance your establishment’s reputation and ensure to its continued success. As a highly analytical professional, I thrive in dynamic market environments and excel at navigating complex financial landscapes. My dedication to providing exceptional service is matched by my commitment to stay abreast of industry trends and guaranteeing my clients receive the most relevant advice.

Thank you for considering my application and look forward to attending an interview at your convenience.

Simon Piles ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Good morning, Gary

I am excited to apply for the Junior Teller role at Fidelity Bank. I am eager to leverage my skills and commitment towards maintaining the high standards of service associated with your institution.

Throughout my academic journey and part-time experiences, I have developed a deep understanding of banking procedures, where I gained valuable insights into the importance of accuracy, confidentiality, and efficiency in handling transactions. As a recent HND Banking Graduate from Lincoln College, I possess theoretical knowledge in financial accounting and economics.

Additionally, I completed a one-year internship at TD Group where I was exposed to real-world cash handling, account management, and customer interactions. During this internship I assisted in the implementation of a new process for addressing inquiries that reduced wait times by 20%, as well as assuring a 100% record of compliance with bank policies which led to successful audits with no major findings.

Please feel free to reach out to me via email or by phone at your convenience to schedule an interview. Thank you for considering my application.

Lisa McKenzie ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Banking job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

Banking Cover Letter Guide With Templates & Examples

Learn how to write a banking cover letter with templates, samples, and important tips to make your job application stand out.

Pansy Thakuria

Read more posts by this author.

Banking jobs usually require you to submit a cover letter and a resume for a more detailed job application. Bankers are very professional and value paperwork.

As a banking candidate, you must know how to craft a perfect cover letter that your employer will assess. In your banking cover letter, you get to explain and highlight your skills, work experience, and how you can contribute to the company you’re applying to.

In this guide, we will learn how to create a cover letter to make you stand out from other candidates. We explore all the contents of a cover letter and what are the most important things to include in it.

What is a banking cover letter?

A banking cover letter is a short letter you write when you want to work in a bank. It's like a note introducing yourself to the bank and explaining why you want to work there. You mention your skills and experiences related to banking to show why you'd be a good fit for the job.

It's a way to get the bank's attention and interest them in hiring you.

Let’s look at some templates and examples.

Banking Cover Letter Template For Beginners With No Experience

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number] [Date]

[Hiring Manager's Name] [Bank Name] [Bank Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am reaching out to express my genuine interest in the [specific position] at [Bank Name], as mentioned in your recent posting.

A Bit About Me:

I recently graduated with a [Your Degree] from [Your University], where I delved into subjects like Finance and Accounting. It was an exciting journey that fueled my interest in the dynamic world of banking.

While I may not have direct banking experience, I've developed a solid understanding of financial principles during my studies. I'm also quite handy with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word.

Why [Bank Name]?

[Bank Name] caught my eye because of its stellar reputation and commitment to [mention something specific about the bank, e.g., community involvement innovative services].

I am genuinely eager to be a part of a team that values [mention a key value of the bank, e.g., customer satisfaction, integrity].

What I Bring:

I am a quick learner, ready to absorb new information and contribute my best to the fast-paced banking world.

Beyond my academic qualifications, I bring a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for learning. I am confident that my adaptability will be an asset in a dynamic banking environment.

Let's Chat:

I am genuinely excited about the prospect of contributing to [Bank Name]'s success. I would love the opportunity to discuss how my eagerness and skills align with the goals of [Bank Name]. I am available for an interview at your convenience.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to possibly joining the [Bank Name] family.

Warm regards, [Your Name]

A cover letter first-timer? Let’s help you with our easy-to-follow guide with customizable examples: Cover Letter Guide.

Banking Cover Letter Template For Experienced Professionals

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number]

As advertised, I am writing to express my interest in the [specific position] at [Bank Name]. With a robust background in banking and a proven track record of success, I am eager to bring my expertise to your esteemed institution.

Professional Snapshot:

Experience:

• Over [number] years of experience in various roles within the banking sector.
• [Briefly mention specific roles, e.g., Branch Manager, Financial Analyst].

Achievements:

• Successfully [mention a significant accomplishment, e.g., increased branch profitability by X%].
• Demonstrated proficiency in [mention relevant skills, e.g., risk management, portfolio analysis].
• I have been following [Bank Name]'s commitment to [mention a specific aspect, e.g., technological innovation, customer-centric services] and am eager to contribute to its continued success.

Key Strengths:

• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans to enhance overall branch performance.

Team Leadership:

• Successful track record of leading and motivating teams to achieve and exceed targets.

Customer Relationship Management:

• Adept at fostering strong relationships with clients, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty.

Let's Collaborate:

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and insights to [Bank Name]. I believe my experience aligns well with the goals of your institution.

I would welcome the chance to discuss further how my background and skills can benefit [Bank Name]. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining your dynamic team.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Banking Cover Letter Example And Sample For Experienced Professionals

Sarah Baker New town street Metropolis, MS 56789 [email protected] 999-000-222

Jess Anderson Prestige Bank 123 Financial Avenue Metropolis, MS 56789

I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Financial Analyst position at Prestige Bank, as advertised. With over 10 years of experience in the banking sector and a proven track record of success, I am eager to contribute my expertise to your esteemed institution.

• Over 10 years of experience in various roles within the banking sector.
• Worked as a Financial Analyst at Financial Excellence Inc. for five years, managing complex financial portfolios and conducting risk assessments.
• Successfully implemented a risk mitigation strategy that resulted in a 15% reduction in overall portfolio risk.
• Consistently exceeded quarterly revenue targets by 20%, contributing to the overall profitability of Financial Excellence Inc.

Why Prestige Bank?

I have followed Prestige Bank's commitment to technological innovation and its reputation for delivering customer-centric services. I am eager to bring my skills to an institution that values forward-thinking strategies and client satisfaction.

Strategic Planning:

• Developed and executed strategic plans to enhance overall branch performance, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Successfully led and motivated cross-functional teams, achieving and exceeding financial targets.
• Established and maintained strong relationships with clients, ensuring their financial goals aligned with the bank's offerings.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and insights to Prestige Bank. I believe my experience aligns well with the goals of your institution.

I would welcome the chance to discuss further how my background and skills can benefit Prestige Bank. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely, Sarah Baker

How to write a banking cover letter?

Writing a banking cover letter involves conveying your interest in a specific banking position, showcasing your relevant skills and experiences, and explaining why you are a strong fit for the role. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Contact Information

• Include your full name, address, phone number, and email at the top of the letter.
• Include the current date.

Employer's Information

• Add the hiring manager's name, bank name, address, and other relevant details.
• If possible, address the hiring manager by name (e.g., "Dear Mr. Smith"). If you don't know the name, use a generic greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager."

Introduction

• Start with a clear and concise introduction expressing your interest in the specific banking position.

Why You Are a Good Fit

• Briefly mention your relevant skills, education, and any specific achievements. Tailor this section to the job description.

Why the Bank

• Explain why you want to work for this particular bank. Mention any unique aspects, values, or services that attracted you.

Key Skills and Experiences

• Highlight the key skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate. Use bullet points for clarity.
• Express your enthusiasm for the position and eagerness to contribute to the bank's success.

Closing Salutation

• Use a professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards."
• Sign your name if sending a hard copy.

Email/Phone Number

• Include contact information again.

Tips for Writing a Banking Cover Letter:

Tailor to the Job Customize your letter for each application by addressing the specific requirements in the job posting.

Be Specific Use concrete examples to demonstrate your achievements and skills.

Quantify Achievements Where possible, quantify your accomplishments (e.g., "Increased branch profitability by 20%").

Research the Bank Show that you've done your homework by mentioning details about the bank's operations, values, or recent achievements.

Be Concise Keep the cover letter concise and focused, typically one page in length.

Proofread Eliminate spelling and grammatical errors to present a polished and professional letter.

Show Enthusiasm Convey genuine excitement about the opportunity to work for the bank.

The goal is to make a strong and positive impression that encourages the hiring manager to consider you a potential candidate.

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Banker Cover Letter Examples

Use these Banker cover letter examples to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Bankers are responsible for lending money to businesses and individuals. They also work with customers to develop financial plans and investment strategies.

To get a job as a banker, you need to have a strong understanding of financial concepts and a passion for helping people reach their financial goals.

Use these examples to write a banker cover letter that stands out from the competition.

Formal/Professional Writing Style Example

With a strong background in finance and a proven track record of successfully managing financial operations, I believe my skills and passion make me the ideal candidate for this role.

I possess a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from XYZ University and have gained over five years of experience in the banking industry, with a focus on financial analysis, risk management, and regulatory compliance. My previous roles as a Financial Analyst and Assistant Controller have prepared me well for the challenges of this position, enabling me to develop competencies such as forecasting, cost reduction, and strategic planning. In my most recent role, I was responsible for managing a team of seven, where I implemented measures that resulted in a cost reduction of 15% and led the successful completion of the annual audit process in collaboration with external auditors.

As a highly organized and detail-oriented individual, I excel at performing complex financial analysis and identifying trends to inform data-driven decision-making. My strong communication skills ensure that I am able to effectively communicate financial insights to stakeholders at all levels of the organization, leading to improved understanding of key performance metrics.

By joining your company, I am excited to contribute my skills and experience to meet and exceed the expectations set for this role. I am highly motivated to contribute to the financial success of your organization and am confident that my dedication to upholding the highest financial standards will make me a valuable asset to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss my qualifications further and learn more about the opportunities for professional growth within your organization. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience.

[Your Name]

Entry-Level Writing Style Example

As a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of State, I am eager to begin my career in banking and believe this position at [Bank Name] is a perfect opportunity for me to utilize and expand upon my skills and knowledge.

My educational background has provided me with a strong foundation in finance, accounting, and risk management. Specifically, coursework in financial management, investments, and financial markets has prepared me for analyzing and interpreting financial data. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to participate in an internship with a local financial institution, where I gained valuable experience in customer service and relationship building. This experience has equipped me with the skills to handle customer inquiries, process transactions, and identify the best banking products and services to meet their needs.

I am particularly drawn to [Bank Name] because of your commitment to providing exceptional customer service and your dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. I believe these values closely align with my own personal and professional goals, and I am confident I can contribute positively to [Bank Name’s] overall success.

I would be thrilled to be given the opportunity to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to your team at [Bank Name]. I have attached my resume and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Networking/Referral Writing Style Example

I was thrilled to learn about this opportunity through my colleague and friend, Mr. John Doe, who has been working with your team for the past three years as an Investment Analyst. John has always spoken highly of the dynamic work culture and growth opportunities at your bank, and I believe my experience and skills would make me a perfect candidate for this role.

As an individual with over five years of experience working in the banking sector, I have a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of banking services, including account management, credit analysis, and customer service. I am confident that my ability to communicate effectively with diverse clients, my strong analytical skills, and my drive to provide exceptional customer service will position me for success in this role.

Being referred to your organization by John, who has firsthand knowledge of my work ethics and professional accomplishments, underscores the belief that I have the skills and drive necessary to make a significant contribution to your team.

I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of your esteemed organization and contribute to its growth and success. Please find my resume attached for your review. I would welcome the chance to further discuss my qualifications and how I can add value to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you further.

Enthusiastic/Passionate Writing Style Example

Having admired [Bank Name] for a long time, I am inspired by the innovation, dedication to customer service, and strong commitment to fostering financial inclusion that your institution consistently showcases. I am confident that my skills and eagerness to contribute to your team make me the ideal candidate for this role.

During my time at [Previous Company], I demonstrated my passion for banking by consistently exceeding sales targets, fostering relationships with clients, and actively participating in community outreach programs. I believe these experiences have equipped me with the perfect blend of sales, analytical, and interpersonal skills to excel in this role.

One particular achievement that stands out is my successful implementation of a comprehensive financial literacy program, which not only increased our brand awareness but also empowered numerous individuals to make better financial decisions. I am eager to apply this same dedication and innovative mindset to the Banker role at [Bank Name]. I am certain that my contagious enthusiasm for assisting clients in reaching their financial goals will make me an invaluable addition to your team.

Furthermore, I am dedicated to continually enhancing my banking acumen by staying informed about the latest industry trends, attending relevant workshops, and pursuing new certifications. I am confident in my ability to not only adeptly fulfill the responsibilities of the Banker position but also consistently go above and beyond for the benefit of both [Bank Name] and its clients.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to join your esteemed organization and embark on a successful banking career with [Bank Name]. I look forward to the chance to further discuss my qualifications and passion with you during an interview.

Problem-Solving Writing Style Example

Having thoroughly researched your bank’s impressive growth and dedication to customer satisfaction, I have identified two central challenges that I believe my background and expertise can help address: bolstering customer loyalty and adapting to the ever-evolving financial technology landscape.

Firstly, I understand that establishing and maintaining strong relationships with clients is key to customer loyalty and long-term business success. With over six years of experience in the banking sector, I have honed my skills in understanding clients’ financial needs and goals, creating tailor-made solutions and fostering trust through excellent communication and prompt service. My ability to combine in-depth market analysis with a client-centric approach will help your bank not only boost customer satisfaction but also maximize opportunities for financial growth, ultimately reinforcing customer loyalty.

Secondly, to stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry, banks need to adapt to fintech innovations, streamline processes and provide digital products that cater to the changing needs and preferences of customers. In my previous role at XYZ Bank, I was responsible for integrating new technology solutions into our branch offerings, leading to a 20% increase in customer adoption of digital services. My experience in implementing cutting-edge solutions and facilitating training to ensure a smooth transition for staff and customers alike will prove invaluable in your bank’s continuous pursuit of digital excellence.

In summary, I believe my client-focused approach, financial expertise, and experience in digital transformation will make me a valuable addition to your team. I am eager to contribute to your bank’s ongoing success and further enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further.

[Your name]

Storytelling/Narrative Writing Style Example

Growing up, I had always harbored a deep fascination for numbers and financial matters. This passion, combined with my desire to help others, led me to pursue a career in banking. Let me share with you a story that I believe perfectly encapsulates my dedication to this field.

A few years ago, I found myself in a difficult financial situation. A close friend approached me for help with her struggling small business. With my background in finance and my strong analytical skills, I was confident that I could assist her in turning her business around. I eagerly took up the challenge, putting my knowledge of financial management, budgeting, and cost-cutting techniques to work.

As we delved into the business, I identified several areas where improvements could be made. We negotiated better terms with suppliers, streamlined operations, and implemented a comprehensive financial plan. I even took the initiative to educate my friend on the importance of financial literacy and effective money management, empowering her to make better decisions in the future.

Fast forward a year, and her once-struggling business had become a thriving, profitable venture. The satisfaction of helping someone in need and the joy of witnessing their success fueled my passion for the banking industry even more.

This experience has taught me the power of effective financial management and the profound impact it can have on people’s lives. I am eager to bring my skills, dedication, and passion for helping others to your organization as a Banker.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and am confident that my background in financial management and commitment to customer service make me an excellent candidate for the role. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further.

Cyber Security Analyst Cover Letter Examples

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The Investment Banking Cover Letter Template You’ve Been Waiting For

If you're new here, please click here to get my FREE 57-page investment banking recruiting guide - plus, get weekly updates so that you can break into investment banking . Thanks for visiting!

A long time ago I said that we would never post a cover letter template here :

“I was tempted to post a Word template, but I don’t want 5,000 daily visitors to copy it and to start using the same exact cover letter.”

But hey, we already have resume templates that everyone is using, so why not go a step further and give you a cover letter template as well?

Plus, “investment banking cover letter” is one of the top 10 search terms visitors use to find this site – so you must be looking for a template.

The Template & Tutorial

Let’s jump right in:

Investment Banking Cover Letter Template [Download]

Download Template – Word

Download Template – PDF

And here’s the video that explains everything:

(For more free training and financial modeling videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel .)

And if you’d rather read, here’s the text version:

Do Cover Letters Actually Matter?

