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

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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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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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Private Equity cover letter examples

A career in private equity can be very lucrative, but these positions can also be very competitive.

So if you want the employer to invest in you, then you need to go that one step further to stand out and create a persuasive and engaging cover letter.

In our guide below, we’ll show you what to include, as well as share our top writing tips and private equity cover letter examples to help you produce a winning application.

CV templates 

Private Equity cover letter example 1

Private Equity cover letter example 2

Private Equity cover letter example 3

These Private Equity cover letter examples provide you with some guidance and inspiration for writing a cover letter that gets noticed and ensures your CV will get opened.

But if you really want to master the art of writing a winning cover letter , then follow our step-by-step cove letter writing guide below.

How to write a Private Equity 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

Type the content of your cover letter directly into the email you are sending, or if you are applying via a job board, directly into their messaging system.

The reason for doing this it to ensure that your cover letter gets seen instantly and you can start connecting with the recruiter as soon as they open your message.

If you attach your cover letter as a separate document, the recipient will have to open up the document, which will slow the process down, or make them less likely to even open your cover letter – which could mean your application gets skipped over.

Start with a friendly greeting

To build an instant connection with the recruiter reading your cover letter, start with a warm greeting.

It should be friendly but not casual – keeping it professional at all times.

• Hi, hope you’re well
• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very traditional companies.

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 these methods to find it.

• 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 have opened the cover letter with a warm greeting, you need to explain which role you are interested in.

Sometimes a recruitment consultant could be managing over 10 vacancies, so it’s crucial to pinpoint exactly which one you are interested in.

Highlight the department/area if possible and look for any reference numbers you can quote.

These are some examples you can add..

• I am interested in applying for the role of *Private Equity position* with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 40f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for an IT 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 main purpose of your cover letter is to excite recruiters and make them eager to open your CV. And you achieve this by quickly demonstrating your suitability to the job you are applying for.

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

Then, when you write your cover letter, make your suitability the focal point.

Explain how you meet the candidate requirements fully, 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 your application.

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 finish off your cover note, add a professional signature to the bottom, stating your important contact details and information.

This not only provides recruiters with multiple means of contacting you, but it also adds a nice professional appearance to the cover letter, which shows that you know how to conduct yourself in the workplace.

Include the following points;

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm 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,

Aaron Smith Customer service professional 075557437373 [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 document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Private Equity cover letter

So, what type of information should you write about in your Private Equity cover letter?

The specifics will obviously depend on your profession and the jobs you are applying to, but these are the key areas you should be covering.

• Your industry experience – Tell recruiters the types of companies you have been working for and the roles you have held in the past.
• Your qualifications – Highlight your most important relevant qualifications to show employers you are qualified to do the roles you are applying for.
• The impact you have made – Demonstrate the positive impact you have made for employers in previous jobs. Have you saved money? Improved processes? Made customers happy?
• Your reasons for moving – Employers will want to know why you are leaving your current/previous role, so provide them with a brief explanation here.
• Your availability – When will you be able to start a new job ? Check your current contract to find out your notice period if you are in a position already.

Private Equity cover letter templates

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

Good afternoon, Elton

I had the pleasure of engaging with one of your employees, Randy Jacobs, who spoke highly of Carnegie Consulting’s investment philosophy, portfolio management, and industry leadership. As an ambitious professional with a BSc in Finance from the University of Birmingham, I am excited to express my interest in joining your esteemed team as a Senior Private Equity Analyst.

During my 8-year tenure as a Private Equity Analyst at Greenwich Partners, I applied my skills in financial modelling and due diligence to conduct in-depth market research and present investment recommendations to senior stakeholders. Through these experiences, I developed a keen eye for identifying lucrative growth opportunities and mitigating risks, with a proven record of contributing towards decisions that yielded 70% above market returns. Moreover, I developed standardised investment templates that reduced memo preparation time by 25%.

Along with my primary responsibilities, I am passionate about collaborating with team members and fostering a culture of high-performance and accountability throughout all efforts.

Feel free to contact me at any time of your choosing, as I am immediately available for an interview.

Kind regards

Good day Chase

I am writing in connection to the Portfolio Manager vacancy at Edgeworth Partners, as advertised on LinkedIn. With an ability to optimise portfolio performance, enhance operational efficiencies, and maximise returns, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your firm’s investment success.

Throughout my 12-year career as an Assistant Asset Manager at Novus Executives, I have helped oversee 19 portfolio companies, drive strategic initiatives and financial analysis, and lead performance improvement activities. By collaborating with cross-functional teams and implementing value creation agendas, I have consistently improved portfolio allocation, which resulted in 30% reduction in risk for investors and 72% boost in performance compared to the benchmark index. I also executed and ensured successful trades with 25% lower slippage and transaction costs for 400+ clients.

Furthermore, I effectively facilitate consultation meetings and presentations, where I address customer inquiries to guarantee high retention and satisfaction scores.

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my competencies, qualifications, and passion for quality to your organisation. Please do reach out to me to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience.

Denise Borthwick

Good afternoon, Ivana

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Fund Operations Senior Associate position at Angela Mortimer Corporation. With a comprehensive background in fund administration, performance analysis, and operational excellence, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my expertise to your team.

Over the past 10 years as a Fund Operations Associate for Marks Sattin, I have successfully managed the reconciliation of investment positions and cash balances for a diverse portfolio of funds, which resulted in a 65% reduction in discrepancies. Additionally, my proactive approach has contributed to improving overall data integrity by 25% and minimising risks by 53%.

I consistently demonstrate a strong understanding of the replacement of short-term debt with longer-term holding bonds to create a more stable repayment forecast. My experience in overseeing daily fund processes and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements aligns perfectly with the responsibilities of the role.

With an MSc in Finance, I will bring my best efforts to contribute to the company’s ongoing growth and success. Thank you for your attention to my application, and I am available for an interview ASAP.

Jeremy Mitchell

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Private Equity 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!

Professional Private Equity Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your private equity cover letter must quickly capture the attention of the hiring manager. It should unequivocally express your deep understanding of financial markets and investment strategies. Highlight your track record of successful investments and value creation in previous roles. Ensure to communicate your ability to identify and assess lucrative opportunities, which is crucial for thriving in the private equity space.

Cover Letter Guide

Private Equity Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Private Equity Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Crafting a private equity cover letter can be a daunting step in your job search journey, especially when you’re eager to stand out. You know it's vital to spotlight a key professional triumph, not just echo your resume. Your challenge? Conveying your proudest moment in a succinct, one-page narrative that's formal yet fresh, avoiding the trite phrases that hiring managers have seen time and again. Let's embark on transforming your experiences into a compelling story that captures attention.

• Write a private equity cover letter that helps you stand out (and get the job);
• Understand how to start and end your private equity cover letter with the appropriate greeting;
• What to include in the body of your private equity cover letter to put your best foot forward;
• Your most important achievements - how to present them as part of your private equity cover letter.

And if you want to make your life even easier, simply drag and drop your private equity resume into Enhancv's AI cover letter generator, and it will write your cover letter for you in just a few moments.

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

• Private Equity resume guide and example
• Business Analyst Accounting cover letter example
• Financial Accounting cover letter example
• VP of Finance cover letter example
• Assistant Finance Manager cover letter example
• Public Accounting Auditor cover letter example
• Compensation Manager cover letter example
• Purchase Manager cover letter example
• Finance Specialist cover letter example
• Accounting Assistant cover letter example
• Accounting Supervisor cover letter example

Private Equity cover letter example

Carter Rodriguez

Charlotte, North Carolina

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Emphasize relevant experience: Highlighting a pivotal market research initiative and subsequent acquisition showcases direct experience with investment strategies and private equity, which are crucial for the role applied for.
• Showcase success and impact: Mentioning the contribution to a 20% portfolio growth demonstrates tangible success and the ability to positively impact the company's bottom line.
• Demonstrate alignment with company values: Expressing awareness of the company's innovative spirit and eagerness to contribute to it suggests that the candidate's approach and mentality are a good cultural fit.

The format of your private equity cover letter: structure, fonts, margins, and more

Your private equity cover letter should include a header (with your name, position, and date); a greeting and introductory paragraph; a body and closing paragraphs; and an optional signature.

Remember that you're writing your private equity cover letter for recruiters - as the Applicant Tracker System won't scan this content.

Here are a few more tips and tricks to keep in mind when formatting your private equity cover letter:

• Use the same font in your private equity cover letter and resume . We recommend modern fonts, e.g. Lato and Rubik, to help you stand out, instead of the stereotypical Arial and Times New Roman.
• Each paragraph should have single spacing, which is already set up for you in our cover letter templates .
• Our cover letter builder follows industry standards for your private equity cover letter formatting - with a one-inch margin, surrounding your content.
• Always export your private equity cover letter in PDF to ensure the image or text quality stays the same and your writing isn't moved about.

