Morgan Stanley

At Morgan Stanley, we lead with exceptional ideas. Across all our businesses, we offer keen insight on today's most critical issues.

Personal Finance

Learn from our industry leaders about how to manage your wealth and help meet your personal financial goals.

Market Trends

From volatility and geopolitics to economic trends and investment outlooks, stay informed on the key developments shaping today's markets.

Technology & Disruption

Whether it’s hardware, software or age-old businesses, everything today is ripe for disruption. Stay abreast of the latest trends and developments.

Sustainability

Our insightful research, advisory and investing capabilities give us unique and broad perspective on sustainability topics.

Diversity & Inclusion

Multicultural and women entrepreneurs are the cutting-edge leaders of businesses that power markets. Hear their stories and learn about how they are redefining the terms of success.

finance cover letter reddit

Wealth Management

Investment Banking & Capital Markets

Sales & Trading

Investment Management

Morgan Stanley at Work

Sustainable Investing

Inclusive Ventures Group

Morgan Stanley helps people, institutions and governments raise, manage and distribute the capital they need to achieve their goals.

We help people, businesses and institutions build, preserve and manage wealth so they can pursue their financial goals.

We have global expertise in market analysis and in advisory and capital-raising services for corporations, institutions and governments.

Global institutions, leading hedge funds and industry innovators turn to Morgan Stanley for sales, trading and market-making services.

We offer timely, integrated analysis of companies, sectors, markets and economies, helping clients with their most critical decisions.

We deliver active investment strategies across public and private markets and custom solutions to institutional and individual investors.

We provide comprehensive workplace financial solutions for organizations and their employees, combining personalized advice with modern technology.

We offer scalable investment products, foster innovative solutions and provide actionable insights across sustainability issues.

From our startup lab to our cutting-edge research, we broaden access to capital for diverse entrepreneurs and spotlight their success.

Core Values

Giving Back

Sponsorships

Since our founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-class way. Underpinning all that we do are five core values.

Everything we do at Morgan Stanley is guided by our five core values: Do the right thing, put clients first, lead with exceptional ideas, commit to diversity and inclusion, and give back.

Morgan Stanley leadership is dedicated to conducting first-class business in a first-class way. Our board of directors and senior executives hold the belief that capital can and should benefit all of society.

From our origins as a small Wall Street partnership to becoming a global firm of more than 80,000 employees today, Morgan Stanley has been committed to clients and communities for 87 years.

The global presence that Morgan Stanley maintains is key to our clients' success, giving us keen insight across regions and markets, and allowing us to make a difference around the world.

Morgan Stanley is differentiated by the caliber of our diverse team. Our culture of access and inclusion has built our legacy and shapes our future, helping to strengthen our business and bring value to clients.

Our firm's commitment to sustainability informs our operations, governance, risk management, diversity efforts, philanthropy and research.

At Morgan Stanley, giving back is a core value—a central part of our culture globally. We live that commitment through long-lasting partnerships, community-based delivery and engaging our best asset—Morgan Stanley employees.

As a global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley is committed to technological innovation. We rely on our technologists around the world to create leading-edge, secure platforms for all our businesses.

At Morgan Stanley, we believe creating a more equitable society begins with investing in access, knowledge and resources to foster potential for all. We are committed to supporting the next generation of leaders and ensuring that they reflect the diversity of the world they inherit.

Why Morgan Stanley

How We Can Help

Building a Future We Believe In

Get Started

Stay in the Know

For 87 years, we’ve had a passion for what’s possible. We leverage the full resources of our firm to help individuals, families and institutions reach their financial goals.

At Morgan Stanley, we focus the expertise of the entire firm—our advice, data, strategies and insights—on creating solutions for our clients, large and small.

We have the experience and agility to partner with clients from individual investors to global CEOs. See how we can help you work toward your goals—even as they evolve over years or generations.

At Morgan Stanley, we put our beliefs to work. We lead with exceptional ideas, prioritize diversity and inclusion and find meaningful ways to give back—all to contribute to a future that benefits our clients and communities.

