management consulting internship cover letter

Consulting cover letter guide (for McKinsey, BCG, Bain, etc.)

Today we’re going to explain everything you need to know about writing consulting cover letters.

We’ll start by reviewing an example cover letter that got interview invitations from ALL the MBB firms (McKinsey, BCG, and Bain). 

And then we’ll explain exactly how you should write your own cover letter to land consulting interviews. Here’s a full list of the topics in this guide:

• Example cover letter

How to write your consulting cover letter

Consulting cover letter tips.

• The skills consulting firms look for

Consulting cover letter screening process

• Get help with your cover letter

Let’s get to it! 

Click here for a consulting letter/resume review with an ex-MBB consultant

Example cover letter (which got interviews at mckinsey, bcg, and bain).

Below is an anonymised cover letter from a candidate who got interviews at McKinsey, BCG and Bain. So you can trust that this template works.

The image here highlights the different sections of the cover letter, but we’ll dive deeper into the text later, and you can also get a downloadable copy below.

Free download of the consulting cover letter example, here. 

In the next section, we’ll go step-by-step through each part of the cover letter and explain how to go about writing it. But before we dive in, please note the following points about the above template:

• A lot of people use this template. Get inspiration from it, but every sentence in your letter should be written from scratch.
• This cover letter might sound impressive. It's one of the best ones we’ve seen. But even if you have not achieved as much as this person, you can still get an interview.

With that said, let’s dig into the cover letter writing process!

As a starting point, this video provides a nice overview of the full writing process for a consulting cover letter. 

Now let’s break things down further.

1. Introduction

Example - Introduction

Mary Taylor - [email protected]

DD / MM / YYYY

Dear Sir / Madam,

I would like to apply for an Associate position at McKinsey in London.

This section is a formality. It should simply state the following information:

• Your name and email address. You can replace your email address with a postal address although those are not commonly used anymore.
• The date on which you are sending your letter
• The position, company, and office to which you are applying

Keep it short and sweet.

2. Why you? 

Example - Why you?

I started working as an Analyst at Big Finance in New York in September 2020 and was quickly promoted to Associate in a year and a half instead of the average four years. While at Big Finance, I advised a broad range of clients who constantly gave me positive feedback and regularly asked to work with me again. Before joining Big Finance, I graduated as the top student of my MEng in Chemical Engineering at Prestigious University in the UK. While studying, I received two competitive scholarships and awards. In addition, I developed my leadership skills as the President of the Prestigious University Consulting Club. High energy was essential to lead a team of 5 managing the club and growing the number of members by 20%.

This is your "GOLD MEDALS" section. It is the first section of your cover letter and therefore the most important one.

It should state the TOP 3 achievements of your life to date that are relevant to consulting. These achievements should be as unique and as memorable as possible. When your reviewer reads them they should think "Wow, that's impressive. I want to know more about this person."

To write this section you need to step back and ask yourself "What are the most impressive things I've done with my life so far?" This is not an easy question to answer. 

In our experience discussing this with a close friend can help. It's sometimes easier for them to quickly point out the impressive things you have done as they are an external observer.

In addition, notice how achievements are QUANTIFIED in the example above. Saying you have been promoted "in a year and a half instead of the average four years" is much more powerful than saying you have been promoted "quickly." You should quantify your achievements whenever possible.

This section is your chance to grab the reader's attention. If there's nothing impressive in it, they will stop reading and just scan the paragraphs. So don't miss your opportunity!

3. Why consulting?

Example - Why consulting?

There are several reasons why I want to pursue a consulting career. To start with, I know I will enjoy being a strategy consultant because I have already worked in a strategy team in the past. This was in summer 2019 when I was a Strategy Intern at Big Grocery Retailer in London. In addition, I think consulting is a unique opportunity to comprehensively learn about business management by working on a variety of company situations. Over the past two years, I have started building my business skills while advising clients on financial matters at Big Finance. I now look forward to learning more about companies’ management at McKinsey. Finally, I want to work in consulting because I truly enjoy interacting with clients. Throughout my work experiences I have built a successful track record of developing and maintaining relationships with clients including, for instance, the senior strategy team at Big Grocery Retailer.

Once you have convinced your reviewer that you have impressive achievements under your belt they'll be thinking: "Ok, this person is impressive. But do they REALLY want to be a consultant? Or are they just applying because they're not sure what to do with their career."

The third section of your letter should therefore answer the  "Why consulting?" question . But here is the thing about this question: There are some reasons to go into consulting that you should tell your reviewer about. And some reasons that you should really keep to yourself.

For instance, one of the mistakes candidates commonly make in their cover letter is to write something along the lines of "I'd like to spend 2 or 3 years in consulting to learn more about business in general and then decide what I want to do." This is a HUGE mistake. 

Consulting firms want to hire FUTURE PARTNERS. Not employees who will stay for a couple of years. You can watch the video below for more details about this.

The best approach for your "Why consulting?" section is to write about past experiences that really show you know what you are getting into. The perfect situation is if you have done an internship in consulting or in corporate strategy and have enjoyed it. If that's the case, this is the perfect section to write about it.

But even if you haven't done related internships, there are plenty of angles you can use to connect your past experiences to what you will do as a consultant. For instance:

• You might have enjoyed working with clients when you were in M&A or in Sales
• You might have enjoyed structuring and solving tough problems as an engineer

You should use these experiences to say that "working with clients" or "solving tough problems" is something you KNOW you enjoy doing; and you look forward to spending more time doing this as a consultant.

When they read this section, your reviewer should think: "Ok, this person is impressive AND they know what they are getting into."

4. Why McKinsey / BCG / Bain / Other?

Example - Why McKinsey?

McKinsey appeals to me for three reasons. To start with, the different people from the company I have met and worked with all told me they had truly enjoyed their time there. For the past two years, I have worked for Michael Smith, a former Engagement Manager from the London office, who now works for Big Finance. Additionally, I regularly read McKinsey’s reports on financial services and think the insights delivered by Sarah James and others in the Finance practice are truly superior to that of other consultancies. By joining McKinsey, I therefore think I would have an opportunity to work with and learn from the best consultants in the industry. Finally, the fact that McKinsey was selected by Finance Supercorp to shape its digital strategy also played an important role in my decision to apply. This was a first-of-its-kind contract in finance and it shows that while at McKinsey I could get the opportunity to work on truly unique projects.

If you have managed to convince your reviewer that you have an impressive background and that you really want to be a consultant, you have a VERY HIGH chance of getting an interview. 

The only question that's left for you to answer is: " Why McKinsey  / Why BCG? / Why Bain? "

Top consulting firms  have a lot in common. In most regions, they cover the same industries and work for similar clients. They also pay similar salaries, and the career path is more or less the same from firm to firm. So what should you write about in this section?

In our experience, the most efficient way to set yourself apart in this section is to write about three specific elements:

When you write "I've met with Michael Smith," or "I've read report X," or "I've heard about project Y," you are making an argument that's SPECIFIC enough for your reviewer to think: "Ok they've done their homework."

If you stay too GENERIC, your argument will be much less credible. For instance, writing something like "While at McKinsey, I'll be exposed to a broad range of industries which I'm excited about" is a weak argument because you could swap McKinsey for BCG or Bain in that sentence.

In fact, this is the ultimate test. If you can swap McKinsey with another name in your "Why McKinsey?" section you are not being specific enough. You need to work on your paragraph again and mention SPECIFIC people, reports, or projects that you find interesting.

5. Conclusion

Example - Conclusion

For all these reasons, I am very enthusiastic about the chance to work at McKinsey. I am available for an interview at any time and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Mary Taylor

The last section of the cover letter is a formality again. It should include the following elements:

• A sentence or two saying that you are enthusiastic and available for interviews at any time
• Your final signature

So how do you make it easy for your reviewer to put your cover letter on the "Accept" pile? We have put together the 10 tips below to make sure you can achieve this and avoid common mistakes.

Tip #1 Don't use a template letter

Writing cover letters is painful. But trust us, reading hundreds of them can be at least as painful. That's why you should make every effort to make your letter interesting and genuine. 

It's ok to get inspiration from templates such as the one we provide in this guide. But every sentence in your letter should be written from scratch.

Tip #2 Keep it to one page

One of the unwritten rules of consulting cover letters is that they should not be longer than one page. The trick to achieve this is to only select the MOST RELEVANT experiences from your  resume  and to summarise them. 

The points you decide to highlight should clearly demonstrate that you would make a great consultant.

Tip #3 Standard format and font

It's tempting to use an eye-catching font and format. But that's actually a bad idea. You only risk your interviewer thinking: "I've never seen this font, it looks really weird. Who is this person?" Your cover letter should stand out because of its content, NOT because of its format.

Tip #4 Not the time to be shy

Your cover letter is not the time to be shy. If you went to Harvard and have three Olympic medals, now is the time to say it! Most of us don't, and that's fine. But the point is that you should really push yourself to bring your most impressive accomplishments forward.

Tip #5 Network, network, network

This might sound surprising, but a big part of the cover letter is  how much networking you have done . Having networked with people from the firm you are applying for pays dividends for multiple reasons. 

First, they might recommend you to the HR team. But most importantly, these people will give you insight into what makes their firm UNIQUE. Then you can quote what you've heard in your cover letter (and name drop the person you heard it from) to show that you really understand the firm you are applying for.

Tip #6 Read, read, read

Unfortunately, networking is not always easy or possible. In these cases, your second best option is to read as much as you can on the firms you are applying for. You should read about the firm's projects, reports, and partners and find pieces of information you are really interested in. 

For instance, if you did your master thesis on electric vehicles, try to find who works in this area at the firm and what they have to say about it. And then mention what you have found in your cover letter.

Tip #7 One letter per firm

One question we often get is: "Should I write one letter per firm?" The answer is YES. But it's not as hard as it might sound. 

Every cover letter needs to answer three questions: Why you? Why consulting? And why this firm? The only paragraph you will need to change in every letter is the one about "Why this firm?" For each firm, you will have to do the networking and reading mentioned above.

Tip #8 Start writing early

Writing an outstanding cover letter is VERY HARD. Most candidates underestimate how much time it takes and start this process too late. You'll need to take a step back and reflect on everything you have done to date to highlight your most relevant experiences. 

This takes multiple iterations. Start early.

Tip #9 Get feedback

In our experience, great candidates all look for feedback and iterate on their cover letter until it's truly as good as it can get. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it.

It’s best to get feedback from peers or consultants. These people will be able to point out which parts of your letter they don't get or don't find impactful enough. If you’d like to have an expert review your cover letter, check out our team of  ex-consultant coaches .

Tip #10 Proofread multiple times

Finally, you should check and double check your letter for typos and grammar mistakes - multiple times. A cover letter is (not so secretly) a writing test and you should really treat it like one.

What consulting firms look for

To get multiple interviews at  top consulting firms , it’s extremely important to understand what those firms are actually looking for. 

The good news is that most of the leading consultancies are looking for basically the same skills. 

To illustrate this point, here’s what  McKinsey  and  Bain  say that they’re looking for in candidates, along with our own translation of what they mean:

There are also a few unofficial items that consulting firms will look for on your resume, and you can read about those in our  consulting resume guide .

Next, let’s talk about the typical cover letter screening process.

Screening process

Now let's talk about HOW your cover letter will be handled once you send it. Here's how it works.

Your application will be sent to a JUNIOR CONSULTANT who recently graduated from your University. They will score your documents based on a grid provided by the HR team. 

Consultants usually have to score 200 to 400 applications in about 2 weeks. And this is sometimes on TOP of their normal project. It's not uncommon for them to leave the job to the last minute and to have to do it on a Friday night just before the deadline.

Why is this important? The point we are trying to make is your application is part of 100 other applications. And the person who will review it will be tired by the time they get to your cover letter. If they don't understand something, they won't Google it. It's your job to make their job easy.

Why consultancies ask for a cover letter

There are two main reasons why consulting firms ask for cover letters.

First, partners bill several thousand dollars per day to their clients. The opportunity cost of interviewing you is HUGE for the firm. Put yourself in the shoes of a consultancy for a second. What are the top 3 questions you want to answer before investing money in interviewing a candidate?

• Have they demonstrated the skills needed to be a consultant?
• Do they know what consulting is and what they are getting into?
• Are they genuinely interested in working for our firm?

If you don't answer these three questions in a structured and impactful way, your chances of getting past the screening process are very low. This is why every cover letter should be structured as follows:

• Why consulting?
• Why this firm?

The second reason consulting firms ask for a cover letter is to test your writing skills. Consultants write all the time: emails, PowerPoints, Word documents, etc. They spend about 50% of their day writing. And a lot of the time their job is to summarise very large quantities of information in a succinct way.

This is exactly what you have to do in your cover letter. You have to a) look back on all your past experiences, b) select the relevant experiences to convince the reviewer that you are the right person for the job and c) summarise all these experiences in a way that's easy to read and digest.

Cover letters are a disguised writing test. Candidates who end up getting invited for interviews recognise this early on. Making a good impression on paper is way harder than making a good impression in person.

Are many candidates ready to invest HOURS in writing the perfect cover letter? No. That's the whole point. That's how you can set yourself apart. If you spend enough time making sure that your letter is as impactful as it can be, you stand very high chances of getting invited for interviews.

Another reason that it can help to have a cover letter is to explain anything on your resume that may look unusual to a reviewer, such as a time gap or a non-traditional background for consulting. 

Whatever your unique situation is, if you’re not confident in how your cover letter looks today, then we can help you. 

Get an Ex-MBB consultant to review your cover letter

The guide above, in addition to our guide on  consulting resumes , should go a long way in helping you craft documents that will get you interviews. 

But if you still feel you need additional help, we have a team of ex-MBB recruiters and interviewers who would be happy to provide feedback on your cover letter.

You’ll get feedback on how to immediately improve your cover letter, including what experience to focus on, how to optimise your phrasing, formatting, etc.

Start by browsing profiles for available coaches.

Consulting Cover Letter: What You Actually Need to Know

The key to effective cover-letters is story-telling. Most people write cover letters like resumes, with cold, hard facts, and that’s the problem.

Cover letters are much more effective if they contain stories capturing the burning spirits of candidates. In this article, I’ll tell you how to install such stories seamlessly into your consulting cover letters, and land a case interview yourself.

Consulting cover letters – The basics

What are cover letters for.