The top sections on a private equity cover letter

• Header with Contact Information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email, because a clear header allows the recruiter to easily identify you and your contact details for further communication.
• Greeting with Personalization: Address the letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or a principal at the firm, as personalization shows that you have researched the company and are genuinely interested in the position.
• Introduction with Career Objectives: Begin with a succinct overview of your career objectives and how they align with the private equity firm's goals, highlighting why you are a strong fit for the role and demonstrating your knowledge of the industry.
• Body with Relevant Experience and Skills: Detail your previous experience in finance, investments, or related fields, and explain how your skills and accomplishments will benefit the private equity firm, which is essential in convincing the recruiter of your potential value to the team.
• Closing with a Call to Action: End your cover letter by thanking the reader for their time, reiterating your interest in the position, and inviting them to contact you for further discussion, ensuring a professional sign-off and potential engagement.

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

• Strong financial acumen: Comprehensive understanding of financial modeling, valuation techniques, and financial statement analysis is crucial for identifying and evaluating investment opportunities.
• Deal-making experience: Prior involvement in M&A transactions, leveraged buyouts, or venture capital showcases an understanding of the investment process and the capability to manage complex deals.
• Strategic thinking: Ability to formulate and assess strategic initiatives that can create value for portfolio companies and drive their growth.
• Relationship-building skills: Networking capabilities and building relationships with corporate executives, investment bankers, and advisors are essential to source and close high-quality investment opportunities.
• Portfolio management: Experience in managing and overseeing the performance of portfolio companies, including operational improvements, restructuring, and exit planning.
• Industry expertise: In-depth knowledge of specific sectors of interest to the fund, providing a strategic edge in identifying trends, risks, and investment opportunities within those domains.

How to personalize your private equity cover letter greeting

Before you start writing your private equity cover letter, take the time to find out who is recruiting for the role.

Search for the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or the corporate website to address them personally in your private equity cover letter salutation .

What if you can't find out who's recruiting for the role?

Always aim to avoid the very impersonal "Dear Sir/Madam" - instead, opt out for "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager" to make a better first impression.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Name of the Hiring Manager],
• Dear [Name of the Private Equity Firm] Team,
• Dear [Specific Department] Team,
• Dear Selection Committee,
• Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],

Your private equity cover letter introduction and the value you bring

Moving on from the "Dear Recruiter" to your professional introduction .

Use those first two sentences of your private equity cover letter to present the biggest asset you'd bring to the organization.

Don't go into too much detail about your achievement or the skill set, but instead - go straight for the win.

That is - what is your value as a professional?

Would you be able to build stronger, professional relationships in any type of communication? Or, potentially, integrate seamlessly into the team?

How to write an achievement-focused private equity cover letter body

We've got the intro and greeting covered. Now, comes the most definitive part of your private equity cover letter - the body .

In the next three to six paragraphs, you'd have to answer why should recruiters hire you.

What better way to do this than by storytelling?

And, no, you don't need a "Once upon a time" or "I started from the bottom and made it to the top" career-climbing format to tell a compelling narrative.

Instead, select up to three most relevant skills for the job and look back on your resume.

Find an achievement, that you're proud of, which has taught you these three job-crucial skills.

Quantify your accomplishment, using metrics, and be succinct in the way you describe it.

The ultimate aim would be to show recruiters how this particular success has built up your experience to become an invaluable candidate.

Ending your private equity cover letter to avoid "Sincerely yours"

Yes, this sort of closing statement may work best before your signature.

But you want to give recruiters something more with your private equity cover letter ending .

Some professionals choose to go down the path of promises. In a single sentence, they map out what they'd bring about to the role (whether that's a particular technical skill set or personal traits).

Others, decide to be more concrete by thanking recruiters for their time and prompting for their next interview.

Whatever path you choose, remember to always be polite and respectful of the opportunity you've had. Good manners go a long way.

Addressing limited to no experience in the private equity cover letter

There's nothing to worry about if you lack professional experience .

Your private equity 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

Turning your private equity cover letter into a success is all about staying authentic to yourself and relevant to the job:

• Be creative with your private equity cover letter introduction by stating something you enjoy about the company (that is genuine) or about your skill set (to get the recruiters' interested);
• Use single spacing and have a one-inch margin wrapping all around the content of your private equity cover letter;
• Select just one past achievement from your career or life to tell a story of how you've obtained job-crucial skills and how they'd be beneficial to the role;
• The finishing paragraph of your private equity cover letter doesn't necessarily have to be a signature but could be a promise of what you plan to achieve in the role;
• Instead of focusing on your lack of experience, spotlight your transferable skills, one relevant achievement, and career dreams.

Cover letter examples by industry

AI cover letter writer, powered by ChatGPT

Enhancv harnesses the capabilities of ChatGPT to provide a streamlined interface designed specifically focused on composing a compelling cover letter without the hassle of thinking about formatting and wording.

• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
• ChatGPT model specifically trained by Enhancv
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How to Write a Compelling Cover Letter for a Private Equity Position

Learn how to write a compelling cover letter that will catch the attention of private equity firms.

Posted June 8, 2023

Table of Contents

If you're aspiring to work in the private equity industry, crafting a killer cover letter to accompany your job application is a must. To help you secure that highly coveted position in private equity, we've put together a comprehensive guide to writing a compelling cover letter. From understanding the role of a private equity professional to highlighting your relevant experience and skills, we cover all the bases so you can make the best possible impression on your potential employer.

Understanding the Role of a Private Equity Professional

Before you can write a compelling cover letter for a private equity position, it's important to understand what the role entails. At its core, private equity involves investing in companies with the aim of increasing their value. This process involves identifying strategic investment opportunities, conducting thorough due diligence, and developing and implementing growth strategies. Private equity professionals play a critical role in making these investments successful, so it's important to highlight your relevant experience, skills and knowledge when writing your cover letter.

Private equity professionals also need to have strong financial analysis skills, as they are responsible for evaluating the financial health of potential investment targets. They must be able to analyze financial statements, assess market trends, and identify potential risks and opportunities. In addition, private equity professionals must have excellent communication and negotiation skills, as they often work closely with management teams and other stakeholders to drive growth and maximize returns. Overall, a successful private equity professional must have a combination of financial expertise, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills to thrive in this dynamic and challenging field.

The Importance of a Strong Cover Letter in the Private Equity Industry

The private equity industry is highly competitive, so standing out from the crowd is crucial. An effective cover letter can help you differentiate yourself from other applicants and showcase your suitability for the role. A strong cover letter is an opportunity to highlight not only your skills and experience, but also your passion and enthusiasm for the industry. By doing so, you can demonstrate your commitment to becoming a successful private equity professional.

One important aspect to consider when writing a cover letter for the private equity industry is to research the company and the specific role you are applying for. This will allow you to tailor your cover letter to the company's values and goals, and show that you have a genuine interest in working for them. Additionally, it is important to highlight any relevant achievements or projects that demonstrate your ability to add value to the company.

Another key factor to keep in mind is to keep your cover letter concise and to the point. Hiring managers in the private equity industry are often busy and receive a large volume of applications, so a long and rambling cover letter may not be well-received. Instead, focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences, and make sure to proofread your letter carefully to avoid any errors or typos.

Researching the Company and Position Before Writing Your Cover Letter

Before writing your cover letter, it's important to research the company and position you're applying for. This may involve studying the company's website, researching its portfolio and investment strategies, and reading news articles or industry reports. Understanding the company's culture, values and mission can help you align your cover letter with its objectives and demonstrate your interest in the company. Similarly, tailoring your cover letter to the specific position you're applying for can help you make a strong case for why you're the best candidate for the job.

Another important aspect of researching the company and position is to identify any potential challenges or issues that the company may be facing. This can help you address these concerns in your cover letter and demonstrate how you can contribute to solving these problems. Additionally, researching the company's competitors and industry trends can help you showcase your knowledge and understanding of the industry, which can be a valuable asset to the company.

Finally, it's important to research the person or people who will be reading your cover letter. This can help you tailor your language and tone to their preferences and demonstrate that you've done your homework. You may be able to find this information on the company's website or LinkedIn, or you can reach out to the company's HR department to ask for more information. By taking the time to research the company and position thoroughly, you can create a cover letter that stands out and demonstrates your value to the company.

Crafting an Attention-Grabbing Introduction

Your cover letter's introduction is the first thing your potential employer will read, so it's important to make it count. Your opening paragraph should grab the reader's attention and make them want to keep reading. This may involve starting with a bold statement, a rhetorical question, or a relevant anecdote. As you introduce yourself, make sure to convey your enthusiasm for the position and the industry, and highlight any relevant experience or achievements you've had.

Highlighting Relevant Experience and Skills in Your Cover Letter

One of the most important aspects of a private equity cover letter is highlighting your relevant experience and skills. This may include experience in financial analysis, due diligence, deal sourcing, transactional work, or portfolio management. It's important to demonstrate how your previous experience has prepared you for the role you're applying for, and how it aligns with the company's investment strategy and goals. If you don't have direct experience in the private equity industry, highlight transferrable skills such as analytical ability, attention to detail, and strategic thinking.

Providing Specific Examples of Achievements and Successes

When highlighting your experience and skills, it's important to provide specific examples of achievements and successes. This may include deals you've worked on, financial models you've created, or investment opportunities you've identified. By providing concrete examples of your past successes, you can demonstrate your suitability for the private equity position you're applying for. Make sure to use numbers and data where possible to showcase the impact of your work.