Meet one of our Financial Advisors and see how we can help you.

Get the latest insights, analyses and market trends in our newsletter, podcasts and videos.

  • Opportunities
  • Technology Professionals

Experienced Financial Advisors

We believe our greatest asset is our people. We value our commitment to diverse perspectives and a culture of inclusion across the firm. Discover who we are and the right opportunity for you.

Students & Graduates

A career at Morgan Stanley means belonging to an ideas-driven culture that embraces new perspectives to solve complex problems. See how you can make meaningful contributions as a student or recent graduate at Morgan Stanley.

Experienced Professionals

At Morgan Stanley, you’ll find trusted colleagues, committed mentors and a culture that values diverse perspectives, individual intellect and cross-collaboration. See how you can continue your career journey at Morgan Stanley.

At Morgan Stanley, our premier brand, robust resources and market leadership can offer you a new opportunity to grow your practice and continue to fulfill on your commitment to deliver tailored wealth management advice that helps your clients reach their financial goals.

finance cover letter reddit

  • Students and Graduates

How to Write a Finance Cover Letter

Not all jobs need them, but for those that do, here are some guidelines from morgan stanley’s recruiters on how to write one..

Searching the internet for tips on how to write a cover letter will produce a litany of dos and don’ts: Flex your communication skills, but don’t go over three paragraphs; don’t recite a generic list of skills, but do speak to every requirement in the job description; be professional, but also be personal…the list goes on.

Truth be told, not all jobs need cover letters, but for the times when they’re required, it needn’t be so complicated to get them right.   Our recruiters say that applicants can hit the mark as long as they follow a few basic rules,  and refrain from quoting Shakespeare or likening their job search to Fantine’s demise in Les Miserable. (It happens). 

1. Why You Need One

They provide a missing link between the living-you and the formulaic resume or CV. Your cover letter conveys three important things:

  • You understand what the firm is looking for.
  • You’ve got the skills.
  • You’re articulate.

2. What to Include

Write it like a letter—include your address, Dear Sir/Madam (or better still, the name of the person, if you know who the interviewer is), and make sure to end it with a closing (“Yours faithfully,” etc).

  • First Paragraph: An opening statement that sets out why you’re writing the letter. Begin by stating the position you’re applying for and if you became aware of it by going to a recruiting event.
  • Middle Paragraphs: Two or three paragraphs to explain what attracted you to the type of work, why you’re interested in working for the company, and why you think you’d be a good fit.
  • Last paragraph: Thank the employer and say you’re looking forward to receiving a response.

Wanted: Non-Finance Graduates

5 business communication skills for your career, don’t let these common interview questions trip you up, 3. beware the generic cover letter.

Cover letters  can end up being deal-breakers if  they have mistakes in them, and most mistakes are made when a generic letter is used for every application. You’d be surprised by how many times people forget to switch out the name of one firm for ours. Not only do we know you’re applying elsewhere, but it shows lack of attention to detail.

4. Strike an Authentic Tone

Another reason not to use a generic cover letter: It just doesn’t sound authentic. Writing it from scratch will create  a warmer, more engaging tone—even if it’s just a few paragraphs.

5. No Need to Repeat

Don’t use the cover letter to repeat skills that you’ve already outlined in the resume, which speak specifically to the requirements in the job description. 

6. Make the Most of Your Experiences

Do include  experiences or skills that might not be specifically called for in the job description, but you believe will add to your appeal and help you excel in the role.  Examples could be collaborative, leadership or problem-solving skills from extracurricular activities or previous jobs. Just ensure that they’re truly relevant and compelling, and not a stretch. 

7. Get a Second Opinion

Whatever you end up putting in your cover letter, make sure to check for mistakes. Get someone to proofread your letter for typos, grammatical errors, the wrong firm name, and any Broadway Musical references that might have made their way in.

Good luck! And feel free to reach out to our campus recruiting team members if you have any questions. 