Cover letters are documents accompanying resumes, to provide further insights into the qualities and motivations of a candidate, as well as portray who he/she is as a person .

In consulting cover letters, there are three essential qualities you must always display:

• Leadership skills:  the ability to influence people’s decisions.
• Achieving mindset : the continuous, relentless push for the best results.
• Analytical problem-solving:  the ability to solve problems in a structured, methodical manner.

Regarding motivations, there are two questions you need to answer:

• “Why consulting?”:  Do you really understand the consulting world, and how it fits with your long-term plans? Is there something unique in the consulting track to explain your choice?
• “Why this firm?”:  Out of all the consulting firms, why ours? There should be something uniquely attractive about this firm to you, isn’t there?

And last but not least, don’t forget to show that you have an interesting personality that fits with the firm’s culture.

Cover letters vs Resumes – What’s the difference?

Because so many candidates confuse between the two, then end up writing boring cover letters resembling “paragraph versions” of their resumes, I feed the need to differentiate.

There are four marked differences:

Cover letters go deep, resumes go wide

In cover letters, you should select one or a few most notable achievements, and describe them in detail to reflect your three defining aspects (values, competencies, motivations).

This stands in contrast with resumes, where you cram as many relevant achievements as possible into the space of one or two A4 pages.

Cover letters are “soft” stories, resumes are “hard” bullet lists

The content format of cover letters is much less defined, leaving room for a lot of creativity, unlike resumes which are almost always bullet lists of cold, hard facts.

Your goal as the candidate is to fully utilize that loosely-defined format and make your cover letter as attractive and memorable as possible.

Cover letters describe personality, resumes do not

A crucial role of the cover letter is to portray who you are as a person. Resumes don’t do that, they focus on your achievements.

Your personality does not only come directly through the contents, but also reflected in the style of the letter – so take time to make your cover letter more attractive, and you’ll make a better impression with the screener.

Cover letters touch on future plans, resume concerns mostly the past

In cover letters, you have to answer the motivation questions (why consulting, why this firm). In resumes, that aspect is barely mentioned.

The most credible answers to those questions connect the job with your future plans – as such, the cover letter is not confined to the past like resumes.

Understanding your audience

The vibe inside the screening room.

Busy, tiring, and boring – that’s the vibe inside the screening room.”

Picture this in your mind:

A junior consultant is in the office on a Friday night, going through hundreds of applications. He has to do this as a form of goodwill for the company, on top of his ongoing project.

Everyone’s application looks the same, following one set format; a somewhat extraordinary resume catches his attention, so he checks the cover letter to see if there’s anything interesting, only to be disappointed because the letter is an exact recital of the resume.

If you want to grab the screener’s attention and make memorable impressions, you have to break that negative vibe, using an unordinary cover letter.

Most cover letters are just listings of achievement and cliched motivation statements – they feel like unoriginal walls-of-text that offer nothing new – and that’s the exact reason why many screeners don’t like cover letters. Write an exciting story instead – the screener will love it.

Why they read your cover letter

There are two main reasons why the screener reads your consulting cover letter:

• He wants to know more about your motivations and personality because your resume is both impressive and interesting/unordinary at the same time.
• He wants to clarify some ambiguous points in your resume – this happens if you appear highly competent, but your writing is not clear enough.

In both cases, there’s no excuse to repeat your resume in a paragraph format and disappoint the screener. You have all the reasons in the world to present an attractive, detailed, focused narrative – tell a story and get your interview.

Both the background and the purpose of cover-letter-screening suggest that an innovative story-telling approach is much more beneficial than the common, formulaic, overly-formal cover letters.

Such an approach will definitely make your cover letter stand out from the heap of some 200 other applications. It helps you grab the screener’s attention, and impress him in a memorable way.

Additionally, it makes reading the cover letter easier and more enjoyable. The screener is already tired, so there’s no point in making his life harder.

Whatever the reason, as the cover letter is opened AFTER the resume, the implication is that you need to perfect your consulting resume first!

If you haven’t read it, here’s an A-to-Z guide to writing the perfect consulting resume , from a former McKinsey consultant and resume screener!

Consulting cover letter – Step-by-step guide

All these elements must be presented in a coherent storyline and concise language.

Keep in mind this is a consulting cover letter – as such, your story should be backed up by impactful, specific, verifiable results.

To write impressive, fact-based stories that demonstrate all three necessary aspects of the candidate, I advise you to follow these four steps:

Step 1 – Self-reflect for storylines

Search your memory for events, experiences, ideas… that can serve as a basic storyline – the backbone of your cover letter. For each storyline, consider the following six criteria :

• Uniqueness: The base story should be something unique to you. If it’s something common or universal, you won’t have the screener’s attention.
• Attractiveness: Your story should be attractive and entertaining – only then can you trigger the screener’s curiosity. Usually, it’s something “big” and impactful, but not controversial
• Positiveness: The story should have a positive “vibe” to it. If it’s something sad or negative, don’t include it in your cover letter.
• Qualities: All three consulting qualities (leadership, achieving, analytical problem-solving) should be illustrated in your story. Otherwise, consider that story irrelevant.
• Motivations: Your story should at least help explain why you’re applying, if not providing direct answers to that question. Firms don’t like to hire candidates without clear motivations.
• Personality: Make sure you exhibit a likable personality. On the other hand, if that story suggests negative traits (pessimism, short temper, cynicism, etc.) you have to modify it.

Let’s see if these storylines of my own could match the requirements:

“I escaped from a near-death experience during a paragliding session using my gliding skills.”

This is not something you hear every day, and near-death stories are often quite attractive, so you have those two boxes checked; and for now, there’s no sign of “bad” personality traits.

However, it’s a near-death experience, so it does have a negative vibe. Additionally, it shows neither consulting qualities nor relevant motivations.

=> This story only meets 3 out of 6 criteria. Out!

“I founded an entertainment business which attracted lots of attention, but ultimately failed.”

Not everyone is a startup entrepreneur, so this story does meet the “uniqueness” criterion. It’s relatively easy to draw attention with startup stories, and it’s easy to explain a consulting career choice from a former entrepreneur perspective, too. No negative personality trait is visible.

While being a business owner suggests some leadership and problem-solving experience, as well as an achieving mindset, a failure story like this might raise some questions on the “qualities” aspect; it also creates a negative vibe.

=> Overall, 4.5 to 5 out of 6. Not really the best storyline for a consulting cover letter, but usable with some modifications.

“I broke McKinsey’s code of conduct, convinced a client to pay their long-overdue service fees, and was celebrated for it.”

Is there anyone who doesn’t like those “breaking rules” stories? I’m quite confident this experience is quite unique and attractive. Because this is actual consulting work, it’s undoubtedly easy to point out all the important consulting qualities, as well as to provide a basis for my motivations.

However, this “breaking the rules” story may suggest rebellious tendencies, so if I’m going to use it I’ll again need some modifications.

=> This story scores 5.5 / 6. Quite good but I do need to be careful with it.

Step 2 - Add and classify details

Rack your memory and jot down everything related to your storyline; don’t worry about having too many details, you will be trimming the story later.

Pay special attention to the details best illustrating relevant qualities , motivations , and personality , because you will need to emphasize them.

Step 3 – Structure and enhance

Arrange the details of your story in a logical, intuitive structure; the most common method is:

1. Describe a notable, relevant experience using the problem-action-result structure to impress the interviewer with your qualities first.

2. Try to link it up with the present/future parts of your story (ideas, philosophies, plans) to explain your motivations.

Trim all non-essential and technical details, they do nothing but confuse the reader and bore them to death. Your story should be told in a way even your grandmother can understand.

Then, arrange and enhance the remaining details so that the story feels more dramatic, i.e the uniqueness and difficulty of the problem should be emphasized.

On a related note, consultants dislike lengthy cover letters – in fact, one A4 page is the maximum length – so there’s one more reason to start trimming.

Step 4 – Amplify consulting features

First, make all three key consulting traits stand out from your story – leadership, achieving mindset, and analytical problem-solving.

Then, make subtle references to consulting work using the industry’s terminology and concepts. Most screeners, being consultants themselves, will subconsciously appreciate this. However, avoid buzzwords and slangs found on the Internet, or you’ll appear superficial and unprofessional.

Consulting cover letter – Tips

To write the best cover letter, you must thoroughly understand the industry, its major firms, and even the very office you’re applying into.

To achieve such an understanding, there is quite a bit of research to do – and here are three tips for you to ease that process!

Tip 1: Networking

Successful networking goes a long way in the consulting recruitment process and in cover letters.

Firstly, management consulting firms are relatively publicity-shy, so having a connection within these firms allow you to gain very specific and authentic insights about the firm, the job, as well as the consulting world in general, helping you make better choices and deliver more convincing reasons.

Secondly, you may earn a referral ! The screening stage is harsh – it’s where most candidates are filtered out, both in absolute and proportional terms – and referrals help a great deal with that.

Remember to show your networking efforts by mentioning the names of consultants at the office you’re applying into, as well as their projects. The screener will know you really do care about the job, and you’ve done your homework.

Tip 2: Read consulting news

The websites of major consulting firms all have countless articles on current affairs as well as their own projects – read them frequently and regularly .

For one thing, those articles will deepen your understanding of management consultants and their work, helping you make better choices and explain them more effectively to the screener.

Additionally, reading consulting articles regularly will help you know more about the specific projects of each firm, which you can bring up in cover letters.

Tip 3: Build “cheat sheets”

A few ready-to-use “cheat sheets” containing all the important details on the consulting industry and major firms will significantly ease the writing process.

I recommend making three different groups of sheets – one for the consulting world in general, one for the firms, and the last one about the specific offices you’re applying into.

Be implicit and “smooth” when using these sheets. Make sure to sound as natural and seamless as possible when mentioning your references; avoid putting them at the focus of your sentences, but to use them as supplements to the main idea (e.g: I was awed by the network of experts supporting our project with McKinsey back in 2016).

Consulting cover letter – Visual format

Consulting cover letters are not the place for creative, colorful designs. Format your letters in a conservative, text-dense, black-and-white fashion – that’s how actual consultants do it.

One A4 page is the maximum length for consulting cover letters.

Inside the busy screening room, nobody has the time and energy to read a two-page worth of story, no matter how attractive it is.

If your cover letter exceeds that maximum length, trim away the less important details and shorten your expressions; you can also tweak your font size, spacing, and margins to squeeze the most content into one page.

Use formal, conservative fonts, such as Times New Roman, Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, etc.

Keep your font size at 10-12. Larger text tends to feel somewhat “messy”, and they’re space-consuming. Smaller text, on the other hand, feels difficult and tiring to read.

Additionally, the typeface in your cover letter should match that on the resume.

Spacing, margins, and alignment

Use spacings of 1.15 between lines and 1.50-2.00 between paragraphs. Consulting cover letters are quite text-dense, so it’s important to use these white spaces to ease the visual strain.

Always align your text on the left side. Left-aligning is the standard in the United States, where most major consulting firms are based; additionally, left-aligning keeps the horizontal spacing between words even, unlike justified where that spacing varies considerably between each line.

All four margins should be equal at 1 inch. That should keep your letter neat and tidy while maximizing the amount of text on one page.

Other reminders

If you know who’s screening, address them by name. Otherwise, generic salutations are fine.

I’ve come across pages claiming it’s no longer acceptable to write generic salutations (“ To whom it may concern ”); however, in consulting firms where the screening process is assigned to junior consultants on an availability basis, you don’t always know who’s reading your letter, so such salutations are okay.

On the other hand, if you happen to be applying into a small, new office, and your networking efforts are successful, you may know your screener. In that case, refer them by name for a greater impact.

Replacement test

If you can replace the industry and the firm in your letter with something similar and it still makes sense, your tailoring is not enough.

Your motivations should be based on unique and defining descriptions – for example, McKinsey having the largest support network for consultants, or Bain being the frattiest among MBB consulting firms.

Non-unique reasons, such as “prestigious brand name” or “interesting projects” can apply to basically every major consulting firm out there, so they’re not strong bases for your choices.

Maintain formality

Use formal language throughout, and keep standard your heading and salutation.

Show your uniqueness and creativity only through the main content sections. Other “procedural” parts of the cover letter should always remain formulaic – see the sample section.

The language in the main paragraph should also remain formal, i.e no slang, no contraction, no overuse of exclamations.

Avoid short-term motivations

Don’t say you’re in for a 2-year learning experience, or your application will be heading for the bin very, very quickly.

It’s costly to turn fresh graduates into effective consultants, so firms don’t want candidates who will bail out just after they’ve become useful. They want people who will stay in the firm for as long as they can – they want future partners.

You might include long-term plans concerning other industries, but don’t give the impression that you’re bailing out in a few years. If that’s your plan, don’t even mention it.

Proofread and edit

Writing cover letters should be a long process of continuous proofreading, feedback, and editing.

It’s best to find a former/working consultant or at least someone who’s knowledgeable about the industry to help you out. Consulting cover letters differ from normal ones quite considerably, so generic guidelines won’t be of much use.

It’s also very helpful to allow intervals of at least a few days between writing and proofreading sessions; you will find it easier to spot errors if you proofread with a “fresh” mind.

Try to avoid format, spelling, and grammar mistakes at all costs. In consulting cover letters, such mistakes are much less tolerated.

Cover letter file format

Always send your cover letters in the PDF format (most screeners expect you to do so).

This file format will make sure your cover letter appears the same on every computer, and it minimizes the damage that may occur in the file transfer process (by contrast, DOC files are vulnerable to numerous errors).

Depending on the computer, PDFs may look cleaner than DOCs – one possible bonus point for appearance.

Still not sure whether your cover letter is good enough? Book a meeting with former consultants. Our coaches will show you how to make your resume stand out among thousands of candidates. 

Cover letter example

Now that you’ve learned the secrets to the best story-telling cover letter, let’s have a little exercise and help the First President write one to McKinsey, shall we?

(The content in this sample letter is largely fictional for illustration purposes)

George Washington [email protected] Mount Vernon Plantation, Fairfax County, Virginia, U.S.A July 4, 1789

To whom it may concern,

My purpose in life is to liberate the American people and lead them to prosperity. The revolution of the Thirteen Colonies was up against the largest military force in the world – the British Empire – at a four-to-one disadvantage – few if any country had come up against such odds victoriously. And that was the situation I was in, as the leader of the revolution.