Demonstrating Your Knowledge of the Private Equity Industry

In addition to highlighting your experience and skills, it's important to demonstrate your knowledge of the private equity industry. This may involve discussing recent trends or developments in the industry, or demonstrating your understanding of different investment strategies. By showing that you're up-to-date with the latest industry news and trends, you can demonstrate your commitment to the industry and your ability to add value to the company.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Writing a Private Equity Cover Letter

When writing a private equity cover letter, it's important to avoid common mistakes that can sink your job application. These may include using a generic template, focusing too much on your education or qualifications, or making spelling or grammar mistakes. To avoid these pitfalls, make sure to customize your cover letter to the specific company and position you're applying for, and proofread it carefully to catch any errors.

Tailoring Your Cover Letter for Every Job Application

Finally, it's important to tailor your cover letter for each job application you submit. This may involve researching each company and position carefully, and adjusting your cover letter to highlight the aspects of your experience and skills that are most relevant to the particular role. Taking the time to customize your cover letter in this way can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of landing the job.

Proofreading and Editing Your Cover Letter for Maximum Impact

Once you've written your cover letter, it's important to proofread it and make any necessary edits. Your cover letter should be free of spelling and grammatical errors, and should flow smoothly and logically. It's also important to ensure that it's formatted correctly and that all relevant information is included. By putting in the effort to make sure your cover letter is polished and professional, you can ensure that it has the maximum possible impact.

Using Strong Action Words and Phrases to Convey Confidence and Competence

Using strong action words and phrases can help you convey confidence and competence in your cover letter. This may involve using words like "achieved," "developed," or "led" to demonstrate your proactive approach and your ability to get things done. It's also important to avoid passive language and to use active verbs that demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for the position.

The Importance of Networking in Landing a Private Equity Position

While a strong cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants, it's important to remember that networking can also play a crucial role in landing a private equity position. This may involve attending industry events, reaching out to people in your network for referrals or recommendations, or connecting with potential employers on LinkedIn. By building relationships and demonstrating your interest and enthusiasm for the industry, you can increase your chances of landing a job in private equity.

Following Up After Submitting Your Cover Letter and Resume

After submitting your cover letter and resume, it's important to follow up with the company to demonstrate your continued interest in the position. This may involve sending a thank-you email or follow-up message, or reaching out to the hiring manager directly. By demonstrating your persistence and interest, you can increase your chances of standing out and landing the job.

Tips for Standing Out Among Other Applicants in the Competitive Private Equity Job Market

Finally, in the highly competitive private equity job market, it's important to do everything you can to stand out from other applicants. This may involve tailoring your cover letter and resume to each job application, networking and building relationships in the industry, and keeping up-to-date with the latest industry news and developments. By combining these strategies with a compelling cover letter and a passion for the industry, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job in private equity.

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Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide

• Updated August 30, 2023
• Published July 23, 2023

Are you looking for a Private Equity Analyst cover letter example? Read our ultimate Private Equity Analyst cover letter writing guide and learn from tips, examples, and proven strategies to land a job interview.

A cover letter is crucial to the job application process for a Private Equity Analyst position. It is your opportunity to introduce yourself, highlight your qualifications, and express your interest in the role. A well-written cover letter can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door and landing an interview. This article will discuss the key elements of a successful cover letter for a Private Equity Analyst position and provide tips on making yours stand out.

As a Private Equity Analyst, you will be responsible for evaluating and analyzing investment opportunities, conducting financial analysis and due diligence, and helping to make strategic decisions for the firm. A strong cover letter should demonstrate your understanding of the industry and the specific responsibilities of the role. It should also showcase your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications that make you a strong fit for the position. Following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can craft a cover letter that will impress potential employers and increase your chances of landing an interview.

What does a Private Equity Analyst do?

A Private Equity Analyst is a finance professional who works for a private equity firm or investment bank, focusing on analyzing and evaluating investment opportunities in private companies. They conduct in-depth research on potential investment targets, including financial statements, market trends, industry analysis, and competitive positioning.

Private Equity Analysts build financial models to assess the company’s valuation, potential returns, and risks. They also play a role in conducting due diligence, meeting with company management, and presenting investment recommendations to senior members of the investment team. Private Equity Analysts work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, contributing critical insights that shape investment decisions.

Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter

Below we discuss some essential points to focus on when writing your cover letter.

• Finance and Investment Skills : In your cover letter, highlight your strong finance and investment skills, including financial modeling, valuation techniques, and data analysis. Showcase your ability to make informed investment decisions based on thorough research.
• Industry Knowledge : Private Equity Analysts often focus on specific industries. Demonstrate your knowledge of the industries that interest the firm, and how your expertise can add value to their investment strategies.
• Attention to Detail : Private equity investments require meticulous analysis. Illustrate your attention to detail and your ability to identify key investment drivers and risks.
• Communication and Presentation : Private Equity Analysts often present their findings to senior team members. Showcase your strong communication and presentation skills and ability to convey complex financial information effectively.

In summary, a Private Equity Analyst is a finance professional who analyzes and evaluates investment opportunities in private companies. When writing a cover letter for a Private Equity Analyst position, highlight your finance and investment skills, industry knowledge, attention to detail, and communication and presentation abilities.

Tailor your cover letter to the specific private equity firm or investment bank, expressing your genuine interest in contributing your analytical expertise to identify and execute successful investment strategies. Additionally, highlight any relevant experience or internships in finance or investment that demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter Example 1

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am excited to apply for the Private Equity Analyst position at [Company Name]. With a strong analytical mindset and [Number] years of experience in financial analysis and investment research, I am eager to contribute my expertise to support the success of [Company Name]’s private equity ventures.

Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to evaluating investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, and analyzing financial data to make informed investment decisions. My ability to assess market trends, identify growth potential and model financial projections has been essential in driving profitable outcomes.

I am committed to conducting thorough research and producing actionable insights to support investment strategies. My proficiency in financial modeling, valuation techniques, and industry analysis enables me to contribute to informed investment recommendations.

Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications align with the Private Equity Analyst position and how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s continued success in the dynamic world of private equity.

Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter Example 2

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Private Equity Analyst position at [Company Name]. With a solid foundation in finance, [Number] years of experience in investment analysis, and a passion for strategic decision-making, I am eager to contribute my skills and insights to support [Company Name]’s investment endeavors.

Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in evaluating potential investment opportunities and conducting comprehensive due diligence. My ability to analyze financial statements, assess market trends, and identify value-adding strategies has been instrumental in generating successful investment outcomes.

I am dedicated to conducting in-depth research and utilizing sophisticated financial models to inform investment decisions. My strong attention to detail and ability to navigate complex financial landscapes enable me to provide accurate and well-informed analyses.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications align with the Private Equity Analyst position and how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s mission of achieving exceptional returns and driving long-term growth.

Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter Example 3

I am thrilled to apply for the Private Equity Analyst position at [Company Name]. With a strong academic background in finance and [Number] years of experience in investment analysis, I am eager to contribute my analytical skills and passion for investments to support [Company Name]’s financial growth and success.

Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in conducting due diligence on potential investment opportunities, analyzing financial data, and preparing investment recommendations for portfolio management. My proficiency in financial modeling, valuation, and risk assessment has been crucial in making sound investment decisions.

I am dedicated to staying informed about market trends and industry developments to identify strategic investment opportunities. My ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate complex financial concepts allows me to work effectively in dynamic environments.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications align with the Private Equity Analyst position and how I can contribute my expertise to contribute to [Company Name]’s continued success in the private equity sector.

Related :  What Does an Investment Specialist Do?

Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter Example 4

I am writing to express my keen interest in the Private Equity Analyst position at [Company Name]. With a strong background in finance and [Number] years of experience in investment analysis, I am excited to contribute my analytical skills and strategic insights to support [Company Name]’s investment objectives.

Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in evaluating investment opportunities, conducting market research, and building financial models to assess risk and return potential. My ability to identify attractive investment prospects and provide data-driven recommendations has been instrumental in achieving favorable investment outcomes.

I am dedicated to staying up-to-date with market trends and industry developments to make informed investment decisions. My attention to detail and proficiency in financial analysis enables me to generate comprehensive reports and presentations for stakeholders.

Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications align with the Private Equity Analyst position and how I can contribute my expertise to support [Company Name]’s continued growth and success in the competitive investment landscape.

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Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter Example 5

I am thrilled to apply for the Private Equity Analyst position at [Company Name]. With a strong foundation in finance and [Number] years of experience in investment analysis, I am eager to bring my analytical expertise and passion for financial markets to contribute to [Company Name]’s investment success.

Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in evaluating and modeling investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, and providing valuable insights to senior management. My ability to analyze financial data, identify potential risks, and forecast performance has been essential in driving favorable investment outcomes.

I am committed to staying informed about market trends and industry developments, ensuring that I can provide timely and accurate investment recommendations. My strong attention to detail and ability to work under pressure enables me to thrive in fast-paced and dynamic investment environments.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications align with the Private Equity Analyst position and how I can contribute my expertise to support [Company Name]’s investment strategies and growth objectives.

Related :  Venture Capital Analyst Interview Questions & Answers

Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter Writing Tips

Below you will find some general and specific tips to use to your advantage when writing your cover letter.