At bulge bracket banks, people barely read cover letters.

Cover letters matter 10x less than resumes and 100x less than networking.

But there are a few special cases where they’re more important:

• Boutiques and Local Banks – Sometimes they actually read cover letters.
• Unusual Backgrounds – If you’re NOT in university or business school at the moment, you may need to explain yourself in more detail.
• Outside the US – In Europe, for example, some banks pay more attention to cover letters, online applications, and so on.

Similar to grades and test scores, a great cover letter won’t set you apart but a poor one will hurt you – so let’s find out how to avoid that.

Keep your cover letter compact and avoid 0.1″ margins and size 8 font.

With resumes you can get away with shrinking the font sizes and margins if you really need to fit in extra information, but this is questionable with cover letters.

Go for 0.75″ or 1″ margins and at least size 10 font.

With resumes there were a couple different templates depending on your level – but with cover letters that’s not necessary and you can use the same template no matter your background.

1 Page Only

Ok, maybe they do things differently in Australia (just like with resumes) but aside from that there is no reason to write a multi-page cover letter.

If you actually have enough experience to warrant multiple pages, do it on your resume instead and keep the cover letter brief.

Contact Information

List your own information – name, address, phone number, and email address – right-aligned up at the top.

Then, below that you list the date and the name and contact information for the person you’re writing to, left-aligned on the page.

If you don’t have this information you can just list the company name and address and use a “Dear Sir or Madam” greeting.

That’s not ideal – especially if you’re applying to smaller firms where cover letters actually get read – but it’s all you can do if you can’t find a person’s name.

If you’re sending the cover letter via email as the body of the email, you can omit all this information and just include the greeting at the top.

Paragraph 1: Introduction

This is where you explain who you are, where you’re currently working or studying, and how you found the bank that you’re applying to.

Name-drop as much as possible:

• Impressive-sounding university or business school ? Mention it. Even if it’s not well-known, you still need to mention it here.
• Your company name , especially if it’s recognizable, and the group you’re working in, especially if it’s something relevant to finance like business development.
• How you found them – specific peoples’ names , specific presentations or information sessions where you met them, and so on.
• The position you’re applying for (Analyst? Associate?) – especially for smaller places that are not well-organized.

This first paragraph is all about grabbing their attention.

Example 1st Paragraph:

“My name is John Smith and I am currently a 3rd year economics major at UCLA. I recently met Fred Jackson from the M&A group at Goldman Stanley during a presentation at our school last week, and was impressed with what I learned of your culture and recent deal flow. I am interested in pursuing an investment banking summer analyst position at your firm, and have enclosed my resume and background information below.”

Paragraph 2: Your Background

You go through your most relevant experience and how the skills you gained will make you a good banker right here.

Do not list all 12 internships or all 5 full-time jobs you’ve had – focus on the most relevant 1-2, once again name-dropping where appropriate (bulge bracket banks / large PE firms / Fortune 500 companies).

Highlight the usual skills that bankers want to see – teamwork, leadership, analytical ability, financial modeling and so on.

If you worked on a high-impact project / deal / client, you can point that out and list the results as well.

This may be your longest paragraph, but you still don’t want to write War and Peace – keep it to 3-4 sentences.

Example 2nd Paragraph:

“I have previously completed internships in accounting at PricewaterhouseCoopers and in wealth management at UBS. Through this experience working directly with clients, analyzing financial statements, and making investment recommendations, I have developed leadership and analytical skills and honed my knowledge of accounting and finance. I also had the opportunity to work with a $20M net-worth client at UBS and completely revamped his portfolio, resulting in a 20% return last year.”

Paragraph 3: Why You’re a Good Fit

Now you turn around and link your experience and skills to the position more directly and explain that leadership + quantitative skills + accounting/finance knowledge = success.

There is not much to this part – just copy the template and fill in the blanks.

Example 3rd Paragraph:

“Given my background in accounting and wealth management and my leadership and analytical skills, I am a particularly good fit for the investment banking summer analyst position at your firm. I am impressed by your track record of clients and transactions at Goldman Stanley and the significant responsibilities given to analysts, and I look forward to joining and contributing to your firm.”

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

This part’s even easier: remind them that your resume is enclosed (or attached if sent via email), thank them for their time, and give your contact information once again so they don’t have to scroll to the top to get it.

Example 4th Paragraph:

“A copy of my resume is enclosed for your reference. I would welcome an opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you and learn more about Goldman Stanley at your earliest convenience. I can be reached at 310-555-1234 or via email at [email protected]. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.”

Unusual Backgrounds

These examples cover how to apply to a bank if you’re in university, business school, or you’ve been working for several years.

If you have a more unusual background (e.g. you went to med school, graduated, started your residency, but then decided you wanted to be an investment banker), then you might need to add a few sentences to paragraph #2 or #3 explaining yourself.

Resist the urge to write your life story because no one will read it – interviews are a much better venue to prove how committed you are.

Email vs. Attachments

If you’re emailing your cover letter and resume, do you create a separate cover letter attachment?

Or do you make the body of your email the cover letter?

I think it’s redundant to create a separate cover letter and attach it, so don’t bother unless they ask specifically for a separate cover letter.

If you’re making the body of your email the cover letter, make it even shorter (4-5 sentences total) and cut out the address bits at the top.

Optional Cover Letters?

If you’re applying online and it says “Optional Cover Letter” should you still upload one?

You might as well because it takes 2 minutes once you have a good template – it’s not the end of the world if you don’t include one, but you never know what everyone else is doing and it’s not terribly time-consuming.

Cover Letter Mistakes

Remember the role of cover letters: great ones don’t help much, but poor ones get you dinged.

The biggest mistakes with cover letters:

• Making outrageous claims (“I’m a math genius!”) or trying to be “creative” with colors, pictures, fonts, and so on.
• Going on for too long – 10 paragraphs or multiple pages.
• Listing irrelevant information like your favorite ice cream, your favorite quotes from Wall Street or Boiler Room , and so on.

If you think this sounds ridiculous, remember the golden rule: do not overestimate the competition .

For every person reading this site, there are dozens more asking, “What it’s like to be an investment banker?” at information sessions.

Sometimes you hear stories of people who write “impassioned” cover letters, win the attention of a boutique, and get in like that …

…And I’m sure that happens, but you do not want to do that at large banks.

If you do, your cover letter will be forwarded to the entire world and your “career” will be destroyed in 5 minutes .

More Examples

As with resumes, there are hardly any good examples of investment banking cover letters online.

Most of the templates are horribly formatted and are more appropriate for equities in Dallas than real investment banking.

Here’s a slightly different but also good templates you could use:

• Best Cover Letters – MBA Template

More questions? Ask away.

Still Need More Help?

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We will take your existing resume and transform it into a resume that grabs the attention of finance industry professionals and presents you and your experience in the best possible light.

When we’re done, your resume will grab bankers by the lapels and not let them go until they’ve given you an interview.

Specifically, here’s what you’ll get:

• Detailed, line-by-line editing of your resume/CV – Everything that needs to be changed will be changed. No detail is ignored.
• Your experience will be “bankified” regardless of whether you’ve been a student, a researcher, a marketer, a financier, a lawyer, an accountant, or anything else.
• Optimal structuring – You’ll learn where everything from Education to Work Experience to Activities should go. Regional badminton champion? Stamp collector? You’ll find out where those should go, too.
• The 3-point structure to use for all your “Work Experience” entries: simple, but highly effective at getting the attention of bankers.
• How to spin non-finance experience into sounding like you’ve been investing your own portfolio since age 12.
• How to make business-related experience, such as consulting, law, and accounting, sounds like “deal work.”
• How to avoid the fatal resume mistake that gets you automatically rejected . Nothing hurts more than making a simple oversight that gets you an immediate “ding”.
• We only work with a limited number of clients each month. In fact, we purposely turn down potential clients in cases where we cannot add much value. We prefer quality over quantity, and we always want to ensure that we can work well together first.

FIND OUT MORE

Other Options for Personalized Help: Wall Street Mastermind

Finally, if you want to go  beyond your cover letter and also get help with your resume, work experience, networking, and interview prep, check out Wall Street Mastermind .

They’ve worked with over 1,000 students to help them secure high-paying investment banking jobs out of school (and internships while in school), and their coaches include a former Global Head of Recruiting at three different large banks.

They provide personalized, hands-on guidance through the entire networking and interview process – and they have a great track record of results for their clients.

It could be a great fit for you if you’re looking for comprehensive coaching through the entire process rather than just a new version of your resume or cover letter.

You can book a free consultation with them to learn more .

About the Author

Brian DeChesare is the Founder of Mergers & Inquisitions and Breaking Into Wall Street . In his spare time, he enjoys lifting weights, running, traveling, obsessively watching TV shows, and defeating Sauron.

Free Exclusive Report: 57-page guide with the action plan you need to break into investment banking - how to tell your story, network, craft a winning resume, and dominate your interviews

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279 thoughts on “ The Investment Banking Cover Letter Template You’ve Been Waiting For ”

I love how hand downs and direct this page is. Trying to break into IB come from a (semi-)target school but very bad GPA, love how you are always motivating, but realistic. Keep it up!

I am a sophomore and have a low gpa (2.5) should I include this on my cover letter? how do I stand out and not get dinged, low gpa because had to work full time freshman year because my dad lost his job, and my family had health issues. Am an only child.

All you can really do about a low GPA is network extensively so that people who know you can recommend you, and so you can avoid being filtered out by screening tools. See: https://mergersandinquisitions.com/low-gpa-investment-banking/

Maybe include a brief mention of why your GPA is lower in your cover letter, but focus on how you’ve improved since your first year (mention the higher GPA since then).

Thanks for the write up!

If i am writing my cover letter in the body of the email, Do i write the name of the recipient instead of dear Madam ?

I like it not bad

Hey Brian – thanks for this article. Quick question: is there a certain point in your career (in my case, I’m an associate) when you can stop with the cover letters even if they give you the option?

Cover letters are pretty much always optional unless they ask for one.

I was wondering for your template, you gave a solid and formal introduction. I also see other career advice sites that recommend making the cover letter “memorable” and straying away from the cookie cutter method with more flashy intros. As an example just from another online source: When I was seven, I wanted to be the GEICO gecko when I grew up. I eventually realized that wasn’t an option, but you can imagine my excitement when I came across the events manager position, which would have me working side by side with my favorite company mascot. So what’s your opinion on this? I’m sure it’s different for every field, so would you say the average investment banker appreciates something like this, or would it just make them roll their eyes and make you seem too keen/tryhard.

Same Andrew again…

Sorry I should’ve watched your video fully before asking. But you mentioned to not get too fancy with fonts, photos, etc. But would the bit of personal information outside the cookie cutter approach separate you in the slightest? To me, cover letters sound like they have the same purpose as GPA. A 4.0 (good but generic cover letter) won’t give you any advantages, but a 2.5 (poorly done letter) will eliminate you from the application process.

Yes, cover letters are basically used to weed out people, not to select them. You can include some personal information such as an interesting student group, study abroad, or experience that led you to IB, but don’t go overboard with trying to appear “interesting.” Save that for actual networking and interviews.

If you are applying to traditional “high finance” roles such as investment banking, private equity, etc., you should not do anything creative with your cover letter. It will only backfire. Firms either do not read cover letters, or if they do, they simply look at them to make sure you didn’t do something silly or inappropriate. You’re taking a very big risk by writing a “creative” cover letter, and one that has very little upside with tons of downside.

For online applications that request your resume, but do not specify whether a cover letter should be included, should I submit a cover letter? Also since you can only submit one document in these cases, should you compile resume and cover letter into one document?

Thanks so much.

If they just request your resume, just include your resume. I would not even bother with a cover letter or combining them into one document.

Do we have to leave

“Enclosure: Resume”

At the bottom of the Cover Letter? Many thanks

*In Online Application where they ask you to attach your CV and Cover Letter – if that makes any difference

Brina, many thanks for the quick answer. Just a last question:

Shall we sign between sincerely and our name or under our name?Both options are good?

Alternative A:

(Signature)

Alternative B:

The first one is slightly better.

I just wanted to thank you for not only this Cover Letter template but also your Resume template. I have used both and I have received great feedback from interviewers and getting my foot in the door for asset management.

Thanks! Glad to hear it. Good luck!

This question targets the paragraph listing relevant experiences & skills gained through it.

As a University Student with some corporate finance and consulting experience but nothing directly related to investment banking, do you think it would be relevant to list explain skills gained during university classes (e.g. a term project that simulated the entire M&A process based on a real life deal) that involved valuation, simulated investor calls, etc. Or do you believe sticking to actual work experience would be best suited.

Thanks a lot for all the content you post.

Stick to your work experience if you have actual CF and consulting internships. Maybe add a line or brief phrase within a line that mentions your learnings from university classes as well.

I live in the UK and I’ve been told cover letters carry a lot of weighting in the initial application process. I have written a cover letter which is 8 paragraphs but it’s still 1 page. Do you think this would be ok or should I take some stuff out? Thanks in advance, great website you have.

By the way, it’s still size 10 font but I had to reduce the line spacing between the paragraphs to fit it all in.

Cover letters only matter in the “negative” sense, i.e. if you write something stupid or have typos, you could lose an offer or interview opportunity. Your cover letter should be as short as possible, so 8 paragraphs is too long, especially if you had to reduce the font size to 10, which is too small. So, be more concise and realize that bankers glance at hundreds/thousands of these letters each recruiting season…

How do one relate a tax internship experience which I acquired In an accounting consulting firm to an investment banking internship I hope to start with with BofA

Talk about how your tax findings/work affected the big picture… did they potentially change the company’s valuation? What was the impact on the company’s financial statements? Did anything you did result in changes to the internal controls at the company? Did you do any tax work related to M&A or equity/debt deals?

Hi Brian, I have read that the header of a cover letter should match your resume. Is there a reason the header from the M&I resume template was not included in this cover letter template?

??? I think it would be very odd if your cover letter started with your name in a bigger font size at the top… so, no if that is what you are asking about. A cover letter should start with the normal heading of a letter. Your resume is different because it’s intended to present the key points in bullet/highlight format.

I agree. Thanks.

I’m applying online to banks in the EMEA area and most banks ask for my motivation – they don’t require a cover letter. Could I still use this template? or wouldn’t it make any sense to use this template?

If its the case that this template would not be useful, do you have any tips on what to focus on in such a motivation letter?

I think this template is too long for a simple question about your motivation. Your motivation should basically be the last part of your “story” – assuming 150 words for a competency question and a 300-word story. See:

https://mergersandinquisitions.com/walk-me-through-your-resume/

How do you travel like a dug dealer? haha…You are funny. Great info. Thanks a lot. I’m trying to break the front door at Piper Jaffray so I can put my little two feet inside that door.

hey, i am actually studying law in France but i wanted to go on trading/investment banking/hedge fund area. What would you suggest me ? Which arguments should I point out ?

Thanks a lot !

??? I’m not sure I understand your question.

The links for Workbloom – Investment Banking Intern Template and Vanderbilt – Cover Letter Template are not valid anymore. Is it possible to fix that? Thank you very much!

Sincerely, Frank

We don’t have alternate links, sorry. But the template there wasn’t much different anyway.

Hi Brian, I had a question in mind. I have been working with a Big four Audit firm in India for the past 10 months now, and have a Bachelors in Commerce degree from a non-target University here. The role here is Back-end, as in we do not have client interaction, and rather coordinate with the US/EMEA teams – which deal with the clients directly – for the work. Recently, I got a call from GS for an Analyst position under the Data Resource Group for its IB Division in India. How do you suggest I pitch my auditing experience to get an offer for this position? Also, considering the work I do here is back-end and basically, formatting files around and punching in numbers! Thanks in advance for your help!

I would just point out how your audit work led directly to results with clients and how you were a part of the client-interaction process, even if you didn’t speak with them directly. As a result, you have a good understanding of what they’re looking for and how to get them results most efficiently.