Get Your Career Started At Morgan Stanley

finance cover letter reddit

What Do Recruiters Look For?

What makes a student stand out during campus recruiting season? Morgan Stanley asked some of its leading recruiters, and this is what they had to say.

finance cover letter reddit

Questions Interns Are Dying to Ask But Don’t

How do you know if you're being overly eager? Should summer analysts speak up at meetings? Here are some answers.

finance cover letter reddit

A Longer Wait for Rate Cuts?

As positive economic data makes it less likely that the Fed will cut rates in March, our Chief US Equity Strategist explains what this could mean for small-cap stocks.

Home

  • Recently Active
  • Top Discussions
  • Best Content

By Industry

  • Investment Banking
  • Private Equity
  • Hedge Funds
  • Real Estate
  • Venture Capital
  • Asset Management
  • Equity Research
  • Investing, Markets Forum
  • Business School
  • Fashion Advice
  • Word Templates

Investment Banking Cover Letter Template

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

Rohan Arora

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.

Christopher Haynes

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

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 .

finance cover letter reddit

The Only Program You Need to Land in High Finance Careers

The most comprehensive curriculum and support network to break into high finance.

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.

finance cover letter reddit

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.

finance cover letter reddit

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."

finance cover letter reddit

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')

finance cover letter reddit

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

finance cover letter reddit

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.

IB Technical Interview Course

Everything You Need To Break into Investment Banking

Sign Up to The Insider's Guide on How to Land the Most Prestigious Jobs on Wall Street.

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
  • Investment Banking R esume Template

finance cover letter reddit

Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.

or Want to Sign up with your social account?

Finance Cover Letter Example (w/ Templates for 2024)

Background Image

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

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

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

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

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

In this article, we’re going to cover:

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

3 Essential Finance Cover Letter Tips

Finance cover letter example.

Finance Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Finance Cover Letter

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

Just follow these straightforward steps:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

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

Here's what you should have in there:

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

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

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

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

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

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

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

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

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

  • Dear Ms. Anderson
  • Dear Emily Anderson

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

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

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

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

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

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

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

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

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

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

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

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

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

Best regards,

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

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

Finance Cover Letter Structure

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

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

#1. Match Your Resume

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

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

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

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Feeling overwhelmed?

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

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

#2. Mention Skills and Keywords

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

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

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

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

#3. Add Any Relevant Links

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

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

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

Key Takeaways

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

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

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

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

cookies image

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

The cover letter that will get you a job in a bank

The cover letter that will get you a job in a bank

Do you really need to write a cover letter when you're applying for a job in an investment bank? These days, it's surely all about the skills in your CV - who's got the time to read that extra blurb saying how perfect you are for the role?

Recruiters working with experienced hires certaintly don't have the time. Most of the banking recruiters we speak to treat the cover letters (or 'cover emails') they receive from experienced candidates as an irrelevance. "For experienced roles, we rarely look at cover letters," says the CEO of one London-based financial services recruitment firm. I just go for the CV," agrees another. "I look at the CV and then I phone them. - If the CV is relevant, I'll get everything that would have been in the cover letter from that call." 

This doesn't mean you should just attach a CV/resume with no introductory email. It does mean that the introductory email might not be read - but you still need to make sure you don't make common mistakes like referencing the wrong bank, or forgetting to attach your CV altogether.

However, there some situations in which cover letters can make all the difference.  

These include:

  • When you're applying for graduate jobs in banking.
  • When you're applying to banks directly (without going through external recruiters),
  • And... when you happen to be using a recruiter who simply likes cover letters (hard to tell!).

"For graduate hires, cover letters are very important," says one headhunter. Just how important is reflected by the fact that some banks specify them as a must-have in the ir graduate recruitment process .   Banks like Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, Barclays, Morgan Stanley and Macquarie typically all demand that their would-be analysts in Europe write cover letters or something very similar, says Victoria McLean, a former Goldman Sachs recruiter and founder of banking CV specialists, City CV.   "Some banks still ask for specific questions to be answered around motivation, strengths and key behaviours/competencies (these are of varying word counts depending on the bank)," she says.