General Tips:

• Tailor your cover letter to the specific company and position you are applying for. This shows that you have researched and are genuinely interested in the role.
• Use a professional and formal tone throughout the letter. Avoid using casual language or slang.
• Keep the letter concise and to the point. It should be no longer than one page.
• Use bullet points to highlight your qualifications and achievements. This makes it easier for the reader to scan your letter and see your relevant experience quickly.
• Use specific examples to demonstrate your qualifications and achievements. This will help the reader see how your skills and experience align with the position’s requirements.
• End the letter by thanking the reader for considering your application and including your contact information.

Specific Tips:

• Highlight your experience with financial analysis and modeling. Private equity analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data and making investment decisions, so it is important to demonstrate your skills in this area.
• Mention any relevant experience you have with private equity or venture capital. This could include internships, coursework, or previous roles in the industry.
• Emphasize your ability to work well in a team. Private equity analysts often work in teams to make investment decisions, so it is important to show that you are a collaborative team player.
• Show your understanding of the private equity industry and the specific company you are applying to. This demonstrates that you have researched and are genuinely interested in the role.
• Include any relevant certifications or degrees you have in finance or economics. This will demonstrate your commitment to the industry and your qualifications for the role.

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Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter Examples (Template & 20+ Tips)

Create a standout private equity analyst cover letter with our online platform. browse professional templates for all levels and specialties. land your dream role today.

As a private equity analyst, your ability to analyze market trends, assess investment opportunities, and contribute to the success of your firm is crucial. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out to potential employers and showcase your skills and experience. In this guide, we will provide you with tips and a sample template to help you create a compelling cover letter that highlights your qualifications and passion for the private equity industry.

We will cover:

• How to write a cover letter, no matter your industry or job title.
• What to put on a cover letter to stand out.
• The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
• How to build a cover letter fast with our professional Cover Letter Builder .
• Why you should use a cover letter template

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Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter Sample

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the Private Equity Analyst position at your esteemed firm. With a strong background in finance and a passion for investment analysis, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team and add value to your organization.

I recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of ABC, where I honed my analytical skills and gained a solid understanding of financial principles. During my time at university, I also completed internships at reputable financial institutions, where I was exposed to real-world private equity transactions and honed my skills in financial modeling and due diligence.

My internship experience has equipped me with the ability to evaluate investment opportunities, conduct market research, and analyze financial statements. I have a thorough understanding of valuation methodologies and the ability to create comprehensive financial models to support investment decisions. I am also proficient in using various financial software and tools, including Bloomberg and Excel, to perform in-depth financial analysis.

What sets me apart from other candidates is my strong attention to detail, critical thinking abilities, and a genuine passion for the private equity industry. I am highly motivated and proactive, with a strong work ethic and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and challenging environment. I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team and support the firm's investment strategies.

In addition to my technical skills, I also possess excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, which are essential for building strong relationships with clients and collaborating with internal teams. I am adept at presenting complex financial information in a clear and concise manner and can effectively communicate investment recommendations to stakeholders.

I am excited about the opportunity to join your firm and contribute to its success. I am confident that my skills and passion for finance make me a strong candidate for the Private Equity Analyst role. I am eager to bring my expertise to your team and contribute to the firm's continued growth and success.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you and am available at your earliest convenience for an interview. Please find my resume attached for your review.

[Your Name]

Why Do you Need a Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter?

• It showcases your interest and dedication to the position: A cover letter provides you with the opportunity to express your enthusiasm and commitment to the role of a Private Equity Analyst.
• It highlights your relevant skills and experiences: A cover letter allows you to discuss specific experiences and skills that make you a strong candidate for the position.
• It explains your motivation for applying: A cover letter allows you to explain why you are interested in the company and why you specifically want to work as a Private Equity Analyst.
• It sets you apart from other candidates: A well-written cover letter can help differentiate you from other applicants and make a lasting impression on the hiring manager.
• It demonstrates your communication and writing skills: A cover letter gives you a chance to showcase your ability to communicate effectively and professionally.

A Few Important Rules To Keep In Mind

Writing rules for a private equity analyst cover letter.

When applying for a job as a Private Equity Analyst, it's important to craft a well-written cover letter that highlights your skills and experiences. Here are some writing rules to follow:

• Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name if possible.
• Introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the position.
• Highlight your relevant experience and skills, focusing on those that are most important for the role of a Private Equity Analyst.
• Show your knowledge of the company and its industry, and explain how you can contribute to its success.
• Be clear and concise, making sure to address all the key points without rambling.
• Use a professional and friendly tone, and avoid using clichés or overly formal language.
• Proofread your cover letter carefully to avoid any grammar or spelling mistakes.
• End the cover letter with a strong closing statement and a call to action.

What's The Best Structure For Private Equity Analyst Cover Letters?

After creating an impressive Private Equity Analyst resume , the next step is crafting a compelling cover letter to accompany your job applications. It's essential to remember that your cover letter should maintain a formal tone and follow a recommended structure. But what exactly does this structure entail, and what key elements should be included in a Private Equity Analyst cover letter? Let's explore the guidelines and components that will make your cover letter stand out.

Key Components For Private Equity Analyst Cover Letters:

• Your contact information, including the date of writing
• The recipient's details, such as the company's name and the name of the addressee
• A professional greeting or salutation, like "Dear Mr. Levi,"
• An attention-grabbing opening statement to captivate the reader's interest
• A concise paragraph explaining why you are an excellent fit for the role
• Another paragraph highlighting why the position aligns with your career goals and aspirations
• A closing statement that reinforces your enthusiasm and suitability for the role
• A complimentary closing, such as "Regards" or "Sincerely," followed by your name
• An optional postscript (P.S.) to add a brief, impactful note or mention any additional relevant information.

Cover Letter Header

A header in a cover letter should typically include the following information:

• Your Full Name: Begin with your first and last name, written in a clear and legible format.
• Contact Information: Include your phone number, email address, and optionally, your mailing address. Providing multiple methods of contact ensures that the hiring manager can reach you easily.
• Date: Add the date on which you are writing the cover letter. This helps establish the timeline of your application.

It's important to place the header at the top of the cover letter, aligning it to the left or center of the page. This ensures that the reader can quickly identify your contact details and know when the cover letter was written.

Cover Letter Greeting / Salutation

A greeting in a cover letter should contain the following elements:

• Personalized Salutation: Address the hiring manager or the specific recipient of the cover letter by their name. If the name is not mentioned in the job posting or you are unsure about the recipient's name, it's acceptable to use a general salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Company Name] Recruiting Team."
• Professional Tone: Maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout the greeting. Avoid using overly casual language or informal expressions.
• Correct Spelling and Title: Double-check the spelling of the recipient's name and ensure that you use the appropriate title (e.g., Mr., Ms., Dr., or Professor) if applicable. This shows attention to detail and professionalism.

For example, a suitable greeting could be "Dear Ms. Johnson," or "Dear Hiring Manager," depending on the information available. It's important to tailor the greeting to the specific recipient to create a personalized and professional tone for your cover letter.

Cover Letter Introduction

An introduction for a cover letter should capture the reader's attention and provide a brief overview of your background and interest in the position. Here's how an effective introduction should look:

• Opening Statement: Start with a strong opening sentence that immediately grabs the reader's attention. Consider mentioning your enthusiasm for the job opportunity or any specific aspect of the company or organization that sparked your interest.
• Brief Introduction: Provide a concise introduction of yourself and mention the specific position you are applying for. Include any relevant background information, such as your current role, educational background, or notable achievements that are directly related to the position.
• Connection to the Company: Demonstrate your knowledge of the company or organization and establish a connection between your skills and experiences with their mission, values, or industry. Showcasing your understanding and alignment with their goals helps to emphasize your fit for the role.
• Engaging Hook: Consider including a compelling sentence or two that highlights your unique selling points or key qualifications that make you stand out from other candidates. This can be a specific accomplishment, a relevant skill, or an experience that demonstrates your value as a potential employee.
• Transition to the Body: Conclude the introduction by smoothly transitioning to the main body of the cover letter, where you will provide more detailed information about your qualifications, experiences, and how they align with the requirements of the position.

By following these guidelines, your cover letter introduction will make a strong first impression and set the stage for the rest of your application.

Cover Letter Body

I am writing to express my interest in the Private Equity Analyst position at your esteemed firm. With a strong background in financial analysis, valuation, and due diligence, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the success of your team.

My experience in analyzing potential investment opportunities, conducting market research, and creating financial models has equipped me with the skills necessary to excel in a fast-paced private equity environment. I am adept at identifying value creation opportunities and mitigating risks, and I am committed to delivering comprehensive and accurate financial analysis to support investment decisions.

Additionally, my proficiency in conducting thorough due diligence and preparing investment memorandums will enable me to effectively communicate investment recommendations to key stakeholders. I am detail-oriented, highly analytical, and possess a strong understanding of financial markets and industry trends.

• Financial analysis
• Due diligence
• Market research
• Financial modeling
• Investment recommendations

I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to work at your firm due to its strong track record of successful investments and its commitment to excellence. I am eager to contribute to the continued success of the organization and to further develop my skills in private equity analysis.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team.