Thanks for the template. Is it correct to include in the cover letter an entreprise which I am auditing or not?

Sure, you could, but you have to be able to tie that to whatever role(s) you’re applying for.

Hi there, thanks for the cover letter template you provided. It’s a great help. Just wondering does the same template work for UK application? As you mentioned they tend to pay attention to cover letters.

Yes this template works for UK applications.

Thank you for sharing your blog, it helped a lot cos I am also having a hard time in writing a cover letter and I suck! Hope you can help more. Keep it up!

Thank you for sharing the template and guide! I am a recent college grad and just started working in an economic consulting firm (last month). I want to make the career transfer to IB and I am trying my best networking everywhere. I am applying for an IB analyst position and editing my cover letter. Should I still mention in the cover letter my leadership roles in college or it does not matter much?

Many thanks!

You can mention them briefly, but you should focus on your current role.

Thanks for the template! After working as an ER associate for 2 years in my hometown, I am moving from North America to Europe in the next few weeks. Should I mention in my cover letter something to the effect of “After visiting [country] several times over the past few years, I applied for and received my Work Visa” or will the recruiter assume I have a visa and do not require sponsorship? I just do not want to be passed over if they are assuming I will be a headache for them!

Furthermore, I am also hoping to move from ER to corporate. Besides tailoring the letter to reflect skills mentioned in the posting, are there any other changes that need to be made when moving out of capmarkets?

Thank you for your time!

Sure you can include this. Yes, I’d talk about why you want to move from ER to corporate and talk about why you prefer corporate over ER (perhaps you prefer the type of work in corporate better and you see yourself in a corporate vs. in a bank) and you want to move over to XX industry [the industry the corporate you’re applying for is in] given XX reason [ideally you’ve covered that industry in ER before]

Thank you Nicole. Should I be putting this explanation in paragraph 2? Or later on in the letter?

I’d probably list this later in the letter.

Hi, I’m studying in the US and applying to summer IBD internship in 3 different locations (New York, London, HK), so who should I address to in my cover letter since there is only one cover letter for three different recruiters? Thanks!

I’d say Dear Sir/Madam or To Whom It May Concern

when you express abbreviations, let’s say M&A, how do you put it in a cover letter? i.e., (“M&A”) or (M&A) without punctuations mark?

M&A is fine I believe

Hi! You mentioned that putting the name of the recruiter is always better than just a “Dear Sir/Madam”. When applying in London, do you think it is appropriate to address the cover letter to a recruiter I haven’t personally met that I just found his name via an internet search, specifically from Linkedin. Also, there are dozens recruiters for the same company on Linkedin, should I still address the letter to a specific person? What about if it is the director of HR? Should I address it to him/her directly?

Yes, I’d address the email to Director of HR. If you don’t know the person’s name, I’d say “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam”

Hey, I have a question concerning applying for an internship at G&S in Europe. Instead of a cover letter they want you to submit a motivational statement with 300 words when applying, which is according to them similar to the cover letter. But I am a bit unsure that I express my motivation for applying for an investment banking postion with this cover letter because it focuses more on previous internships. Should I outline my internships and then explain that I want to pursue an career in IB because of them? and should I mention my extra curriculare activities which involve leadership experience and exotic interests?

I’d briefly touch on your previous experience and focus on why IB, and why GS. If the previous experience can serve as your IB spark, use them. So yes you can mention that you want to pursue a career in IB because of your previous internships, but don’t dive too deep given word limit and you can address that in interviews. No, the latter part should be demonstrated on your resume, unless you have space in the statement

What should you do in [Signature]?

I’m not sure I understand your question. I’d just insert your signature there.

Upload an image of your handwritten signature?

Yes you can do that. Copy and paste it below “Yours sincerely/Best Regards”

I resigned from my previous role in April this year as we were planning a family move to another country However, it did not materialize due to some unexpected changes and I have to start looking for a job again. This has left an employment gap of about 3 months in my resume. During this period, I have taken the BIWS course to enhance my knowledge. Shall I mention my current status and address that in my cover letter? or leave it out and talk about it when asked during interview?

Xavier, you can list that on your resume and cover letter. You may also want to talk about other activities you’ve done during those 3 months.

I am a first year associate working at a boutique bank on the trading floor and trying to switch into equity research/banking side. How is the cover letter different from the cover letter template above. Do I need to specifically state why I am switching?

Yes you need to address why you’re switching

Do you have any suggestions as to how I can gracefully address this? The reason why I am switching is because I don’t feel like I am learning much out of my positions – not being given much responsibilities, etc…

I’d focus on the positives on why you prefer the other division versus your current one; not what you’re lacking.

Hi, I am wondering when introducing my skill sets and experience in the second paragraph of the cover letter, is it appropriate to use bullet points? e.g. my key skills/experience include: bullet point: A bullet point: B

Yes you can do that, though a lot of times we find that its best to follow our template, unless you’re a very experienced candidate

I worked at a boutique investment bank for an internship and I was wondering how I may explain my low gpa on my cover letter. I would focus on my strengths and what I learned from the position but sooner or later the question of gpa will be addressed either during an interview or sent through email. How would I approach this?

This may come up in interviews and I’d address it then. I am not sure why you had a low GPA. If you had family/personal reasons you can list that. Otherwise if you were taking more advanced courses because you were too ambitious and got a lower GPA as a result of that you can list that too.

I’m applying to various finance and IB positions and my documents will be seen as a package sent through my school. I created my resume in a very similar format to the template on your website, only using .5″ margins. I have the same header layout (with name and personal info) on both my resume and cover letter. My question is regarding holding these .5″ margins on both of my documents to keep a consistent look. I’m just curious as to whether this would be a good or bad idea, or as to whether you think it would even matter.

I haven’t seen the format of your resume so I am not 100% sure. 0.5 margins maybe a bit crowded but depending on your content it can be doable. If you have lots of solid content, yes this is applicable. Otherwise, I’d shorten your content and go for the standard margins

Hey, this template isn’t just for investment banking right, it can be used for targeting internships in accounting as well? Same with the resume template?

If you change the paragraph from why IB to why accounting, you can use this template. The resume template is tailored to IB though you can use it for Accounting roles too

I graduated from a top school 1.5 years ago, but unfortunately ended up at a not so impressive bank. What’s the best way to name drop the school in the cover letter? Thanks.

First paragraph – you can just say that you are working at XX bank and have recently graduated from XX school

I am applying to three different divisions in the same investment bank that are different in nature (2 back office and one front) and there is only one cover letter for all three that asks you to describe your motivation for each. Since they are different positions, how do I go about this?

I’d be generic and focus on why finance and how you can make an impact to the firm

How about adding the recommendations from the previous job? Is it worth? Should we add it even if they do not menton about that?

You can provide recommendations upon request

Hi, I am wondering whether I need to include a signature in my cover letter for online application. If so, should I just insert it in the pdf document or scan a paper copy of the cover letter? Thanks!

Yes you can include it. Both works.

Yo’re welcome.

Just a follow-up question: I am applying for summer analyst position at CS, and they only allow one application per applicant. Should I use the same cover letter during campus recruiting (addressed to an alumnus) for my online application? Since I am applying to CS HK as well, I am wondering whether I should use a slightly different cover letter.

Sure I think this shouldn’t be a problem. Yes the HK one should be slightly different – i.e. why HK, why Chinese market

Dear M&I staff,

I’m a master student in Europe. I’m currently attending a Master of Science in Finance after completing a bachelor in business administration. Do you have any specific suggestion about my first paragraph? Also, if I can’t find the name of the recruiter, how can I start the letter? I was thinking about expressions such as “To whom it may concern…”; does this work?

Thanks in advance

Yes it does, or Dear Sir/Madam.

First paragraph – I’d follow the template on the post

Dear Sir or Madam,

My name is [Insert Name] and I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Finance at [Insert University Name] where I have also been awarded a Bachelor of Science with honors. How would this sound?

Sounds good, though I’d probably just use My name is [Insert Name] and I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Finance at [Insert University].

Hey Brian/Nicole, Thank you guys so much for this website. I spend days on it reading your articles! lol I’m just wondering when I do the name-dropping on the cover letter, is it alright to put the company names in bold? or is that too much? What do you guys think?

Thank you for your kind comment. You should credit Brian for his hard work! I don’t think its necessary to bold company names. I think its probably better to leave it “unbolded.”

i a lil older i was originally an engineering major, left school (didnt graduate), started working as a stock broker, then mortgage broker, and then more sales background. I then re entered school and graduated with a degree with finance, gpa not so high bc of past screw ups, but now looking to break into finance. I love finance, and cant figure out how to convey that in a cover letter. can you help?

Focus on the impact you’ve made in your previous roles. Then say while you’ve enjoyed and learn a lot from your previous experience, you realize [Talk about your IB spark here], and that you realize you wanted to pursue IB because [XYZ]. Then say that you’re confident that your [XX] skills can be an invaluable asset to the firm (something around those lines)

If I’m applying for a job based on an online job posting (LinkedIn / other job board), then in my 1st paragraph, ho would you address the section about how you learnt about the job / company ?

(I find it awkward to say that “I recently learnt about your company through your online ad on abc.com”)

ThankX Guys!

I recently learned about your company from [a contact/an event/an online job posting] and was impressed with what I learned of [List what you’re impressed with here]

Hey Nicole,

Thanks for your reply.

I’m finding it awkward to write “I learnt about your company from an online job posting” bcoz I feel it sounds like I did not know them before seeing the posting (which, in turn, sounds insulting for the company).

Instead, can I just say “I recently found out about the XYZ position at ABC Capital & want to apply for this position”?

Sure, this sounds good. No, this isn’t insulting – this is why companies post on job postings! It is best if you have already spoken to people at the company and use that as an intro. line.

please i am an undergraduate in my final year with just one internship experience and one teaching experience, that was before i gained admission. i want to know if it is appropriate to include my date of birth and list of referees; i will also like to know the maximum length of resume ideal for some one in my category. Thanks.

Please see https://mergersandinquisitions.com/free-investment-banking-resume-template/

No, I don’t think you need to include your DOB and list of referees. Maximum length of your resume would be 1 page.

Hi Brian, thanks so much for creating this awesome website.

I’m a year one student in a non-target uni in HK who’s interested in IBD. My first semester GPA wasn’t stellar because I had a hard time balancing family issues and adapting to a new country.

I’m currently applying for several pre-internship programs, and am afraid my less-than-3 GPA will cause my immediate disqualification. What can I do?

I’ve had several leadership positions in high school, am great at networking/socializing, and speak a few languages. But my first semester GPA is lackluster. Please advice, should I explain in my cover letter?

Best Regards, Sara

Yes, your GPA is likely to be alarming to interviewers. Sure, you can explain the above on your cover letter, though I would focus on your strengths and what you have achieved first. You want to draw people to your strengths. I’d also try as hard as you can to boost your GPA next semester and craft a very good explanation when you land interviews.

Hey there M&I,

Firstly, I’d just like to thank you for this template – it truly is priceless.

I’m from Melbourne, Australia and I’d like to break into Investment Banking for a long-term career.

I’m starting a Bachelor of Commerce degree at The University of Melbourne and I was thinking of double majoring in Accounting and Finance.

I feel as though this will put me in a good position for Investment Banking and will also provide me with a few alternatives should I be unable to make it to Investment Banking or decide that it’s not for me.

Sorry about the long-winded explanation, I guess what I want to know is whether or not the double major sequence I have suggested is desirable in Investment Banking or there is a better sequence you could suggest to me.

Also, what do you have to say about people getting summer internships after first year? I haven’t heard of anyone doing this before, but have you? How should I go about trying to increase my chances?

Thanks very much!

Thanks. Yes, that sequence is fine but I don’t know if it would give you an advantage. From what I understand about Australia, I believe most people who get into banking there actually have dual Commerce and Law degrees.

Summer internships after year 1: very tough. You’d have to aim for small local firms. And probably not common in Australia.

I’m applying to a Private Equity internship and I completed the BIWS fundamental and advanced modeling courses. Should I talk about this in my cover letter? Right now I just have a general statement about it and that I worked on some case studies.I was wondering whether I should go more in depth and mention a specific case? Leave it as a general statement? Or take it out completely

Yes, definitely mention the specific case studies as that makes it sound much better than just saying you completed the courses.

Document for listing them on your resume (you may be able to apply parts of this):

http://biws-support.s3.amazonaws.com/BIWS-Courses-Resume-Instructions.docx

Thanks Brian,

I took your advice and mentioned specific case studies.

One other thing, currently in the second paragraph of my cover letter I talk a lot about my internship experience, but this internship doesn’t have to do with IB, its accounting and sales for a hotel. I did spin it in away that says that I picked up skills from this internship that I can apply to IB, PE, etc. Should I focus less about this and more on the BIWS courses, and projects in school I worked on since it doesn’t directly relate?

I would probably do an even split in that case.

I found this guide and template very useful. I was wondering, though, if I were to apply online to bb investment banks that didn’t make any meeting at my university and require a cover letter, what should I write in: “I was recently introduced to your firm via [Friend / Contact at Firm / Presentation] and was impressed with what I learned of [Your Culture / Working Environment / Bank-Specific Info.].”

I know about these banks just because of their fame, so should I just skip this part?

Sure though having this line may be more convincing.

I am now applying to Société Générale M&A summer internship in Power, Utilities and Infrastructure department. I tried to find some alumni working there. I could manage to find one via linkedin; however, i cannot contact him because he sets a permission. I wonder what should i write on cover letter if i can’t find a contact in SG?

Dear Sir or Madam / [Name of Recruiter if you have it]

Dear Nicole,

I feel sorry not to explain it clearly.

Quoted from the IB template: ” I was recently introduced to your firm via [Friend / Contact at Firm / Presentation] and was impressed with what I learned of [Your Culture / Working Environment / Bank-Specific Info.] ”

I searched SG career website but they mention the work environment and culture very vague. I tried to find an alumni working there; however,the alumni office hasn’t replied me yet.Even worse, SG hasn’t held any campaign event at our uni. At present moment,I can’t manage to get a contact at firm. I did search they have an aggressive expansion plan for the department 2 years ago. Should I mention this instead?

Much thanks

It would help if you have spoken to a contact who is working/worked there or attending one of their info sessions. Otherwise, yes it may be useful to mention of their department’s aggressive expansion plan.

Hi! What if I have not attended any presentation and I do not know nobody that work in a specific bank? Can I still apply online? I am applying to investment banks in London and I know that they recruit using the online application process.

Yes you can still apply online.

Hi Nicole/Brian,

Adding to what Paolo has mentioned, what about the cover letter? Since we do not know anybody that work in that specific bank (nor attend any presentations), who do we address the cover letter to? (Or is it better not to submit one if the cover letter is optional?)

Secondly, is it alright to say that we found out about the job/vacancy by browsing through their website?

Again, thanks for your continuous kind support.

Regards, Rifki

Quoting from the article:

“If you don’t have this information you can just list the company name and address and use a ‘Dear Sir or Madam” greeting.’ ”

If it’s optional, I wouldn’t even bother submitting it especially if you don’t know anyone there. Yes saying you saw it through a website is OK.

Thanks Brian!

I’ve just graduated in Finance and Accounting but wasn’t able to get summer internships in my 2nd year. What else can I write in section 2+3? I’ve got work experience in wholesale, an accounting firm and an insight day at a Merrill Lynch which were just before I started uni, i.e. 2009 can I still use these in this section or would it look bad since they are old?

I’ve taken part in many trading simulation games in teams etc which show all the skills you have mentioned in the paragraph, would it be acceptable to use this as an example even though it was a simulation?

They wouldn’t look bad but not exactly current. Ideal if you have recent experiences to list. Otherwise you can list them

Yes – show the returns you generated

Thanks for the useful resources.

Last year, I hadn’t as much insight and experience with IB (I was coming from law and bearely started to study a MSc-Finance in a good school). I still got two interviews with a nice boutique and a bb. I got reject at the final round.