Under my lead, the revolutionaries mobilized internal support from 2.4 million soon-to-be American citizens and external support from allies in France. This support allowed us to remain operational even after severe defeats, which would otherwise put an end to the revolution. After six years, the Colonies came out victorious and was recognized as the new United States of America. War is over, so my new task is to steer the newfound States towards economic prosperity – and consulting experience at McKinsey will help a great deal with that.

I happen to also run a plantation business – Mount Vernon by name – which was McKinsey’s client during our expansion project in 1785. I was extremely impressed by the highly structured and data-based approach that McKinsey consultants took to deliver their solutions, and even more impressed by the incredible network of experts that was backing our project.

Through Ms. E.M – the Engagement Manager for our project from McKinsey’s DC Office – I came to be aware of the firm’s expertise in the public sector – which was recognized as being the overall best among major consulting firms.

And for that reason, I realized a consultant position at McKinsey DC will give me invaluable exposure in the public sector, both from its projects and its vicinity to the country’s capital.

I will be looking forward to speaking with you in person, about how I can put my experience as a former head-of-state and an entrepreneur to work at McKinsey.

Sincerely yours, George Washington

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5 Consulting Intern Cover Letter Examples

Introduction.

As a job seeker, one of the most crucial aspects of your application is your cover letter. This document provides you with an opportunity to showcase your skills, experiences, and enthusiasm for the position you are applying for. For those seeking consulting internships, a well-tailored cover letter can make all the difference in standing out from the competition and securing an interview.

In this article, we will provide you with a collection of consulting intern cover letter examples. Each example will highlight different elements to consider when crafting your own cover letter. By examining these examples, you will gain insight into the key components that make a cover letter effective and impactful.

Whether you are a recent graduate or a current student looking to gain practical experience in the consulting field, these examples will serve as a valuable resource to help you present yourself as the ideal candidate for a consulting internship. So, let's dive in and explore the different cover letter examples that will guide you towards success in your job application.

Example 1: Strategy Consulting Cover Letter

Key takeaways.

Sarah's cover letter effectively positions her as a strong candidate for the Strategy Consultant position at McKinsey & Company.

To stand out in the competitive field of strategy consulting, it's important to showcase your experience working on diverse projects and industries. This demonstrates your adaptability and ability to provide valuable insights across different sectors.

She highlights specific achievements that demonstrate her impact in previous roles, such as contributing to a 20% increase in market share for a client and achieving a 30% increase in online sales through a digital transformation strategy.

Quantify your accomplishments to showcase your ability to drive tangible results. Numbers provide concrete evidence of your ability to deliver value to clients and organizations.

Sarah emphasizes her alignment with McKinsey & Company's values and commitment to driving impact and creating lasting value for clients.

Align your values with those of the company you are applying to. Showcasing your enthusiasm for their mission and values demonstrates your genuine interest in contributing to their success.

Overall, Sarah's cover letter effectively showcases her experience, achievements, and alignment with McKinsey & Company's values, making her a strong candidate for the Strategy Consultant position.

Example 2: Technology Consulting Cover Letter

Michael's cover letter effectively highlights his educational background and extensive experience in technology consulting, positioning him as a strong candidate for the Technology Consulting position at Accenture.

When applying for a technology consulting role, it's important to emphasize your relevant educational qualifications and industry experience. This demonstrates your technical expertise and ability to understand complex business challenges.

He showcases his achievements by highlighting specific projects where he made a significant impact. For example, developing a cloud-based solution that improved operational efficiency by 20% and leading the implementation of a cybersecurity framework resulting in a 30% reduction in cybersecurity incidents.

Quantify the impact of your work and highlight specific achievements to demonstrate your ability to deliver tangible results. This showcases your problem-solving skills and the value you can bring to potential clients.

Michael also emphasizes his expertise in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning and how he has helped organizations leverage these technologies to drive innovation and improve efficiency.

In the rapidly evolving field of technology consulting, it's important to showcase your knowledge of emerging technologies and their potential impact on business processes. This demonstrates your ability to stay ahead of industry trends and provide valuable insights to clients.

To further strengthen his cover letter, Michael could have provided specific examples of how his experience aligns with Accenture's goals and values.

Research the company and tailor your cover letter to highlight how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and vision. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and your potential to contribute to the organization's success.

Example 3: Human Capital Consulting Cover Letter Example

Emily's cover letter effectively showcases her qualifications and experience in the field of human capital consulting, positioning her as a strong candidate for the role at Mercer LLC.

When applying for a human capital consulting position, it is essential to highlight your relevant educational background and professional experience. This demonstrates your expertise in understanding human behavior and organizational dynamics, which are crucial for providing strategic guidance to clients.

She emphasizes her accomplishments in developing and implementing an employee engagement program for a multinational technology company, resulting in a significant increase in employee engagement scores.

Highlighting specific achievements and the impact of your work demonstrates your ability to drive positive change within organizations. This showcases your value as a human capital consultant and your potential to help clients improve their overall organizational effectiveness.

While Emily's cover letter effectively highlights her experience in human capital consulting, she could further emphasize her specific skills and expertise in areas such as talent management, organizational design, and HR strategy development.

Don't forget to showcase your specialized skills and areas of expertise within the field of human capital consulting. This helps potential employers understand the unique value you can bring to their organization and positions you as a standout candidate.

Example 4: Financial Consulting Cover Letter

Jason's cover letter effectively showcases his qualifications and experience in the financial consulting industry, positioning him as an ideal candidate for the position at PwC.

When applying for a financial consulting role, it is crucial to highlight your experience in providing strategic advice, financial analysis, and delivering tangible results. This demonstrates your ability to drive business growth and deliver value to clients.

He emphasizes his success in leading cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive financial models, showcasing his ability to optimize operational performance and increase profitability for clients.

Highlighting your experience in leading teams and developing financial models demonstrates your ability to collaborate effectively and provide innovative solutions to complex financial challenges. This showcases your leadership skills and problem-solving abilities.

Jason also mentions his involvement in a high-profile project for a Fortune 500 company, where he conducted market research and financial analysis that resulted in a significant increase in market share for the client.

Highlighting your experience working with high-profile clients and delivering impactful results demonstrates your ability to handle complex financial projects and make data-driven recommendations. This showcases your ability to provide strategic advice that drives business growth.

Overall, Jason's cover letter effectively positions him as a highly qualified financial consultant with a track record of delivering exceptional results for clients.

Example 5: Marketing Consulting Cover Letter

Lauren's cover letter effectively showcases her relevant experience in marketing consulting and highlights her ability to deliver measurable results.

When applying for a marketing consulting role, it is crucial to emphasize your track record of success and your ability to drive tangible outcomes for clients. This demonstrates your value as a strategic partner and problem solver.

She mentions her experience working at McKinsey & Company, where she successfully increased client revenue by 20% through the implementation of a targeted digital marketing campaign.

Quantify your achievements whenever possible, as it provides concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your ability to generate results.

Lauren also emphasizes her strong analytical skills and ability to translate data into actionable recommendations, gained during her time at Deloitte. This highlights her ability to provide valuable insights to clients.

In a marketing consulting role, analytical skills are highly valued. Be sure to highlight any experience you have with market research, data analysis, and strategic decision-making.

Overall, Lauren's cover letter effectively conveys her qualifications and enthusiasm for joining BCG. However, she could have further demonstrated her knowledge of BCG's specific areas of expertise and showcased how her skills align with the firm's values.

Research the company and tailor your cover letter to highlight how your skills and experience align with the specific needs and goals of the organization. This demonstrates your genuine interest and makes your application more compelling.

Skills To Highlight

As a consulting intern, there are several key skills that you should highlight in your cover letter. These skills are highly valued in the consulting industry and will help demonstrate your suitability for the role. Here are the skills you should focus on:

Problem-solving : Consulting interns are often tasked with analyzing complex business problems and developing innovative solutions. Highlight your ability to identify and define problems, gather relevant information, analyze data, and propose effective solutions. Showcase your experience in applying critical thinking and problem-solving methodologies to real-world situations.

Critical thinking : Consulting is a field that requires strong critical thinking skills. Employers want to see that you can evaluate information objectively, identify patterns and trends, and make sound judgments. Provide examples of times when you applied critical thinking to solve a problem or make a decision. Emphasize your ability to think logically, ask probing questions, and consider multiple perspectives.

Effective communication : Effective communication is essential in consulting, as you will be interacting with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders on a regular basis. Highlight your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Discuss your experience in preparing and delivering presentations, writing reports, and communicating with diverse audiences. Mention any foreign language proficiency, as this can be an asset in a global consulting firm.

Teamwork : Consulting projects often involve multidisciplinary teams working together to achieve a common goal. Showcase your ability to collaborate with others, contribute to team discussions, and build positive working relationships. Provide examples of times when you successfully worked in a team environment, highlighting your role and the outcomes achieved. Demonstrate your flexibility and willingness to adapt to different team dynamics and work styles.

Leadership : Even as an intern, it's important to demonstrate your leadership potential. Highlight any leadership roles or responsibilities you have taken on in the past, such as leading a student organization or coordinating a project. Discuss your ability to motivate and inspire others, delegate tasks, and take initiative. Show how you have contributed to the success of a team or organization through your leadership skills.

Adaptability : The consulting industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving. Employers are looking for candidates who can adapt quickly to new situations and challenges. Highlight your ability to learn and acquire new skills, as well as your willingness to take on new responsibilities. Discuss any experiences you have had where you were required to adapt to changing circumstances or work in unfamiliar environments.

By emphasizing these key skills in your cover letter, you will demonstrate to potential employers that you have the qualities they are looking for in a consulting intern. Remember to provide specific examples and evidence of how you have applied these skills in previous experiences.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When crafting your cover letter for a consulting intern position, it's important to avoid these common mistakes:

Being Overly Generic : One of the biggest mistakes you can make is sending a generic cover letter that could apply to any consulting firm. Each consulting firm has its own unique culture, values, and goals. Take the time to research the company and tailor your cover letter to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific firm you're applying to. Show that you understand the firm's needs and can contribute to its success.

Neglecting to Address the Firm Specifically : Another mistake is failing to mention the consulting firm by name or not addressing why you are interested in working specifically for that firm. Consulting firms want to see that you have a genuine interest in their work and are not just applying to any available internship. Explain why you are drawn to the firm and how your skills and experiences make you a good fit.

Not Highlighting Relevant Skills and Experiences : Your cover letter should provide a clear overview of your skills and experiences that are relevant to the consulting industry. Don't simply repeat what is already mentioned in your resume, but rather use the cover letter as an opportunity to expand on your experiences and explain how they make you a strong candidate for a consulting intern role. Highlight any relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, or internships that demonstrate your ability to analyze data, solve complex problems, and work well in a team.

Failing to Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities : Consulting firms are looking for candidates who can think critically and solve complex problems. Make sure to showcase your problem-solving abilities in your cover letter by providing specific examples of how you have tackled challenging projects or overcome obstacles. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to develop innovative solutions.

Lack of Professional Tone and Formatting : Your cover letter should be professional and well-structured. Avoid using slang or casual language, and make sure to proofread for any grammatical or spelling errors. Use a professional tone throughout the letter and follow a clear and concise format. Address the hiring manager by name if possible and thank them for considering your application.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a strong and compelling cover letter that showcases your skills, experiences, and enthusiasm for the consulting industry.

In conclusion, a well-crafted cover letter can greatly enhance your chances of securing a consulting intern position. The examples provided in this article showcase different approaches and strategies that can be applied to create a compelling cover letter.

By highlighting your relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments, you can demonstrate your suitability for the role and make a strong impression on hiring managers. Additionally, tailoring your cover letter to the specific company and position shows your genuine interest and commitment to the role.

It is important to avoid common mistakes such as generic language, spelling and grammar errors, and excessive length. Instead, focus on showcasing your unique qualifications and passion for consulting.

Remember, a cover letter is your opportunity to make a memorable first impression and stand out from other applicants. Use these examples as a guide, but be sure to personalize your cover letter to reflect your own experiences and skills.

With a well-crafted cover letter, you can significantly increase your chances of landing a rewarding consulting intern position in this highly competitive field. Good luck with your job application!

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5 Consulting Cover Letter Examples Created for 2024

• Consulting Cover Letter
• Consulting Internship
• Consulting Firm
• Leasing Consulting
• Management Consulting
• Write Your Consulting Cover Letter

Strategic analysis is your strong suit, shining brightly as you guide businesses to enhance their operations and spending. When they turn to you, they find not just support, but a strategic ally dedicated to improving their overall performance.

But are you capable of writing a great cover letter to complement your consulting resume as you pursue your next business venture? 

While you may be great at helping businesses improve their processes, the hiring process can still seem like a daunting task. You can use our consulting cover letter examples and free cover letter generator as effective templates for success.

Consulting Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Why this cover letter works

• Perhaps you increased team productivity. Or maybe you reduced a project’s completion time.
• These specific experiences underscore your ability to deliver significant value in a consultant role.

Level up your cover letter game

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

Consulting Internship Cover Letter Example

• The candidate isn’t just listing down skills and achievements but is specifically going deep into why they admire Deloitte. When you showcase your passion for the company, it helps the hiring managers sense your level of enthusiasm and commitment.

Consulting Firm Cover Letter Example

• Right from the beginning, the candidate has displayed their sprouting interest in the marketing field. Not just this, the conclusion also delves deep into the candidate’s drive to become a part of the team. Highlighting these aspects shows the company that you’re genuinely interested in the position.

Leasing Consulting Cover Letter Example

• Detail instances when you successfully matched clients to their ideal property. You’ll want to emphasize your customer service skills and attention to detail here.
• Whatever you do, make sure your cover letter is all about how much you thrive in a client-centric environment.

Management Consulting Cover Letter Example

• Be as detailed as possible and cite examples like cutting costs, driving business growth, etc. This will show hiring managers you know what you’re talking about, and can analyze complex scenarios and devise effective solutions.
• Use measurable metrics here. Statistics are your friend and add validity to your claims.

Related cover letter examples

• Project Manager
• Human Resources
• Business Analyst

Writing an Impressive Consulting Cover Letter

When preparing business strategies, you know it’s essential to consider their target audiences, products, and operational needs. You also need to take their needs into account when applying for the consulting position in the first place. 

Use your analytical abilities to review the job description and understand each company’s reason for seeking the help of a consultant. Then focus your cover letter on the specifics they want to achieve, like generating conversions or improving margins. 