Goldman Sachs historically demanded that recruits write a 300 word personal statement as a cover letter. A former recruiter at the firm told us it was  very important. "Some students were excellent until they got to the cover letter," - those 300 words let them down.

What makes a good banking cover letter? Mai Le, a former Goldman Sachs investment banking associate who ran  CoverLetterLibrary , a community which houses a collection of cover letters that have enabled juniors to get jobs at banks in the past. Le says the best cover letters have two things in common: narrative structure (they emphasize your story and show the choices that brought you here) and facts and figures that underscore your background and achievements. By comparison, Le says the worst banking cover letters suffer from key-word stuffing, irrelevant information and spelling and grammatical mistakes.

It can help to follow a general template... 

You need to tailor your cover letters for each job you apply to. But this doesn't mean that you can't write a cover letter that follows a template. It does mean that each time you apply for a new job, you will need to fill in the template all over again.

McLean suggests your template follows the following format: Introduction. Why me? Why you? Why this job? In total, the text within the template should be no more than 750 words, or one A4 page, long. Le says some candidates also use a format that's ordered as, Why this job? Why this bank? Why me?  "It's a matter of personal preference," she says. Ultimately, you want all these elements in the cover letter and should go with which ever you feel comfortable with.

Either way, here's what to include.

The easy introductory paragraph

The first paragraph is all about explaining why you're writing. If you're applying for a graduate job in a bank, keep it short and sweet.

"The first paragraph is just to say who you are and why you're writing the letter," says McLean.

This paragraph might read something like. "I am an X with X year history of X at global banking firms including X as well as X. I have been working for X for the past X years."

If you're writing a Goldman Sachs cover letter that's 300 words or less, you can ditch this style of opening paragraph. - There's just no space for it.

If you're writing to a recruiter, there's less need to be quite so brief with your introduction. Say who you are, and explain why you've approached that recruiter in particular: "If someone says they've been referred to me by someone I know and respect, I will sit up and pay attention," says one U.S. recruiter. "The same applies if they say they've learned that I mentor women and that this is something they're interested in too."

In other words, when you're writing a cover letter to a recruiter, you need to know who you're writing to. Use this introductory paragraph to address them in person. Flattery will get you everywhere.

The selling yourself paragraph. 'Why you?'

The second paragraph is usually harder. This is where you need to start selling yourself, expressing your personality, and explaining why you're such a hot catch. It's here that you can add in some of the narrative explaining how you came to apply for this role, plus some of the substantiating figures that Le says make successful cover letters so effective.  Don't  use bland and empty phrases like, "I am a determined, motivated person." Do look at the key words and skills used to describe the job you're applying for and (without too obviously reiterating the ad) explain how you match them. Focus on the results and on  outcomes you've achieved in similar situations in the past.  You need to be specific and you need to bring yourself to life.

If you're writing a cover letter to accompany a graduate application, McLean says you can use the second paragraph to talk about what you've studied and how it's relevant. If you've studied finance and know how to do a DCF, now's the time to mention that. If you haven't studied finance but have good relationship management skills and you want to work i n M&A (a relationship-focused business), say that here. Provide EVIDENCE for the skills you're claiming to have.- List any awards you've won. Never, ever, make empty statements. "Many successful trading cover letters feature the candidate's trading return profile and their rationales for their success or failure," says Le. " - Cover letters for sales positions highlight the candidate's track record that evident their ability as a natural salesperson."

The motivational paragraph. 'Why this job (in this sector?)'

If you're an experienced hire applying through a recruiter or applying directly to a bank, this is where you explain why you want the job you're applying for. If you're a student applying for a first job, this is why you need to explain why you want this job and why you want to work in this sector. Be specific -  you'll need to know about the job and the sector before you start this section.

As a student, you'll need to link your skills back to your motivation for working in that area of banking above others, says McLean. Why M&A? Why not sales and trading? Why not compliance?  - If you want to work in operations , for example, explain how you have a passion for building systems and improving efficiency, as evidenced by your system for serving customers in your weekend job...