[Your Contact Information]

Complimentary Close

The conclusion and signature of a cover letter provide a final opportunity to leave a positive impression and invite further action. Here's how the conclusion and signature of a cover letter should look:

• Summary of Interest: In the conclusion paragraph, summarize your interest in the position and reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the organization or school. Emphasize the value you can bring to the role and briefly mention your key qualifications or unique selling points.
• Appreciation and Gratitude: Express appreciation for the reader's time and consideration in reviewing your application. Thank them for the opportunity to be considered for the position and acknowledge any additional materials or documents you have included, such as references or a portfolio.
• Call to Action: Conclude the cover letter with a clear call to action. Indicate your availability for an interview or express your interest in discussing the opportunity further. Encourage the reader to contact you to schedule a meeting or provide any additional information they may require.
• Complimentary Closing: Choose a professional and appropriate complimentary closing to end your cover letter, such as "Sincerely," "Best Regards," or "Thank you." Ensure the closing reflects the overall tone and formality of the letter.
• Signature: Below the complimentary closing, leave space for your handwritten signature. Sign your name in ink using a legible and professional style. If you are submitting a digital or typed cover letter, you can simply type your full name.
• Typed Name: Beneath your signature, type your full name in a clear and readable font. This allows for easy identification and ensures clarity in case the handwritten signature is not clear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter

When crafting a cover letter, it's essential to present yourself in the best possible light to potential employers. However, there are common mistakes that can hinder your chances of making a strong impression. By being aware of these pitfalls and avoiding them, you can ensure that your cover letter effectively highlights your qualifications and stands out from the competition. In this article, we will explore some of the most common mistakes to avoid when writing a cover letter, providing you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you create a compelling and impactful introduction that captures the attention of hiring managers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, understanding these mistakes will greatly enhance your chances of success in the job application process. So, let's dive in and discover how to steer clear of these common missteps and create a standout cover letter that gets you noticed by potential employers.

• Not customizing the cover letter for the specific company or position
• Focusing too much on personal goals and not enough on how you can contribute to the firm
• Using generic language and not providing specific examples of your skills and experiences
• Not conducting research on the company and including relevant information in the cover letter
• Being too informal or casual in tone and language
• Not proofreading for grammar and spelling errors
• Exaggerating or lying about qualifications and experiences

Key Takeaways For a Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter

• Demonstrate knowledge of financial modeling and valuation techniques
• Showcase experience in analyzing investment opportunities and conducting due diligence
• Highlight ability to create detailed investment memos and presentations
• Emphasize strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with internal and external stakeholders
• Show willingness to work in a fast-paced and demanding environment
• Illustrate ability to work independently and as part of a team

Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Use these Private Equity Analyst cover letter examples and writing tips to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Table Of Contents

• Private Equity Analyst Example 1
• Private Equity Analyst Example 2
• Private Equity Analyst Example 3
• Cover Letter Writing Tips

Private equity analysts are responsible for researching and analyzing potential investments in the private equity market. They work with a variety of financial data to identify opportunities and make recommendations to their clients.

To be successful in this role, you need to be able to think critically and have a strong understanding of financial concepts.

Use these examples and tips to write a cover letter that shows hiring managers that you’re the perfect candidate for the job.

Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter Example 1

I am excited to be applying for the Private Equity Analyst position at Topdown Equity. I believe that my skills and experience would be a valuable addition to your team.

I have more than three years of experience as a financial analyst, and during that time I have gained a deep understanding of the private equity industry. I have experience conducting financial analysis, modeling, and valuation of companies in a variety of industries. I am also well-versed in financial statement analysis, cash flow analysis, and ratio analysis.

In my previous role at ABC Corp, I was responsible for conducting due diligence on potential investments and preparing investment proposals. I have also worked on a number of transactions, including buyouts, leveraged buyouts, and divestitures. I have a strong understanding of the key considerations involved in private equity transactions and the various financial and legal risks associated with them.

I am confident that I have the skills and experience to be a valuable member of your team. I look forward to discussing this opportunity further with you and to learning more about Topdown Equity. My resume is enclosed for your reference.

Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter Example 2

I am writing in regards to the open Private Equity Analyst position at your company. I am confident that I have the skills, experience, and qualifications that would make me the perfect candidate for the job.

I have been working in the private equity industry for the past three years and have gained a wealth of experience and knowledge in the process. I have a deep understanding of the industry and the various financial concepts and principles that are essential for the role. I am also familiar with the various software programs that are used in the industry.

I am a highly motivated and results-oriented individual who always strives to exceed expectations. I have a proven track record of success in the private equity industry, and I am confident that I can deliver the same results for your company. I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this further with you.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter Example 3

I am writing to express my interest in the Private Equity Analyst position that you have posted. I believe that my experience and education make me a strong candidate for this position.

I have been working as an analyst at a private equity firm in New York City since graduating from college in May of this year. My work has focused on analyzing potential investment opportunities, evaluating existing portfolio companies and performing financial analysis on prospective acquisitions. I have also gained valuable experience in the areas of corporate finance, accounting and business development.

My background in both business and finance gives me a unique perspective when it comes to evaluating potential investments. I understand how businesses operate and what makes them successful or unsuccessful. This allows me to focus on the factors that are most important to the success of a company. It also helps me to identify potential problems before they become serious issues.

I am confident that my skills and experience would be an asset to your organization. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you in person.

Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter Writing Tips

1. showcase your financial skills.

Private equity analysts are responsible for assessing the financial stability of potential investments and providing detailed reports to their clients. In your cover letter, you’ll want to showcase your financial skills by discussing your experience in financial modeling, forecasting, and investment banking. If you have any experience working with Excel or VBA, be sure to mention this in your cover letter as well. This will show employers that you have the necessary skills to handle the financial analysis required for this role.

2. Tailor your cover letter to the job description

One of the best ways to make sure your cover letter is tailored for a specific job is by paying close attention to the details of the position. For example, if you see that the job opening is for a private equity analyst with two years of experience, then highlight any relevant experience you have in this area.

3. Demonstrate your interest in the private equity industry

In your cover letter, you’ll want to demonstrate your interest in the private equity industry by discussing why you’re interested in the field. You can do this by talking about your previous experiences in private equity, or by explaining how you’ve been following the industry and keeping up with the latest news.

4. Proofread your cover letter

Proofreading your cover letter is the first step to landing an interview for a private equity analyst position. As with any position, it’s important to spell-check and double-check that there are no errors in your resume or cover letter. Otherwise, you risk being disqualified before the employer even sees your qualifications.

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Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter

15 private equity analyst cover letter templates.

How to Write the Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter

I am excited to be applying for the position of private equity analyst. Please accept this letter and the attached resume as my interest in this position.

Previously, I was responsible for the analysis, synthesis and delivery of data to provide higher value information in support of the Private Equity Business Development team, Directors and Partners.

Please consider my qualifications and experience:

• Excellent bilingual communication skills in English and either Mandarin Chinese, Korean or Japanese
• Technically sound with practical and advanced MS Excel and financial model skills
• Willingness to travel frequently across Asia and with occasional trips to other regions
• Keen interest in investing and in the global macroeconomic environment
• Team player with initiative, resilience and drive to succeed in a small team-setting
• Source, analyse, and execute private equity primary, secondaries, and co-investments
• Run and maintain financial models and tools
• Produce investment memorandums and contribute to investment committee discussions

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my cover letter and to review my resume.

Jordan Ondricka

• Microsoft Word (.docx) .DOCX
• PDF Document (.pdf) .PDF
• Image File (.png) .PNG

Responsibilities for Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter

Private equity analyst responsible for support to the firm’s corporate private equity, real estate, and credit investment committees;.

Private Equity Analyst Examples

Example of private equity analyst cover letter.

Please consider me for the private equity analyst opportunity. I am including my resume that lists my qualifications and experience.

In my previous role, I was responsible for market views across syndicated high-yield, registered investment grade and private direct credit capital markets, including the preparation of internal and external materials.

Please consider my experience and qualifications for this position:

• Research market opportunities using a variety of financial databases and produce periodic reports that support the team’s pipeline evaluation
• Contribute to the development of the research function, improving methods and tools used
• Assist in development and presentation of research findings both internally and externally
• Self-starter who can balance a varied workload and dynamic role
• Advanced financial analysis and modelling skills
• Strong understanding of the private equity or institutional investing industries, good business knowledge
• Comfortable analyzing real estate projects for financial feasibility analyzing market driven factors
• Comfortable analyzing real estate projects for financial feasibility analyzing market dynamics

Thank you for taking your time to review my application.

Lennon Reinger

In my previous role, I was responsible for data, Management Information and Risk Reporting specific to Depositary Real Estate and Private Equity clients, to support monitoring at the relevant Depositary governance forums.

• Excellent analytical skills and modeling skills
• Oracle, Unix, PL/SQL, Javascript, Vb .Net
• SAS base (advantage)
• EFront FIA platforms (including customization, server scripting, FrontReport and FrontScript), would be considered as a strong asset
• Result-driven, teamwork, and taking initiatives
• Familiarity with Excel and an interest in enhancing their financial modelling skills
• Analytical skills with a focus on business acumen
• Willingness to learn technical skills, while coordinating with other teams, internally and externally, on projects

Thank you for considering me to become a member of your team.

River Fadel

In my previous role, I was responsible for rFP data related to investment research, client commitments and other data specific to private markets.