Tips for the opening and greeting of your consulting cover letter

Just like a good opening in sales copy can help improve conversion rates, a good opener for a cover letter can help grab a hiring manager’s attention. 

You understand that addressing someone by name helps improve success rates in business correspondence. Review the job description and company website to find a specific hiring manager you can address in the greeting; otherwise, try LinkedIn. Failing that, simply leading with “Dear [name of business] hiring staff” works well too. 

Your opening paragraph should also show your connection to the company mission and why you’re the best fit for the role. For example, if the company sells vegan products, you could connect to your passion for plant-based diets and how you want to use your supply chain management skills to help consumers get the best foods for their needs. 

The example below is a good start, however, it doesn’t address a specific person or connect with the company or position enough.

Needs more detail!

Dear hiring manager,

This job caught my attention. I have a background in sales, which will help me improve your marketing processes even further.

Instead, aim for an opener that shows true enthusiasm for the position, like the one below that showcases the applicant’s desire to help residents and streamline property management processes. 

Show a connection with the job! 

Dear Mr. Bernard,

Inspired by Camden Property Trust’s mission to provide living excellence to its residents, I find myself eager to utilize my skills to foster a sense of community and streamline property management processes as your new leasing consultant. The opportunity to grow alongside residents, understanding their needs and ensuring their satisfaction, is an experience I deeply value.

Structuring the body content of your consulting cover letter

The body of your consulting cover letter is where you can let your specific credentials and past experiences shine. 

Leaning on metrics in this section and your key skills is a great way to stand out. For instance, improving ROI or reducing shipping times through production process improvement. 

Take a look at the body paragraph below, which does an excellent job of connecting to the role’s needs by citing past work achievements in reducing risk exposure and increasing shareholder value.

A solid evidence-based body paragraph

In my previous role as a management consultant at OCI Group, I led a team in developing a comprehensive risk management framework for a multinational corporation. By identifying and addressing critical risks, we helped the client reduce overall risk exposure by 23%, resulting in enhanced operational resilience and a 17% increase in shareholder value.

Ending and signing off on your consulting cover letter

When drawing up a business proposal, you understand that a strong closing can make the deal go through. Do the same with your consulting cover letter to end on a great note. 

Ideally, you want to connect with the company’s primary needs and mission. For instance, improving financial systems to help reduce costs and ensure all payments are made on time so they can continue providing great manufacturing services to their clients. 

It’s also an excellent idea to end with a call to action like “I look forward to hearing from you soon” to give off the impression you’re highly interested in the position. 

What you shouldn’t do is close out without a call to action or reference back to the consulting position, like the example below.

This won’t land you the interview! 

Thank you for considering my application for the consulting position. Have a great day.

Nick Richardson

Instead, refer back to why you want the role, such as the example below that references how the candidate is excited about the role and the opportunity to connect and help with the resident’s needs. 

A strong closer related to the job’s needs! 

I’m thrilled at the prospect of joining the Camden Property Trust family and fostering a deeper connection with residents. I appreciate your consideration and am looking forward to exploring this opportunity further. Thank you for your time.

Tomás Romero

It can be tempting to include bullet points that emphasize essential information like you would in a business presentation. However, think of your cover letter as formal business correspondence, where bullet points wouldn’t be appropriate in this instance. 

If you don’t have much consulting experience, relate to your previous achievements in your field. For instance, if you’re applying to be an IT consultant, you could explain how your IT asset management strategies helped companies reduce equipment malfunctions by 45% using streamlined maintenance schedules. 

Your cover letter shouldn’t be longer than one page, so listing all your skills isn’t the best idea. Instead, focus on the company’s primary needs for why they’re bringing on a consultant, such as improving their supply chain management strategies to get products in customers’ hands quicker after placing online orders. 

Consulting Internships: How to Get One & What to Expect

• Last Updated January, 2022

ex-McKinsey Consultant

If you’re thinking about a career in consulting, one of the best ways to evaluate your options is to do a consulting internship.

Here are some of the biggest benefits of management consulting internships: 

• Most summer interns are offered full-time employment when they graduate,
• Interns typically receive extensive professional training including the full consultant training for PowerPoint and Excel that will take your skills to the next level, and
• Being a summer intern gives you a chance to figure out if consulting is the right career for you, and if a firm is the best fit. 

It may seem daunting to get a consulting summer internship, but MCO is here to help!

In this article, we’ll discuss:

• What a consulting internship looks like,
• What type of responsibilities interns handle,
• What consulting firms look for in summer interns,
• How to apply for management consulting internships, 
• How to succeed at your internship once you land it, and
• Resources to help you land a consulting internship.

Let’s get started!

What a Management Consulting Internship Looks Like

For the lucky candidates who earn consulting internships, the firm wants to give you a true taste of consulting life. You will: 

• Join a real team working on a project for a client,
• Work on a small part of a larger project,
• Own the end-to-end recommendation for that small piece of the project,
• Work directly with a project manager,
• Interact with partners and clients, and
• Have visible impact on client deliverables!

I’ve worked with some companies who invent light, ‘nice to have’ projects for summer interns. That’s not the case in consulting internships! 

As a summer intern, you will really join a team and be expected to contribute. 

You’ll have a lot of support. Every consultant knows what it’s like to be working on your first project.

What It’s Like on a Real Client Team

During management consulting internships, you’ll typically get a week of training on problem-solving, Excel, and PowerPoint tools. Then you will be staffed on a client project! You’ll be paired with either a manager who has some extra time, or a senior associate, who can show you the ropes. 

Take advantage of this! Ask questions and build a strong relationship with your manager.

Get your application noticed with these insider tricks from former McKinsey, Bain, and BCG Recruiting Managers.

My Experience As a McKinsey Summer Intern

During my McKinsey internship, I was paired with an awesome JEM (Junior Engagement Manager). 

He was a Senior Associate, preparing for the transition to Engagement Manager, so he was developing his consulting management skills. He had a larger workstream and identified a piece of that for me to work on. 

While we literally worked side-by-side in a conference room, he was great about scoping out work with me, giving me advice on how to tackle it, and letting me go work independently on various tasks.  

He would then review my work with me, and we would syndicate it with other members of the team.

What the Heck Is Syndication? 

‘Syndication’ is an important part of consulting work. It means: 

• Sharing your work with team members, partners, and clients, 
• Getting their feedback and buy-in on your recommendations, and
• Incorporating feedback into your recommendations.

Sometimes feedback will send you in an entirely new direction. Your team members or clients may have an additional perspective you hadn’t considered based on their experience, additional data, or simply a better understanding of the company culture and history.

That’s OK! The reason we share our work with other team members is to build toward the best answer for our clients. It’s part of the process, so embrace it. 

As part of consulting internships, it’s important to get comfortable with the syndication process and incorporating other people’s ideas into your own. You are not expected to know everything, and in fact, it will come across poorly if you act like you do.

The Role of the Consulting Intern

So, what do you do during management consulting internships? Let’s talk about a day in the life of a summer intern. 

Start With a Work plan

First things first: you must lay out your work plan and get alignment on what you’ll be doing. Your work plan will include:

• The problem to be solved,
• Key analysis to be completed,
• Data to be collected,
• Clients to interview and syndicate with.

You’ll share your work plan with your manager and with the partner on the project. 

During my consulting internship, I worked on my work plan for most of the first week! It felt frustrating that I couldn’t actually dig into an analysis right away. 

One day, I even joked to my manager that whenever we’re done reviewing my work plan, I’d like to get to work!

It may feel repetitive to spend so much time outlining what you’ll be doing, but this is a really good way to understand how consulting projects work. It’s also important for making sure you’re focused on the right things and can work efficiently.

How Interns Fit into the Overall Project

Typically, a team of consultants works together to solve a big problem for their client. And it’s important that everyone is rowing in the same direction. 

If a piece of the puzzle doesn’t fit with the overall project, it could be a big problem for the partners and for your client. That’s why it’s important to consistently update members of your team about what you’re working on, and incorporate their feedback into your approach. 

If you don’t spend time aligning priorities and getting feedback, consultants can go down the wrong path and waste time. As they say, time is money. A consultant’s time is a lot of money! 

Your analysis might not make it into the key recommendations for a client deck, but it will certainly inform the team’s recommendations. 

So as part of your consulting internships, get used to aligning, syndicating, getting feedback, and iterating on the answer. 

The actual work you do may vary, but most managers like to make sure their summer interns do a bit of quantitative and analytical work and some conceptual work. 

Demonstrating Key Consulting Skills During Your Consulting Internship

Most consulting internships require that you ‘check the box’ on both quantitative and conceptual work in order to get a full-time offer at a consulting firm. 

During my McKinsey internship, I was mostly assigned quantitative work, which involved organizing data in spreadsheets and sharing the results of analysis in a few PowerPoint pages. I had two main analytical assignments: 

• Determining the market value of assets for a travel business in a way the company had not valued them before,
• Determining the market valuing of a loyalty program under multiple scenarios based on low, medium, and high travel forecasts. 

Consultants often look for hidden value-creation opportunities. For example, if a hotel were planning to sell some assets, they’d typically consider selling any hotel brands that didn’t fit with their brand.

But what if instead of selling off a hotel brand like Westin, the client considered selling all of the restaurant facilities inside its hotels? Westin would no longer run the restaurants, instead, a chain like Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse would. 

I know I’d be excited if there were a Ruth’s Chris in every Westin across the country.

Demonstrating Key Consulting Skills: Quantitative Analysis

For the quantitative side of this project, I analyzed the market value of all the Westin’s restaurants to see what it would be worth if they put it up for sale. The analysis included: 

• Gathering all the revenue and expense data and forecasts from the restaurants into one spreadsheet or data set,
• Marketing savings the new owner would experience because they have a ‘built-in’ customer base. 
• The value of any transferred assets such as kitchen equipment or dining room furniture and fixtures.
• Performing a discounted cash flow analysis, 
• Sample the full menu at Ruth’s Chris to make sure it’s a good fit with the Westin brand.

That last task is sort of a joke, but if you do join a consulting firm there will be a lot of steakhouses in your future! Hopefully, you’ll get some nice dinners during your consulting internships!

Demonstrating Key Consulting Skills: Qualitative Analysis

In addition to the analysis above, consultants would put together some conceptual pages about the benefits or drawbacks of selling the restaurant facilities from the points of view of the hotel (your client), any restaurant chains that might be the restaurants, and for hotel customers.

Conceptual pages are visual frameworks that are used to organize and communicate recommendations based on qualitative information rather than quantitative information. They include organized lists of pros vs. cons, matrices, rating systems, Harvey Balls, etc. 

You might also spend time valuing an asset that your client is unlikely to sell, such as a loyalty program.

If a credit card company wanted to buy the loyalty program and all those relationships with hotel customers, they’d have to pay for all the nights that are already due to customers and for future nights customers are expected to earn. 

This analysis was much more straightforward and included: 

• Gathering data on customer dollars spent at hotels, 
• Converting those dollars into customers’ loyalty points, 
• Translating customer loyalty points into the nights they have earned using an average rate per night across all hotel brands, 
• Summing those nights into a value for the loyalty business,
• Making forecasts for the future value of customer nights, and 
• Performing a discounted cash flow analysis.  

When it came down to it, selling either of the assets I valued (restaurants or the loyalty business) would have generated a lot of value for our client. But in our conceptual pages, we recognized that the restaurant and loyalty businesses were too entwined with the hotel operations to sell. 

How Closing Doors Can Add Value to a Project

At first, it felt like I’d wasted my time doing this analysis. I didn’t! The value of selling these alternative assets was helpful in terms of evaluating our client’s other growth opportunities.

Our broader team evaluated several other growth paths for our client: acquisitions, new business development, etc. All of those opportunities were compared with the value creation opportunities of selling off the loyalty program or the restaurants. 

All the other options had to beat the value creation that was possible from selling the alternative assets. Having those valuations as a comparison pushed our team and our clients to pursue more growth than if we hadn’t valued and considered those options.

As your management consulting internships come to an end, you will hopefully see how your piece of the puzzle fits into the bigger picture!

Consulting Internships Are Designed to Help You Be Successful

During your summer consulting internship, you’ll work hard and deliver something really valuable to your client by the end of the summer. But you are not on your own! There is a whole team supporting you.

After my McKinsey internship, I compared notes with classmates and you can expect a similar experience if you have a BCG internship or a Bain internship.

What Consulting Firms Look for in Summer Interns

Summer interns at consulting firms are viewed as high-potential consultants. They’re typically the candidates that firms are excited to bring back as full-time employees.

Here are some of the best ways to impress your team during your consulting summer internship:

• Be a good problem-solver. Demonstrate you are comfortable talking through a problem on your feet with your manager and partners,
• Take ownership of your work. Summer consulting interns are not baby-sat. Your managers will rely on you to know your work plan better than anyone else, 
• Communicate clearly and simply. Start with a reminder of the problem you’re trying to solve, and sequentially go deeper into your insights and analysis. Many new consultants dive right into their process or a detailed aspect of analysis,
• Be results-oriented. Lead with the answer, even if it’s a half-answer,
• Demonstrate analytical skills. You need to show some mastery of analysis during your internship. It’s OK if you need help, a lot of people do when they are learning a new kind of analysis. If you struggle with analytics, be prepared to stay up late a few nights to get it right, 
• Triple-check your work. Ask your manager for advice on how to make sure your analysis is airtight,
• Own any mistakes right away. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s really about how you handle them and what you do to prevent future mistakes,
• Get along well with a variety of team members , and
• Earn confidence from your team so they feel comfortable allowing you to share your analysis with the client.

What You’ll Get Out of a Consulting Internship

It’s also important to know what you should get out of a summer consulting internship! You’ll want to know if you like the work and get along with a variety of people at the firm. 

If you do go back full-time, you will be spending a lot of time with people at this firm and working on client’s problems. 

I was lucky that I got to work in my preferred industry (travel), and on a revenue growth project. If you don’t love the industry or type of work you’re doing during your internship, politely ask your manager if they can connect you to consultants who are doing the type of work you’re interested in so you can gain exposure in those areas as well.

How to Apply to Consulting Internships

So you want a McKinsey internship? Or a Bain internship? Or how about a BCG internship? You will have to get your act together early in the year – usually during the summer before you want to apply! 

Summer internship recruiting is a huge process for most consulting firms, so they like to start early in the year! Make sure to research various firm deadlines during the summer, so you can go into the fall with clear timelines for applications and interviews. 