"You should include what you love about the industry to which you are applying," says McLean. "Why is it important to YOU? Why does it matter to YOU? How does it make a difference to YOU? and why is it interesting to YOU? Especially valid for Graduates: Why finance? Why investment banking / asset management?  before addressing the specifics of the division or programme to which you are applying. The key is to make this personal…. This is where most grads go wrong in their cover letters, they sound too generic and impersonal."

The connection paragraph. 'Why this bank ?'

The fourth paragraph is all about explaining why you want to work for that particular bank. Again, you need to be specific. McLean says graduates often copy and paste from banks' own websites. For example, it's not unheard of for them to write, "I want to work for Goldman Sachs because you have 170 locations across 90 cities in over 30 countries."  This will get you nowhere.

"The idea is not to flatter your potential employer but to identify what makes them a good choice for you and you a good fit," says McLean. "Telling Goldman or Citi you want to work for them because they are the best is not going to impress anyone. However, writing that it’s an opportunity to work with some of the best minds on the street and that you want to be held to those same exacting standards is a bit more engaging." But you need to put this in your own words: you need to make it personal and say what the banks strengths mean to YOU.

The other ex-Goldman Sachs recruiter we spoke to said she particularly looked for, "creativity and effort and writing about Goldman Sachs," when running through students' cover letters. People were expected to say exactly why they wanted to work for Goldman rather than, say, J.P. Morgan.

Instead of just reiterating what you've read on banks' websites, therefore, you need to cite some unusual reasons for choosing that bank that will make you stand out. If you're a student, it helps to say that you've met some of the banks' staff and were impressed by them.  Citigroup, for example, suggests that  student cover letters  reference encounters with the bank's staff at recruitment events. - Make a note of the staff you meet and explain what they said or did that impressed you, and what made you think you'd like to work with them.

Mark Hatz, a former M&A associate at Goldman Sachs and Perella Weinberg Partners who now helps people get jobs in banking , says stressing your rapport with people you've met from the firm is particularly important when you're applying for a job in M&A or capital markets: "These are advisory businesses and they want to see that you can build a rapport and work in a team. If you get the job, you'll also be spending a lot of hours in the office with these people, so showing you like them is very important."

It also helps to reference the bank's strategy, to mention any awards the bank won, and to cite any conversations you've had with or comments you've read from other industry professionals and analysts who've given concrete reasons why it's good place to work. Everything in this section needs to be positive. - You need to explain why you want to work for Deutsche Bank specifically without writing anything that denigrates its rivals. The more senior you are, the more you will need to reference solid strategy points at this stage.

"Show a grasp of where they are going, what the plan is and why this appeals to you," says McLean. Show that you know their strategy and that you agree with the way they're addressing challenges. "You should also write about the future of the firm. You should be planning to be there for a few years and hoping to share that future with them," McLean adds. Look at the shareholder letter in the last annual report for information on a bank's strategy.

The call to action

Finally, you need to end the cover letter with a call to action. McLean suggests completing the letter with the following sentence: "I really look forward to hearing from you. I am available for interview and contactable by X.'

Simple. Except all of this has to be written in 750 words - or just 300 if you're a student applying to Goldman Sachs. It's not so easy after all.

Click here to create a profile on eFinancialCareers. Make yourself visible to recruiters hiring for top jobs in technology and finance. 

Have a confidential story, tip, or comment you’d like to share? Contact: [email protected] in the first instance. Whatsapp/Signal/Telegram also available.

Bear with us if you leave a comment at the bottom of this article: all our comments are moderated by human beings. Sometimes these humans might be asleep, or away from their desks, so it may take a while for your comment to appear. Eventually it will – unless it’s offensive or libelous (in which case it won’t.)

Photo by Florian Klauer on Unsplash

author-card-avatar

Sign up to our Newsletter

The essential daily roundup of news and analysis read by everyone from senior bankers and traders to new recruits.