This year I’m applying again (I’m currently doing an off cycle M&A internship)

1. Shall I mention I applied last year, and why I like the firm so much? or shall I just make a regular cover letter and avoid to mention I applied a year ago?

2. How many interviews should I go through to secure an offer, or what is the average? I’d like to know whether I am doing something bad or just if it is because you need to go through several interviews to finally get something?

3. What would shall I do with the current market if I secure another off cycle internship or a full time M&A position in a leading law firm? (I prefer finance than law, but I m getting old and need to start working as oppose to “intern”)

Sorry for this long thread, thanks for your help.

1. you can mention it if you want though I don’t think its necessary 2. hard to say – depends on you. people generally go through more than several rounds of interviews to land an offer 3. network a lot

Last year, I hadn’t as much insight and experience in IB profiles (I am coming from law and bearely started to study a MSc-Finance in a good school). I still got two interviews with a nice boutique and a bb. I got reject at the final round.

— Shall I mention I applied last year, and why I like the firm so much

Hi, I have an upcoming interview with a bulge bracket bank in Capital Markets. I submitted my resume about 1 month ago and got selected recently. My resume was updated recently and is much much more in depth than before. Should I reach out to the recruiters and ask if I can have them replace the resume on the website with my new one? Or would this be frowned upon? Thanks!

Yes, please do that!

Thank you for your tips, they are great!I have two questions:

1. All templates I find are about experienced people. If you are a person with no experience (or with a very short experience in a different area), how can you turn this fact around and convince someone to hire you? Should you really emphasize your academic background?

2. I started a PhD but early on I realized that it was not the right fit for me. How and where should I mention this? Should I explain why? I am afraid that no one will be considering me for a job position because I am quitting the PhD…

Thank you so much!

1. There are templates for inexperienced hires – pls look for the one for undergraduates. If you have NO work experience at all, I’d suggest you to emphasize your academic background and extracurricular activities. 2. Explain this on your cover letter & interviews. No, it shouldn’t be a problem if you know how to spin your story. Most jobs don’t require a PhD these days anyway.

Hi, Thank you very much for uploading the template.

But what if I don’t have background info or experiences specific to the investment banking industry even though I have banking experience in a different field such as Loan Officer? Will that matter?

I will be considered as a fresher in that case how can I convince anybody about changing my profession to investment banker or wealth management analyst from this profession?

And can you also please help me with a sample C.V for freshers in Invest and Wealth Management.

I do have an MBA in finance.

You’ll have to figure out why IB and pitch your story well.

You can use the same template for Wealth Management – just focus on your research and investment experience

I’m planning to use this short cover letter as my email body. My question : “Should I opt for a longer version with more elaborate details?”

— Dear Sir/ Madam [or the recruiter’s name],

I would like to express my interest in a position as [position] for [company].

As you may perceive from my summary, I’ve been leveraging my consulting and technical skills from my previous career as an IT Consultant to break into the finance industry. Thus, I’m adapt at translating clients’ problems into a satisfying, concrete solution. I also possess good leadership skill and can work well with others. [ + other skills the company valued / demanded for this specific job]

I would love to expand my career with your company, and am confident that I would be a beneficial addition to your company. I have enclosed my resume and I would welcome a personal interview at your earliest convenience.

[Name and contact address] —

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

I’d keep your email short, sweet and succinct. Anything longer than that is too much.

Hello, my question is regarding the introduction —

“Paragraph 1: Introduction This is where you explain who you are, where you’re currently working or studying, and how you found the bank that you’re applying to.”

I have nearly 2 years of consulting experience, but have recently been laid off. Since I’m no longer working or studying, how would I approach this as far as introduction?

Just introduce yourself and tell interviewer you’ve been laid off due to the lackluster economy – they should understand. Tell them what you’ve been doing with your free time i.e. traveling, studying, picking up a new hobby, etc. As long as you sound like you are doing something productive/interesting with your life, you should be fine

Errors – If there are minor typos that most people don’t see at a glance, are you in the clear? I’m not sure if people read cover letters that closely especially during OCR when hundreds of people apply at the same time from one school.

It depends on whether your reviewer is attentive to details or not!

I don’t exactly have a stellar GPA, so I was wondering if the cover letter is where I would explain myself? Or is it better to just not mention it? Thanks! And love this website!

It depends why you don’t have a stellar GPA – if you have a legit reason i.e. you had sick parents you needed to take care of etc I think it would help

Thanks for the article. I just had a quick question. I was originally interested in marketing and completed two internships my freshman year undergraduate (currently a junior applying for summer analyst positions). Since then I have had several research internships. Would it be a good idea what lead my decision to go from marketing to banking in my cover letter?

Any input would be awesome. Thanks!

Yes I would explain why you changed your mind in your cover letter and point to a specific person/incident

I am studying at a “frontier market” university and am currently an exchange student at a highly ranked (Top 100) universities.

Should I use an exchange studies university in a cover letter instead of a university where I’ll be graduating and mention it accordingly (I am currently an exchange student at…)?

No, I think you should still use the university where you’ll be graduating

ha frontier market. I am putting where I am an exchange student with the frontier school I attend.

I’m applying for an internship in the US, but I’m studying in Germany. Should I mention that my University/Business School, is one of the best business schools in Germany?

Thank you for your answer!

I don’t think it makes a difference. You could try but reviewers might not necessarily care too much re that

Hi, thanks so much for this article. I am writing a cover letter to J.P. Morgan, but I cannot find the office address in HK, shall I omit it at the top?

But what if I don’t have background info or experiences specific to the investment banking industry? does that automatically rule me out as a candidate even though they specify that finance background is not necessary?

Could I simply emphasize my skills and abilities that I have gained through other experiences such as working for an NGO?

Not necessarily.

just one other quick question. At Goldman Sachs, one could apply for internship in several divisions and they have asked motivation for applying to different divisions. Would it make this impression that you yourself do not know what division is right for you when you make applications for several divisions? Thanks a lot.

With Goldman, yes. However, in a way you still need to hedge your bets because one division’s MD might like you and the other’s MD might not.

I’ve shown my CL to the Head of HR in my firm and he adviced me to write something “catching” as a title between the date and “Dear Sir or Madam,..”. So do you think it would be okay to write there: “Why I am a good fit for taking part in your spring programme”? Or does this sound too arrogant?

Thanks a lot! Jevira

This sounds generic.

Have you got another idea or just put there: Spring Programme at XYZ. :D Thanks, and sorry for the time you lose with all my questions..

Come up w something original he said right? I don’t know if the above is original. You should just ask him what his suggestions are. I’d love to help but I need to think through it and have to look at your CL; wouldn’t be fair to other customers who are paying for our CL editing service.

Thanks very much for your helps. I have a few questions and I would greatly appreciate if you could help me. I am doing a double degree master in Complex Systems Science (A multidisciplinary field), so I have studied one year at Warwick, UK and now I am studying the second year at Ecole Polytechnique, France. 1) Should I mention anywhere that I have had a multidisciplinary approach since in my field I have to interact with people with completely diverse backgrounds, from Physics and math to economics and Philosophy? 2)I have got a full scholarship from European commission for my studies. How should I mention it? 3)I think many people are not very acquainted with the structure of such joint programs between two universities in two different countries. In my CV, shall I mention it as two masters and not saying that they are in fact joint? 4)My master thesis has been about financial contagion and I do not have ant job or internship opportunity, so how should I write the second paragraph?

Thanks in advance and sorry it becomes too long. Mostafa

1. Not sure how you will be wording this one. Difficult to use this to stand out 2. Yes 3. No, put joint but you can separate the two in diff lines 4. Can’t help you on this one.

Hi, it’s me again. Does this template also apply for online applications where you have to upload the cover letter? Or can my personal adress, the banks adress and the date can be removed withous replacement?

Yes these templates apply to online apps too

No, I don’t think you should remove the details you mentioned

I’m a first year university student in the UK, and looking to apply to a spring division internship at Goldman Sachs (and probably many others in the near future).

I have litte actual experience in terms of working for firms, but have competed in many stock market challenges/competitions, and I have come to university a year early, having been moved up a year.

Clearly with my lack of experience, I will need to slightly change the template you have provided above; how would you recommend I do this?

Many thanks.

I nearly asked the same thing – but my question didn’t even appear.

You should elaborate on your stock market challenges/competitions

Is it okay to write under my asset mgmnt firm that I “increased producivity of checking several entries by about 60%”? It was an excelsheet with about 120 rows in which I had to find the entries which were more than once in these rows. (it was an excel formula I made for that).

Or does it sound ridiculous?

Oh, its in the CV, not the cover letter.

yes it does sounds a bit ridiculous and monotonous. Sorry.

So I’ll delete :) Thanks. Its very difficult to boost your CV.

btw: may I send you, Nicole, my CV that you could look over that? You see my email adress, i guess. I’d really appreciate it! Thinking, that it sounds “too” ridiculous…

We’re not offering resume editing at the moment but will be introducing it shortly, so you can watch for that announcement.

What does “shortly” mean? Within this month? And will it be free? If not, how much would it cost? If you’re launching in the very near future, please reserve one place for me :-).

Haha yes but not free. Sure.

Thanks for your work!

My question is that if I apply for some regions where original language is not English i.e. China, Japan, will it be ok I send a 2-page resume/cl with one in English and another Chinese/Japanese/whatever? or seperately in 2 .pdfs?

Thanks again

No. Not necessary. Just send a one-page resume in English

If bilingual required?

No still submit one pager unless they ask

Thanks Nicole.

Another not-related question, do you think that a 4-month full time internship in PE department of commercial banks, say, standard chartered, strong enough to pass the summer/FT online selection? prior to that i had internship in big-4. a senior in university and will pursue a finance master degree right after. thanks

Should do but again it depends on what position you are interviewing for and which division you are looking at. Also depends on who is screening you..However, I believe your experience should suffice

Do you think sending a cover letter with a CV directly to the Head of investment banking dpt is inappropriate? The bank is hiring (according to website). Sent my CV to HR a month ago, no responce.

Sure, just send him a brief email and your resume. No point in sending a cover letter – address what you need to say briefly on the email

What is your opinion about listing client names. Obviously working in a deal situation it would not be acceptable to mention a client name and the transaction itself if this is not public but in my case I have done a lot of work which didn’t result in deals however I am quite keen on mentionning the clients as I have worked with many PE and large Corporate clients. Is it fine to write: “selected list of clients: A,B,C,D,E…

Why would you want to use names there? Just for more credibility when you discuss deals? I would still avoid using names if possible for dead deals. You can still mention that you’ve worked with some big PE names such as X but I wouldn’t go into details; pretend deal is still ongoing even if it died, and leave out the names.

https://mergersandinquisitions.com/why-investment-banking-deals-fail/

You do such a great service for idiots like me!Keep it up.

Hi! For my motivation letter, which the company requires on their application website, shouldn’t I just say I like money and that I want to work for their company because I would like to earn a lot? Or should I go with the “It’s my passion… I like to be challenged… I’d like to contribute innovations for the growth of the business…” bits? Thank you!

applications for bulge brackets. thanks!

Um #2, always

Okay, thanks!

I am beginning to write my cover letter for a number of boutique banks in the fall to apply for analyst positions. What do I if I don’t know anyone at the firm and can’t namedrop a presentation I attended (1st paragraph)? Can I just say

“My name is John Smith, and I am a recent graduate of Fordham University (Class of 2011). I am interested in applying for an analyst position at XYZ firm”

Is there anything else I can add to the first paragraph to flesh out my cover letter a bit? Thank you very much and keep up the good work!

That’s fine

Hi, I recently switched to a major in economics from engineering. The engineering curriculum at my school is very challenging and had a negative impact on my GPA over my freshman/sophomore year (3.4 currently). Would it be appropriate to list that I was previously an engineering major on my resume to reflect the challenging curriculum I was previously engaged in?

Yes that’s a good idea or at least reflect coursework on there

Thanks for the cover letter and resume templates, they’re really helpful. A friend of mine used your templates to score a summer internship in corporate finance advisory at a big four company in london and I was able to score a SA offer in the IBD of a BB firm in frankfurt, germany. we’re both germans btw.

depending on how fulltime recruiting develops we should set something up for a “breaking into IB in europe”-feature if you see the demand for this. So long, Nick

Congrats, interesting to hear that it works in other countries. There are a few articles on Europe (UK, Germany, Italy) already but could use more if you have a unique angle.

A company was recruiting at my college, and all they asked for was for us to send them a 1-page motivational letter? Any idea what I can include in the letter? Eg, why me? Why should I get the offer? Why should I get the bursary? My strengths and weaknesses?

They don’t want a cv, they just want a motivational letter. I’m not too sure what to include in it. Any help would be appreciated.

I would just follow the cover letter template here and expand on it a bit… don’t go into strengths/weaknesses, just follow the outline above.

Thanks Brian for putting up such a nice website and sharing valuable stuff with us aspirers. I might be using a wrong space to look for your suggestions anyways here I go. My challenge here is to make a successful transition from a business development/ strategy side (prior 3 yrs of exp. with a commercial bank) to IB. Being done an MBA recently from a decent B school in UK where I gained the required skill sets for IB, I was targeting at BB which doesnot seems to be working out my way so I m considering the small boutiques as well to start with. I thought a good cover letter can win recruiters attention in my case. Any advice on the approach I should carry to enter into IB & put my prior experience into use to encash it is highly appreciated.

If you do a search for “Networking” and “Cold-calling” you’ll see the most helpful advice – cover letters do not make a difference, focus on your cold-calling and networking skills and do not give up until you try hundreds of places.

is it okay to put stuff on your resume you don’t mention in your cover letter? or should your resume ONLY include stuff from your cover letter?

It’s fine, you can’t even mention everything in the cover letter anyway

In the 3rd paragraph you explained that we should say something along the lines of “I am impressed by your track record of clients and transactions at Goldman Stanley…”

This is obviously a great way to tailor your cover letter, but I was wondering where you find out information of transactions. I’ve found some doing a simple Google search, but is there an independent authority that tracks all of these? As well, how do you know which transactions to mention? The ones that the firm is particularly proud of or ground-breaking?

Use the WSJ Deal Journal or NYT Dealbook to find recent deals they’ve done, anything sizable or significant e.g. the Goldman / Facebook deal

I realized I made a grammatical error in the last paragraph of my cover letter today. I never noticed it before and I’ve sent it to three places already, one BB and two boutiques. Big deal?

No, no one reads cover letters anyway

Firstly thanks for the website, it’s great.

My question is: in most summer IB internships, they ask several cover letter-like questions like “In 250 words max, describe your career aspirations” etc., however there’s usually an option to upload a cover letter as well. Would you advise keeping it concise or would you include examples of IB-related things, adapted to the question, despite the fact you’re effectively rewriting the cover letter?

This is in UK by the way.

Thanks in advance.

Just keep it concise – competency questions are not a big factor vs. CV/interviews.

Thank you for the template.

Quick questions:

Should we use the email format for a doostang message as well?

No keep it way shorter like 2-3 sentences maybe

Dear M&I,

I guess I’m the most complicated case here. I’m currently doing BA in Art History and Italian at UCL, London, now doing my Erasmus in Italy. However, last summer I worked as a M&A Summer Analyst in a small boutique bank specializing in cross-border M&As. There, I started from scratch, with no finance experience/knowledge, but learnt a lot and had lots of hands-on experience, since the company was really small and I was involved in literally everything.

I’m applying for summer internships in large investment banks and about to start writing my cover letters. I assume I must explain myself for studying Art History & Italian and my out-of-the-blue interest in I-Banking, plus use my last summer experience as a selling point. Any other specific hints?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Well, why did you work there? What made you interested in doing that? Reference a specific person or if nothing comes to mind use something from the news or your background e.g. I was always really interested in Italy and the UK and got interested in finance as a result of [xx] so I wanted to explore cross-border M&A and leverage my skills/interests like that.