Most schools with on-campus recruiting will have a detailed timeline for on-campus recruiting for consulting internships with campus events, application deadlines, and interview schedules. 

If the firm you want to apply to does not have on-campus recruiting, you will have to go to their website and find their intern recruiting schedule. If you don’t see one online, it’s OK to reach out to a recruiter. Let them know you’re really excited to apply for a summer internship and ask for all the key dates and deadlines. 

A good place to start your research is with our  List of Consulting Internships . This provides a comprehensive list of consulting internships which are open right now. If you don’t see a firm you’re interested in listed here, they may have filled their positions. Check back to see when they open up again.

At MCO, we offer a lot of free resources to help you out with the perfect consulting resume and consulting cover letter . We also have tons of free resources to help you prepare for case interviews and behavioral interviews .

5 Tips on How to Succeed Once You Land the Consulting Internship

Tip 1: be a good problem-solver..

Even if you’re struggling with a concept, demonstrate a willingness to do what it takes to figure it out.

Tip 2: Focus on clear communication.

In consulting, you will have a TON of information to absorb. It’s easy to get into the details and assume everyone knows what you’re talking about. When communicating, step back and start from the beginning and walk clearly through a problem. (For tips on how to do this, see our article on Issue Trees .)

Tip 3: Triple-check your work.

Ask everyone on your team for their advice on how to sanity-check your analysis. There are so many useful, simple ways you can check for mistakes. Trust me, it will save you so many headaches if you learn good tools to check your analysis before you present it.

Tip 4: Meet as many folks as you can and make a good impression on them.

You want to find great people to work with and for them to be excited to bring you onto their teams when you come back next year.

Tip 5: Make sure you learn enough about the firm to know if it’s a good fit for you.

Figure out what types of work you’re interested in, and invest time in finding people you’d like to work with. You’re going to spend a lot of time with these people, so make sure you enjoy their company and that you see some good role models!

Resources to Help You Prepare for Consulting Internship Interviews

The interview process is very similar to full-time interviews with both case and fit interviews. As I mentioned above, the firms are looking for their future rock stars. So in order to get a summer consulting internship, you need to stand out from the crowd! 

We are here to help you prep for case interviews and behavioral interviews . 

Several firms also post information about their summer consulting internships, Bain , BCG , and McKinsey . 

In this article, we’ve covered:

• What a consulting internship is like,
• The kinds of tasks interns perform,
• How to stand out as a summer intern,
• Key things to know about the application process for consulting internships, 
• 5 tips on how to ace your summer consulting internship, and
• Resources to help you get a summer consulting internship.

Still have questions?

If you have more questions about the consulting internships, leave them in the comments below. One of My Consulting Offer’s recruiters will answer them.

Other people prepping for summer consulting internships found the following pages helpful:

• Consulting Resume
• Case Interview Prep
• List of Consulting Internships
• BCG Internships
• BCG Sophomore Internships
• Bain BASE Scholar Internship for MBA Students from Diverse Backgrounds
• The Bain BEL Program for Sophomores from Diverse Backgrounds
• McKinsey Sophomore Summer Business Analyst Program
• Deloitte Discovery Internship
• Expedition EY

Help with Your Consulting Application

Thanks for turning to My Consulting Offer for advice on applying for consulting internships. My Consulting Offer has helped almost 89.6% of the people we’ve worked with to get a job in management consulting. We want you to be successful in your consulting interviews too. For example, here is how Carolyn was able to get her offer from McKinsey.

2 thoughts on “Consulting Internships: How to Get One & What to Expect”

Hello. MCO team. I am Soe Thura. I am a undergraduate student from International Leadership University certificated by UBIS in Myanmar. I just want to know two things. Is there any payment to join with the program of MCO and is it available to join only from the internet?

Hi, Soe! Thanks for your interest in MCO’s programs!

We provide lots of resources for free. You can find our Resource Library with links to all our written articles here: https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/resources/ And our YouTube videos here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbMX6drxyPWM_ZxGH1Hkdww

We’re creating more content every day to help the consulting community, so check back regularly!

MCO also runs various paid programs if you would like more help with your consulting application or interview prep. You can find out about these programs here: https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/consulting-bootcamp-enroll/ https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/coaching/

Best of luck with your consulting interviews!

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3 Things Consulting Firms Actually Look for in Your Application

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Career in Consulting

Consulting Cover Letter: a step-by-step guide (2024)

With a great CV, your consulting cover letter can open the door to scoring an interview and, ultimately, getting a job in consulting.

But it’s not that easy: less than 30% of applicants receive a call for an interview.

Thus, in this article, I’ll show how to write a persuasive and customized cover letter to move your job application to the top of the pile .

In particular, I’ll show you the exact steps you need to take to write a consulting cover letter that:

• Set you apart from the crowd
• Express your motivation to join the firm you are applying to

But first, let me introduce you to Paul.

Paul is a recent graduate from a business school in France.

He did two internships (one in Marketing and one in Finance).

Paul used the tips from this article to learn how to write a cover letter for a consulting job and landed job interviews in ALL the consulting firms he applied to . 

At the end of this article, you’ll see Paul’s consulting cover letters for McKinsey, the Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, and Deloitte.

Also, you’ll find a consulting cover letter template to help you craft your consulting cover letters. 

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Get the latest data about salaries in consulting, what is a cover letter.

Along with your resume, a cover letter is an important part of your consulting job application.

It is intended to provide a more in-depth introduction, enhancing the information in the resume or CV, outlining pertinent qualifications, and showcasing some of your most noteworthy achievements.

A strong cover letter convinces the employer that your skills align with their requirements and demonstrates the following:

• Justifications for your qualifications for the job.
• An explanation of why you want to work as a consultant.
• Justifications for why you would be a good fit for their particular company.
• Your capacity for producing engaging, clear, and concise writing.

A strong cover letter should ultimately focus on “why should we hire you” and “what’s in it for us.”.

And for that reason, it’s worthwhile to take the time to write a strong cover letter .

What recruiters want

The consulting recruiting process is costly for top consulting firms. 

Do the math:

Multiply the time spent by a management consultant giving interviews by their fees.

You’d get an insanely high number.

Therefore, management consulting firms want to invite only candidates with a serious chance of making it.

To do so, they use two selection criteria. 

Selection criteria 1: do you have the right consulting skills?

ALL consulting firms essentially look for these 4 skills when screening your application documents (resume and consulting cover letter):

• Problem-solving : As a Consultant, you will be essentially a problem-solver. Thus, Consulting firms will assess the range of problems you had to solve and the impact you had.
• Leadership abilities : As a Consultant, you must get things done while working with others. Thus, Consulting firms will assess your ability to work in teams and create a climate where people are motivated to do their best.
• Personal impact : As a Consultant, you will need to gain the support and commitment of others. Thus, Consulting firms will assess your ability to develop relationships with people and influence someone to act upon your recommendation.
• Drive : As a Consultant, you will work on new consulting projects every 3x months. Thus, Consulting firms will assess how comfortable you are with new situations and your ability to perform outside your comfort zone.

Selection criteria 2: are you a good fit?

A career in consulting is not for everyone.

It’s demanding. 

And it can sometimes be stressful.

Therefore, management consulting firms want to assess your motivation to pursue a career in consulting.

And more specifically, a career in consulting in their firm.

To do so, they’ll assess if you’ve done your homework.

For instance, do you understand what consultants do?

And do you understand what makes them different from other management consulting firms?  

Related articles :

Your answer to the question Tell me about yourself must be consistent with the information on your resume.

Check this article explaining how to craft a superior answer to the question “ Tell me about yourself .” 

Also, read this article to learn more about the recruiting process at McKinsey.

Besides, I’ve written articles about the recruiting process at Boston Consulting Group and Bain & Company .

How to write a consulting cover letter: your step-by-step guide

Good consulting cover letters tend to follow a tried-and-trusted format. 

One that’s set up in a way that lets you show off your accomplishments and what are your motivations to join this consulting firm in particular .

If you’re worried about sticking to the same format as everyone else somehow stopping you from standing out, don’t.

It’s what you say (or don’t say) that counts. 

Let’s break down how your cover should look.

Step 1: Add the header (mandatory)

To begin with, start your cover letter with the following information:

• Phone number
• Email address
• Date of sending

In addition, you can include the company’s name and address to which you’re applying.

Step 2: include the greetings (mandatory)

The greeting needs to display the right level of respect and professionalism.

If you have a name for the contact person, use it.

If you don’t know the contact person’s name, you can begin your cover letter with “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”

Do your best to find out to whom you’re writing to.

Look at the company website or LinkedIn page to see if you can track down the hiring manager’s name. 

Or  take the initiative to call the company.

Someone on the other end of the phone might be happy to tell you who does the hiring.

Step 3: write the opening paragraph (mandatory)

If you were to meet a hiring manager in person, you wouldn’t just throw your resume in their face and walk away, would you?

I’d like you’d offer a handshake and tell them who you are first.

This paragraph  is like a good handshake.

You want your first paragraph to be strong, succinct and make a great first impression .

In your opening paragraph , start strong:  show enthusiasm and show you want to come in there and make a contribution .

Hook the reader early with a first paragraph that makes them want to read.

You can use these guiding questions to craft the first paragraph of your cover letter .

• Which position are you applying to ? Consultant in the BCG Munich office 
• What are your personal qualities? Results-driven and eager to learn. 
• Who are you? What are your past and present experiences? A final-year student at HEC Paris who completed two internships in the Banking and Technology sectors
• What is your most impressive achievement? Experience in working with C-level management teams  

This is an important cover letter tip: 

Mention the position you’re applying to (Business Analyst, Senior Consultant, Associate, etc.)

Step 4: explain why you are a good candidate (mandatory)

Your management consulting cover letter must say why you’re the right person for the job. 

This is one of the most important consulting cover letter tips.

To do so,  you must  highlight the specific skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for consulting .

For instance, here is how Paul has highlighted his skills in his consulting cover letter.

Here are the four steps followed by Paul to show off his skills in his cover letter :

• Step 4.1: List your most impressive achievements and write a great resume.
• Step 4.2: Select three skills you want to emphasize.
• Step 4.3: Select three achievements that best illustrate how you used those three skills.
• Step 4.4: Highlight these three achievements in your cover letter. But don’t repeat your resume word by word; show your personality instead.

Step 4.1: List Your Most Impressive Achievements And Write A Great Resume

In the “Consulting resume: 11 steps to get interviews in 2023”   article, you have the exact steps you need to take to:

• List your most impressive achievements
• Summarize these achievements into compelling action statements in your resume
• Format your resume with a ready-to-use template
• Get inspired with (literally) hundreds of examples
• And much more…

So, start your cover letter… by writing your consulting resume !

Step 4.2: Select The 3 Skills You Want To Emphasize In Your Consulting Cover Letter

Choose the three skills you want to emphasize in your cover letter . 

For instance :

• Problem-solving : how you used your analytical and quantitative skills to solve a problem and had an impact
• Leadership skills : how you got something done while working with someone or a group of people
• Personal impact : how you influenced people to act upon your recommendations

Another cover letter tip:

Do NOT put three achievements in your cover letter that illustrate the same skills twice or thrice.  

If you do so, you will undermine your profile…

And lose an opportunity to show that you are a well-rounded professional .

Step 4.3: Select The 3 Achievements That Best Illustrate How You Used Those Skills

You now must have a great list of achievements and an outstanding resume. 

Now, it’s time to select which achievements you will highlight in your cover letter.

To do so, select which achievements best illustrate your experience in three chosen skills . 

To do so, choose three achievements you feel are your strong suits to focus on.

For instance, you can ask yourself :

• Which achievements are you most proud of?
• Where did you have the biggest impact?
• Which achievements were the most challenging?

Step 4.4: Highlight These 3 Achievements In Your Cover Letter. But Do NOT Repeat Your CV Word-By-Word; Show Your Personality Instead

Finally, highlight these three achievements in your cover letter. 

However,  your cover letter shouldn’t just rehash your resume . 

In other words, do not repeat your word-by-word resume.

Because this will give a weak impression.

Instead, use  the letter to tell a brief story , such as “my toughest sale” or “my biggest technical challenge,” and show your personality . 

That’s  how you will stand out from the rest .

It will make a HUGE difference if you show your personality when highlighting your achievements in your cover letter.

The secret to showing your personality is to tell the readers WHY these achievements matter to YOU .

For instance:

• WHY this achievement was important for you
• WHY this achievement, in particular, was challenging
• Why did you enjoy this achievement 
• WHY this achievement left a positive (or negative) mark on you 

Do you see the pattern here?

To make it personal, explain WHY a particular achievement is important for YOU .

There are four  reasons why a particular achievement can be  important for you : 

• You had to manage (or you were part of a team managing) something critical for your company. In other words, you had a huge impact.
• The situation you had to handle was very challenging : you had to deal with a tight schedule, you had few resources to reach your objectives, you were in the middle of stakeholders who were not aligned, etc. In other words, it was tough ! Think of these long hours spent at the office 🙂
• You had to do something for the first time : present something in front of the leadership team for the first time, face a specific problem for the first time, have to handle a crisis for the first time, have to manage a team for the first time, etc. In other words, you learned a lot. 
• Or a combination of these 3 things : critical x challenging x first time (I can imagine how stressful it was!!)

So, to conclude, when describing your achievements in your cover letter, make sure to cover these four critical elements:

• The problem you had to solve
• How you solve this problem (your action)
• The outcome (the results of your action)
• Why was this achievement important for you

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You need 4 skills to be successful in all case interviews: Case Structuring, Case Leadership, Case Analytics, and Communication. Join this free training and learn how to ace ANY case questions.

Step 5: explain why you want to join this firm (mandatory)

A well-written cover letter highlights your credentials for a job and proves your desire to work for this company in particular. 

The golden rule of applying to a job is showing interest in the firm you apply to . 

Explaining your motivation to join a company is what is most important for recruiters, according to a recent survey of 200 recruiters.

Why is explaining your motivations to join this specific firm so important?

Think of it from the consulting firm’s perspective: they want to hire someone who will positively impact the firm and its customers and someone who is a good fit.

The hiring process is very costly and time-consuming. 

Therefore, they don’t want to hire someone who will leave the company after 12 months .

Being specific when you express your motivations to join a consultancy is key.

It won’t impress the readers if you give general reasons that can be applied to other consultancies. 