I reviewed the requirements of the job opening and I believe my candidacy is an excellent fit for this position. Some of the key requirements that I have extensive experience with include:

• Thrive in an entrepreneurial work environment and be self-motivated
• Knowledge of and experience with commercial real estate fundamentals and investment principles
• Advanced financial modeling skills including extremely strong Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint skills (proficiency with VBA preferred)
• Requires advanced knowledge of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Argus
• Language skills – Proficiency in Chinese, Japanese or Korean would be strongly preferred
• Prior work in real estate, investment banking, or financial analysis is preferred
• Strong academic track record from a top tier university
• Working knowledge of Argus is strongly preferred

I really appreciate you taking the time to review my application for the position of private equity analyst.

Marion Bechtelar

I submit this application to express my sincere interest in the private equity analyst position.

In my previous role, I was responsible for support to internal and external clients and stakeholders on private equity data content.

• Demonstrated interest in real estate and general understanding of real estate capital markets
• Experience with forecasting and budgeting tools
• Demonstrated proficiency working with Microsoft Word/Excel/Powerpoint
• Basic knowledge of accounting, financial statement analysis and the investment industry
• Have excellent communication skills, both spoken and written English and Korean
• Presentation, validation, and analysis of monthly/quarterly business results
• Communication with Private Equity/Hedge Fund team members to communicate financial results & influence
• Data Integrity of business opportunities and business at risk

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Previously, I was responsible for assistance to the deal lead with presentation of investment recommendation to the Private Debt & Equity investment committee.

• Excellent English writing and communication skills, including personal or professional experience in an English-speaking environment
• Have experience in FIG Investment Banking or FIG Private Equity or related work experience
• The Summer analyst will also assist in the evaluation of new private equity and debt investments
• Strong analytical, problem solving and computer skills with a thorough knowledge of excel
• Excellent written, verbal and electronic communication skills with attention to detail
• Work in a team environment yet think independently and generate quality work product with little supervision
• Manage multiple priorities and meet multiple deadlines
• Understanding of real estate finance including debt and equity structures

Spencer Heathcote

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Investment Banking Cover Letter Template

Free cover letter template to help you break into Investment Banking (IB)

Mr. Arora is an experienced private equity investment professional, with experience working across multiple markets. Rohan has a focus in particular on consumer and business services transactions and operational growth. Rohan has also worked at Evercore, where he also spent time in private equity advisory.

Rohan holds a BA (Hons., Scholar) in Economics and Management from Oxford University.

Chris currently works as an investment associate with Ascension Ventures, a strategic healthcare venture fund that invests on behalf of thirteen of the nation's leading health systems with $88 billion in combined operating revenue. Previously, Chris served as an investment analyst with New Holland Capital, a hedge fund-of-funds  asset management  firm with $20 billion under management, and as an investment banking analyst in  SunTrust Robinson Humphrey 's Financial Sponsor Group.

Chris graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and earned a Master of Finance (MSF) from the Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis.

• Investment Banking Cover Letter Template: Advice From The WSO Community

Why Do Cover Letters Matter?

• Less Is More For Cover Letters

The Hail Mary Cover Letter

• WSO Cover Letter Template

Attached at the bottom of this post is the FREE investment banking cover letter template that is sometimes used for WSO cover letter review clients.

We have decided to make it free to help those of you that can't afford a more tailored service .

This cover letter template uses bullets to keep the points succinct and format easy to read .

You'll also notice that the header matches the WSO  investment banking resume template format.

Investment Banking Cover Letter Template: Advice from the WSO Community

Here's what you need to know about the IB cover letters from our community.

CompBanker: The cover letter holds almost no weight, other than to put you at risk for being dinged. Make it very simple, very bland, and just say all the usual things. If you have mistakes in it or make outrageous claims, your cover letter will be circulated and laughed at.

Like @CompBanker said, you won't get the interview with your cover letter .

Your goal for the cover letter isn't to single-handedly land you an interview with your eloquence and grandiose; it's to check the box and make sure it's proper enough that it doesn't get you dinged .

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Less Is More for Cover Letters

Our users shared great input on why 'less is more' when it comes to cover letters.

bkm125: What you really want people to be looking at is the resume. The longer your cover letter is the larger the chance that you'll have a typo or say something stupid. Just tell them what job you're applying for, who you've been in touch with at the firm, and maybe a few sentences about your qualifications and lock up the deal with a solid resume.

K.I.S.S: Keep It Simple Stupid.

Mention who you've talked to at the firm , your interest in the job, your qualifications , and briefly (very briefly) explain any gaps in your resume .

Avoid excuses , more on this later.

Two or three paragraphs is all you need for that. Any more than that , and you're giving them potential reasons to ding you .

Here's some great advice from @blackice".

blackice: The best thing you can do is name drop people you have talked to. That way I know you have done your homework, and I can ask the person you talked to how your chat was. I think cover letters are better when they are focused on your past work experience as opposed to general and arbitrary sentiments about how you are a "hard worker and team player with a strict attention to detail".

If you've talked to someone at the firm and they'd remember you, DO namedrop them in your cover letter.

Common Cover Letter Mistakes

Here are some of the usual mistakes candidates make in their cover letter as mentioned by our member @qonnect.me.

This is an example of an excuse in a cover letter:

"I realize I have more professional experience in technology than in finance. I believe that was just due to bad luck due to graduating from my MBA program at the height of the 'Great Recession '. However, I am 100% committed and motivated to prove myself in a finance position."

Bad luck? No, it's the shitty and difficult-to-read resume , cover letter , and 'research reports' that are the issue .

What goes on in the recruiters head: I'm almost certain you would be a terrible employee just by the quality of the work you sent me in a cold email . You graduated from college 10 years ago, by the way. I remember at least a few of those as being pretty good years. If you were halfway decent, you could have squeaked in the industry in more than a few of those years.

Please do not pin all of your circumstance on luck , especially in a cover letter .

Even if the reader is a big believer in luck , you're telling him you're unlucky .

Who wants to hire someone who's unlucky? It seems the bad luck streak started in utero, if you ask us.

Revealing Your Ignorance:

Even worse than just plain ignorance, is the below quote from an attached research report that a candidate had written. Since he thought it was worth including, I assume the report was something he was proud of, but it was cringe-worthy.

"I am placing a STRONG BUY recommendation on [company]. ("ticker") and believe that [the company], at the current price of $10.00, trades at a 123% discount to my estimated fair market value of $22.30" (Both made up numbers to scale to the actual numbers listed in the 'report')

The report should have never been attached .

It made a weak applicant look even worse . He's clearly never done anything but 'book learn' on these subjects. It's painfully obvious by reading the report. He uses four valuation methodologies on the stock with the sole intention of showing that he knows more than one valuation method .

If you're thinking of including a research report on a company when you're cold emailing people, it's a high-risk strategy. Your research probably sucks unless you've been doing it professionally. If there is any doubt at all about including a 'research report', do not do it.

Side note: The research report had a lot of opinions and not a lot of facts, and it lacked connections between really basic facts about the current state of the business to the 'projections'.

If you don't think you have a chance to get the job, you can toss a Hail Mary with your cover letter .

Here's a cover letter an audacious undergrad used in an effort to stand out and grab the attention of its reader .

A big swing that's either a hit or miss . We don't recommend using this cover letter unless you lack the slightest chance of getting the interview in the first place.

Dear BLOCKED, My name is (BLOCKED), and I am an undergraduate finance student at (BLOCKED). I met you the summer before last at Smith & Wollensky's in New York when I was touring the east coast with my uncle, (BLOCKED). I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to talk with me that night. I am writing to inquire about a possible summer internship in your office. I am aware it is highly unusual for undergraduates from average universities like (BLOCKED) to intern at (BLOCKED), but nevertheless, I was hoping you might make an exception. I am extremely interested in investment banking and would love nothing more than to learn under your tutelage. I have no qualms about fetching coffee, shining shoes, or picking up laundry, and will work for next to nothing. In all honesty, I just want to be around professionals in the industry and gain as much knowledge as I can. I won't waste your time inflating my credentials, throwing around exaggerated job titles, or feeding you a line of crap (sic) about how my past experiences and skill set align perfectly for an investment banking internship . The truth is I have no unbelievably special skills or genius eccentricities, but I do have a near perfect GPA and will work hard for you. I've interned for Merrill Lynch in the Wealth Management Division and taken an investment banking class at (BLOCKED), for whatever that is worth. I am currently awaiting admission results for (BLOCKED) Masters of Science in Accountancy program, which I would begin this fall if admitted. I am also planning on attending law school after my master's program, which we spoke about in New York. I apologize for the blunt nature of my letter, but I hope you seriously consider taking me under your wing this summer. I have attached my resume for your review. Feel free to call me at (BLOCKED) or email at (BLOCKED). Thank you for your time. Sincerely, BLOCKED.

Interested in Investment Banking - Breaking In

If you want to break into investment banking, you need to be well-prepared for the technical aspects of the interview. We advise you to check out our  Free Investment Banking Interview Guide  first, before investing in  our paid course , so that you have an idea of what to expect.

Two common mistakes that candidates make while recruiting for IB: 

• Using phrasing like "After my summer analyst stint, I learned the entire deal execution process...", "I am extremely proficient in Excel and financial modeling ...", etc. You get the idea. Be confident, but don't over-emphasize anything out of the scope of your ability to speak to it.
• Not enough emphasis on teamwork. This is important. People should know that you are able to work with others. This is easy to incorporate, just give a brief two sentence overview of what your team structure was and why it made sense.

