Cover letters are an important part of many applications and offer you the opportunity to stand out from other candidates. At the same time, poor cover letters can also devalue your application. It is therefore important to invest enough time in creating strong cover letters. Instead of repeating the information on your CV, the cover letter should show why you are interested in the position, what experience and skills you have and, finally, why you are the right person for the job.

The Finance Club provides you with a cover letter template HERE, tailored specifically to the finance industry and inspired by cover letters from people who have landed exciting jobs at investment banks and consultancies. You will also find a guide below, which should serve as a rough instruction to creating a cover letter. Finally, you will find a list of tips, tricks and reminders at the end. If you are also currently working on creating a suitable CV, you can find our CV guide HERE.

Guide

Header and Salutation: Place your contact information in the top right corner of your cover letter, including your full name, address, phone number, and email. Then, include the recipient’s details: company, name, title, and address.​ For the salutation, whenever possible, address the letter to a specific person (e.g., “Dear Ms Smith”). If the name is unknown, refer to the department.

Opening Paragraph: Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself briefly, mention your studies and university. Clearly state the position you're applying for and how you learned about the opportunity. It is also extremely valuable to mention initial touch points with the company, for example Brown Bag Lunches, case studies or career fairs. Express your interest in the role and the company, mentioning specific details that demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm.​ Keep this paragraph concise, aiming for 3–4 sentences. The goal is to capture the reader’s attention and encourage them to read further.​

Main Body: In this section, articulate why you are the ideal candidate for the position and how your background aligns with the company’s needs.​ Highlight relevant skills and experiences. For this, reflect on your academic background, internships or extracurricular activities that have equipped you with competencies relevant for the job. But rather than just repeating what’s already written on your CV, go deeper and use concrete examples to illustrate your competencies. Additionally, show that you’ve researched the company and understand its values, culture, and recent initiatives. Explain how your personal values and career goals align with the company’s mission and how you can contribute to its objectives. This demonstrates not only your interest in the role but also your commitment to becoming a valuable team member.​

Concluding Paragraph and Signature: In your concluding paragraph, reaffirm your enthusiasm for the position and the company by summarizing your key points. Emphasize your interest in an interview and, if possible, mention when you would be available to start. Finally, thank the reader for considering your application.After the closing phrase, leave space for your signature, followed by your typed full name.

Tips and Recommendations

• Tailor your cover letter to each specific role and company, don’t copy-paste it
• Keep your cover letter to one page, using clear and professional language
• Let your personality and motivation shine through; don’t be overly formal or distant
• Use positive and active language (you can find a list with action verbs HERE)
• Carefully check for spelling and grammatical errors(give the cover letter to at least one other person to proofread)
• Emphasize how you can address the company’s challenges and contribute to its goals, rather than solely focusing on your own talents and achievements
• Use relevant industry terms and keywords from the job description to demonstrate your familiarity with the field
• Ensure consistency in font style, size, and formatting

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