Even worse,  it shows that you haven’t done your homework and haven’t done any research about the company .

Thus, do not write, “I want to work for McKinsey because it’s the market leader” or “I want to join the Boston Consulting Group because I’ll be able to work with smart people.” 

Note:  I’ll show you how to use these two (good) reasons yet sound specific . 

So, now let’s see  how to express your motivation to join this firm in particular . 

To begin with, let’s see what Paul wrote in his McKinsey cover letter.

Paul gave two reasons why he is interested in joining McKinsey & Company. 

Each of his reasons follows this formula :

Step 5.1: Start By Giving A Reason Why You Want To Join This Company

You want to join a top consulting firm for many good reasons .

So if you are asking yourself, “Why McKinsey?”, “Why BCG?”, “Why Bain?”, “Why Deloitte?”, Why Accenture?” or “Why any other firms,” you should consider the following reasons :

• The company’s culture : you think you’ll be a good fit with the company’s culture. For instance, the culture of excellence at McKinsey. Or the collaborative culture at Bain & Company. Another example: the diversity of profiles promoted by the Boston Consulting Group
• Its reputation : you want to work for a company recognized as a global market leader, such as McKinsey & Company. Or do you want to join a well-known advisor in a specific geography like Bain & Company in the Middle East?
• The company’s specialization : you can have a special interest in a topic or an industry and join a firm with expertise in that topic or industry. For instance, Simon Kucher & Partners for pricing, or Bain & Company for Private Equity. Or maybe McKinsey is the only consulting firm working with public entities in your region 
• Smart colleagues : you want to be inspired and work with people inside and outside the firm who will challenge your work and how you think. For instance, McKinsey is obsessed with working mainly at the CEO level
• The company’s size : you want to join a new (or a small) office and be part of the teams that will help develop that office. Or the office can be well established, but you want to join a newly created practice and want to help develop it
• The company’s international footprint : you want to have the opportunity to work in an international environment or to be relocated to an office abroad in a couple of years. For instance, some consulting firms have international staffing rules, whereas others offer only local staffing opportunities
• The career progression opportunity : you want to join a company that invests a significant amount each year to train their consultants. For instance, Bain is known to put a high value on training their employees

So, think of “Why do you want to work for this company?” or “What attracts you to work for this company?” and check which reasons make sense.

However,  if your cover letter mentions some of the previous reasons without any more explanations, your answer will sound very generic  (and weak).

For instance, if you write, “I want to work for a prestigious company and be surrounded by smart colleagues,” this can be applied to most consulting firms. 

That’s  why you need to add evidence that you know what you are discussing .

In other words, you must show that you did your homework and researched the company. 

That’s step 5.2.

Step 5.2: Then, Back-Up Your Reason With A Persuasive Source Of Information

To make your answer convincing, you must back up your reason with a good source of information.

Thus, you will show the readers that you are not applying to this firm for random but thoughtful reasons. 

To do so, there are three persuasive sources of information that you should consider::

• Consultants who work at the company you are applying to . Your interviewer wants to know if you have done your homework and have talked to anyone from the office you are applying to, or at least from the firm in general. In other words, networking is super important.
• Reports produced by the company, such as the McKinsey Quarterly or the BCG Insight. Tell them you read and found interesting a report or an article about a topic you like.
• Alumni with whom you have worked with . If you had the opportunity to work with alumni from the firm you are applying to, mention it. This shows that you have an idea of what working there looks like.

To conclude, back up the reasons why you want to join a company with one of these sources of information, and you’ll show the readers that you researched the company and thus demonstrate real interest .

Step 5.3: Finally, Explain Why This Reason Is Important For You

Now, it’s time to make it personal. 

As for your skills  (read again writing tip 6, “Show your personality in your cover letter” if necessary),  explain why this particular reason is important for you .

For instance, you can explain why working for a global market leader such as McKinsey is important:

You are excited by the opportunity to work on impactful projects. 

Another example:

You can explain why the focus of Bain & Company on having an impact is important for you: you need to have tangible results from your work.

Step 5.4: Repeat The Previous Steps 1 Or 2 Times

Try to give a minimum of 2 (and a maximum of 3) reasons why you want to join a particular firm.

Therefore, repeat the previous steps 1 or 2 times.

Step 6: say why you want to pursue a career in consulting (optional)

This section is optional. 

90% of the time, your management consulting cover letter should NOT include this section .

If you need to include this section, keep it short. 

My recommendation is a maximum of 3 or 4 lines.

And to do so, the process is simple.

First, select one or two reasons you want to pursue a career in consulting.

Here are some examples of reasons to pursue a career in consulting:  

Second, explain why this reason is important for you .

For instance, why is having an impact important for you?

Or why is working in an environment with a strong learning curve important for you?

Again, keep your answers concise.

Step 7: end with a call to action (mandatory)

This is your call to action.

Thank the readers for their time, and let them know you’re excited to be interviewed.

I would welcome the chance to discuss further your expectations and how my analytical, leadership, and communication skills can bring value to McKinsey.

Always be polite and respectful in your close.

Let them know how eager you are to be interviewed, but never make demands.

Step 8: add your consulting cover letter signature

Sign off your letter with a “Best” or “Best regards” (remember to include a comma), followed by your name.

You can use other phrases like “Yours sincerely,” “Kind regards,” or “Best wishes,” but “Best” or “Best regards” are the safest options.

Step 9: proofread and check typos

Now it’s time to polish your consulting cover letter to ensure it stands out.

Like your resume,  your cover letter is one of the few things in your life that needs to be perfect .

Thus, you must put the same attention to detail in your cover letter as Consultants do with their slide deck presentations.

In other words, perfection is the minimum standard your cover letter must pass to keep it out of the rejection pile.

Pay close attention to the following areas to make your cover letter bulletproof.

Imagine finding out that your application — the one you spent hours working on — was dismissed because of a few small spelling or grammar errors. 

That would be tough to take.

But it happens.

Hiring managers must review hundreds of resumes and cover letters.

And typos are one of the easiest ways to narrow applicants down . 

So, double or triple-check your cover letter.

When you’ve done that, have someone else read over it.

#2: Formatting Errors

Large blocks of text are hard work on the eyes, especially on a screen. 

Therefore, keep sentences short and limit paragraphs to three or four sentences.

Moreover, I recommend using bullet points when describing your most critical skills and achievements . 

Another thing to remember is that your cover letter and resume will be read together, so the two should be consistent in how they look. 

Thus, match the style of your cover letter to your consulting resume .

To help you, I have put a cover letter template at the end of this article.

In addition, you can find a resume template in this article .

#3: Any Trace of Copy And Paste

The  “I am writing to apply for the role of  [job]  at  [company] ”  example from a previous cover letter is classic copy-and-paste.

Anything non-specific or generic immediately has the hiring manager wondering how many other people you’ve tried to impress with your robotic writing . 

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use copy-and-paste templates.

It just means you shouldn’t make it obvious that you do.

#4: Too Many Words

According to a survey by Saddleback College, almost 70% of employers want a cover letter to be less than one page.

24% say that the shorter, the better.

Generally, your consulting cover letter should be less than 500 words and fit on a single page . 

Let me repeat because it’s important:

Your consulting cover letter must be on one page.

#5: File Name And Type

First, use the PDF format when submitting your cover letter to a consulting firm unless otherwise specified by the company or recruiter.

Besides, when assigning a file name to your cover letter, include your first and last name along with the name of the company you’re applying to in the name of the file, like “Sébastien Ritter Cover Letter McKinsey.”

Step 10: get your cover letter reviewed by an expert

To ensure your consulting cover letter is error-free, share it (with this article 😉) with your friends and ask for feedback.

But do not ask all your friends.

Instead, focus on these three people: a grammar champion, an HR person (preferably in the consulting industry, but non-consulting HR is fine, too), and a Consultant.

Step 11: complement your cover letter with a great CV

I recommend focusing your time and energy on your consulting resume before writing your cover letter. 

Because recruiters say they spend a maximum of 60 seconds deciding whether a candidate should be invited for an interview, they probably start by figuring out whether you have the skillset and education required for the job.

And that’s the purpose of the resume .

For instance, I recommend spending 80% of your time writing your CV and 20% writing your cover letter.  

Check this article that will help you craft your CV .

You’ll find a step-by-step guide, templates, and examples to help you craft a perfect consulting resume. 

My best consulting cover letter tips

In 2023, I analyzed 147 management consulting cover letters . 

As a result, here are my 7 best cover letter tips. 

And here is the best part:

You’ll also learn the most common mistakes to avoid at all costs. 

Consulting cover letter tip 1: Personalize your letter for each firm

Never send a generic cover letter.

This implies that you must create a new one for each firm.

Consulting cover letter tip 2: Simplify your letter

Clarify and condense your message.

Using complicated words and sentences would almost certainly fail to convey your intentions to the company, and the person reading the letter probably won’t bother with the rest of your application.

Consulting cover letter tip 3: Be specific when needed

Make sure to quantify your accomplishments.

For instance, elaborate on your marketing expertise in your cover letter by stating that you increased revenue to $10,000 while bringing in 200 more clients monthly.

Having specific personal information can help you stand out from other applicants.

Consulting cover letter tip 4: Omit unnecessary details

Let’s state the obvious:

You don’t need to mention your graphic design experience.

Personal information like accomplishments in leisure activities, interests, and hobbies are best left out.

Consulting cover letter tip 5: Show Your Value

When applying for consulting positions, it’s a common error for candidates to focus only on their individual accomplishments.

Cover letters with many “me memes” are frequently read by recruiters.

This means that rather than emphasizing how they can contribute to the company (and eventually become partners), many applicants concentrate on how they will personally benefit from the position in question.

In your cover letter, highlight how your skills will help the company.

Consulting cover letter tip 6: Remember that spelling counts

Grammar and spelling mistakes can indicate that you neglected to proofread your own letter.

Additionally, be consistent—do not represent a dash with “—” in one location and “–” in another.

Consulting cover letter tip 7: Give Yourself Time to Write a Quality Letter

A strong consulting cover letter takes time to write, just like consulting resumes do.

It’s important to consider your accomplishments and what sets you apart from others if you want to be successful.

Think twice before assuming you can create a quality cover letter in a single evening.

It necessitates numerous revisions, careful rereading, and prompt feedback.

Additionally, you must ensure that the cover letter complements your resume flawlessly and elaborates on your impressive abilities and experiences.

Four consulting cover letter examples

In the next 4 sections, you can find sample cover letters for McKinsey, BCG, and Bain & Company.

McKinsey cover letter (Undergraduate)

Now, you can see a first consulting cover letter sample.

That’s the McKinsey cover letter used by Paul. 

Please note that this Junior Consultant cover letter (or a cover letter for the Associate Consultant position) can also work for other positions. 

BCG cover letter (experienced hire)

Here is now a BCG cover letter from an experienced hire.  

Bain cover letter (Undergraduate)

Here is now a Bain & Company cover letter from an undergraduate student.  

Bonus: McKinsey cover letter from FirmLearning

Here is another McKinsey cover letter example from the YouTube channel Firm learning:

Do you want more consulting cover letter samples?

Then sign up for our free training !

In this free training, you’ll find consulting cover letter samples and tips on acing your consulting interviews at top management consulting firms.

And you’ll improve your problem-solving skills!

Consulting cover letter templates

Do not reinvent the wheel.

Thus, you can download free consulting cover letter Word or PDF templates to fasten the writing process .

These detailed templates will help you correctly outline your management consulting cover letter.

You can use these templates to apply to any top-tier consulting firms, including the following:

• Bain & Company
• Oliver Wyman
• Roland Berger
• Deloitte Monitor
• Strategy&
• E&Y Parthenon
• And many more.

If you need help writing your resume, these templates will help you.

Here is the Word template .

And here is the PDF template .

Besides, check this article to download consulting resume templates and examples.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a cover letter be.

Aim at 2–4 paragraphs within one page.

Do I need a cover letter?

I ALWAYS recommend adding a cover letter to your application .

Because a well-written cover letter will always distinguish your application.

If a resume shows your  Skills and Accomplishments, a consulting cover letter must show your Personality and Motivation.

In other words, a great cover letter is your chance to say something about yourself that you can not put in your resume.

And for securing your dream consulting job, any advantage you can gain over other candidates to land an interview is worth taking.

A good consulting cover letter is one such advantage.

This article helps showcase your personality and motivation in your consulting cover letter.

Also, here is what recruiters say will get an application rejected (source: careerbuilder.com ):

Not submitting a consulting cover letter is a risk of rejection . 

How to organize your consulting cover letter sections?

Short answer: the order of the sections does not matter much.

For instance, you can organize your management consulting cover letter like this:

• Why consulting

Or you can organize the sections of your management cover letter differently. 

There is no one-size-fits-all management consulting cover letter winning order.

Consulting cover letter: final words

I hope you found this new guide to writing a persuasive, customized cover letter for consulting jobs helpful. 

Now I’d like to hear what you have to say:

Which tip from today’s post was the most helpful for you?

Is it how to show your personality?

Or maybe it is how to express your motivation for a particular firm.

Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.

P.S. Are you looking for help?

If you want a team of experts by your side throughout the entire consulting recruitment process, check if we would be a good fit by clicking here .

Besides, check our clients’ success stories .

We’ve helped hundreds of candidates get offers at top consulting firms around the globe. 

The best part?

Those candidates had various backgrounds: MBAs, Engineers, PhDs, experienced professionals, etc.

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18 thoughts on “Consulting Cover Letter: a step-by-step guide (2024)”

Pingback: All About The McKinsey Recruitment Process - Career in Consulting

The only useful and structured cover letter writing article on the whole internet!

Happy that you enjoyed the article, Anthony 🙂

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Pingback: All About The BCG Recruitment Process - Career in Consulting

I didnt realise how much i need this article, till i read it . Truly helpful , Thanks Sebastien 🙂

Thanks! glad you found it helpful!

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Pingback: How to answer “Why McKinsey?”, “Why BCG?”, or “ Why Bain?” questions - Career in Consulting

Brilliant brilliant work, Sebastien! Thank you very much. The best I have come across so far.

Thank you very much Samuel!

Wow, this paragraph is pleasant, my sister is analyzing such things, so I am going to inform her.

Great article to read, all the tips are great….

Thanks! I’m glad you like it

Ththank you very much for the article which was very interesting, just like the one about the CV!