Hi, I have completed my masters in Drug Discovery and Translational Biology. But currently I am planning to apply for any investment banking positions. As I don’t have any background or experience in the given field, i don’t what to write in the 2nd and 3rd paragraph.

Can you please help me,

Talk about the analytical skills you gained and how they apply, or the leadership / project management skills or anything else like that from previous internships or school.

Hey guys, this letter just repeats what is inside the Resume anyway. What is the additional value for the potential employer to read this kind of resume? There are no additional information. Wouldnt it be better to wite about your motiviation, your personal (not work) background, and reasons to chose this department/bank ? Or would it harm to do this?

Furthermore, the letter includes the information about resume enclosure 3(!) times. I like this site but this template really does not look too promising for me!

So don’t use it? The point is that no one reads cover letters, but in case they do, you don’t want to screw up by saying anything controversial or anything that could be misinterpreted.

If you start writing your personal story, bankers might mistake it for a soap opera script rather than cover letter.

Cover letters have no value at all, but just like grades if you screw one up it could hurt you. This template is intentionally boring and gives very little information because otherwise people would download this and insert pictures of unicorns, write about their past relationships, and other nonsense.

Great comment, made me laugh

Do you recommend being creative in cover letters, ie varying sentence structure, using big/expressive words ?

No, creativity is for marketing or poetry – this is finance.

I’m a US student currently at Oxford for my junior year. All the applications for the UK offices are online. I know you have already answered the question before, but I don’t want to make any mistakes. So just to clarify:

1. Omit the physical addresses, mine as well as theirs. 2. Omit the recruiters name leaving only the name of the bank 3. Omit the signature 4. Do not enclose resume since that is a separate attachment

Thanks so much in advance.

Hie ,i realy luv ur advice!.,Im doing a Bsc in Financial modelling with UNISA.is this a good start for a career in investment banking?.i finish next year, could u tell wat i can do to make myself marketable after graduation.

Honestly, I’m not sure on that one because I’m not familiar with the school. If a lot of banks recruit there, it’s fine; otherwise you should transfer elsewhere.

Its University of SouthAfrica ,im also staying in Africa.is there something i could do 2 giv me an added advantage over my coleagues?.

This article has some tips on South Africa: https://mergersandinquisitions.com/investment-banking-south-africa/

Hey M&I,

What’s your take on headlines (i.e.Application for IB Analyst) and postscripts? I’ve heard from many friends to add them on because they will grab attention. But then again, they aren’t going into banking.

Thanks, Mack

Not applicable for banking

i will be applying to merrill lynch. In the template, you stated many of the internship and job roles that provide the skills required to be a great investment analyst. However, i was just wondering, if i have a perfect gpa, perfect sats score, how can i use these to my advantage in my cover letter?

You can’t really, just list them and be done with it – no point in trying to emphasize those because there’s not much to say and they speak for themselves.

Hi, If the firm’s online application says “you can only attach one file: this should contain your CV, cover letter and any other materials relevant for the position”, does it mean in the word document file I upload, the 1st page is resume, the 2nd page is cover letter and the 3rd is transcript? It looks pretty strange because the document is gonna be 4-5 pages. But since they only allow me to upload one file, I’m not sure what to do with the cover letter and the transcript. Or can I just omit them and attach the resume document only? Thanks a ton.

I would not send the transcript unless they specifically ask for it, otherwise just create a 2-page file with your cover letter and CV

First of all, great website! It’s really helpful and I think you guys are doing a great job.

I am visually impaired, however I have always followed regular education and have performed like anybody else (also in jobs, at associations, etc). Many banks stress their emphasis on diversity and now I am wondering if I should include this fact in my cover letter / online application? On the one hand I feel it would fit great into the whole “what are you most proud of”-question, but I am also scared it might work against me?

Please note I’m applying London, not NY. (I think European regulations might differ from US-ones). I go to a European target school.

Personally I would not list it on your CV / cover letter / online application, but maybe bring it up in an interview if it fits in naturally.

Hi Brian, I was beginning to start writing coverletters–atleast get them going, but I’m confused on where to find the unique strength of each BB, which makes it diff from its competitions. One of the things which makes a good cover letter is that its specific to a firm, but I dont know how to find such information. For instance, I was looking at MS, Barclays website in the section ,’Why MS’ or ‘Why Barclays’, and it seems every firm had the same agenda. We are committed to diversity , team player etc. Obv I need to go into more depth than this. Brian where I can find information specific to each BB on their website? I would really appreciate it. Thanks a lot.

You should read the WSJ Deal Journal blog and look for recent mentions of the bank and what deals they have been advising on – then reference those in the cover letter.

Hi Brian, I’m in a similar position as the above poster. For companies without a personal contact I want to talk about a specific deal they’ve advised on.

I’m just unsure how to formulate such a sentence without encouraging diffcult to answer questions.

E.g. I was thinking of something along the lines of “I was impressed with your company’s role as target advisor in the $X bn acquisition of companyX”

I’m afraid this would result in the question of ‘why were you impressed?’.

Any chance you could give a sample sentence of how you would talk about a deal in a cover letter?

P.S.: Keep up the good work with BIWS, love the constant updates. Highly recommended, well worth the money!

You can say something like “I recently saw news of your role as an advisor in the $X bn acquisition of company X and was immediately interested, since I’ve followed the [X] industry for awhile.”

Hi, I graduated from a target, went to medical school after graduation, but left after two years to pursue a career in investment banking. I now work at a small investment research firm, and I am applying for 2011 analyst class.

How much “explanation” do I need to do in cover letter? Or should I just focus on my job experience and modeling skills?

I don’t think you need much explanation since you quit medicine after 2 years, so just focus on other aspects

Is the physical address at the top still necessary if you’re attaching the cover letter as a .PDF in an online form?

I can’t thank you enough for all these info Brian,

In all honesty, I did have a sudden family death last year for which I had to leave school in the middle of the semester and come back after about two weeks. I got in a lot of psychological stress and uncertainty and I ended up messing up my grades significantly for two semesters. However, I did improve last semester with a full workload (maximum number of credit hours allowed at my school + advanced level classes) and got near 4.0.

How should I mention this on my cover letter? Also, how would I do that on an electronic cover letter which should only be about 4-5 sentences?

Thanks again in advance.

I would just say you had a health issue and had trouble balancing everything, but quickly learned your lesson and received perfect grades right after that. Giving a family excuse sounds fake so I would probably not write that even if it’s true.

Thanks but the thing is that wasn’t my freshman year. It was my sophomore year. So I did well my freshman year than poorly as a sophomore and improved as a junior.

Also, what about the electronic cover letter? Would it be ok to take up some sentences to explain my situation?

Just say you did poorly “at first” and then improved and have perfect grades this past year. I would still keep your cover letter short as no one has time to read a lot.

I would appreciate your advice on this.

I’m a senior at a target school in Far East Asia. It’s really tough to get into a BB here and I’m thinking of visiting each BB and handing them my resume and cover letter to ask for a junior equity research position. I doubt I’d be able to personally meet the head of research or a senior analyst without prior arrangement, so I’d be probably handing my resume and cover letter to HR. I need to stand out but I have no equity research internship experience. What I do have, is a equity S&T internship at a BB and a RA (intern) at a top-tier mgmt. consulting firm. Plus experience managing a personal portfolio and trading derivatives in notable amounts.

Now, my problem is this. I made it to the final round for a junior ER position at GS but unfortunately was not given the offer (the offer ended up going to someone with some full-time experience in ER; had I been competing against fresh-out-of-college candidates would the result have been different?). I would like to mention this in my resume or cover letter hoping that it would serve as evidence that I’m really interested in ER and that I have the potential. But I’m worried that this might send the wrong signal. Who would like to accept a candidate knowing that he was unsuccessful elsewhere? I’m worried that I might appear arrogant in their eyes. I’m thinking of visiting CS, UBS, Citi, MS, ML, JPM, etc. In ER here in Asia, they’re at least at par with GS if not better…

I realize that answer to this may depend on the culture here. Please advise. Thanks.

I would not mention an unsuccessful interview with GS for the reasons you mentioned.

Hi Brian! Long time reader, first time poster. I’m currently a rising senior at a target school on the tale end of my internship at a strong boutique bank in New York. I only have one week left, and I’ve been given zero modeling opportunities. I’m very disappointed. I figure that I should ask for some modeling work. But I have some questions.

1) Does it reflect poorly in interviews for full-time that I didn’t do any modeling? Should I “stretch” the truth?

2) Do you have any other relevant comments about doing a junior year internship and not getting any modeling experience? I’m concerned with how this hurts my full-time credentials, how this might affect my resume, and how overall my standing will decrease relative to my peers because I didn’t get modeling experience.

It’s quite common not to have modeling experience… just say you did research and assisted with potential clients / potential buy-side deals but don’t say anything about modeling. Most people do no modeling in their internships so it doesn’t matter much anyway.

What’s a better part-time fall internship, BB PWM or no-name boutique (I mean no name.. say 3-7 employees)?

Both are about the same, but the boutique is better for your resume because you can write “Investment Banking Analyst”

off-topic question:

I often read though it’s June interviews are still taking place.

When do banks in America/Europe begin accepting applications for: 1) summer interns (analyst) 2) full-time (analyst/associate)

Is the end of a summer intern equivalent to the end of the full-time offer application period? Because ppl. might are offered a full-time offer after their summer intern.

To put it in a nutshell: When is recruting/application time generally?

Summer interns are December/January, full-time is August-September.

And when do you start as summer intern, when u successfully applied in dec/jan or successfully applied for aug/sep?

Summer interns usually start in June

This post reminded me of the classic cover letter to Lehman that was on Leveraged Sellout. I tried to see it, but it appears LSO has shutdown. Is this the case? Are the days of re-reading the same, hilarious stories over?

I don’t know because it’s not my site, but yes it appears to be down. Maybe check the google cache.

Thanks for the release of this article, much appreciated.

Curious on an unrelated question though, when you try to develop relationships with bankers and do the initial outreach to set up an information interview, how far ahead should you plan? I mean should you give them dates within the week you email, 2 weeks ahead, etc?

Also, for specific time slots you ask for, what time is it usually best for a banker to talk to someone about that? Like early morning, late night, right after lunch, etc?

Thanks again, H

Give dates within the next 1.5 weeks so they have a few days to respond. Usually right after lunch is best for bankers, for traders you have to call after market hours are over

Hi Brian, Thanks for the website, I have a quick question for you. I am in one of the new Masters in Finance/Management programs. I am at a target school for undergrad/MBA (think UNC/Duke/UVA). However, since the program is very new, banks don’t know much about it. Aditionally, although I have had some Wealth Management internship experience, I don’t have an I-Banking internship.

Given my situation, do you think it is better for me (in terms of B-school and exit opportunities) to go into a top ten consulting firm (excluding MBB) or try for mid-market/boutique investment banks (My school is very good in placing people in consulting), assuming I don’t get into a BB. I ultimately want to end up in PE or HF (preferably PE).

Thanks for your help.

I would still say banking because consulting –> PE is very tough unless you go for firms like Golden Gate Capital that hire a lot of ex-consultants… and even there they’re mostly from MBB. Much easier to go from smaller bank –> PE than to go from smaller consulting firm –> PE.

Should I mention the fact that my company is in F500? It’s know in Europe, but I doubt it is known in North America.

You can add it in, yes

I don’t have any inside experience about the recruiting process, but a friend/colleague of mine (BB) mentioned that while recruiting for regional european branches/off-cycle internships often look at the cover letter, they almost never do it for summer positions in London.

Everyone seems to have different stories re: cover letters, but they are certainly less important than resumes, networking, or interviews

What about for laterals?

Same template applies but talk about how your previous banking experience applies to the new position you’re applying for

I appreciate your template for its compactness, I understand I shouldnt overestimate the competition, but Im trying to sell myself to the recruiter, so simply mentioning my skills and experience will not differentiate me from the “competitor”…?

I personally dont have so much experience in the finance realm (although Im genuinely interested in it and have managed to get a ten day insight into a BB) so do you encourage mentioning transferable skills I acquired through extra curricular activities, ie football = teamwork, etc, etc…

Cover letters are not really the place to “sell” yourself, which is why this is short… much safer to keep it boring and then do the selling via networking / interviews.

I know this is supposed to be basic, but the first paragraph is pretty useless. Your name, university/job position and contact details will already be on your resume so what’s the point in wasting time and space repeating the details on your cover letter. Also, saying “I am interested in pursuing an [Investment Banking Analyst / Associate] position at your firm” is also somewhat redundant, since the recruiter knows what position you’re applying for.

The template is good as a starting point, but on the off chance someone actually does read your cover letter, I would try to do a lot more than just make redundant statements.

This template is for both email and traditional letters… and in email it’s certainly not redundant. Even with traditional letters you are introducing new information by giving the name of the person you met at their firm as well as your major / where you’re working more specifically.

so do you expect the same stats as what you have written for the resume template? A given population, and a limited percentage will download it, and even a limited percentage will copy it word for word?

Cheers, thanks for all the great info!

In the grand scheme of things, yes – online a lot of people use these templates but most people who apply to banks do not use them.

I’m currently a rising junior at a semi target looking to be a SA next summer. This past summer I interned at a discount brokerage firm but had significant responsibilities (they didn’t have to hire an additional broker because of me) and got a lot of experience and face time with clients.

I have an opportunity to apply for a PWM internship for the fall with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Should I continue with my current internship through the fall or would it look better to move to the more distinguished name? I imagine the work would be similar. thanks

Go to the better name

nice template, it sure will be easier for internationals like me to write one now. thanks.

Thank you for the cover letter template.

“If you’re making the body of your email the cover letter, make it even shorter (4-5 sentences total) and cut out the address bits at the top.”

Do you mean we should drastically cut down the entire 4 paragraph cover letter into 4-5 sentences?

Yes, make it so they don’t have to scroll much (if at all) when reading on a Blackberry. 1-2 sentence intro, 2 sentences on your work experience and how it makes you fit for the job and then 1 sentence conclusion.

A nicely put article! Anyway, I like the new template for the website too!

A question that is unrelated to the article:

How far does an interviewer expect you to know in a previous live deal that you were previously involved in as an INTERN? I mean really, to be fair, often times, even if interns are being put into live deals, they are only doing menial works (including me), such as researching, data mining, presentation slides building, etc.

How far of financial analysis would the interviewer expect you to know?

Also, in terms of financial modeling, you’ve said it before that it is the kind of work that everyone should want to be exposed to. But what if the financial modeling is not for a live deal, but for a potential deal? Would it still look better than the menial works in live deals?

Thank you! You have no idea how helpful you have been.

They expect you to know what you indicate you know… so don’t set expectations very high. And yes any type of modeling work is better than menial tasks

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5 Financial Analyst Cover Letter Examples Made for 2024

• Financial Analyst Cover Letter
• Financial Analyst Cover Letters by Experience
• Financial Analyst Cover Letters by Role
• Write Your Financial Analyst Cover Letter

When companies need to optimize their financial processes, they know they can turn to pros like you to get the job done right. You get financial data reviewed, make impactful recommendations, and create effective reports while on the job. 

Have you put the same level of analysis into writing a cover letter to make a great first impression on hiring managers?

Since you will significantly impact a company’s bottom line, hiring managers will exhibit rigorous selectiveness. Complement your financial analyst resume and optimize for success with our financial analyst cover letter examples that have helped plenty of finance professionals land their ideal jobs. Enhance your application further by leveraging our free cover letter generator .

Financial Analyst Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Copy this text for your financial analyst cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Detroit, MI 48127 (123) 456-7890

August 30, 2023

Mason Martinez Comerica Bank 123 Fictional Lance Detroit, MI 48127

Dear Mr. Martinez:

Going through financial documents to make sense of figures and diagrams has always fascinated me. I studied finance out of this fascination which has over time turned into a passion. With years of honing my skills and acquiring niche experience, I see myself fit to be a valuable asset as a financial analyst at Comerica Bank.

My expertise in performing sensitivity analyses and stress tests enabled me to contribute to prudent investment decision-making processes at Fast Financial Solutions. Additionally, my proficiency in utilizing various financial software and tools, including Oracle NetSuite, further enhanced my ability to provide data-driven insights which expanded the company’s investment portfolio by 27%.

One of my key strengths lies in Investment Analysis to identify growth prospects and investment opportunities. At Liberty Bank, I utilized both fundamental and technical analysis techniques to evaluate potential investments and proposed an opportunity that saw the bank’s annual revenue grow by 33%.

I am impressed by Comerica Bank’s reputation for excellence, commitment to innovation, and dedication to employee growth and development. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the bank’s continued success. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss further how my experience and capabilities align with Comerica Bank’s requirements.

Sophia Pappas

Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation Transcript

Why this cover letter works

• Therefore showing how, through your business acumen in your financial analyst cover letter, you moved pieces to increase annual revenue should make a great impression on recruiters.

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Financial Analyst Internship Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your financial analyst internship cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32201 (123) 456-7890

Emma Jones Florida Blue 123 Fictional Lane Jacksonville, FL 32201

Dear Ms. Jones,

Through my academic pursuits and previous experiences, I have honed my abilities in data analysis and Excel, and I am excited to apply these skills to a real-world setting as a financial analyst intern at Florida Blue.

During my coursework, I have consistently demonstrated an exceptional understanding of data analysis methodologies, and I have utilized various statistical tools and techniques to draw meaningful insights from complex datasets. My proficiency in Excel and other data analysis software allows me to handle large datasets efficiently and derive actionable conclusions.

Additionally, I have been closely following market trends and financial news to stay abreast of economic developments and industry shifts. My analytical mindset and ability to interpret market data will enable me to make informed and strategic recommendations to support Florida Blue’s financial decision-making process.

Florida Blue’s commitment to excellence and innovation aligns perfectly with my career aspirations, and I am confident that an internship with your organization would be an invaluable opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review, which further outlines my academic achievements, and relevant projects. I would be thrilled to discuss how my skills can be of value to Florida Blue during an interview.

Hiroshi Tanaka

• Also, show how you used those skills to complete practical projects that earned recommendations from your professor.

Entry-level Financial Analyst Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your entry-level financial analyst cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90001 (123) 456-7890

Ethan Taylor Bank of America 123 Fictional Lane Los Angeles, CA 90001

Dear Mr. Taylor:

I have always wanted to make a positive impact in other peoples’ lives through my career. When I first learned of Bank of America’s mission of helping to make financial lives better by connecting global clients to the resources they need, I knew my passion and skill sets would fit in as an entry-level financial assistant.

I possess a solid grasp of financial modeling techniques and have honed my abilities using various software, including Excel and financial management systems. My coursework and personal projects have enabled me to build complex financial models for valuation, risk analysis, and performance evaluation. I have also acquired the skills to analyze financial data and interpret results accurately. I am well-versed in creating detailed financial reports, presenting key findings to stakeholders, and recommending strategic actions based on financial insights.

Through academic projects and internships, I have developed proficiency in budgeting and forecasting processes. I understand the importance of accurate financial projections in aiding decision-making and resource allocation.

In addition to my technical expertise, I possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, effective communication skills, and a collaborative mindset. I am a quick learner, adaptable, and I thrive in fast-paced environments.

Bank of America’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and serving its clients aligns perfectly with my own values and aspirations. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the success of your esteemed institution and grow both personally and professionally with Bank of America. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss further how my skills and enthusiasm can add value to your team.

Thiago Silva

• For instance, highlight your analytical and problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and collaborative mindset in your entry-level financial analyst cover letter.

Senior Financial Analyst Cover Letter Example

123 Fictional Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73101 (123) 456-7890

June 29, 2023

Benjamin Moore Devon Energy Corporation 123 Fictional Lane Oklahoma City, OK 73101

Dear Mr. Moore:

My fascination with Salesforce began as I delved into its prestigious standing in the realm of cloud technology. The company’s esteemed reputation for exceptional performance in financial analytics and strategic foresight is truly motivating. It is with great enthusiasm that I aim to contribute my deep-rooted experience in these disciplines to your team in the capacity of a senior financial analyst. Armed with an extensive track record of dissecting intricate financial data and crafting actionable plans, I’m poised to contribute to Salesforce’s ambitions and triumphs.

At Crescent Bank, my initiative in undertaking due diligence for a $5.4 billion joint venture was instrumental in identifying pivotal risk components and predicting the venture’s financial prospects. By constructing sophisticated financial models using SQL, Excel, and bespoke systems, I generated influential insights that propelled financial optimization, achieving high satisfaction levels among my team.

My tenure at Acme Investments was marked by enhancements in financial efficiency, where I streamlined the spend analysis procedure, elevating its precision by 26% and expediting the availability of data. My dedicated efforts in analyzing debt and market share not only provided a 14% increase in market share but also propelled revenues by $97,092.

The prospect of lending my expertise to Salesforce, contributing to its celebrated success, is thrilling. Thank you for considering my candidacy for this exciting opportunity. I’m keen on discussing how my extensive background and skills could meet Salesforce’s needs.

Thank you for considering my application.

• Make sure you don’t fall into the trap of a bland “To Whom It May Concern,” “Dear Sir or Madam,” or “Dear Hiring Manager”—chances are, you’ll just blend in with the rest. Instead, get personal and kick off with a “Dear Ms. Stewart” for a much-needed jolt of familiarity and connection.

International Financial Analyst Cover Letter Example

I’ve been keenly watching Devon Energy Corporation carve its path as a forerunner in the sphere of global energy solutions while also leading the charge in sustainability efforts. Such strides inspire me profoundly, and I’m eager to lend my expertise to your esteemed team in the capacity of an international financial analyst. Equipped with a solid grounding in financial analysis coupled with keen perceptions of the global market landscape, I stand ready to make a defining impact in realizing your strategic visions.

At Chesapeake Energy, I was at the helm of a transformative project that overhauled our financial reporting processes across multiple continents, slashing approximately 18 hours of manual work each month and elevating data accuracy by an impressive 47%. This initiative did not just translate into considerable financial efficiencies; it also turbocharged our decision-making capabilities, evidencing my proficiency in expertly managing complex international financial systems with finesse.

I took the reins in conducting a rigorous market exploration aimed at pinpointing lucrative investment prospects within emerging economies, achieving a 26% uptick in Return on Investment (ROI). This success stemmed from scrupulous financial modeling and advanced risk assessment methodologies. The intelligence gathered proved crucial in shaping our worldwide investment policies.

My background showcases a documented history of distinction in international financial analysis, with a deep-seated grasp of the intricate forces at play in the energy domain. I believe my expertise aligns seamlessly with the role at Devon Energy and I am enthusiastic to explore how my track record and skillset might drive your organizational goals onward. Thank you for considering my application.

• Don’t get into the groove of skimming over job descriptions; read every word (even when it feels like a chore) to identify keywords the potential employer seems to value, such as “financial modeling”, and then sprinkle them around your international financial analyst cover letter.

Related cover letter examples

• Account Manager
• Administrative Assistant
• Entry Level

How to Write an Impactful Financial Analyst Cover Letter

When analyzing the financial books, you’d want to make recommendations on aspects like pricing structures and cost-saving measures that are relevant to each company’s needs. You should have a similar mindset when crafting your financial analyst cover letter. Everything should be tailored around what the company is looking for in the job description . 

For instance, a company that wants help creating visual data models may appreciate your skills in Tableau or Microsoft Power BI to help formulate visuals that are easy to understand and implement for anyone.

Writing a successful greeting and intro for your financial analyst cover letter

When working with new clients or department leaders, you’d want to learn their names to get off to a good working relationship before digging into the financial books. The same is true for your cover letter. Use your analytical abilities to try to locate the name of a specific hiring manager in the job description or on the company website that you can use in the greeting. 

In the opening paragraph, you should relate to the company’s mission or financial processes to show how you’ll fit in with their culture. For instance, a tech-focused company emphasizing team culture may appreciate you explaining how you’ll implement a streamlined financial approach into their modern team environment. 

What you shouldn’t do is sound overly generic, like the example below. It sounds like the applicant could be applying to any financial analyst position. 

Feels too generic! 

I’m excited to be applying to your financial analyst job opening. With seven years of experience in the financial field, I’m confident I’ll be able to handle all your needs. 

Instead, go with an opener like the one below. It shows that the candidate has a genuine passion for Bank of America’s mission to connect clients to financial resources while using their financial analysis skills. 

A genuine opener that makes a connection! 

Dear Mr. Taylor,

I have always wanted to make a positive impact in other peoples’ lives through my career. When I first learned of Bank of America’s mission of helping to make financial lives better by connecting global clients to the resources they need, I knew my passion and skill sets would fit in as an entry-level financial assistant.

Write an effective financial analyst cover letter body

When making financial recommendations to company leaders, you probably put a lot of data and evidence in the middle of the documentation you give them. You want to take a similar approach in the body of your financial analyst cover letter. 

Ideally, you should include metrics showing your achievements in past positions. For instance, you could explain how your cost-saving measures helped improve net profit margins or debt-to-equity ratios. 

If you don’t have much work experience , you could also talk about how your education in finance, accounting, or other related fields has equipped you for the role. For instance, you could discuss how your courses teaching financial modeling equipped you to make income projections 57% more accurately. 

A great body paragraph showcasing a relevant impact! 

One of my key strengths lies in Investment Analysis to identify growth prospects and investment opportunities. At Liberty Bank, I utilized both fundamental and technical analysis techniques to evaluate potential investments and proposed an opportunity that saw the bank’s annual revenue grow by 33%.

Create a well-rounded closer for your financial analyst cover letter

To start your closer, recap some key points you covered about how your skills, like data modeling or risk management analysis, fit in with the company’s mission.

For instance, you could say how you want to use risk management analysis to help an education-based company make informed decisions so they can continue bringing excellent learning resources to consumers. 

It’s also best practice to say thank you and use a light call to action like you would when you want decision-makers to follow through on a new process improvement measure you introduced. 

The closer below is a good start, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark since it lacks a call to action, any specifics about the company’s mission, or the skills the applicant brings as a financial analyst. 

Needs to get more specific! 

With my deep passion for this company’s mission, I would be delighted to use my analytical skills to help you achieve your goals. Thank you for considering me for the position. 

Steve Williams 

Aim to write a closer like the one below that shows a true passion for Comerica Bank’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the financial industry. 

A closer that makes a great connection! 

If you’ve reviewed the company website, job description , and social media like LinkedIn and still can’t find the name of a specific hiring manager, you can simply lead with “Dear [name of company] hiring staff.” Just make sure your cover letter connects with how your essential skills , like budget management, fit in with the company’s needs and mission to make a sound connection. 

Your cover letter should be one page long. You want to keep it concise and relevant to the company’s primary needs, like process improvement or reducing resource costs. 

While you can keep a similar structure each time, the specifics should always be customized for each financial analyst job you apply to. It’ll help you relate better to company needs like forecasting or risk management, which will differ depending on the industry. 

Banker Cover Letter Samples (16+ Examples)

You’re probably looking for a Banker Cover Letter Sample. You are in the right place, we have created this article to help you in writing your Banker Cover Letter.

In this article, we will provide you with a sample cover letter that you can use as a guide when writing your cover letter for a bank position. This sample is based on an actual interviewee’s experience and should give you an idea about how to write a good cover letter for a bank position.

Table of Contents

#1 Banker Cover Letter Sample

[Your Name]

#2 Banker Cover Letter Sample

As you can see from my resume, I have worked hard to develop my skills in both financial analysis and technology. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from [school name] and am currently pursuing an MBA in Finance at [school name]. 

My work experience includes analysis of complex financial instruments, including bonds and derivatives. In this role, I was responsible for performing valuation assessments on these instruments using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Additionally, I completed some basic coding in Python as well as SQL queries using PostgreSQL.

I know that your company is looking for someone who has experience with analyzing financial instruments and has strong problem-solving skills. As such, my background makes me an ideal fit for this job because it gives me both experience working with real-world data sets as well as developing tools on my time skills that will help me succeed at your company!

Please call me at 555-555-5555 if you would like more information about my qualifications or if you would

Attention to detail is crucial in banking, and as a bank teller, it’s essential to showcase that skill. Our bank teller cover letter samples can help you craft a winning cover letter that demonstrates your attention to detail and banking experience.

#3 Banker Cover Letter Sample

I have more than 10 years of experience in banking and finance. I have worked in many different areas of the industry including credit risk management, asset and liability management, liquidity risk management, portfolio management, and corporate finance. 

My experience has given me an extensive understanding of banking practices as well as knowledge of best practices that can be applied to any financial institution. 

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this position further with you. Please contact me at your earliest convenience at [phone number]. Thank you very much for considering me!

#4 Banker Cover Letter Sample

I have developed a keen understanding of what it takes to create financial products and services that help customers meet their goals. My work has given me an appreciation for the importance of taking care of customers both by providing them with quality products and services and by ensuring that they feel like valued members of our community.

#5 Banker Cover Letter Sample

Dear Sir/Madam,

My knowledge of accounting and finance will be a great asset to your company and help me achieve high levels of success within your organization. My experience shows that I have excellent problem-solving skills, which means that any problems that come up will be solved quickly and efficiently. 

Thank you very much for considering my application!

Accounting plays a vital role in the banking industry, and an assistant accountant’s position is an excellent starting point for a career in finance. Our assistant accountant cover letter samples can help you create a compelling cover letter that showcases your skills and experience.

#6 Banker Cover Letter Sample

I am writing to apply for the position of Banker at your company. I am confident that I have the skills, experience, and personality that you are looking for in this role.

I have worked as a Banker at [company name] for 5 years. During that time, I have been responsible for the successful management of many different portfolios of assets. This has involved managing relationships with clients and monitoring their portfolios against agreed performance targets.

#7 Banker Cover Letter Sample

My name is [name], and I am a graduate student at the University of [university name]. I am writing to apply for the position of Banker in the Financial Services team at [company name].

#8 Banker Cover Letter Sample

Dear Mr. [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you for your time and consideration of my application for the position of bank teller at your company.

As an assistant manager, you are responsible for supporting the team and ensuring that daily operations run smoothly. Check out our assistant manager cover letter samples for tips on how to write a standout cover letter that highlights your leadership and management skills.

#9 Banker Cover Letter Sample

I am writing in response to your job posting for a “banker,” which I noticed on [website] earlier this week. I’m excited about the opportunity to apply for this position and would love the chance to discuss my qualifications with you further.

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

#10 Banker Cover Letter Sample

I am writing to apply for the position of Banker at [company name]. I have been working as a bank teller for the last three years and believe that my experience in this position has prepared me to become a successful Banker.

While working at [bank name], I have had the opportunity to learn about all aspects of running a bank, including customer service, accounting and finances, and operations. As part of my work, I have had to deal with angry customers and resolve issues with other employees who are unhappy with their jobs. 

Additionally, while working at [bank name], I have learned how important it is for a bank to keep track of its finances. This knowledge will help me make sound decisions when dealing with money matters at your company.

#11 Banker Cover Letter Sample

My career has taken me from being a teller to a personal banker, where I gained valuable experience in customer service and financial management. In my most recent position as a personal banker, I helped clients manage their money while working with them to build wealth through their savings accounts and retirement plans.

Sincerely, 

Billing clerks play a crucial role in the financial operations of a business, ensuring that invoices are processed accurately and on time. If you’re interested in a career as a billing clerk, check out our billing clerk cover letter samples for guidance on crafting a compelling cover letter that demonstrates your attention to detail and organizational skills.

#12 Banker Cover Letter Sample

I was very impressed by your company’s mission statement, which says: “We help our customers achieve financial freedom by providing them with quality financial services.”

This is exactly what I want to do help people achieve financial freedom by providing them with quality services! That’s why I’m so excited about this position, and that’s why I think you should hire me. If there are any questions or concerns about my qualifications or experience, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you so much for your consideration!

#13 Banker Cover Letter Sample

This experience has given me a unique perspective on the importance of providing people with the tools they need to make smart decisions about their money.

In addition to my work history and volunteer work, I am also highly skilled at developing relationships with clients and coworkers alike. During my time at [previous company name], I was able to increase sales by 20% by building strong relationships with clients through regular phone calls and face-to-face meetings. 

I would love the opportunity to speak with you about this position and how my skills could benefit your company. Please feel free to reach out if you would like any more information or clarification about my background or qualifications before moving forward in your hiring process. Thank you for considering me for this position!

Collections specialists are responsible for managing accounts and collecting on debts owed to the company. If you’re interested in a career in collections, our collections specialist cover letter samples can help you create a cover letter that showcases your communication skills and ability to negotiate with clients.

#14 Banker Cover Letter Sample

This included working with teams across multiple departments on issues related to [task]. Additionally, I oversaw the implementation of new processes and procedures, which helped streamline our operations and improve efficiency.

In addition to my work experience, I attended [university name] where I earned a degree in economics with an emphasis in marketing and management. While at school, I took several classes that focused on finance including accounting principles and investments.

#15 Banker Cover Letter Sample

I am writing to apply for the position of [position] at [company name]. I am available to start work immediately.

#16 Banker Cover Letter Sample

Dear Mr. Smith:

I’m writing to apply for the position of [position] at [company name]. I have a strong background in banking, having worked as a loan manager for over 6 years, and I am confident that my experience would be an asset to your team.

I am also familiar with the business side of banking: I’ve worked with the CEO on several projects related to improving processes throughout our organization. These projects included implementing new software systems and restructuring departments within our company so that they are more efficient.

In addition, I have experience working with clients who are dealing with difficult situations such as bankruptcy or foreclosure on their property. While these situations can be stressful for all involved parties, we must help them find solutions that work best for them while ensuring they meet their financial obligations going forward.

#17 Banker Cover Letter Sample

I believe my skills and experience make me an excellent candidate for your open position. I have worked as a [job title] for over 6 years, and my most recent work has been in the financial services industry. I have worked with a wide range of clients, from small business owners to large multinational corporations, and have developed relationships with many different clients. These relationships have allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the needs of both individuals and organizations, which would benefit your company greatly.

Further Reading

Here are some additional resources that can help you in crafting an effective cover letter for a banking job:

Universal Banker Cover Letter Sample : This sample cover letter provides guidance on how to highlight your skills and experience as a universal banker.

What should I include in a banking cover letter?

A banking cover letter should include a brief introduction, a summary of your relevant experience and skills, and a conclusion that expresses your interest in the position and invites the employer to contact you for an interview. You may also want to customize your cover letter to the specific job and company you are applying to.

How can I make my banking cover letter stand out?

To make your banking cover letter stand out, focus on highlighting your unique skills and experience. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements, and be sure to tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company you are applying to. Also, proofread your cover letter carefully and ensure that it is error-free and well-organized.

How long should my banking cover letter be?

What are some common mistakes to avoid in a banking cover letter.

Some common mistakes to avoid in a banking cover letter include typos and grammatical errors, generic or uninspired language, and failure to tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company you are applying to. It’s also important to avoid exaggerating your accomplishments or using too much industry jargon.

Should I include my salary requirements in my banking cover letter?

It’s generally not recommended to include your salary requirements in your banking cover letter. Instead, focus on highlighting your skills and experience, and wait for the employer to bring up salary negotiations during the interview process.

Banker Cover Letter Examples

A great banker cover letter can help you stand out from the competition when applying for a job. Be sure to tailor your letter to the specific requirements listed in the job description, and highlight your most relevant or exceptional qualifications. The following banker cover letter example can give you some ideas on how to write your own letter.

or download as PDF

Cover Letter Example (Text)

Kadasia Lovendahl

(487) 829-4982

[email protected]

Dear Charlet Sipple,

I am writing to express my genuine interest in the banking position advertised by JPMorgan Chase & Co. With a solid foundation of five years in the financial services industry, primarily gained through my tenure at Wells Fargo & Company, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your esteemed institution and further develop my banking expertise.

During my time at Wells Fargo, I have honed my skills in customer service, financial analysis, and risk management. My daily interactions with a diverse clientele have equipped me with the ability to understand and meet clients' financial needs effectively while maintaining a high standard of service. I have been consistently recognized for my ability to build and maintain relationships, leading to increased customer satisfaction and retention.

In addition to my client-facing responsibilities, I have played a key role in cross-functional teams responsible for the development and implementation of strategies that have improved operational efficiency. My proactive approach to identifying and resolving potential issues has resulted in the successful execution of projects that have enhanced the company's product offerings and streamlined processes.

I am particularly drawn to JPMorgan Chase & Co. because of your commitment to innovation and leadership in the financial sector. I am eager to bring my background in fostering client relationships, along with my analytical abilities, to a dynamic and forward-thinking team like yours. I am confident that my experience in managing financial portfolios, coupled with my dedication to providing top-notch banking services, will make a valuable addition to your organization.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the possibility of discussing how my background, skills, and enthusiasms align with the goals of JPMorgan Chase & Co. I am eager to contribute to your team and am available at your earliest convenience for an interview.

Warm regards,

Related Cover Letter Examples

• Business Banker
• Commercial Banker
• Investment Banker
• Mortgage Banker
• Personal Banker
• Phone Banker

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How to Write a Cover Letter: Banking, Finance & Accountancy

You might have heard that investment banks and other big financial services companies simply won’t have time to read your cover letter. That might be true, but an experienced recruiter will be able to detect a bad covering letter at a glance. So for large companies, while it might not matter so much if you craft the perfect cover letter, a noticeably poor cover letter will certainly scupper your chances.

A cover letter for a banking, finance or accountancy firm is a professional document, which should, in essence, be a sales pitch to accompany your CV. It’s your chance to sell yourself as a strong candidate for the role. That means recruiters don’t want to hear your sob story; they are much more interested in: who you are, what you’ve done and whether or not you have the skills for the job. It’s as simple as that.

Keep it short…

Since most employers in the banking, finance and accountancy sector will (most likely) only glance at your cover letter, you need to keep it short. By short, we mean one side of A4 maximum and certainly no more than 500 words.

Most banking and finance companies are pretty strait-laced, so you’ll need to make sure your cover letter is written in a professional and formal manner. At the same time, try to stem the impulse to clog your cover letter with financial jargon and business speak, although you might want to consider using a few carefully chosen buzzwords.

Tailor it to the company…

An example of a bad cover letter is one where the applicant has made no attempt to tailor it to the company they are writing to. It’s the job application equivalent of saying to the employer you simply CBA. Believe us! Recruiters will be on the lookout for any formulaic applications where it’s obvious that the applicant has sent the same letter to multiple companies. More often than not, these letters will go straight in the bin.

So to fast-track your application to the “we’d be mad not to interview them” pile, you need to make sure you tailor your cover letter to each company and each job you apply for. Research the job to find out exactly what it will involve. Scour the company literature to suss out what makes them different from their competitors and to get a sense of their company culture.

Don’t write anything until you have properly read the job advert and researched the company. You should be able to identify the key things (keywords) the company is looking for and what they value in their employees.

How to structure your cover letter…

For the majority of banking and finance employers, communication skills will be in their shortlist of desired attributes. They’ll want someone who can communicate coherently and write in a logical fashion. Send them a rambling, unstructured covering letter and they might doubt your ability to communicate. So pay close attention to the structure of your cover letter. We’ve put together a suggestion for how you might want to structure your cover letter below:

Addressing your cover letter

As it is a formal letter, your address and the name and address of recipient should be at the top of the letter. If you are emailing the cover letter, put the cover letter in the body of the email and omit the addresses. You should also attempt to find out the name of the person who will be receiving the cover letter, so you can address it to them directly.

Paragraph 1

A cover letter is also an introductory letter. The first paragraph is an ideal place to tell the recruiter who you are and why you are writing. Mention the role you are applying to and how you heard about the job (particularly if you were referred by a mutual acquaintance). Give a unique reason why you would be great for the role.

Paragraph 2

It certainly doesn’t hurt to do a subtle bit of wooing in your cover letter, so here you might want to state why you want to work for the company in particular. Try to come up with a reason that sounds genuine and unique. A little bit of enthusiasm and interest in the role certainly wouldn’t go amiss either.

Paragraph 3

Employers don’t care that you can stack 20 cups in ten seconds or that you can mould your belly button fluff into a precise replica of the Olympic torch. Ultimately, they want to know that you have the skills to do the job. Consequently, in this paragraph, you might want to showcase the relevant skills you have for the job.

Isolate the key attributes they are looking for by scouring the job advert or reading up on company literature. Then show them that you have their desired attributes by drawing upon examples of previous work experience, your degree or any relevant extracurricular work.

Paragraph 4

The final (very brief) paragraph can be used to tie up loose ends or cover any practical issues such as availability for interview.

You should end the letter “Yours sincerely” if it’s being sent to a named person; if you haven’t managed to find out a name then use: “Yours faithfully” followed by your name.

Proofread your cover letter…

One sure-fire way of getting your cover letter unceremoniously dumped straight into the rubbish bin is to send in a letter riddled with spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Double check, nay triple check your cover letter. Get your mum, friends, granny, dog to read over the letter, looking for any typos or schoolboy errors.

Pay attention to the formatting as well. Make sure it is clearly laid out and use a sensible font (if they’re likely to read it onscreen, use a font designed to be read on a screen, such as Verdana or Helvetica).

So there you have it: a basic guide to knocking the socks off banking, finance and accountancy employers with your well-crafted cover letters. There’s only one thing left for you to do now: crack on with them!

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12 Professional Financial Analyst Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your financial analyst cover letter must immediately highlight your analytical prowess. Demonstrate your ability to transform complex data into actionable insights with confidence. In your letter, illustrate your expertise in financial modeling and risk assessment. Provide evidence of your proficiency in forecasting and creating strategic investment plans.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Junior Financial Analyst

Senior Financial Analyst

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Entry Level Financial Analyst

Financial Management Analyst

Financial Planning Analyst

Financial Reporting Analyst

Financial Risk Analyst

Chartered Financial Analyst

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Cover letter guide.

Financial Analyst Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Financial Analyst Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

By Experience

Beginning to craft your financial analyst cover letter can be daunting, especially when you're deep in the job application process and realize it's a pivotal requirement. It's not about echoing your resume; your cover letter is your chance to shine by showcasing a standout professional triumph. Formal yet fresh, ditch the clichés and keep it concise to one page. Let's take a step-by-step approach to narrate your success story and grab that recruiter's attention.

• Step your best foot forward in the financial analyst cover letter introduction;
• Be inspired by other professionals' certified cover letters;
• Structure your financial analyst cover letter to feature what matters most;
• Close off your financial analyst cover letter to make a memorable impression on recruiters.

But where to start writing? Upload your resume into Enhancv's AI, which will prepare your financial analyst cover letter (all you need to do is personalize it, and you'll be good to go).

If the financial analyst isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Financial Analyst resume guide and example
• General Ledger Accounting cover letter example
• Finance Officer cover letter example
• Actuary cover letter example
• Accounts Payable Clerk cover letter example
• Deloitte cover letter example
• Corporate Banking cover letter example
• Senior Financial Analyst cover letter example
• Treasury Analyst cover letter example
• Payroll Admin cover letter example
• Financial Accounting cover letter example

Financial Analyst cover letter example

James Johnson

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Relevant Experience: Detailing the specific experience at a notable company such as Wells Fargo, immediately establishes credibility and shows the candidate's capability in handling significant financial responsibilities.
• Quantifiable Achievements: Mentioning the precise achievement of improving the division's financial performance by 10% provides a measurable impact of the applicant's contributions, which is compelling evidence of past success.
• Transferable Skills: Emphasizing the development and implementation of financial models highlights critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to translate data into strategic decisions, which are highly valuable in a financial analyst role.
• Direct Call to Action: The candidate concludes with an invitation to discuss how their skills align with the company's goals, displaying confidence and a forward-thinking attitude that is key for roles involving strategic planning and finance.

What are the basics of the design or format of your financial analyst cover letter?

To start, here's a reminder for you: the Applicant Tracker System (or software that is used to assess candidate profiles), won't be reading your financial analyst cover letter.

Recruiters enjoy reading financial analyst cover letters with a standardized format that uses:

• the same font as the resume (e.g. modern ones like Raleway or Volkhov are prefered over the clichéd Times New Roman or Arial);
• single spacing to keep the content concise and organized (this is all ready for you in our cover letter templates );
• a one-inch margin to wrap around the text, like in our cover letter builder ;
• PDF as a file format, as it allows your design (and visual element) to stay the same.

Finally, we can't go on without mentioning the key sections of your financial analyst cover letter.

In the top one-third, make sure to include a header (with your contact information, name, role, and date), a salutation, and an introduction.

Next, follows the heart and soul of your financial analyst cover letter or its body.

End your financial analyst cover letter with a closing paragraph and, if you wish, a signature.

The top sections on a financial analyst cover letter

• Header: Include your full name, professional contact information, and date to ensure your cover letter looks professional and to make it easy for the recruiter to reach out to you.
• Greeting: Address the cover letter to the specific individual or hiring team by name; this shows you have done your homework and are serious about the position.
• Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself with a strong opening statement that highlights your relevant financial expertise and expresses your enthusiasm for the role.
• Body (Experience and Skills): Detail your financial qualifications by mentioning your education, professional certifications (like CFA or CPA), and relevant experience with financial modeling, analysis, and reporting to demonstrate your fit for the role.
• Closing and Call to Action: End with a strong closing statement, reiterating your interest in the position and inviting the recruiter to contact you for an interview to discuss how your finance skills can benefit the company.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Strong financial modeling skills: Essential for building abstract representations of real financial situations, which is a core part of financial analysis.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and tools: Critical for processing large datasets to derive insights, using tools like Excel, Tableau, SAS, or industry-specific platforms.
• Keen attention to detail: Vital for spotting errors that could lead to incorrect conclusions and ensuring the accuracy of financial reports and projections.
• Solid understanding of accounting principles: Necessary to interpret financial statements and understand the financial impact of business events.
• Excellent quantitative analytical abilities: Required for interpreting financial data, forecasting trends, and developing strategies based on complex financial information.
• Effective communication and presentation skills: Important for conveying complex financial concepts and findings to stakeholders who may not have a financial background.

Kick off your financial analyst cover letter: the salutation or greeting

When writing your financial analyst cover letter, remember that you're not writing for some complex AI or robot, but for actual human beings.

And recruiters, while on the lookout to understand your experience, would enjoy seeing a cover letter that is tailored to the role and addresses them . Personally.

So, if you haven't done so, invest some time in finding out who's the hiring manager for the role you're applying to. A good place to start would be LinkedIn and the corporate website.

Alternatively, you could also get in touch with the company to find out more information about the role and the name of the recruiter.

If you haven't met the hiring manager, yet, your financial analyst cover letter salutation should be on a last-name basis (e.g. "Dear Mr. Donaldson" or "Dear Ms. Estephan").

A good old, "Dear HR Professional" (or something along those lines) could work as your last resort if you're struggling to find out the recruiter's name.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Company Name] Recruitment Team,
• Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
• Dear [Department] Director,
• Dear [Job Title] Search Committee,

Get creative with your financial analyst cover letter introduction

Recruiters are going to assess plenty of candidate profiles for the role. Thus, anything you do to stand out will win you brownie points.

Use your financial analyst cover letter introduction to share something memorable about your experience .

But before you go down the rabbit hole of creativity and humor, align your message with the company culture.

For example, if you are applying for a role in some startup, use those first two sentences to tell a funny story (about your experience) to quickly connect with the recruiter.

Structuring your financial analyst cover letter body to add more value

You've hinted at your value as a professional (this may be your passion for the job or interest in the company) in your introduction.

Next, it's time to pan out the body or middle of your financial analyst cover letter .

When creating your resume, you've probably gone over the advert a million times to select the most relevant skills.

Well, it's time to repeat this activity. Or just copy and paste your previous list of job-crucial requirements.

Then, select one of your past accomplishments, which is relevant and would impress hiring managers.

Write between three and six paragraphs to focus on the value your professional achievement would bring to your potential, new organization.

Tell a story around your success that ultimately shows off your real value as a professional.

Time to wrap up your financial analyst cover letter

Writing the closing paragraph of your financial analyst cover letter is just as important as the salutation.

You have to make it personalized to the job advert and recruiter.

Experienced professionals advise candidates to end with a request or reminder for follow-up. Write that you're grateful for the opportunity, and, at the same time, hint that you're available for the next steps of the process.

Otherwise, you could also conclude your financial analyst cover letter by facing the future. How do you see yourself, as part of the team? In particular, how would you settle in your new role in the first six months to a year?

Addressing limited to no experience in the financial analyst cover letter

There's nothing to worry about if you lack professional experience .

Your financial analyst cover letter could bridge the gaps in your professional history by focusing on what matters most to recruiters, that's either:

• skills - focusing on transferable ones you've gained, thanks to your life experience (e.g. volunteering, certificates, etc.);
• achievements - select the most relevant and noteworthy one from your history (e.g. education, projects, etc.);
• motivation - describe how you envision your professional growth in the next up to five years, thanks to this opportunity.

Key takeaways

Your financial analyst cover letter is your best shot at standing out by showing your motivation and the unique skills you'd bring to the job:

• Chose no more than one achievement, which you'd be talking about in the body of your financial analyst cover letter, by focusing on skills and outcomes;
• Address recruiters with their first or last name, or "Dear Hiring Manager" in your financial analyst cover letter greeting;
• Introduce in no more than two sentences what makes your profile unique (perhaps it's your motivation, enthusiasm, or appreciation of the company you're applying for);
• Select the same font you have used in your resume (avoid Times New Roman and Arial, as most candidates tend to invest in them);
• Close your financial analyst cover letter with a promise of how you see yourself growing in the company and the benefits you'd bring about.

Financial Analyst cover letter examples

Explore additional financial analyst cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Cover letter examples by industry

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• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
• ChatGPT model specifically trained by Enhancv
• Lightning-fast responses

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Banking Relationship Manager Cover Letter Example

Writing a cover letter for a banking relationship manager position can be exciting, as it is a role that allows you the opportunity to build relationships with customers and help them manage their finances. It is important to create a well-crafted cover letter that showcases your knowledge and experience in banking, as well as your interpersonal skills. This guide will provide you with tips on how to write a successful cover letter for a banking relationship manager position, as well as a sample cover letter to help you gain some insight into the format and content of a successful cover letter.

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, be sure to check out our complete library of cover letter examples .

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Banking Relationship Manager Cover Letter Sample

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to apply for the position of Banking Relationship Manager at [Company Name], as advertised on job boards. As an experienced and driven financial services professional, I am confident that I have the necessary skill set and attitude to become an invaluable asset to your team.

Having held a similar position for the past 5 years, I have a comprehensive understanding of the banking industry, and I am well- versed in managing customer relationships, identifying customer needs, and providing the best possible service. My experience also includes undertaking risk assessments, analysing financials and making sound financial decisions.

I am passionate about customer service and am highly experienced in developing and maintaining customer relationships in order to ensure their satisfaction. I am well- versed in industry regulations and take pride in maintaining an excellent knowledge of the banking sector and staying up to date with the latest trends in the industry.

My excellent communication and interpersonal skills have been developed over the years and I am confident in my ability to build strong relationships with customers. I am an exceptionally hardworking individual who has a proven record of delivering high quality work and meeting customer expectations.

I am excited by the opportunity to work with [Company Name] and I am confident that my skills and experience will make me a valuable asset to your team. I look forward to learning more about the position.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your Name]

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What should a Banking Relationship Manager cover letter include?

A Banking Relationship Manager cover letter should clearly demonstrate the candidate’s knowledge of the banking industry, as well as their ability to develop relationships with clients to ensure their satisfaction. The cover letter should include the candidate’s relevant experience and accomplishments, as well as a brief summary of their skills and abilities. The cover letter should also discuss the qualities and characteristics that make the candidate suitable for the role and how they can contribute to the success of the organization.

In addition to discussing the candidate’s experience in banking, the cover letter should emphasize their interpersonal and customer service skills. The candidate should explain their ability to develop and maintain relationships with clients, and how they can help them find the best solutions for their financial needs. They should also discuss their ability to analyze financial data and develop strategies for clients to reach their goals.

The cover letter should also include the candidate’s knowledge of banking regulations, as well as their ability to identify and adhere to these regulations. It should also include a mention of the candidate’s additional qualifications, such as certifications or additional training in banking. The cover letter should demonstrate the candidate’s enthusiasm for the role, and their commitment to providing the best possible service to clients.

Banking Relationship Manager Cover Letter Writing Tips

Cover letters are an important part of the job search process. As a Banking Relationship Manager, your cover letter should demonstrate your ability to work with customers, develop relationships, and identify and execute appropriate solutions. Here are some tips to help you write an effective cover letter for this role:

• Highlight your customer service skills: As a Banking Relationship Manager, it’s essential that you have excellent customer service skills. Make sure to highlight these skills in your cover letter, emphasizing your ability to build relationships, listen to customer needs, and provide solutions.
• Demonstrate your understanding of banking regulations: It’s important to demonstrate that you understand banking regulations and procedures. Mention any relevant qualifications or certifications you have in this area, as well as any relevant experience.
• Showcase your organizational and communication skills: As a Banking Relationship Manager, you’ll need to be organized and have strong communication skills. Use your cover letter to highlight your ability to manage multiple tasks and communicate effectively with customers.
• Emphasize your ability to identify solutions: As a Banking Relationship Manager, you should be able to identify solutions for customers. Explain your approach to problem solving and highlight any successes you’ve had in this area in the past.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a strong and effective cover letter that will help you stand out as a potential Banking Relationship Manager. Good luck with your job search!

Common mistakes to avoid when writing Banking Relationship Manager Cover letter

Writing the perfect cover letter for a banking relationship manager position can be daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with the banking industry. To help you craft the best cover letter, here are some common mistakes to avoid while writing a banking relationship manager cover letter:

• Not Tailoring the Cover Letter to the Company: When writing a cover letter, it is important to tailor the letter to the specific company and job you are applying for. This involves doing your research on the company to ensure you understand their mission and values and how you can contribute.
• Failing to Include Your Relevant Experience: Your cover letter should highlight your relevant experience and qualifications that make you a great candidate for the banking relationship manager role. Make sure to provide concrete examples of how your experience and qualifications have prepared you for the role.
• Not Explaining Your Motivation for Applying: In addition to highlighting your qualifications, it is also important to explain why you are interested in the banking relationship manager role. Explain why you are passionate about the job, and why you think you would be a great fit for the company.
• Using Generic or Unprofessional Language: When crafting your cover letter, make sure to use professional language and avoid generic or overly informal language. Be sure to proofread your cover letter for any grammar or spelling errors.
• Not Including Contact Information: Make sure to include your contact information, such as your phone number and email address, at the end of your cover letter. This will make it easier for the hiring manager to reach out to you.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a compelling and professional banking relationship manager cover letter that will increase your chances of getting the job.

Key takeaways

Writing a successful Banking Relationship Manager cover letter is an important step in applying for a job in the financial industry. As a Banking Relationship Manager, you will be responsible for managing relationships with customers and developing strategies to improve client experiences and services. Your cover letter is your chance to showcase your knowledge and experience and prove that you are the right person for the role. Here are some key takeaways for writing an impressive Banking Relationship Manager cover letter:

• Emphasize your financial and customer management skills: As a Banking Relationship Manager, a strong background in financial management and customer service is essential. Be sure to include in your cover letter examples of how you have managed customer relationships and improved services.
• Demonstrate your understanding of banking regulations: Because of the compliance- related aspects of this job, it is important to demonstrate that you have a good understanding of banking regulations and best practices. Include examples of how you have followed banking regulations in your previous role.
• Highlight your communication skills: Excellent communication skills are key for this role, as you will be dealing with customers on a regular basis. Make sure to include examples of how you have communicated successfully in the past.
• Showcase your problem- solving abilities: As a Banking Relationship Manager, you need to be able to solve problems quickly and efficiently. Explain how you have solved problems in the past and how you would handle similar situations in the future.

By following these key takeaways, your Banking Relationship Manager cover letter can help you make a great first impression and secure an interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how do i write a cover letter for an banking relationship manager job with no experience.

Writing a cover letter for an Banking Relationship Manager job with no experience can feel daunting. However, there are some key elements that you can include in the letter to make it stand out and show the employer that you are the right person for the job. Focus on the skills and qualities that you possess that are relevant to the job – such as your excellent communication and organizational skills. Express your passion for the banking industry, and highlight any past experience, such as internships or volunteer work, that demonstrate your commitment to the field. Demonstrate an understanding of the job and what it entails, and explain why you are excited and enthusiastic about pursuing the career.

2. How do I write a cover letter for an Banking Relationship Manager job experience?

Writing a cover letter for an Banking Relationship Manager job with experience is a great opportunity to highlight your skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the job. Begin the letter by expressing your enthusiasm for working in the banking industry, and emphasize your experience in the field. Showcase your organizational and communication skills, along with any special project management or marketing skills you possess. If you have any accomplishments or accolades that are related to the job, mention them. Make sure to explain why you would be the perfect fit for the job, and why you are passionate about the position.

3. How can I highlight my accomplishments in Banking Relationship Manager cover letter?

When writing your Banking Relationship Manager cover letter, it is important to showcase your accomplishments and highlight the skills and qualities you possess that are relevant to the job. Demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the job, and explain why you are the perfect candidate for the position. If you have special qualifications, such as certifications in the banking industry, make sure to mention them.

In addition to this, be sure to check out our cover letter templates , cover letter formats ,  cover letter examples ,  job description , and  career advice  pages for more helpful tips and advice.

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What is a letter of credit?

In a nutshell

A letter of credit is a bank document that guarantees that a seller will get paid on time, making it easier for merchants to trust buyers and extend them credit.

• A letter of credit is a bank document that promises payment to a seller.
• The bank issuing the letter of credit guarantees that the issuing bank will send payment if the buyer cannot.
• These documents are commonly used in business transactions, including in international trade.

A letter of credit is a financial document issued by a bank. It promises that the entity selling a product or service will receive the payment due on a specified date.

A letter of credit is similar to a certified check. The bank issuing a certified check promises to pay the amount written on the check, even if the person writing the check does not have sufficient funds in their account. In the same way, the bank issuing a letter of credit puts itself on the hook for payment if the buyer doesn’t have sufficient funds to make the payment.

• Adds an additional layer of trust for large transactions.
• Lets buyers and sellers define the details of a transaction in writing.
• Streamlines payments.
• Buyers pay a fee to get a letter of credit.
• Setting up a letter of credit can be time-consuming, slowing transactions.

How a letter of credit works

Letters of credit typically involve three parties: the issuing bank, the buyer of the goods and the beneficiary or the seller of goods. When the buyer wants to make a purchase, the buyer can ask their bank for a letter of credit, which is usually provided for a fee. The buyer can then present the letter of credit to the seller to show that they are guaranteed the promised payment.

For sellers, the letter of credit represents a guarantee of payment from the issuing bank. Banks won’t issue a letter of credit unless the buyer can afford the promised payment. Typically, banks also act on behalf of buyers to ensure that a transaction is completed and payment goes through.

Letters of credit make large financial transactions easier for businesses because sellers don’t have to assess the trustworthiness and credit of every business they work with. They can instead rely on the bank's guarantee.

Letter of credit example 

A business in the United States wants to purchase a piece of equipment from a company located in France. Because the companies are located in different countries, they may not be particularly familiar with each other. The French company may not know whether the American business will be able to make the promised payments once the equipment is delivered. 

Additionally, each country has its own legal system, so handling any disputes or lack of payment could quickly get complicated.

To ease the transaction, the American company could approach a bank and request a letter of credit. In exchange for a fee (usually a percentage of the transaction amount) and the offer of collateral , the bank will issue a letter of credit. The letter of credit promises the French seller that the bank will pay the seller.

Now, the French company has additional assurance that it will get paid if it ships the equipment. That additional confidence in receiving payment helps the transaction go through successfully.

Types of letters of credit

Letters of credit come in a few forms. The specific type of letter of credit that gets used depends on the situation.

• Commercial letters of credit: A promise of direct payment from the issuing bank to the beneficiary.
• Standby letters of credit: A promise of payment from the issuing bank to the beneficiary, but only if the buyer that holds the letter of credit is unable to make the promised payments.
• Revolving letters of credit: Cover multiple shipments with a credit amount that can be renewed as needed. These are popular when two companies are involved in regular transactions.
• Confirmed letters of credit: A second bank — usually, the seller’s bank — act as a confirming bank for the bank that issues the letter of credit. The second bank ensures payment if both the buyer and the bank (issuing the letter of credit) default.

How to apply for a letter of credit

Applying for a letter of credit involves several steps. 

• The buyer must make sure that the bank it wishes to use for a letter of credit is acceptable to the seller. A letter of credit is only as good as the credit of the bank issuing it; the seller must accept that the issuing bank is reputable and will follow through on its promise of payment.
• The buyer’s bank then drafts a letter of credit using details from the sales agreement, outlining what payment is to be made and when the payment will be due.
• The seller’s bank reviews the letter of credit and sends it to the seller for approval.

If the letter of credit is approved, the transaction can proceed by following these steps:

• The seller ships the goods or provides the services as outlined in the letter of credit and submits any required documents to its bank.
• The seller’s bank checks over the documents to ensure they comply with the terms of the letter of credit and sends the documents to the buyer’s bank.
• The buyer’s bank confirms that the terms of the letter of credit have been met and releases payment to the seller’s bank.

Common terms and conditions in a letter of credit

Letters of credit are unique for every transaction. However, there are a few terms and features that are very common. Some common features of letters of credit include:

• The amount the buyer is promising to pay.
• The date by which the seller must ship goods or provide the desired service.
• The date by which the seller must present documents showing it completed its side of the transaction.
• An expiration date for the letter of credit.
• The name and address of the issuing bank.
• The name and address of the beneficiary’s bank.
• The type of the letter of credit (commercial, standby, etc.).

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Letters of credit are important financial documents that make it easier for two companies, especially those in different countries, to do business together. Though they have downsides, such as the fees involved, the additional layer of trust they add to a transaction helps streamline international trade and help supply chains flow more smoothly.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What documents are typically required for a letter of credit.

Letters of credit are often used to ensure payment after a company has shipped goods or equipment to another business. The seller typically uses documents — such as shipping manifests, invoices, packing lists and insurance documents — to prove that it held up its end of the deal and shipped the requested goods.

Who are the key parties involved in a letter of credit?

Letters of credit usually involve three key parties: the buyer, the bank issuing the letter of credit and the seller — also called the beneficiary. Typically, the buyer pays a fee to the bank issuing the letter of credit and may use its own bank.

What is a letter of credit versus a loan?

A letter of credit is not a loan. It serves as a guarantee of payment to its beneficiary once the beneficiary fulfills the terms of the letter of credit. The buyer of the goods typically has the money to make the promised payment before requesting the letter of credit. (They are not borrowing money from the bank issuing the letter of credit.) By contrast, when a company gets a loan, it borrows money from the bank intending to pay it back, rather than ask the bank to offer an additional guarantee for a future payment.

Are letters of credit debt?

A letter of credit is not a debt. The company requesting the letter of credit is not borrowing money from the bank and does not owe the bank a debt. Instead, the company requesting the letter of credit is asking the bank to put its guarantee behind a payment to offer a seller additional assurance that a payment will be made.