Boost your career

Hertalis

Morning Coffee: The brilliant Citigroup trader who burned out & retired aged 27. The bankers compelled to make calls

Hong Kong bankers are the world's least healthy

Hong Kong bankers are the world's least healthy

Hedge fund Jain Global has now amassed 80 employees

Hedge fund Jain Global has now amassed 80 employees

Instacart's laid off "low performers" lament disappointing stock situation

Instacart's laid off "low performers" lament disappointing stock situation

"Goldman Sachs is evil" protestors confront London students with Goldman aspirations

"Goldman Sachs is evil" protestors confront London students with Goldman aspirations

Related articles.

Banking resume guide: How to get hired when the market softens

Banking resume guide: How to get hired when the market softens

Ex-Morgan Stanley man's advice on changing careers without spending a fortune

Ex-Morgan Stanley man's advice on changing careers without spending a fortune

Dmitry Balyasny's guide to being the perfect hedge fund manager

Dmitry Balyasny's guide to being the perfect hedge fund manager

Investment bank ED: students looking for first jobs are like pick-up artists

Investment bank ED: students looking for first jobs are like pick-up artists

Entry-Level Finance Cover Letter and Resume Samples

Hero Images / Getty Images 

  • Cover Letters
  • Skills & Keywords
  • Salary & Benefits
  • Letters & Emails
  • Job Listings
  • Job Interviews
  • Career Advice
  • Work-From-Home Jobs
  • Internships

When you are applying for a job in finance , be sure to follow the instructions in the job posting exactly. If a cover letter is required, make sure yours is a good one. It can help to look at a sample of an entry-level finance cover letter to help you know what to include. It’s also helpful to review resume examples so you can see how yours compares. The following is an example of a cover letter for an entry-level finance position.

When you're applying for an entry-level job that doesn't require significant work experience, include information on the related courses you've taken, any internships you've done, and the finance skills you've gained while in college.

It's important to be specific and to take the time to match your qualifications to the job description. The closer the match, the better your chances will be of getting picked for an interview. Here is an example of a cover letter for a finance position, followed by a sample resume.

Sample Cover Letter for an Entry-Level Finance Position

This is a cover letter example for an entry-level finance position. Download the entry-level finance position cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Sample Cover Letter for an Entry Level Finance Position (Text Version)

Ashley Applicant 123 Main Street, Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 555-555-1234 ashley.applicant@email.com

September 1, 2018

Thomas Lee Director, Finance ABC Investment Partners 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee,

I am very interested in the entry-level position that is available at ABC Investment Partners. I recently graduated from XYZ University College and am actively seeking employment with firms in the San Francisco area. My courses in investments, finance, and business have given me a solid base upon which I plan to build my career.

During my college internships, I dealt with a variety of budgets and conducted market research while handling numerous administrative duties. The experience allowed me to learn important skills and to develop the confidence needed to succeed in a competitive environment.

I have enclosed my resume for your review. Thank you for your time and consideration.

It would be a pleasure to interview with you and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Ashley Applicant

Sample Finance Resume

This is an example of an entry-level finance resume. Download the resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Sample Finance Resume (Text Version)

Ashley Applicant 123 Main Street Little Rock, AR 24680 (123) 456-7890 ashley.applicant@email.com

FINANCIAL ANALYST

Building solid investment strategies for a broad range of clients

Analytical and detail-oriented emerging professional positioned to excel in a challenging entry-level finance position requiring solid knowledge of investment strategies and international financial markets.

Computer skills include:

  • Sage 50 Accounting
  • PrevisionEPM Financial Reporting

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

SECOND STREET BANK, Little Rock, Ark. TELLER (January 2018—Present)

Concurrent with education, gaining practical experience for an established banking firm. Provide first-class customer service to clients and handle cash transactions with 100 percent accuracy.

FRANK FINANCIAL SERVICES, Little Rock, Ark. INTERN (September 2017—December 2017)

Structured, researched, and presented individual and group case studies of corporate financial structures, futures markets, commodities pricing, and trading strategies.

PREMIUM TAX SERVICES, Rye, New York INTERN (January 2017—April 2017)

Assisted with filing tax returns for clients.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK , Little Rock, Ark. Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, 2018

Relevant coursework included:

  • Financial Econometrics
  • Macroeconomics
  • Corporate finance
  • Asset pricing

SOUTHERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE , Little Rock, Ark. Associate of Applied Science in Business Management, 2016

Sending an Email Cover Letter and Resume

If you're sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the job title in the subject line of the email message:

Subject:  Job Title - Your Name

Include your contact information in your email signature, and don't list the employer contact information. Start your email message with the salutation. 

IMAGES

  1. Finance Cover Letter—Examples and Tips for Job & Internship

    finance cover letter reddit

  2. Non Profit Cover Letter: Samples & Ready-To-Use Templates

    finance cover letter reddit

  3. Simple Cover Letter Template Reddit : Our cover letter templates make

    finance cover letter reddit

  4. A Confident Financial Analyst Cover Letter Example

    finance cover letter reddit

  5. Financial Analyst Cover Letter Example, Template, & Tips (2023)

    finance cover letter reddit

  6. Cover Letter Examples Reddit

    finance cover letter reddit

COMMENTS

  1. Cover letters : r/FinancialCareers

    Cover letters I've just started applying for summer internships. I've done a couple of cover letters, but when it comes to writing about the company I'm applying to, I struggle and end up writing something off their website, maybe about csr. I feel like my cover letters don't really stand out.

  2. Advice on writing a cover letter : r/FinancialCareers

    r/FinancialCareers • 3 yr. ago CQLNL Advice on writing a cover letter Hey everyone, I'm a student doing my master's degree in Finance, and I have to apply for next semester's specialisation. I am interested in compliance, and my university offers a great study/work program in the field.

  3. Here's the best cover letter I've ever seen : r/jobs

    The cover letter is meant to showcase skills not captured by the resume. Namely, "can you write and communicate?" With this cover letter i emphatically say, "No." Plus, this has much of the material that should be in the resume. I am also, in "tech" (not web development and im not in India) and would dismiss this as soon as i laid eyes on it.

  4. How important are cover letters? : r/FinancialCareers

    So I still submit them for companies I care alot about. Reviewed thousands of resumes, never read a cover letter. Write one that you can just change the company/position name and recycle. Nobody cares about the content of the cover letters but if the application portal gives me an option to submit, I always do so.

  5. If anyone's looking for a killer cover letter template...

    There are a few people in the comments of the original thread trashing this format as being something only meant for junior positions and for people new to the job search, but all 3 positions I submitted this cover letter to and got callbacks for were either mid-level or managerial positions.

  6. Reddit, I need help with building a cover letter to take to Finance

    Cover letter is the second step. The first step is networking. Talk to someone from the firm over the phone. That way, your opening sentence can read something like, "My name is jaf252; having spoken at length with analyst _____ about my compatibility with x, I'd like to apply to the summer internship position."

  7. how the heck do you write a good cover letter? : r/jobs

    The purpose of the cover letter is to get you to interview - that's its only job. It has to answer the question then - why should we bring this person in? The answer has to be: because this person checks all the boxes we care about.

  8. How to Write a Finance Cover Letter (With Examples)

    Published Nov 2, 2022 + Follow Finance cover letters must be concise and error-free, but they also need a good hook. A writer must share the context behind resume bullet points, explain what...

  9. How to Write a Finance Cover Letter

    Write it like a letter—include your address, Dear Sir/Madam (or better still, the name of the person, if you know who the interviewer is), and make sure to end it with a closing ("Yours faithfully," etc). First Paragraph: An opening statement that sets out why you're writing the letter.

  10. Finance Cover Letter Examples (Internship & Experienced)

    Updated: January 03, 2024 Article Rating: Our customers have been hired by: Table of Contents Show Writing a cover letter for a finance job is a must. Whether you're applying for an accounting position or you want to be a bank teller, your financial cover letter will help you outshine other candidates.

  11. Investment Banking Cover Letter Template

    Investment Banking Cover Letter Template Free cover letter template to help you break into Investment Banking (IB) Author: Rohan Arora Reviewed By: Christopher Haynes Last Updated: October 6, 2023 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.

  12. Finance Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

    When writing your finance cover letter, focus on how you can manage money successfully for the employer that posted the job.Also, emphasize your related skills like investment analysis, cost reduction, risk management, or complex problem-solving.. This guide will help you write a cover letter that gets you interviews for your next job in finance.

  13. Investment Banking Cover Letter

    There are three main components to a standard investment banking cover letter: Introduction Experience & Fit Conclusion As we noted before, it's a simple, straightforward (not fancy) document. Introduction (one paragraph) This is where you aim to quickly grab the reader's attention.

  14. Finance Cover Letter Example (w/ Templates for 2024)

    #1. Put Contact Information in the Header Start your finance cover letter by creating a header for your contact details, the same as on your resume. Here's what you should have in there: First and Last Name. Make sure your full name is in plain view at the top. Professional Title. Match this with the specific finance role you're after.

  15. Finance Cover Letter—Examples and Tips for Job & Internship

    11/08/2023 Finance Cover Letter—Examples and Tips for Job & Internship Money makes the world go round. You're not planning to let it stop, either. Let's get you where you wanna be with this finance cover letter. Dave Rygielski Career Expert Are you a volatile derivative or a safe, long-term index fund?

  16. Finance Cover Letter Example & Writing Tips

    Our polished finance cover letter example below will show you how to effectively highlight your financial skills. December 28, 2023 Build My Cover Letter Now 4.7 AVERAGE RATING 35 people've already rated it View Text Format Download Want a different look? Download a new design from our library of cover letter templates.

  17. Finance Cover Letter Examples & Expert tips [Free] · Resume.io

    Finance Cover Letter Example. Take account of your skills and attributes and let your prospective employer know how you will improve their bottom line. Use the tips and hints below to create a winning finance cover letter. 4.3. Average rating. 55 people've already rated it. Edit This Cover Letter.

  18. The cover letter that will get you a job in a bank

    If you're applying for a graduate job in a bank, keep it short and sweet. "The first paragraph is just to say who you are and why you're writing the letter," says McLean. This paragraph might read something like. "I am an X with X year history of X at global banking firms including X as well as X. I have been working for X for the past X years ...

  19. How to Write an Internship Cover Letter: 9 Tips (+ Examples)

    2. Have a professional email address. The header of your cover letter is where you include your contact information, including your full name, phone number, and email address. While it may seem insignificant, one of the most important things you can do in your header is to include a professional-sounding email address.

  20. How To Write a Finance Cover Letter (With Example)

    Follow these seven steps to help you write a finance cover letter: 1. Include your personal contact information. At the top center or left corner of your cover letter, add in a header that contains your contact information. Whether you submit your cover letter through an online portal or in an email, ensure that you include the essential ...

  21. Entry-Level Finance Cover Letter and Resume Samples

    Updated on 01/04/21 When you are applying for a job in finance, be sure to follow the instructions in the job posting exactly. If a cover letter is required, make sure yours is a good one. It can help to look at a sample of an entry-level finance cover letter to help you know what to include.

  22. How to Write a Cover Letter for a Finance Role (With Sample)

    How to write a finance job cover letter. The following steps can help you write a cover letter for a finance role: 1. Include your contact information. In the top-left area of the page, you can write your full name and contact details. This information might contain your mobile number, email address and social media profile.

  23. Financial Analyst Cover Letter Example and Template for 2024

    Miranda Jeanne 555-555-0131 | [email protected] | Santa Barbara, CA June 1, 2023 Dear Hiring Manager, My name is Miranda Jeanne, and I'm writing this letter to express my interest in the Financial Analyst position at Brightwater Investments.