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More Resources:

We hope this template helps you land that dream IB job ! Please check out the following additional resources to help you advance your career:

• Investment Banking Interview Questions
• Private Equity Resume Template
• Hedge Fund Resume Template
• Consulting Resume Template
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Private Equity Cover Letter Sample - How to Write

You do not have to struggle as you write a private equity cover letter . This process can be made much easier by using a cover letter for private equity. This is a private equity cover letter template that is written using professional language. After downloading, you can proceed to edit it accordingly. This makes it personal and gives you an opportunity to add your professional details. As you perform editing upon the private equity cover letter template, make sure that you include the correct details. Moreover, make sure that the format of the private equity cover letter is accurate as well. Here is more about how you can write a cover letter for private equity .

• # Private Equity Cover Letter Template
• # Private Equity Cover Letter Sample
• # Tips for Writing Private Equity Cover Letter
• # How to Edit Private Equity Cover Letter Template

Private Equity Cover Letter Template

This is a free private equity cover letter template. Free Download and customize it according to the sample text below.

Supported formats

Private equity cover letter sample (text).

Daniel Stokeman New York, NY 10010 Phone: 111-512-6780 Email: [email protected] September 1, 2018 Mr. Bernie Englestan Recruiter Englestan & Morgan Investments Ltd., 23 Greenacre Street. New York, NY 10010

Re: Private Equity Position

Dear Mr. Englestan,

In this letter, I officially express my interest in the Private Equity position that was advertised in the Wall Street Journal. I am a highly trained and fully accredited private equity investor. I have 15 years of experience in the industry. I love working with money and turning capital into tangible, profitable investments. I enjoy practicing and also teaching private investment. In my previous job at Sterling Bosch Capital Ltd., I was a lead investor in the private equity department. Not only did I guarantee constant profits, but I also ensured that my colleagues and juniors posted excellent numbers too.

The field of financial investment is very dynamic. Hence, I constantly improve my knowledge of current strategies and trends. I have also perfected my personnel management skills. To accomplish this, I have completed a collection of special training modules. As a result, I am often called upon to share my knowledge and practical expertise in various conferences, trader education sessions, and market watch exhibitions.

I rely on my polished interpersonal skills and leadership traits to get things done. I also constantly maintain a positive attitude. This helps me to stay focused. I also assist traders to improve their skills and learn new methodologies of trading. As a result, I leave every conference or meeting better than I found it. I am confident that I can be a great fit for the Private Equity position in your company.

In my previous job, I earned the award of Investor of the Year multiple times. Due to my success, I have rubbed shoulders with major market makers and investors. They often contact me for ideas and strategies for trading profitably. I would be very happy to bring my skills, knowledge, and experience to Englestan & Morgan Investments Ltd.

Do get in touch with me through the phone or an email. This would be ideal so as to schedule an interview in which we can discuss your requirements concerning the position of Private Equity on a face to face basis. Thank you for your kind consideration.

Daniel Stokeman New York, NY 10010 Phone: 111-512-6780 Email: [email protected]

Tips for Writing a Private Equity Cover Letter

• Highlight specific skills: As you write the private equity cover letter, the main objective is to explain your skills and capabilities to the recruiter. You may have a wide variety of skills already. For you to make a good impact, pick out the most outstanding ones, and highlight them. Indicate examples when you used them successfully in your career. This will assist you to be a genuine and practical addition to the company.
• Illustrate your performance using numbers: Seeing as your cover letter is a way through which you can display your skills, one of the more effective methods to demonstrate expertise is to illustrate your capability using numbers. Show how you helped a company achieve a specific number of sales, percentage growth or amount of profit. This will paint a picture of your effectiveness in the cover letter for the private equity position.
• Indicate transferrable skills: If you are fresh out of college and do not have any professional experience, you can indicate your transferrable skills. Explain your leadership skills in group situations. Also, highlight any volunteer work that you performed. This will demonstrate initiative to your recruiter and increase your chances of employment.
• Match your qualifications to the available position: While writing your cover letter for a private equity position, ensure that you match your personal qualifications to the position that is available. Ensure that your cover letter is not generic. Therefore, curate every word to make sure that you match your capabilities to the position that is advertised.

How to Edit Private Equity Cover Letter Template

If you intend to write a cover letter, use Wondershare PDFelement - PDF Editor since it is the best PDF editor for private equity cover letter template. All office environments require PDF format for their documents. This format has already been accepted in workplaces and formal environments around the world. After you download a private equity cover letter template for the Private Equity cover letter, use PDFelement to perform the necessary editing. This software is the best PDF editor available for private equity cover letter.

Step 1. Open the Private Equity Cover Letter Template

Step 2. Click on "Edit" and Enter Your Text as You Like

Step 3. complete and save your private equity cover letter.

Posted by Elise Williams to Updated: 2024-04-18 13:58:49

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Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter Examples: 8 Templates

My academic background is also pertinent to this job. I have a Master’s in Finance from the University of Michigan, which has given me the skills I need to do a good job in this position. In addition, I have a background in economics, which has helped me build a strong foundation in finance.

Letter Template: 1

Table of Contents

Private Equity Analyst Cover Letter

James Brown

238 Broadway

United States

The HR Manager

XYZ Company

354 F 63 rd Street

Subject- Private equity analyst cover letter. 

At Bradsby Group, I’m putting in my application for the post of the private equity analyst. I have a business administration (Mention the education degree), and I’m currently pursuing a master’s. I have (Mention the numbers) years of experience working as a financial consultant for one of the top businesses in the region, and I am all.

I am equipped with the information necessary to grasp and interpret the data gathered as well as market trends. Based on my current activities, I am able to identify patterns that assist in forecasting the future of a specific industry. I may actively participate in the negotiations surrounding potential investments and advise executives on which investments are worthwhile making in light of the findings of the data examined.

I have the knowledge required to understand and comprehend the data gathered as well as market trends. Based on the ongoing activity, I can spot trends that help predict the future of a particular industry. I might take an active role in the discussions surrounding potential investments and offer executives advice on which investments are worthwhile based on the analysis of the data.To schedule an interview, please dial (Mention the phone number).

Respectfully,

[Handwriting signature]

[Mention the contact details]

[Mention here, if there is any post note to be given]

Download Template : ( pdf, docs, ODT, RTF, txt, HTML, Epub, Etc )

Letter Template: 2

(Mention the job post) position at (Mention the company name) would combine my experience in the (Mention the company name) and my aptitude for financial modeling, as I had worked as an investment analyst both during and after receiving my (Mention the education degree) from (Mention the university name).

I used my mathematical aptitude and technical skills as the main financial modeler for more than (Mention the numbers) agreements over the course of (Mention the numbers) years to bring out even the most minute insights. By the conclusion of my (Mention the numbers) years, I had become an expert user of all major modeling tools and was mentoring new hires.

According to estimates from coworkers, my analytical insights and reports have helped save or increase income by an additional $(Mention the amount of money) million. I’ve included a variety of non-confidential agreements and proposals that I’ve worked on in the past to show you how I create a case for investment. I’ve won a lot of praise for my powerful writing when facts and figures sink in, the appropriate choices are taken.

My capacity to gather important data and present it in a way that is advantageous to all parties involved in a transaction has contributed to the development of a successful track record. I would be happy to have the chance to learn more about the investment goals for the foreseeable future, and I am confident that my familiarity with consumers will make me a valuable asset to the decisions you are about to make in that market.

Letter Template: 3

Your private equity covering letter should: Highlight your aptitude for financial modeling and analysis. Demonstrate your in-depth understanding of a certain industry. Showcase your personality and your relationships with others.

Private Equity Cover Letter

[Mention the name of the sender]

[Mention the address of the sender]

[Mention the email address]

[Mention the date]

Subject- Private equity cover letter

[Mention the name of the recipient]

[Mention the address of the recipient]

[Mention the contact information]

Dear [Mention the name of the recipient]

The [Mention the job position] at [Mention the company] would combine my experience in the [Mention the industry] and my aptitude for [Mention the subject, as I had served as an investment analyst both during and after receiving my [Mention the qualification] from [Mention the location].

I used my [Mention the skills] as the main financial modeller for more than [Mention the number] agreements over the course of three years to bring out even the most minute insights. By the conclusion of my [Mention the period], I had become an expert user of all major modelling tools and was mentoring new hires. According to estimates from coworkers, my analytical insights and reports have helped save or increase income by an additional [Mention the amount].

I’ve included a variety of non-confidential agreements and proposals that I’ve worked on in the past to show you how I create a case for funding. I’ve won a lot of praise for my powerful writing; when facts and figures sink in, the appropriate choices are taken.

I would be happy to have the chance to learn more about your investment goals for the foreseeable future, and I am confident that my familiarity with consumers will make me a valuable asset to the decisions you are about to make in that sector.

[Mention the name]

[Mention the profession]

Letter Template: 4

I’m thrilled to be applying for [Mention the job position] of Private Equity Analyst. I think that your team would benefit greatly from my abilities and experience.

I’ve worked as a [Mention the job position] for more than [Mention the period] years, and throughout that time I’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of the venture capital sector. I’ve done financial research, modeling, and company valuation work for businesses across a range of industries.