However, I was wondering if following this structure in 3 adjectives and form could not be penalizing since many people have already followed your article?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Hi Thomas. Thank you for your comment, and I’m glad you’ve liked this article! Regarding your question, besides the structure described in this article, the content (the reasons why you are interested in a firm and why these reasons are important for you) will make your CL unique. Hope this helps, Sébastien

I never write comments like this on the internet but felt compelled to express my gratitude. This, and the resume writing article, are the most thoughtful and helpful guides I have ever read on this topic. Although I am a teacher in England (not an American consultant!) I found all the advice to be completely transferrable and have done a major overhaul on my CV. Thank you for being so clear and thorough in your advice – I have shared it with my colleagues and will continue to spread the word to anyone who needs CV writing advice in any profession.

Thank you Emily for the nice comment

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Resume Worded   |  Career Strategy

7 management consultant cover letters.

Approved by real hiring managers, these Management Consultant cover letters have been proven to get people hired in 2024. A hiring manager explains why.

Table of contents

• Management Consultant
• Junior Management Consultant
• Strategy Consultant
• Alternative introductions for your cover letter
• Management Consultant resume examples

Management Consultant Cover Letter Example

Why this cover letter works in 2024, driving results for clients.

Highlighting a specific accomplishment with quantifiable results demonstrates the value you bring to a potential employer. By sharing the success of a past project, you show your ability to make a positive impact.

Leading Teams to Success

Describing a project where you led a team and achieved positive outcomes showcases your leadership abilities and teamwork skills. This helps the hiring manager envision how you'd fit into the company culture and contribute to their ongoing projects.

Highlighting Relevant Job Experiences

In your cover letter, it's key to focus on experiences that align with the requirements of the job you're applying for. In your case, mentioning your time as a Senior Business Analyst at Resume Worded shows that you have direct, relevant experience. This gives me confidence you're capable of handling the responsibilities of a management consultant.

Quantifying Achievements

When you highlight your successes with concrete numbers like this, it breathes life into your achievements. It's not just about saying what you did, but showing how effective you were at it. In this case, you didn't just lead a project, you led a project that saved a company a huge amount of money and significantly improved efficiency. That's tangible, that's impressive, and that's what recruiters want to see.

Highlighting Leadership Skills

We love seeing candidates who've managed cross-functional teams, especially in high-stakes situations. This tells us you're not just a team player, but also a team leader. You've likely got the people skills, the resilience, and the strategic thinking to guide a team through challenging projects. Plus, proving that you can improve customer satisfaction scores is a big win, because every company values their customers.

Expressing Enthusiasm

Thanking us for considering your application is a polite, professional finish to your letter. But what really stands out is your passion to contribute to the team's success. It tells us that you're not just looking for a job, but for a place where you can make a difference, and that's the kind of attitude we appreciate.

h2>Show genuine excitement for the company's mission

When you kick off your cover letter by expressing genuine enthusiasm for the company's mission and how it aligns with your own skills and passions, you're starting on the right foot. It's refreshing to see someone who's not just looking for any job, but specifically wants to be part of what we're doing here.

Does writing cover letters feel pointless? Use our AI

Dear Job Seeker, Writing a great cover letter is tough and time-consuming. But every employer asks for one. And if you don't submit one, you'll look like you didn't put enough effort into your application. But here's the good news: our new AI tool can generate a winning cover letter for you in seconds, tailored to each job you apply for. No more staring at a blank page, wondering what to write. Imagine being able to apply to dozens of jobs in the time it used to take you to write one cover letter. With our tool, that's a reality. And more applications mean more chances of landing your dream job. Write me a cover letter It's helped thousands of people speed up their job search. The best part? It's free to try - your first cover letter is on us. Sincerely, The Resume Worded Team

Want to see how the cover letter generator works? See this 30 second video.

Junior Management Consultant Cover Letter Example

Showing impact through numbers.

When detailing your accomplishments, including quantifiable results makes your impact more tangible. You mention improving efficiency by 30% and reducing churn by 15% - these numbers validate your claims and provide solid proof of your capabilities. This is something I really appreciate seeing in a cover letter.

Strategy Consultant Cover Letter Example

Showing adaptability.

Leading a digital transformation initiative proves that you're not just keeping up with trends, you're driving them. It shows us that you're adaptable, and willing to embrace change rather than shy away from it. Plus, highlighting your role in strategic planning and execution tells us you've got the holistic perspective we love in a Strategy Consultant.

Proving Long-Term Impact

When you mention leading a sustainability project that reduced the company's carbon footprint, it shows us you're able to implement strategies with long-term benefits. It's not just about the immediate wins, but about creating lasting, positive change. That's the kind of strategic thinking we're looking for.

h2>Demonstrate impact with numbers

Talking about your achievements is one thing, but bringing hard numbers to the table is another level. Saying you helped reduce costs by 15% or improved delivery times by 20% gives me something tangible. It's like showing me the receipts of your success, which is hard to argue with.

Alternative Introductions

If you're struggling to start your cover letter, here are 6 different variations that have worked for others, along with why they worked. Use them as inspiration for your introductory paragraph.

Cover Letters For Jobs Similar To Management Consultant Roles

• Business Consultant Cover Letter Guide
• Consultant Cover Letter Guide
• IT Consultant Cover Letter Guide
• Leasing Consultant Cover Letter Guide
• Management Consultant Cover Letter Guide
• Marketing Consultant Cover Letter Guide
• Sales Consultant Cover Letter Guide

Other Other Cover Letters

• Business Owner Cover Letter Guide
• Correctional Officer Cover Letter Guide
• Demand Planning Manager Cover Letter Guide
• Executive Assistant Cover Letter Guide
• Operations Manager Cover Letter Guide
• Orientation Leader Cover Letter Guide
• Plant Manager Cover Letter Guide
• Production Planner Cover Letter Guide
• Recruiter Cover Letter Guide
• Recruiting Coordinator Cover Letter Guide
• Site Manager Cover Letter Guide
• Supply Chain Planner Cover Letter Guide
• Teacher Cover Letter Guide
• Vice President of Operations Cover Letter Guide

Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

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• Resume Builder
• Resume Examples
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Every year, more than 1 million candidates apply for a consulting role in McKinsey.

[ Click here to directly go to the Consulting cover letter sample ]

But only 10,000 people get the final offer. That’s a 1% success rate .

The top 3 consulting companies, McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain & Company , are some of the most selective companies when it comes to hiring.

Most people don’t know this, but they start their selection process by screening the cover letter and consulting resumes .

More than 80% of resumes and cover letters are rejected before the first screening. Less than 15% of candidates get called for interviews in the big three consulting firms.

So, if you think, " How do I become a consultant? How to write a consulting cover letter that gets me the consulting job?” - This blog is for you.

Consulting cover letters are very different from traditional cover letters for jobs. In this guide to writing a consulting cover letter, we’ll tell you everything you need to write on the consulting cover letter to stand out from your competitors.

In this blog, we will discuss:

• What is a consulting cover letter?
• What are the things recruiters look for in a cover cetter?
• How to structure a consulting cover letter?
• How to write an effective consulting cover letter?
• 5 tips to write a stellar consulting cover letter
• Consulting cover letter dample

We’ll also share five consulting cover letter examples to help you get an interview.

What Is a Consulting Cover Letter?

A consulting cover letter is an adjacent document with your consulting resume that helps you introduce your skills and accomplishments to the hiring managers.

It’s an essential part of your application, especially for big three consulting firms, because it’s easy for recruiters to quickly sort bad candidates based on the quality of a cover letter, lack of attention to detail, etc.

However, if done correctly, consulting cover letters is an excellent way to stand out from the crowd and get yourself a job interview.

You don’t have enough space to elaborate on your experiences on a resume. But with a cover letter, you can expand on your experiences and explain the reasons for some potential red flags on your resume.

Why do you have a job gap? Why do you have a low GPA? You can explain the reasons for that in the cover letter.

In short, your consulting cover letter is the deciding factor for getting a job in a big consulting company.

What Recruiters Look for in a Consulting Cover Letter?

The recruiters look for a candidate who has excellent communication and leadership skills. They look into the applicant's skills and experience to understand if they have the qualities to become a successful consultant.

Recruiters look for mainly four aspects from a consultant cover letter. These are:

• Does the candidate have the relevant skills and experience required for the job?
• Does the candidate have a clear idea of what the company does?
• Is the candidate interested in working with the company?
• Does the candidate have excellent communication skills?

If you want to create an outstanding consulting cover letter, you need to address all four points in your letter.

How to Structure a Management Consulting Cover Letter?

A perfect management consulting cover letter must have six distinct elements.

• Opening Paragraph
• Closing Paragraph
• Your Signature

Consulting Cover Letter: Header

This is a mandatory part of any professional letter. The header section must include

• Candidate’s name
• Phone Number
• Your Location

Even if your resume has all this information, you need to add these to your cover letter.

Salutation is an essential part of the consulting cover letter. Never start your cover letter with “To whom it may concern.” It will not get you the job.

Instead, find out who is the recruiter or hiring manager and address the cover letter directly to them.

If you don’t identify who the hiring manager is, you can address the letter to the recruitment team. For example:

Dear members of the BCG Recruitment Team, To Bain Recruitment Team,

Consulting Cover Letter: Opening Paragraph

The first sentence of your consulting cover letter is the perfect opportunity to hook the reader’s attention. And the second sentence should state the role you are applying for and how you learned about the position. The third sentence should describe why you are interested in the company you are applying for.

Do some initial research and craft a personalized and customized opening paragraph for the Consulting cover letter. If you can do that, you will improve your chance of getting shortlisted by 1000%.

Here is an example of the Opening Paragraph of a consulting cover letter:

I am a 4+ years experienced digital marketing professional working with top SaaS brands to help them generate $100M in sales year on year. I’m highly pleased to apply for the Associate Consultant position at McKinsey. I appreciate McKinsey’s leadership and sales practices to provide an outstanding experience to clients.

Consulting Cover Letter - Body

The consulting cover letter body part should explain your key accomplishments, experience, and why you are a good fit for the firm.

Don’t write a generic consulting cover letter body. Research the consulting firm, go to their website and understand the qualities they are looking for. After that, you can start creating the body of the consulting cover letter.

Below is a consulting cover letter example of the body paragraph:

Consulting Cover Letter- Closing Paragraph

The closing paragraph is where you place the call to action to encourage the recruiters to take action. It must be short and to the point.

Here’s an example of the Closing Paragraph of Consulting Cover Letter:

Consulting Cover Letter - Ending Signature

This is a formality for any type of professional letter. There are different types of closing signatures. Such as:

Thanking You Thanks and Regards Best Regards Sincerely Thank You

How to Write an Effective Consulting Cover Letter - Formatting

It’s not enough to have great content for the consulting cover letter; You need to format it professionally to get the most out of it.

Here are some formatting tips to help you create the consulting cover letter:

Keep it Under 1 Page:

The consulting cover letter should not be more than one page. Recruiters don’t have much time to give to one single candidate. And in this time, if you create a 2-page cover letter, the maximum chance is that recruiters will ignore your application.

Use 1-inch Margin:

A 1-inch margin is standard for any professional cover letter. A margin of less than 1 inch makes your cover letter look cramped. A 1-inch margin ensures enough whitespace to make the letter easily readable.

Use Professional Font:

Always use a professional font in the consulting cover letter. Some professional fonts are:

• Times New Roman

Also, ensure to keep the font size to 12 points. It makes the cover letter very easy to read.

Save the Cover Letter in PDF

Make sure to submit the cover letter in PDF format. It ensures that your cover letter format is intact, no matter who views it.

10 Tips for Writing a Consulting Cover Letter

Writing a solid consulting cover letter allows you to present your candidacy to the hiring managers. Here is a list of tips for writing a stellar consulting cover letter.

1. Research the Company Requirements

Interviewing candidates is expensive; it takes time and money to get excellent people on board.

So, the company also wants to ensure that the candidate they are interviewing is interested in the job.

Therefore, consulting firms look for signs that:

• You’ve researched the company
• You have a proper motivation or reason for entering into consulting
• You have a good answer to why you’re the right fit for the company
• You have impeccable speaking and writing skills

Use your cover letter to showcase that you have all the signs that a consulting firm looks for in a candidate. This will set you apart from the rest of the candidates.

2. Link Cover Letter To Resume

Your cover letter should complement your resume and strengthen your candidacy.

Start the cover letter with unique experiences and skills to hook the recruiter’s interests.

In resumes, there is less space to explain anything to the recruiter. You can complement it by going into detail about your achievements and skills in the cover letter.

Here are some points consulting firms look for in a consulting cover letter:

• Big brand name: If you are from a reputed university or worked with reputed brands
• Good Academic Performance: 3.5+ GPA
• Leadership experience and good communication skills
• Excellent Analytical Skills
• The ratio of your accomplishments and career year: the more experience you have, the more accomplishments you should get

3. Don’t Use a Standard Cover Letter Template

Writing a cover letter is difficult. It takes a lot of contemplating and self-reflection to make it right. You have to edit and rewrite the cover letter multiple times to make it interesting.

Some candidates try to use standardized cover letter templates to avoid the pain of writing a cover letter.

This is a big mistake, mainly if you apply to prestigious consulting firms. The recruiters in these organizations are experienced in identifying a standard cover letter.

Don’t write a consulting cover letter for the sake of it. Write the cover letter to make each sentence count and help you get closer to your dream job.

4. Use Evidence-based Storytelling

Everyone loves a good story. And in your cover letter as well, you should tell the story of your experience, don’t list down your skills and accomplishments without any context.

Demonstrate how various experiences have given you certain skills that nobody has.

For example, instead of saying you have led marketing campaigns in your past organizations, you can say that You’ve managed a marketing budget of $50,000 and coordinated with the content team to launch two successful campaigns and generated $5mn sales.

This is evidence-based storytelling, and this gives more context to the recruiter about your experience and helps them evaluate your skills.

5. Avoid Repeating Things on Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter and resume go hand in hand — they should complement each other, but they should not be the same.

You can reference elements of your resume but focus on aspects that aren't covered very well there or put a different spin on things, so it's still interesting for them to read about it again.

6. Pick Your Best Stories And Accomplishments

A cover letter is an opportunity to tell great stories from your work experience that are relevant to the consulting firm you're applying to.

If you have accomplishments, such as helping previous employers save money or increase profits, put these front and center where hiring managers won't miss them. Don't just list your skills — explain how they helped your previous employers meet their goals.

However, make sure to include only 2-3 such stories. And keep them short and crisp. Nobody has the time to read through a 2-page cover letter.

7. Quantify Your Results and Impact

Consulting firms want to know that you have the potential to deliver results for their clients — so make sure you mention how much impact or value you've created in past jobs or internships. For example: "I helped ABC Company reduce its customer service costs by 20%." Or: "I generated $100K in annual savings for XYZ Company through process improvement initiatives."

8. Keep Your Cover Letter Crisp

Many consulting firms get hundreds, if not thousands, of applications for each job opening. It's important to keep your cover letter as brief as possible so that recruiters don't lose interest.

Keep your cover letter to a maximum of one page. The most successful cover letters have three identifiable sections: who you are, why you are applying and why the firm should hire you. This can be covered in three paragraphs or about 300 words.

9. Namedrop Employees You Have Talked to

If there is someone at the firm who referred you or whom you have spoken to about this position, mention them by name in your cover letter, preferably in the first paragraph. This will help the reader to associate your application with that particular employee. It will also help if that person has put in a good word for you!

10. Double-check You're Addressing The Cover Letter Properly

Address the right firm. Take the time to research the firm and make sure your cover letter is addressed to the right person.

Most firms will have information on their websites about who is in charge of recruiting.

The more personal you can make the cover letter, the better for you.

Failing to address your cover letter correctly may be discarded without even being read.

Here’s a Management Consulting Cover Letter Sample For Your Reference:

Frequently asked questions:, do all consulting firms require cover letter.

Most consulting firms keep cover letters as an optional document. However, you must add your cover letter with your resume to distinguish yourself from other candidates. Writing a unique cover letter can help you stand out from the crowd.

What if The Cover Letters are Optional?

Consulting firms like McKinsey and BCG have made their cover letters optional.

It certainly helps the candidates with strong resumes to get out of the hassle of creating a cover letter. However, if you have some red flags on your resume, such as a low GPA or an employment gap, you should write a cover letter to explain these potential red flags to the recruiters and increase your chances of getting hired.

Key Takeaways

Writing a consulting cover letter doesn’t have to be complicated. Just remember the following tips:

• Write a proper cover letter header and ensure that you are not making any mistakes in your contact information
• Always start the cover letter with a proper and professional salutation
• The first paragraph of the consulting cover letter should hook the recruiter to read the whole cover letter
• In the second paragraph, explain your experiences and show why you are the perfect candidate for the job
• Always end the consulting cover letter with a call to action

If you want to create a consulting cover letter, go to the Hiration Cover Letter Builder tool and pick from 20+ consulting cover letter templates to make an excellent one for yourself.

If you have further questions, reach out to us at [email protected] , and we will be happy to help you out.

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How to Write a Cover Letter for Internship (Examples & Template)

You’ve found the perfect internship and it’s now time to apply and land the position!

But, in addition to your resume, you also have to write an internship cover letter.

You might end up staring at the blank Word document for hours and nothing comes out.

We don’t blame you; cover letters are hard to write even if you have a decade’s worth of work experience, let alone if you’re a recent graduate or a student.

Worry not, though; in this article, we’re going to teach you all you need to know to write a compelling cover letter for your internship.

• Do you need a cover letter for an internship?
• How to write a compelling cover letter for an internship
• Plug and play internship cover letter template

Do I Need a Cover Letter for an Internship?

First things first—if you’re wondering whether you actually need a cover letter for your internship application, the answer is yes . 

An internship application is just like any other hiring process, meaning that a recruiter will go over your resume , cover letter (and maybe even references), and decide whether you’re qualified for the position. 

And yes, recruiters contrary to what you might think, recruiters do read your cover letter. 56% of recruiters prefer a cover letter with an applicant’s application.

This is reasonable - a cover letter allows you to add essential information you didn’t have space for in a resume, as well as explain (in words) how your experiences are tied to the role you’re applying for.

As such, a cover letter for an internship is essential and complementary to your application package.

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s go over all the best ways to write a cover letter for an internship. 

How to Write a Cover Letter for Internship

#1. respect the format.

Before you can focus on your cover letter’s contents, you should first make sure you’re sticking to the right format. 

Otherwise, your cover letter will be disorganized and the recruiter will have a hard time following your train of thought.

So, here’s the format that your cover letter for an internship should follow: 

• Header with contact information. This includes your full name, professional email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile (if you have one). Underneath your contact info, you should add the date and the receiver’s information (the recruiter’s name and title, the company/organization name, and their physical address). 
• Addressing the recruiter. Greeting the recruiter with “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern” is common, but not the best approach. Want to show the hiring manager that you did your research? We recommend you address the hiring manager by name directly. Our guide on how to address a cover letter covers everything you need to know on this topic!      
• Opening statement. Your opening statement should be brief, but at the same time professional and attention-grabbing. Here, you introduce yourself, mention the position you’re applying for, and potentially a key achievement or two.   
• Body. The body of your cover letter consists of 2-3 paragraphs where you highlight your education, provide background for your skills, and explain how you (and the company) would benefit from each other professionally. 
• Closing paragraph. Your closing paragraph is your chance to include a call to action, to thank the recruiters for their time, or mention anything important you left out. 
• Formal salutation. End your cover letter with a formal salutation such as “kind regards,” “sincerely,” or “best regards.” Our guide on how to end a cover letter can teach you all you need to know on the topic. 

Having trouble getting started with your cover letter? Read our guide on how to start a cover letter and get inspired!

#2. State the Position You’re Applying For in the Opening

Recruiters hate one-size-fits-all cover letters and resumes.

Around 48% of recruiters and hiring managers aren’t even going to read your cover letter if it’s not customized to the role you’re applying for.

And one of the easiest ways to do this is by mentioning the role you’re applying for right in the cover letter opening.

This allows you to:

• Show that you will be tailoring the rest of your cover letter for that position alone.
• Prove that your cover letter is customized for this specific internship, and you’re not just randomly applying for the job,

Here’s a practical example of how you can mention the role you’re applying for in the cover letter opening:

Dear Mr. Jacobs, 

It is my pleasure to apply for the Communications Assistant internship position at the United Nations Development Programme. I can confidently say based on my 2-year experience working as a journalist and my excellent academic results in the Mass Communications Major that I’d be a good fit for the position. 

#3. Mention the Right Keywords

When reviewing your application, hiring managers tend to scan your cover letter or resume and look for the right keywords that would make you qualified for the internship you’re applying for.

E.g. If you're applying for a job in graphic design, the recruiter is probably looking for keywords like “Photoshop,” “Illustrator,” or “InDesign.”

As such, it’s very important to include the right keywords in your cover letter.

How can you find these keywords, you might ask?

It’s actually pretty simple - just look at the internship job description and go through the required skills & responsibilities and identify the keywords that you’d think the recruiter would be looking for.

Then, do the following:

• Sprinkle some of those keywords throughout your cover letter. When relevant, back them up with an experience. E.g. don’t just say “I’m good at Photoshop,” say how you’ve taken 3 different Photoshop classes and used Photoshop for 2 different projects.
• Don’t include keywords that don’t apply to you, they’ll just make it seem like you’re copy-pasting from the job description.
• Research and add other popular soft skills that recruiters look for in applicants for the role you’re applying for. E.g. If you’re applying for an internship as a communications assistant, chances are, you’ll need strong communication skills (even if this is not something listed in the job description.

Now, let’s look at a practical example. Let’s say that the internship you’re applying for requires the following skills:

• Communication
• Ability to meet strict deadlines

Here’s how you’d mention this in your cover letter:

During my time as Editor in Chief at my University’s newspaper, I got to develop my communication and leadership skills significantly. For over two years, I was in charge of a 7 people team, which also helped my teamwork skills and my ability to meet deadlines. 

Keep in mind, though, that it IS possible to overdo it with the keywords.

44% of hiring managers say they will dismiss a resume or cover letter that looks as if it has copied the job posting. 

Using each and every keyword mentioned in the job description (without backing the skills up with experiences) might cause the hiring manager to think that you’re just copying the job ad & don’t actually have these skills.

So, don’t just copy-paste all the keywords from the job description, and if you DO mention a lot of those keywords, make sure to back them up with practical experiences.

#4. Highlight Your Education

If you don’t have a lot of work experience, your education and relevant coursework is your best chance to show that you’re a good fit for the internship. 

Letting the recruiter know what kind of courses you’ve completed that are relevant to the internship you’re applying for will be a big plus for your application. 

Say, for example, that you’re applying for an internship as a graphic designer. To make your internship cover letter impactful, make sure to mention all the relevant courses and related accomplishments. 

Here’s an example of how you could do that:

As a Visual Design major, I have completed several courses that have helped me build my professional portfolio. A few of the most beneficial ones have been Design & Layout and Visual Communication: Theory and Practice. I have also gained valuable experience doing the layout of the university’s newspaper for 4 years and of several books as independent projects. 

#5. Provide Background For Your Skills

It’s one thing to just claim that you have a set of skills and another to prove it. 

Anyone can say that they’re great at doing something, but what makes all the difference is when you can actually put your money where your mouth is. 

For example, in your internship cover letter, instead of just mentioning that you have “good time-management skills,” actually back it up with a past experience that proves it.

During the summers I assisted my family’s wedding planning business, I learned a lot about time management. In that kind of business, it’s important that things run like clockwork so in addition to time management skills, it also significantly improved my attention to detail. 

#6. Explain Why You’re a Good Fit For The Position

In addition to just listing out the skills that are relevant and beneficial for the internship, you should also explain why you are a good fit for the position. 

This means that you should connect the dots between what the company/organization is looking to gain from its interns and what you can do to provide those services. 

So, after you research and create an understanding of what is required of you, you should use your cover letter to explain why you’re a good fit for that position. 

For the sake of the example, let’s assume you’re applying for an internship at a Human Rights organization. A big chunk of what the role requires is categorizing virtual files of the cases the organization has worked on in the past.

What you want to do, in this case, is show how you can help with that particular job as an intern. Here’s how:  

I have spent 3 summers working at the National Library, where I was tasked to sort and categorize books based on their topic, author, and year of publication, and also memorize where each section fits in the library. I believe this skill, which I have perfected over the years, can really be of use for the internship position at Organization X.

#7. Describe What You Would Gain Professionally

In addition to showing (and proving) your skills and how you can benefit the company, you should also explain how getting the position will benefit YOU . 

When it comes to internships, oftentimes they serve the purpose of helping students and young professionals acquire in-depth knowledge about the industry, create a network, and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their careers. 

So, it will surely help you make an even better impression if you show that you are self-aware about what you’ll get out of the internship and how it will help you grow professionally. 

Here’s how you can do that: 

I am excited for this internship to provide me with the necessary customer service skills and network that will help me grow professionally in my future career as a customer service manager. 

#8. Proofread Your Cover Letter

After all, is written and done, there’s one final thing to do and that is make sure your cover letter doesn’t have mistakes. 

A spelling or grammar mistake probably won’t disqualify you, but at the same time, it will probably be a red flag for recruiters that you’re not too attentive.

For this reason, ask a friend to proofread your cover letter or use spell-checking software such as Grammarly and Hemingway . 

Want to know what other cover letter mistakes you should avoid? Our guide on cover letter mistakes has all you need to know on the topic! 

#9. Match Your Cover Letter & Resume Designs

Want your internship application to truly shine?

Match your cover letter design with your resume!

Sure, you could go with a generic Word cover letter template, but why fit in when you can stand out?

At Novorésumé, all our resume templates come with a matching cover letter template , guaranteed to make your application truly special.

Cover Letter for Internship Template

Struggling to create a cover letter for your internship?

Simply follow our tried-and-tested internship cover letter template!

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! You should now have all the necessary information about how to create a cover letter for an internship.

Now, let’s do a small recap of the key learning points we just covered:

• Cover letters are a must when you’re applying for an internship.
• When you start writing your cover letter, make sure you respect the format: the header with contact information, the greeting to the recruiter, an opening paragraph, the body with 2-3 paragraphs, and a closing paragraph followed by an official salutation and your name.
• Some of our main tips on how to write a cover letter for an internship include: state the position you’re applying for, make use of the right keywords, and back up your skills with experiences.
• Use a cover letter builder and match it with your resume to make sure your cover letter truly stands out from the rest.

Related Readings: 

• Entry-level Cover Letter
• Do I Need a Cover Letter in 2024?
• Top 21 Cover Letter Tips

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Management Consulting Cover Letter Example

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Start your Management Consulting cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly, if possible. Then, introduce yourself and state the position you're applying for. Make sure to mention where you found the job posting. In the first paragraph, you should also briefly explain why you're interested in the role and the company. This shows that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the position. For example, "Dear Mr. Smith, I am writing to apply for the Management Consulting position at XYZ Consulting, as advertised on LinkedIn. With my extensive experience in strategic planning and business development, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and help your clients achieve their business goals."

The best way for Management Consultants to end a cover letter is by summarizing their interest in the role, reiterating their relevant skills and expressing enthusiasm for a potential interview. A strong closing statement might be, "I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique blend of skills and experience to your team and am confident that I can contribute significantly to your company's goals. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application with you further." This ending is assertive, shows confidence in their abilities, and indicates eagerness for the next step. Always remember to thank the reader for their time and consideration.

Management consultants should include the following elements in their cover letter: 1. Contact Information: This includes your name, address, phone number, and email address. 2. Salutation: Address the hiring manager or recruiter directly if you know their name. If not, use a general salutation like "Dear Hiring Manager." 3. Introduction: Begin by stating the position you're applying for and where you found the job listing. You can also mention if someone referred you. 4. Why You're a Good Fit: This is the main body of your cover letter. Here, you should highlight your skills, experiences, and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the role. Use specific examples and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. For example, if you helped a company increase their revenue, mention the percentage increase. 5. Knowledge about the Company: Show that you've done your research and understand the company's goals, values, and challenges. Explain how you can contribute to their mission. 6. Closing: In your closing paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the role and the opportunity to contribute to the company. Thank the hiring manager for considering your application. 7. Signature: End with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name. 8. Postscript: This is optional, but you can use a postscript to highlight an important achievement or detail that you want the hiring manager to notice. Remember, your cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. It's your chance to tell a story about your career and show why you're passionate about management consulting. Tailor it to each job application and keep it concise and engaging.

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