In addition, I have a solid understanding of accounting ratios, cash flow analysis, and financial statement analysis. I am quite knowledgeable about the important factors included in private equity deals as well as the numerous financial and legal dangers connected to them.

In a private equity transaction, I am accustomed to carrying out the majority of the legwork, including due diligence preparation, profitability model creation, and deal administration.

I know there is still a lot to learn at the associate level, even if I aim for the more analytical analyst role, and I know that your private equity colleagues are given a lot of leeways to develop their skills. Growing under the guidance of experienced investment managers is a major drive for me; I have experience working in small teams of four to five people and am aware that [Mention the college] has a similar structure.

I am certain that I have the knowledge and expertise to contribute significantly to your team. I’m eager to talk with you more about this chance and to gain more knowledge about [Mention the company]. I’ve enclosed my resume for your review.

Letter Template: 5

Regarding the vacant [Mention the job position] at your organisation, I’m writing. I know that I am the best person for the position since I have the necessary education, training, and experience.

For the past [Mention the number] years, I have been employed in the private equity sector and have accumulated a plethora of expertise and knowledge. I am well-versed in the field as well as the many financial theories and tenets required for the position. I am also acquainted with the numerous [Mention the subject] applications employed in the sector.

I was in charge of performing due research on possible investments and creating investment proposals in my prior position at [Mention the company]. Several deals, including buyouts, share buybacks, and divestitures, were other projects I worked on.

I’m a very motivated, goal-oriented person that always aims to go above and beyond. I have a track record of achievement in the venture capital sector, and I am certain that I can produce the same outcomes for your business. I am certain that I can contribute significantly to your team, and I am looking forward to the chance to talk with you further about this. My experience in [Mention the subject] provides me with a distinctive viewpoint when assessing possible investments. I am familiar with how firms function and what factors determine their success or failure. This enables me to concentrate on the elements crucial to a company’s success. It also enables me to spot possible concerns before they escalate into bigger problems.

I appreciate your thoughts and time.

Letter Template: 6

At [Mention the organization], I’m putting in my application for the post of [Mention the position].

I have a business [Mention degree], and I’m currently pursuing a master’s. I have four years of experience as a financial consultant for one of the top businesses in the region, and I am also a [Mention the job position].

I am equipped with the information necessary to grasp and interpret data gathered as well as market trends. Using the current activities, I am able to identify patterns that assist in forecasting the future of a specific industry. I may actively participate in the negotiations surrounding potential investments and advise executives on which expenditures are worthwhile making in light of the findings of the data examined.

I have excellent computer abilities and have worked with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint projects. Additionally, I am qualified to manage the investment money of your business and create the financial reports for it. I am indeed a self-starter with extensive industry knowledge. I am also a strong communicator and analyst with the capacity to create research papers. I believe in achieving outcomes, have outstanding organizational abilities, and have a strong sense of work ethic.

The included résumé provides a thorough overview of my educational background, professional experience, and references who can vouch for my past work performance. I believe I am the best candidate for this position, and I am anticipating a meeting with you shortly to go through the specifics of the role.

To schedule an interview, please dial [Mention the phone number].

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Venture Capital/Private Equity Cover Letter

Example letters to introduce yourself and network with venture capital and private equity investors.

Project Brief

The example cover letters on this page illustrate a job search technique that many aren’t familiar with. This isn’t a job search technique for everyone, but accomplished professionals, senior managers, and executives can often receive great referrals for positions in the hidden job market from venture capital and private equity firms.

The venture capital/private equity investors networking cover letters on this page use a strategy that we’ve found to be very effective when contacting VC and PE firms . Rather than using the opportunity to ask about openings within the portfolio companies (the companies they invest in), use the letter to introduce yourself, begin to establish rapport, and then ask for advice and introductions–exactly as you would with your own networking contacts .

If you are an executive seeking to join a board of directors , reaching out to VC and PE firms may generate leads for you, as well.

Distinctive Career Services maintains access to a database of most of the venture capital and private equity investors located in the United States and Canada. For many of our executive clients, we are able to develop a list of firms that have financial interest in industries of interest to you, and then help them send their resume and an introductory, personalized cover letter to each . If this is a service that interests you, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation so we can discuss your needs and help you develop an action plan.

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Private Equity Associate Cover Letter Examples

A great private equity associate 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 private equity associate cover letter example can give you some ideas on how to write your own letter.

or download as PDF

Cover Letter Example (Text)

Aleatha Chahal

(321) 441-4544

[email protected]

Dear Ms. Canamore,

I am writing to express my interest in the Private Equity Associate position at The Blackstone Group, as advertised. Having honed my skills at KKR & Co., I am eager to bring my expertise in investment strategies, deal sourcing, and financial analysis to a new and challenging environment. With five years of experience in the competitive landscape of private equity, I am well-equipped to contribute to your team’s success.

During my tenure at KKR & Co., I developed a comprehensive understanding of the private equity market, including identifying potential investment opportunities, conducting thorough due diligence, and executing transactions. My role involved collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop strategies for portfolio companies, optimize operational efficiencies, and drive growth. I have a proven track record of contributing to the successful acquisition and management of assets, which I believe aligns well with the goals of The Blackstone Group.

My analytical skills, combined with my ability to adapt to dynamic market conditions, have allowed me to consistently achieve strong results. I have been instrumental in the execution of several high-profile deals, managing the process from initial evaluation through to closing and post-acquisition integration. My commitment to excellence and my ability to build strong relationships have been key factors in my success.

I am particularly drawn to The Blackstone Group because of your reputation for fostering innovation and leadership in the private equity sector. I am excited about the opportunity to work with a diverse and talented team, and I am confident that my background in driving investment performance will be an asset to your company. I am looking forward to the possibility of discussing how my experience and skills could contribute to the continued success and growth of The Blackstone Group.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can be a valuable addition to your team.

Warm regards,

Related Cover Letter Examples

• Private Equity Analyst
• Equity Research Associate
• Equity Research Analyst
• Private Investigator
• Private Tutor
• Private Banker

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Private Equity Jobs Search

Surveys show that a potential employer spends less than 15 seconds reading a cover letter. In your private equity job search, your resume is your primary sales tool while the cover letter often serves as a quick first impression with an employer. It is an important document that is frequently abused through the use of unfocused, irrelevant content. This happens because the purpose of the cover letter is often misunderstood.

There is no such thing as a generic private equity cover letter. As we have written before, firms have very specific hiring needs. There is a gap in their team and they are looking to close that gap. Your cover letter should reflect this understanding by addressing the need specifically. It is very simple, if your cover letter misses the mark, you won’t get an interview.

A cover letter answers critical questions for the reader:

• Who are you?
• What do you bring to the table?
• What do you want?
• How good are your written communication skills?

Your private equity cover letter should be brief (never more than one page) and easy to visually scan. The right information in the correct format gets the job done.

A good formula to follow is this three paragraph format:

Who are you? The letterhead gives them your name, so begin with your unique selling proposition ( USP ): “A private equity investment professional with deep M&A transaction experience…” Qualify it with scope of experience: “… transactions ranging in size from $10 million to $1 billion, primarily in biotech….” If you have been referred by an employee of the company, mention it here. Use two or three brief sentences to orient your reader.

What do you want? You want to be the solution to the employer’s problem. No doubt you have many abilities of use to an investment firm, but the cover letter is not the place to explore all of them. Give one strong reason to convince your reader to turn to the resume. Think about the issues the firm is trying to solve and develop that as the body of your cover letter. Give examples to demonstrate your skill (preferably as bullets) brought over from your resume.

Close with a call to action. After establishing you are the solution to their problem, invite a meeting to discuss company needs or goals and request they call you. Thank them for their time and consideration.

Remember, you have 15 seconds to capture the attention of the firm’s hiring manager. Your letter needs to be better than all the others in the pile on their desk (or in their email inbox).

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• Internships
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Private Equity, Entry Level, Referral

Sample cover letter for Internship position at Private Equity

Investment analyst.

Recruitment Manager

Greenville Private Equity House 33 Benjamin Street Melbourne VIC 3000

Dear Ms Ryman

Re: Investment Analyst, Ref. no. 2834

I wish to apply for the position of Investment Analyst as advertised on seek.com.au.

Over the past two years, I have successfully researched investment products, prepared presentations and developed client relationships as a Program Sales Trader with Arnold and Sons. My considerable achievements at the company include being sole agent for the AU$3b acquisition of Jones Witherspoon and brokering US$15b hedge fund for an affiliate of Global Partners.

I am a goal-oriented professional with highly developed spreadsheet and analytical skills. In my current job, I have successfully produced a number of budgeting and forecasting programs and repayment spreadsheets. I also work closely with my investment manager to collate and analyse market data to provide market-based growth information. In addition to this, I have efficiently implemented Access-based programs for tracking new product development.

Since 2004, in my voluntary position as the Publicity Organiser with Women in Finance (WIF), I have honed my communication and event management skills, and developed my network of associates in the financial business environment.

I am highly organised and am proficient with computer applications including Reuters, Bloomberg, BondEdge and Hyperion. Having taken language classes in university and during my professional career, I am fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay and am very comfortable doing business in Asian countries if required.

I would welcome the opportunity for an interview to further discuss my suitability for this position.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely