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

Consulting cover letter

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.

Consulting cover letter example

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.

Consulting cover letter tips

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:

What consulting firms look for

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.

Interview coach and candidate conduct a video call

4 ways to start your McKinsey cover letter, according to recruiters and a former McKinsey manager

  • A consulting job at McKinsey is hard to get but comes with a salary that can reach the high six figures. 
  • Your cover letter is key to getting your foot in the door, recruiters and a former McKinsey manager said.
  • They recommended demonstrating problem-solving skills and leadership abilities, and keeping your letter short.

McKinsey and Company is tough to break into but well worth the effort when it comes to salary. Partner salaries average more than $800,000 in total pay, according to job-review site Glassdoor.

One of your first chances to prove your value to this uber-competitive management consulting firm is through a cover letter. As stated on McKinsey's website : "Your application (i.e., cover letter, CV/resume) is our first and primary evidence of your written communication skills, so present it in a thoughtful and compelling manner."

While the company's website notes that a cover letter isn't required in an online application "unless you wish to alert [McKinsey] to an unusual circumstance or to provide information on a reapplication," recruiters emphasized that it's still an important part of the hiring process.

"McKinsey recruiters expect to see applicants with elite problem-solving and leadership abilities who can articulate their achievements, accomplishments, and diverse experiences concisely," said Caroline Stokes, the CEO of executive search and coaching firm  FORWARD , who has experience recruiting and coaching job seekers for many top firms, including McKinsey. "A person's leadership style and executive presence can be determined from this letter alone, so it needs to fully represent how the person would operate in this management consultancy environment with other high-performing talent and clients."

Portia Kibble Smith, an executive recruiter at  Karat  who has four decades of corporate experience and has placed many candidates at McKinsey, added: "The single biggest reason for a cover letter is that when I talk to hiring managers, they're probably reviewing each resume for 10 to 30 seconds. They're shuffling through them so quickly that you need some way to make the strongest part of your resume pop. That's what a cover letter is for." 

These experts and others shared their best tips for writing a letter that gets a hiring manager's attention.

Emphasize leadership, entrepreneurial drive, and passion for client-facing work

Smith said you should first make it clear that you're interested in working with clients — not just interested in working for McKinsey. 

"Demonstrate your passion for client-facing roles, and that you have the tools to hit the ground running on day one," Smith said.

Second, Smith pointed out that the cover letter is your opportunity to pull out the single-most impressive part of your resume and bring it to life. 

"Draw them in with a compelling story so they know your resume is worth more than half a minute of their time," she said. "One example of this is from a candidate that I helped place, who went into detail about their experience leading teams in the telecommunications industry and the value they helped create in a client-facing role."

Lastly, she advised not shying away from your background, but instead leaning into it. 

"If your MBA is from KU [University of Kansas] and not Harvard, the hiring manager already knows this, so there's no need to hide it," Smith said. "What opportunities did you have in Lawrence that may not have been available in Cambridge? Is there a unique perspective you're going to offer to the clients that they can't find anywhere else? That will get you noticed." 

Will Bachman spent four years at McKinsey after business school as an engagement manager, plus another year at the firm during his pre-MBA tenure. Within his management role, he was involved in recruiting for the firm — specifically vetting prospective MBA students and conducting interviews — before he left to cofound Umbrex , a global community connecting top-tier independent management consultants.

Bachman emphasized that McKinsey evaluates applicants on four dimensions: personal impact, entrepreneurial drive, problem-solving skills, and leadership abilities. As a result of this focus, he said that all successful candidates must meet the high bar on all four dimensions, and need to be absolutely distinctive on at least one of those four — which should come out in your cover letter.

"McKinsey consultants are taught to 'lead with the answer' when creating a presentation, and applicants ought to do the same in a cover letter, opening with a powerful anecdote that illustrates one of those four qualities where the candidate is most exceptional," Bachman said.

He also advised not diluting your message by trying to demonstrate competence on all four; instead, you should wow the reader with a story that shows how you are amazing on one of these dimensions.

(Finally, he shared that at McKinsey, the consultants like to capitalize the word "firm" when referring to "the Firm," so for extra credit, you can adopt that practice in your cover letter.)

Keep it short and don't just rehash your resume

Atta Tarki is founder and CEO of ECA , an executive search firm in which 10 out of their 11 managing directors are former consultants themselves with experience at McKinsey and other top consulting firms, and formerly spent six years as a management consultant at LEK Consulting . As such, Tarki works with hundreds of McKinsey consultants aiming to transition out of the firm a year, and has placed consultants with eight out of the top 10 strategy consulting firms.

Tarki advised focusing on something unique in your cover letter that's not in your resume to make your note stand out. 

"Most cover letters are just checking the box and rehashing the resume," he said. "In the extremely rare event that someone looks at it, that [approach] won't help you, and instead it should try to highlight some of your hobbies or things that make you interesting as a person/for the role."  

Tarki added that in the age of Twitter, less is more, whether you're talking about your cover letter, resume, or other communications related to your McKinsey application. He also hammered the point that it's important to get the basics right when applying, such as keeping your emails to HR brief and professional, not having any typos in your cover letter or other parts of your application, and being very responsive when communicating with the firm. 

Related stories

"Within hours is great and within the hour is excellent," Tarki said. "Within 24 hours is acceptable. Anything slower than that raises yellow flags."

He also emphasized making sure every single sentence in your application adds value. "Don't replace quality with quantity," he said.

These experts offered some examples of great cover letter lines

Bachman suggested that your cover letter to McKinsey could begin with something like this opener, which he wrote himself:

[Partner's first name],

I'm interested in joining the [name of practice] as an experienced hire.

Recognizing the value the Firm places on entrepreneurial drive, I thought I'd share the story of how I conceived of a new revenue stream for my current employer, developed the business case on my own time, managed to gain alignment among senior managers to approve funding, and then, as the head of this new service line, built a $50 million annual revenue business with a 22% EBITDA margin ...

Here's another example of an opening paragraph of the kinds of notes that stood out to him when vetting candidates:

Recognizing the value the Firm places on personal impact, I thought I'd share the story of how I built a nonprofit that has distributed a free interview suit and interview coaching to 3,000 low-income residents in my city ...

If you know a partner at the firm, then your cover letter should be addressed to that person. Bachman suggested that in this case, your cover letter could begin like this:

I've thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to get to know you and your colleagues over the past several months, and as we discussed at [venue] on [date], I'd like to be considered as a candidate to join the [name of practice] in the [desired city] office …

Smith also shared the following cover letter template that she uses to help her candidates craft their introductions to McKinsey:

Delivering exceptional results for clients isn't rocket science — it's a lot harder. 

It takes a genuine desire to understand a client's business and goals, from both a granular and big-picture perspective. It takes insight into the client's business trajectory, products, market trends, untapped opportunities, and competitors. It takes critical thinking, robust analytical skills, leadership, and a passion for strategic problem-solving. 

It takes someone who can partner with clients and colleagues to find innovative approaches to problems and work as a key member of the team to develop impactful recommendations. 

These are the things I truly enjoy doing. I use a systematic approach to problem solving that includes analyzing the issue, defining desired outcomes, asking the right questions, looking at the challenge from both creative and strategic viewpoints, and brainstorming in a team environment to form possible solutions. A brief example of my success in problem solving is [example, including results for company or clients].

As a recent graduate of [school] with a [degree] in [major], I am eager to work with an organization like McKinsey, where my education and experience in [area of experience] will add value to both clients and the firm. 

It would be a privilege to speak with you about a consulting role with McKinsey, my qualifications, and a potential match. My resume is attached for your review, and I look forward to the next steps in the selection process. Thank you for your consideration.

[Your name]

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sample cover letter for mckinsey

  • Main content

StandOut CV

McKinsey cover letter examples

Andrew Fennell photo

Did you know that McKinsey receives 200,000 applications a year from professionals who want to join the business?

That’s some pretty big competition.

So if you want to stand out and make it through to the interview stage, your application needs to be pretty spectacular.

Find out how to make an impression using our detailed guide and McKinsey cover letter examples below.

CV templates 

McKinsey cover letter example 1

McKinsey cover letter 1

McKinsey cover letter example 2

McKinsey cover letter 2

McKinsey cover letter example 3

McKinsey cover letter 3

The example cover letters here should give you a good general idea on how your McKinsey cover letter should be formatted and written.

The rest of this guide gives more specific guidance on how to create your own cover letter in this format, and even includes some templates you can copy and paste.

How to write a McKinsey cover letter

Here’s a simple process to write your own interview-winning cover letter.

How to write a cover letter

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

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

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

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

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

Write cover letter in body of email

Start with a friendly greeting

Cover letter address

Start you cover letter with a greeting that is professional but friendly.

This will build rapport with the recruiter whilst showing your professionalism.

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

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

How to find the contact’s name?

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

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

Identify the role you are applying for

After you have greeted the recruiter, it’s important to state the job you are applying to.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so they need to know exactly which job you are referring to.

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

Here are some examples you can use;

  • I am interested in applying for the role of admin assistant with your organisation.
  • I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 4057393)
  • I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
  • I saw your advertisement for a trainee project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

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

Highlight your suitability

The bulk of your cover letter should be focused around highlighting your suitability for the job you are applying to.

Doing this will show the recruiter that you are suitable candidate and encourage them to open your CV.

The best way to do this, is by studying the job advert you are applying to, and find out what the most important skills and knowledge are.

Once you know the most important requirements, you then need to highlight your matching skills to the recruiter. In a few sentences, tell them exactly why you are a good fit for the job and what you can offer the company.

Cover letter tips

Keep it short and sharp

When sending a job application to a recruiter or hiring manager, it is important to remember that they will normally be very busy and pushed for time.

Therefore, you need to get you message across to them quickly (in a matter of seconds ideally). So, keep your cover letter short and to-the-point. A long waffling cover letter will overwhelm recruiters when they are running through hundreds of emails in there inbox, but a concise one will get their attention.

So, keep your cover letter to just a few sentences long, and save the extensive detail for your CV.

Sign off professionally

To round of your cover letter, add a professional signature to the bottom, giving recruiters your vital contact information.

This not only gives various means of contacting you, it also looks really professional and shows that you know how to communicate in the workplace.

Include the following points;

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

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Gerald Baker Senior Accountant 07887500404 [email protected] LinkedIn

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

Email signatures

What to include in your McKinsey cover letter

Your McKinsey cover letter will be unique to your situation, but there are certain content guidelines you should stick to for best results.

To attract and entice recruiters, stick with the following key subjects in your cover letter – adapting them to fit your profession and target jobs.

  • Your professional experience – Employers will be keen to know if your experience is suitable for the job you are applying to, so provide a good summary of it in your cover letter.
  • Your qualifications and education – Highlight your most relevant and high-level of qualification, especially if they are essential to the job.
  • The positive impact you have made – Employers love to hear about the benefits you can bring to them, so shout about anything impressive you have done, such as saving money or improving processes.
  • Your reasons for leaving – Use a few words of your cover letter to explain why you are leaving your current job and ensure you avoid any negative reasons.
  • Your availability – Let recruiters know when you can start a new job . Are you immediately available, or do you have a month notice period?

McKinsey cover letter templates

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

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Growth and Sales Associate position at McKinsey. With over 12 years of experience working in business development, I am confident in my ability to drive revenue growth and establish strategic partnerships.

During my tenure at Tanto, I led market research efforts that identified and pursued new revenue opportunities, resulting in a remarkable 19% increase in revenue through the acquisition of five new enterprise clients. Additionally, my implementation of a strategic-partner sales strategy contributed to a substantial 12% increase in the company’s average deal size. Furthermore, my ability to build and manage relationships with key stakeholders, as showcased in my work at Tanto and Crystal Consulting, has led to successful partnerships and a remarkable 30% increase in the sales pipeline. As a PMI-Certified Project Management Professional with a BSc in Finance, I possess excellent communication and negotiation skills, consistently exceeding KPIs.

I am eager to bring my expertise to McKinsey and contribute to the firm’s continued success. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how my skills align with the goals of the company.

Marco Terrano

Hey Michael,

I am thrilled to apply for the Management Consultant role at McKinsey. As a seasoned Business Consultant with a track record of delivering tangible improvements in the financial sector, my expertise in data-driven solutions and process enhancement sets me apart.

In my current role at Arcadia Business Solutions, I excel in analysing clients’ operations and devising risk management frameworks, reducing operational risk by 15% for a leading investment bank in 2019. Moreover, my strategic planning initiative boosted revenue by 10% over three years for a financial services firm. During my tenure at TRC Ltd, I collaborated with senior consultants on business planning and achieved a 20% sales increase through a successful product launch strategy for a healthcare company. As a certified Agile Practitioner and Business Analysis Professional, I possess strong project management and mentoring skills and, at Monzo, I employed Agile methodologies to provide valuable insights and foster efficient workflows while adapting products to customer needs.

I am eager to discuss how my expertise can fuel McKinsey’s success and an interview at your convenience would be highly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Mathilde DuPont

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to apply for the Automation Engineer position at McKinsey.

With 25+ years of experience as a detail-oriented Automation Tester, I possess a strong track record of optimising resources and streamlining performance testing strategies. At TechPro Lyd, I executed automated test scripts using Selenium WebDriver, Java, and TestNG, resulting in improved software stability and a 40% boost in application response time through a reverse-order performance testing strategy. During my tenure at KeyTech, I implemented an automated testing framework for mobile applications, reducing time-to-market for new features by 22%.

Throughout my career I regularly conducted end-to-end user testing, ensuring quality and timely delivery of the Product Development Life Cycle (PDLC). As an Agile Certified Practitioner, I am proficient in programming languages like Python, Java, Perl, and C#, and adept at using automation tools such as Jenkins, Maven, Docker, and Kubernetes.

I am available for an interview at your convenience to discuss how my skills can benefit McKinsey’s automation initiatives.

Nigel Sampson

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

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

Good luck with your job search!

sample cover letter for mckinsey

McKinsey Cover Letter Example & How-To (2023 Guide)

sample cover letter for mckinsey

Written by James Vandersmith

April 19, 2023.

If you’re looking to break into the top management consulting firms, this is the guide for you. Here, we share insider tips and tricks on how to craft a winning cover letter for McKinsey and increase your chances of success in the application process. From how to structure your cover letter and what words to use to highlighting key qualifications, we’ve got you covered. Follow these tips and tricks to create an impressive cover letter for McKinsey that will make the hiring manager take notice! Remember that your McKinsey consulting cover letter should be tailored specifically to the role at hand. Highlight why you are an ideal candidate for the particular job and explain why it is a great opportunity for you to develop your skill set. That way, you can increase your chances of success in the application process and land an offer from McKinsey!

Web Developer Cover Letter Example

Make Proper Grammar the Focal Point of your McKinsey Consulting Cover Letter.

First and foremost, it’s important to emphasize that proper grammar and formatted is key when submitting any professional document. Make sure that your writing follows all basic conventions of spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, and clarity. If you’re unsure about how to construct a particular sentence or phrase, consider using the assistance of spell checkers or language tools on various online platforms.

Give Your McKinsey Cover Letter a Professional Salutation.

When you start your cover letter, make sure to greet the hiring manager in a professional way. Introduce yourself and explain why you are writing the cover letter – that is, what makes you an ideal candidate for the job position. Be sure to use language that is both positive and respectful. Don’t forget to close your letter with a polite and sincere salutation.

Utilize Your McKinsey Cover Letter to Emphasize Your Qualifications and Skills.

Your McKinsey consulting cover letter should be an opportunity to give the recruiter or hiring manager a brief overview of your qualifications and skills relevant to the job you’re applying for. If applicable, mention any previous work experience related to the job description. It is also important to briefly explain why you are interested in this particular role at McKinsey and how it can help you to develop your skill set.

McKinsey Cover Letter Example

Highlight Your Most Relevant Qualifications for the McKinsey Job Position.

In your cover letter, be sure to identify your background and qualifications that make you an ideal candidate for the job position at McKinsey. Make sure to mention any past experiences, skills, or education that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

Include Examples of Your Professional Experience Relevant to your McKinsey Cover Letter.

When it comes to writing a cover letter for McKinsey, it’s important to include examples of work experience relevant to the job role you are applying for. You can use specific projects, tasks or initiatives that you have carried out in the past as evidence of your skills and competencies. Doing so will help to demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the job position.

Showcase Your Passion in the McKinsey Cover Letter.

Don’t limit yourself to describing your technical aptitude or job-specific skills. Showcase your passion for the role in your McKinsey cover letter and demonstrate why you are a unique candidate that would be an asset to the team. Be sure to explain why you are excited about joining McKinsey and the value that you can bring to their organization.

Prove Yourself as the Right Fit for a Position at McKinsey.

Your McKinsey consulting cover letter should end with a strong conclusion that emphasizes why you are the right fit for the job. Explain what makes you stand out from other candidates and how your qualifications make you an ideal candidate for the role at hand.

Your Perfect McKinsey Cover Letter Should Be Laser-Focused.

Remember that your cover letter should be concise and focused on the job at hand. Keep it short; no more than three paragraphs. This is not the time for long-winded stories or descriptions of your past achievements; you should be focused on why you are the best person for this particular job at McKinsey.

End Your McKinsey Consulting Cover Letter on a Positive Note.

Make sure to end your cover letter for McKinsey on a positive note in order to leave the reader with an impression of you as an ideal candidate for the job role. Mention any additional information that is relevant to the position and thank the reader for their time.

Proofread Your Cover Letter Multiple Times.

Proofreading your cover letter for McKinsey is an essential part of the job application process. Have someone else proofread it to make sure there are no errors or typos. Make sure that you read it over several times yourself, too, in order to ensure that everything is perfect before submitting your final copy.

Close Your McKinsey Cover Letter with a Call to Action.

In conclusion, write an effective closing sentence on your cover letter that will encourage the hiring manager to contact you. You can include something along the lines of “I look forward to hearing from you soon and discussing how I can contribute to your team” or “Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions about my qualifications for this role”.

The WRONG Way to Structure Your Management Consulting Cover Letter.

When creating your McKinsey cover letter, it is best to avoid common pitfalls. Don’t just copy and paste from a generic cover letter template or an example you find online. Rather, tailor your content to the specific job that you are applying for and make sure that all the information included in your letter is relevant. Similarly, be careful not to use overly flowery language or jargon; keep it professional.

The RIGHT Way to Structure Your Management Consulting Cover Letter.

Now that you know what not to do when constructing your McKinsey cover letter, let’s take a look at the right way to go about doing this. Begin by introducing yourself, followed by a brief overview of your qualifications and experience that make you the ideal candidate for the role. You can then move on to explain why you are passionate about this job at McKinsey and why you think it is a great opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Mistakes People Make with Their Consulting Cover Letter that Lead to Rejection.

Submitting a sloppy, unfocused cover letter with typos and poor grammar are all mistakes people make that lead to rejection. Avoid using flowery language or overly technical jargon; keep your writing concise and easy to understand. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from others before you submit your McKinsey consulting cover letter.

Sample Achievements for McKinsey Cover Letter.

When crafting a cover letter for McKinsey, it is important to include specific examples of your achievements that will showcase your skills and abilities. Here are some sample achievements you could include in your cover letter:

•Lead an interdisciplinary team of 8 experts to develop innovative solutions for a global retail chain

• Generated 20% increase in revenue for a healthcare technology company through the development and implementation of new marketing strategies

• Spearheaded an AI-driven customer experience improvement project that resulted in an 80% satisfaction rate

• Reduced operational costs by 25% through streamlining existing processes at a financial services organization.

McKinsey Cover Letter FAQs

Does mckinsey require cover letter.

Yes, McKinsey requires a cover letter to be submitted along with your resume and any other documents you are asked to provide. Your cover letter should introduce you, demonstrate why you are interested in the role, and emphasize why you think you’re the ideal candidate.

What format should I use for my McKinsey cover letter?

Your McKinsey cover letter should be formatted in an easy to read font such as Arial or Times New Roman, with a size of 11-12 points. Make sure you include plenty of white space and don’t use too many colors or graphics.

What mistakes should I avoid when writing my McKinsey cover letter?

When writing your McKinsey cover letter, make sure to avoid common mistakes such as including irrelevant information or typos. Don’t copy and paste from a generic cover letter template; tailor the content to the specific role you are applying for. Make sure all the information included in your letter is relevant and avoid using overly flowery language or jargon.

What do I write in a cover letter for McKinsey?

When writing a cover letter for McKinsey, you should include an introduction, overview of your qualifications, and explanation of why you are interested in the job. You can then discuss specific achievements that demonstrate your skills and abilities relevant to the role. Finally, make sure to provide contact information so they can reach out to you if needed.

What is an example of a good consulting cover letter?

A good consulting cover letter example would begin with an introduction that provides a short overview of your qualifications and experience. You can then discuss why you are interested in the role and excited to work at McKinsey. End your cover letter by discussing specific achievements that demonstrate your skills and abilities, as well as provide contact information for them to reach out if needed.

What GPA do you need for McKinsey?

McKinsey does not specify a minimum GPA requirement for applicants. That said, most successful candidates usually have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

What should I wear to my McKinsey interview invitations?

When attending an in-person interview at McKinsey, you should dress professionally; this means wearing a suit, tie, and dress shoes. Avoid wearing too much jewelry and make sure your outfit is clean and wrinkle-free. Additionally, it’s important to make sure you look put together and presentable.

What are some tips for writing a successful McKinsey cover letter?

When crafting a successful McKinsey cover letter, it is important to showcase your qualifications and experience in a concise and clear manner. Make sure your cover letter includes relevant achievements and focus on the skills that make you stand out from other applicants. Additionally, it is important to demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for the role and explain why you are interested in joining McKinsey. Finally, make sure to proofread your cover letter carefully before submitting.

McKinsey Cover Letter Example

Dear McKinsey Team,

I am writing to express my interest in the Consulting Analyst role at your firm. With a combination of relevant experience and a passion for problem solving, I believe I could be an asset to the team.

As a recent graduate from Stanford University, I have already developed strong analytical skills through coursework and practical application. My coursework focused on data analysis, business strategy, economics and accounting which gave me a strong foundation in consulting principles. Additionally, my internship at ABC Corporation exposed me to real-world problems which allowed me to further develop my analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The work I did there included developing client presentations that resulted in an 80% satisfaction rate as well as reducing operational costs by 15%.

I am inspired by the work McKinsey does, and I believe my skills can make a positive impact to your team. I am confident that I could provide valuable insights in the consulting projects you take on. In addition to my analytical capabilities, I have strong communication, project management, and problem-solving skills which have proven successful in previous roles.

Thank you for your time and consideration; please do not hesitate to contact me should you need any further information or be interested in discussing my qualifications further.

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Table of Contents

StrategyCase.com

  • The 1%: Conquer Your Consulting Case Interview
  • Consulting Career Secrets
  • Cover Letter & Resume
  • McKinsey Solve Game (Imbellus)
  • BCG Online Case (+ Pymetrics, Spark Hire)
  • Bain Aptitude Tests (SOVA, Pymetrics, HireVue)
  • Kearney Recruitment Test
  • All-in-One Case Interview Preparation
  • Industry Cheat Sheets
  • Structuring & Brainstorming
  • Data & Chart Interpretation
  • Case Math Mastery
  • McKinsey Interview Academy
  • Brainteasers

How to Write the Perfect Consulting Cover Letter (McKinsey, BCG, Bain)

the image is the cover of the article on how to create a consulting cover letter

Last Updated on March 26, 2024

Crafting an exceptional consulting cover letter can significantly elevate your application in the highly competitive consulting industry. Statistics reveal a startling reality: only about 1-3% of applicants secure an offer from top-tier consulting firms like McKinsey , BCG , and Bain . This underscores the crucial role of a solid consulting job application strategy, particularly the cover letter and resume, in surpassing the initial screening phase, which is a great hurdle where up to 75% of hopefuls are filtered out.

Your journey through the rigorous consulting application process typically begins with networking and securing a referral. However, what truly sets your application apart is a well-structured, compelling consulting cover letter. This initial impression can be a decisive factor in advancing to the next stages, including aptitude tests and interviews.

the image is a chart on the breakdown of mbb offer rates through the different stages from screening to the interviews

How can you make sure to belong to the 25% that progress to the aptitude tests and interviews?

In this consulting firm application guide, we delve into the intricacies of crafting a cover letter that resonates with top consulting firms. We cover exactly that and answer all your questions related to:

  • Why you should not underestimate the importance of the cover letter (but also not overestimate it)
  • Structuring your cover letter for consulting firms
  • Guidelines on what to include in a consulting firm application for a standout cover letter
  • How you should design the cover letter
  • What pitfalls and common mistakes you should avoid

The Purpose of Your Consulting Cover Letter

First things first. The cover letter is important but most sources overestimate its importance. If you were to rank it in order of importance for an interview invitation it would look like this:

  • Resume . This is your gateway to the consulting world. Crafting a consulting resume showcasing your experiences and skills is essential for opening doors at prestigious firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. It’s the first touchpoint that narrates your professional journey.
  • Referrals . Networking for consulting jobs and leveraging referrals can significantly enhance your application. A robust network , comprising varied sources and higher-ups, lends credibility and warrants a more attentive review of your application. In certain cases, strong referrals can even balance out minor gaps in your resume.
  • Cover letter. If recruiters spend 20 seconds per resume, how much time do you think they will spend on a 1-page wall of text? You guessed it…yet that is exactly the reason why you should put effort into the creation of it. You need to make sure that your story transpires within a short amount of time. Doubts from the resume can be eliminated, and stories and skills that are especially relevant can be highlighted.

Understanding the essential components of a consulting job application is crucial for success.

While the resume is a chronological display of your experience and skills, the cover letter tells a more personal story to answer three core questions:

  • Personal Fit (Why are you a good candidate?): Highlight why you’re an ideal candidate, weaving in stories and skills that align with the consulting ethos.
  • Passion for Consulting (Why do you want to work in consulting?): Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and articulate your understanding of its dynamics.
  • Firm-Specific Aspirations (Why do you want to work for this firm?): Detail why you’re choosing a particular firm, aligning your career goals with their values and culture.

Lastly, the cover letter is your chance to demonstrate two meta-skills. It is more than just a narrative. It’s a testament to your ability to:

  • Draft Professional Documents : Showcasing your skill in creating well-structured, formal documents.
  • Communicate Effectively : The ability to convey your thoughts concisely and compellingly, in a manner that resonates with the consulting world’s preference for clarity and brevity.

Crafting a compelling consulting resume and cover letter is key. Get the help you need to transform your consulting application into a success.

the image is the cover of the strategycase.com cover letter and resume guide for mckinsey, bcg, and bain

Crafting the Ideal Structure and Content

How to stand out in the consulting job application process?

A standout consulting cover letter is a crucial component of your application, particularly for coveted roles at MBB ). In general, a cover letter needs to consist of three parts:

Introduction: A Compelling Opening (1 short paragraph)

  • Purpose : Kickstart your cover letter with an engaging introduction that grabs the attention of recruiters or consultants.
  • Key Elements : Clearly state the consulting role you’re targeting, the preferred office location, and any crucial networking references. This opening serves as a crucial first impression, setting the tone for your application.

Body: Demonstrating Fit and Passion (3 paragraphs)

  • Your Candidacy : This is where you shine, linking your unique experiences and skills to the role’s requirements. Adopt a storytelling approach, sharing 2-4 impactful narratives that encompass both your educational and professional journeys. Focus on moments that define you as an outstanding candidate, like leading significant initiatives or unique personal achievements. This is the core of the cover letter and should link your personal experience and skills with the demands of the role. Move into storytelling mode and describe how different experiences prepared you for the role you are applying for. It is especially important in this highlight-reel to celebrate and quantify your successes. You need to make sure to incorporate stories that make you a memorable character (”Ah Sarah, she was the one biking through South America with a tent, raising money for charity.”).
  • Your Drive for Consulting : Second, discuss why consulting is the best industry for you to work in. Connect your past experiences to the core competencies of consulting. Link your experience and skills to the type of work and qualities needed in consulting. This could include leadership roles, analytical projects, or impactful community work. Emphasize how these experiences align with the demanding yet rewarding nature of consulting, including aspects like diverse project work, talented and exceptional colleagues, steep learning curves, and early-career impact.
  • Your Desire for MBB : Third, discuss why you want to work for the respective consulting firm. Tailor this section to the specific firm and highlight 2-4 aspects of the firm that resonate with you, such as their project diversity, professional development opportunities, or their esteemed reputation. Personalize this part by referencing any interactions or insights about the firm from your network or research.

Conclusion: A Strong Closure (1 short paragraph)

  • Summarization : Conclude with a concise summary of your motivation and suitability for the role. Reaffirm your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute to the firm, keeping the tone professional and earnest.

Creating the Content for Your Cover Letter

When structuring your consulting cover letter, a strategic approach is to directly align it with the specific characteristics that your target firm values in candidates.

For instance, if you’re aiming for McKinsey, visit the values and purpose statement on their website to understand precisely what they seek in prospective consultants. McKinsey, like every consulting firm, has a set of core values driving their recruitment process, such as problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, a track record of delivering innovation, and a passion for the work.

In crafting your cover letter, it’s essential to weave the key attributes sought by your target consulting firm intelligently throughout the narrative. For instance, incorporating McKinsey cover letter tips can significantly improve your chances. Applying BCG application advice and tips for a successful BCG consulting application, each paragraph should be centered around a specific characteristic valued by Boston Consulting Group. Finally, adhering to the Bain cover letter structure and the best practices for Bain consulting cover letters is essential for crafting a standout consulting cover letter that grabs attention.

Identify moments from both your professional and personal life that vividly demonstrate these attributes, selecting the most compelling instance if you have several to choose from.

This table provides a more detailed overview of what each top consulting firm looks for in cover letters, along with tailored tips for success that reflect their unique values and expectations.

For each attribute, construct a narrative that outlines the context of the experience, your specific actions, and the measurable outcomes, ensuring to quantify these achievements when possible. This strategic approach seamlessly integrates the reasons why you are an ideal candidate for firms like McKinsey, Bain, or BCG, thereby eliminating the need for an explicit statement. Your stories will implicitly convey your suitability for the role. When addressing the question of “Why consulting?”, a brief mention suffices as your examples will have already demonstrated your comprehension of the consulting industry’s requisites.

This technique is particularly advantageous for those with unique backgrounds or for experienced professionals, as it distinctly showcases how their experiences align with the firm’s values and expectations.

Example of a Consulting Cover Letter

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [specific consulting role] at McKinsey & Company in the [city] office. Having been referred by [Referral’s Name], a [Position] at your firm, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the innovative work McKinsey is known for.

My journey in consulting began unconventionally, as a leader in a non-profit organization, where I spearheaded a project to increase educational access in underprivileged areas. This experience, combined with my MBA from [University Name], has equipped me with a unique blend of grassroots-level impact understanding and strategic business acumen. Notably, leading a team to develop a sustainable funding model, we enhanced educational outreach by 150% within two years, demonstrating my ability to drive significant results in challenging environments. In my recent role at [Your Current/Previous Company], I navigated complex stakeholder environments to deliver a pivotal market expansion strategy, leading to a 30% increase in market share. This experience honed my analytical skills and ability to deliver actionable insights under pressure, qualities I understand are paramount at McKinsey.

The dynamic nature of consulting, with its diverse project work and intellectually stimulating environment, deeply resonates with me. The prospect of working alongside and learning from some of the brightest minds is particularly appealing, as is the opportunity to have a tangible impact early in my career. My experiences have prepared me to thrive in such a setting, where every day presents a new challenge and learning opportunity.

McKinsey’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions and its unparalleled professional development programs are key factors that draw me to your firm. The firm’s global impact and leadership in tackling complex business and societal challenges align perfectly with my professional goals and values.

In conclusion, I am excited about the possibility of joining McKinsey & Company and am confident in my ability to make a meaningful contribution. My background in leading impactful initiatives and delivering results in complex environments, coupled with my passion for continuous learning and growth, make me a well-suited candidate for the [specific role]. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experiences and skills align with McKinsey’s needs and ambitions.

[Your Name]

Formatting Your Consulting Cover Letter: A Professional Blueprint

A well-formatted cover letter not only reflects your professionalism but also your attention to detail – key traits in the consulting world. Here’s how to structure your letter to meet the industry’s standard formatting requirements:

  • Header with Personal Information : At the top, include your name and address. This can be aligned to the left, right, or centered for a balanced look.
  • Recipient’s Address : Directly below your information, list the recipient’s details on the left-hand side. This should include the name and address of the consulting firm or the specific individual you’re addressing.
  • Date : Place the date on the right-hand side of the page. Remember to spell out the month for clarity (e.g., “1 April 2024” in the UK format or “April 1, 2024” in the US format).
  • Reference Number (if applicable) : If your application has a specific reference number, include it on the left-hand side, such as “Ref: Job Application XYZ123”.
  • Salutation : Begin your letter with a proper salutation, addressing the recipient respectfully.
  • Closing : Conclude your letter with a formal sign-off like “Yours sincerely” (UK) or “Best regards”, “Sincerely”, or “Sincerely yours” (US).
  • Signature : Below the closing, leave space for your handwritten signature, followed by your typed name.
  • Enclosures : If you’re including additional documents, list them under “Enclosures:” at the bottom of the letter.
  • Typography and Margins : Use a standard font size (12) and a professional font like Times New Roman. Maintain standard margins and avoid overcrowding the page to enhance readability.

Following these formatting guidelines, your cover letter will not only look professional but also demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in a business environment, a critical skill in consulting. The cover letter is not the time for experiments and by sticking to the generally agreed upon guidelines, you will facilitate the work of the recruiters.

Essential Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Consulting Cover Letter

Crafting an impactful cover letter for a consulting role involves not just highlighting your strengths but also avoiding common mistakes. Here’s a checklist highlighting cover letter mistakes to avoid in consulting, ensuring you steer clear of common pitfalls:

  • Avoid Introducing Unfamiliar Information : Ensure that every degree, job, or skill mentioned in your cover letter is also present in your resume. Consistency is key.
  • Eliminate Redundant Information : Your cover letter should not merely repeat what’s in your resume. Instead, it should complement and expand upon it.
  • Adhere to the One-Page Rule : A concise, one-page cover letter is a standard in the industry. Exceeding this length can diminish the impact of your message.
  • Foster a Personal Connection : Strive to establish a personal link with the firm or the recruiter. Mention referrals or specific interactions with the firm or individuals to make your application more relatable.
  • Back Up Your Claims : Any skill or achievement you mention should be substantiated with a relevant story or example. This adds credibility to your assertions.
  • Relevance is Crucial : Focus on experiences and skills that are directly relevant to the consulting role. Irrelevant emphasis can dilute the strength of your application.
  • Incorporate Storytelling : Use storytelling to vividly bring out your experiences and skills. This makes your application memorable and engaging.
  • Customize for the Firm : Tailor your cover letter to reflect your knowledge of and alignment with the firm’s values, culture, and unique selling points (USP).
  • Be Cautious with Templates : Avoid the blunder of using incorrect company names or information, a common mistake when using a generic template for multiple applications.
  • Prioritize Proofreading : Grammar, spelling, and typographical errors can significantly undermine your professionalism. Meticulous proofreading is essential.

By diligently avoiding these common errors, you can ensure that your consulting cover letter not only showcases your qualifications but also demonstrates your attention to detail and your understanding of what makes a successful consulting application.

Crafting Your Consulting Cover Letter: A Step-by-Step Process

Creating a standout cover letter for a consulting position is a meticulous process that benefits from careful planning and thoughtful revision. Here’s a guide to crafting yours:

  • Structure Planning : Begin by organizing the high-level structure of your cover letter. Use the recommended format of introduction, body, and conclusion to ensure a coherent flow.
  • Detail Gathering : Compile all the necessary information you wish to include, such as specific names, references, dates, and pertinent anecdotes or experiences.
  • Initial Drafting with Bullet Points : Start by writing a first draft in bullet points. This helps in laying out your ideas succinctly and focusing on key points without getting bogged down by details.
  • Seek Initial Feedback : Share this bullet-point draft with a friend, mentor, or colleague. Constructive feedback at this early stage can be invaluable in shaping the direction and content of your cover letter.
  • Expand to Full Paragraphs : Transform your bullet points into well-crafted paragraphs. This is where you begin to add depth to your narrative, ensuring each section flows logically into the next.
  • Further Feedback and Refinement : Seek additional feedback on this more developed version. Use the insights gained to fine-tune your message, ensuring it aligns with the principles of effective, concise consulting communication.
  • Consistency Check with Resume : Ensure that your cover letter complements your resume. It should add to, not repeat, what is in your resume, providing a fuller picture of your qualifications and fit for the role.
  • Concise and Clear Writing : “Trim the fat” by eliminating unnecessary words or phrases. Aim for clarity and brevity in your sentences, ensuring each word adds value to your message.
  • Formatting Adjustments : Fine-tune the formatting to adhere to professional standards – one page, legible font (like Times New Roman), appropriate font size (typically 12), and correct formalities (such as your name and address).
  • Meticulous Proofreading : Use tools like MS Word for an initial grammar and spell check. Then, carefully proofread your cover letter multiple times. It’s also wise to have someone else review it, providing a fresh perspective on both content and form.

With this process, you can develop a compelling and polished consulting cover letter that effectively communicates your strengths and fit for the consulting role you are aspiring to.

Does McKinsey Require a Cover Letter?

How to write a cover letter for a McKinsey consulting position is one of the most common questions I receive.

When it comes to McKinsey & Company, the requirement for a cover letter in your application may not be as stringent as you might think. In most McKinsey offices worldwide, submitting a cover letter is an optional part of the application process. This means that including one does not significantly influence the overall assessment of your application.

However, this doesn’t imply that a cover letter is without merit. If you’ve already crafted a compelling cover letter for applications to other firms, it’s advisable to tailor it specifically for McKinsey. Adjust key details such as the referral source, the targeted office location, the role you’re applying for, and the company’s name. This personalized touch demonstrates your genuine interest in McKinsey and your attention to detail.

Additionally, it boils down to how well your resume speaks for itself. If your resume already paints a clear picture of you as a prime candidate for a firm like McKinsey, then a cover letter might not be necessary. Here are some key indicators that your resume is doing the talking for you:

  • Outstanding Academic Record : A high GPA always catches the eye.
  • Core School Credentials : Graduating from or attending a school regularly visited by the firm ( a target school ) for recruitment gives you an edge.
  • Relevant Educational Background : Degrees like an undergrad in business or economics, or an MBA, align well with what consulting firms look for.
  • Solid Evidence of Key Skills : If your resume vividly showcases your leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities through work and volunteer experiences, you’re on the right track.

However, if you feel your resume might leave some room for doubt about your suitability for the consulting world, or the firm specifically, then adding a cover letter can bolster your application. This is your chance to fill in any gaps and directly communicate why you’re a great fit for both the industry and the firm. Think of the cover letter as your personal advocate, underlining your potential and passion for the role.

It’s important to note, though, that the cover letter might not be a focal point during the interview stages. The consultants conducting your case interviews and Personal Experience Interviews (PEIs) typically do not review cover letters as part of their interview preparation. Therefore, while including a well-tailored cover letter can add a polished edge to your application, it’s unlikely to be a discussion point in your interviews.

Elevate Your Consulting Application with Our Expertise

Are you aiming for a breakthrough in your consulting career with firms like McKinsey, BCG, Bain or any other consulting firm? Our specialized cover letter and resume services are here to guide you through this critical phase. With our team’s background as former consultants and application screeners at McKinsey, we bring insider knowledge to your application process. We’ve scrutinized hundreds of applications, granting us unique insights into what truly makes a candidate stand out.

Tailored Guidance for Standout Applications

  • Comprehensive Resources : Dive into our extensive guides and templates specifically designed for crafting the ideal consulting resume and cover letter. These resources are tailored to meet the expectations of the top consulting firms.
  • In-Depth Exploration : We delve deeply into every facet of crafting a winning consulting resume and cover letter. Our materials provide you with the essential stories, phrases, and keywords that capture the attention of consulting recruiters.
  • Efficiency in Preparation : Our ready-to-use samples and templates are designed not just for effectiveness but also to streamline your preparation process significantly.

Personalized Document Writing and Review

  • Hand-Crafted Excellence : In addition to our guides and templates, we offer a personalized screening service. Here, we write, review, and fine-tune your resume and cover letter, ensuring they are tailored to perfection for your dream consulting role.
  • Editing Services : Benefit from our editing services, where we refine your documents to align with the high standards of firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. We focus on enhancing your story, ensuring your skills and experiences resonate with consulting recruiters.

Let us help you create application documents that not only meet the high standards of top consulting firms but also reflect your unique strengths and aspirations.

Consulting Cover Letter FAQ

Navigating the consulting application process can be daunting, especially when it comes to creating a cover letter that stands out to prestigious firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. A well-crafted cover letter can significantly elevate your application, making you a memorable candidate. To help you on this journey, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions with concise answers to guide you in crafting an effective consulting cover letter.

What makes a consulting cover letter stand out to firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain? A cover letter that tells a compelling narrative, demonstrates your unique value, aligns with the firm’s values, and showcases your problem-solving and leadership abilities will stand out.

What are common pitfalls to avoid in a consulting cover letter? Avoid being vague, reiterating your resume, typos, and generic statements not tailored to the specific firm.

Can a strong cover letter compensate for gaps in my resume? Yes, a persuasive cover letter can highlight your strengths and contextualize any gaps, demonstrating your potential value to the firm.

How should I structure my cover letter for a consulting firm? Your cover letter should have a clear introduction, body paragraphs that detail your suitability for the role, and a concise conclusion.

What specific skills should I highlight in my consulting cover letter? Emphasize leadership, analytical abilities, problem-solving, teamwork, and any specific skills relevant to the consulting role.

How can I showcase my passion for consulting in my cover letter? Illustrate your enthusiasm through examples of past experiences, explaining why consulting excites you and how you’ve pursued this passion.

Is it necessary to customize my cover letter for each consulting firm? Absolutely, personalizing your cover letter for each firm shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in what makes each firm unique. Also, highlight contacts in the target firms you have interacted with.

What are the key differences between a resume and a cover letter for consulting jobs? A resume outlines your qualifications and experiences, while a cover letter provides a narrative that connects your background to the specific consulting role, demonstrating fit and passion.

Crafting a cover letter that addresses these aspects with clarity and confidence can make a significant difference in your application’s success. Your cover letter is not just a formality but a powerful tool to tell your story and express your enthusiasm for the consulting career path.

Join the Conversation

We hope this guide has illuminated the path to crafting your standout consulting cover letter, whether you’re aiming for McKinsey, BCG, Bain, or any other prestigious firm.

Do you have any questions about the application process, or would you like to share your own tips and experiences? Please, don’t hesitate to ask questions or leave your comments below.

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sample cover letter for mckinsey

Florian spent 5 years with McKinsey as a senior consultant. He is an experienced consulting interviewer and problem-solving coach, having interviewed 100s of candidates in real and mock interviews. He started StrategyCase.com to make top-tier consulting firms more accessible for top talent, using tailored and up-to-date know-how about their recruiting. He ranks as the most successful consulting case and fit interview coach, generating more than 500 offers with MBB, tier-2 firms, Big 4 consulting divisions, in-house consultancies, and boutique firms through direct coaching of his clients over the last 3.5 years. His books “The 1%: Conquer Your Consulting Case Interview” and “Consulting Career Secrets” are available via Amazon.

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McKinsey Cover Letter Sample

Written by . Posted in Cover Letter

resume or cv job application

If you are applying for a position at McKinsey, you will be competing with a large number of graduates and working professionals who are also interested in breaking into the firm. Therefore, you must be able to convince recruiters to invite you to an interview. This includes submitting a McKinsey cover letter that tells the story that you are a highly motivated and ambitious applicant with a great potential.

Remember, a resume only summarizes your skills and experience, but a cover letter tells the story about you: your career plans and the fit of consulting in these plans, your personality and your key accomplishments. You need to devote ample time to crafting your letter as it can help you stand out from the pool of highly qualified candidates.

Before Writing Your McKinsey Cover Letter

Before writing your McKinsey cover letter, you need to make a list of your qualifications and accomplishments that match the skills McKinsey seek in candidates. This will help you determine which information to include in the document. Use the table below for ideas and suggestions:

McKinsey Cover Letter Structure

The cover letter should contain three to five paragraphs and the information you present should be comprehensively written. If this document exceeds one page, recruiters will doubt your written communication skills, something all management consultants should possess.

Contact Information and Salutation

There’s only one thing you need to remember in this section: accuracy. Double check your contact information as the recruiters will use it to notify you about tests and interviews. Also, don’t forget to address the letter to the correct person and his or her position at the firm. Applicants often overlook these basic facts when writing cover letters. Committing these types of mistakes will hurt your application; recruiters will be disappointed that you omitted critical details.

Introduction

This section should be interesting enough to encourage the recruiters to read the rest of your McKinsey cover letter. It should contain your objectives, the specific job title you are interested in, and how you came across the opening. In order to convey your own voice, try the following strategies:

Here’s is an example of this section:

Here’s is another example:

Middle Paragraphs

Based on your list of qualifications, choose and highlight two or three skills or accomplishments that will push your application to the top of the pile. Select the ones that are most relevant to the position. If you are an experienced professional, focus on your quantitative achievements at your previous job. If you are a recent graduate, you can talk about your coursework, extracurricular activities, and internship program. The important thing is to establish a connection between the job and your competencies.

Here is an example of this section for experienced professionals:

My three-year experience as a director at an online marketing agency has prepared me for this client-oriented role. I have developed various digital marketing campaigns using a range of techniques such as Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay Per Click (PPC), social media advertisements, and paid searches. I also served as a marketing partner of Bangles, a startup company that sells women’s clothing and apparel online. Two months after implementing our marketing proposal, their monthly revenue increased by 25%.

Apart from my experience, my marketing degree from the University of Colorado has also prepared me for advanced business writing, conducting market research, and analyzing consumer behavior. I believe that my technical know-how, coupled with my substantial experience, will be my key to generating marketing strategies based on the industry’s best practices and customer experience. I am confident McKinsey & Company will find my contribution to the organization’s growth valuable.

Here is an example of this section for recent graduates:

During my three-month internship at Fast Investment Bank, I helped my team in providing financial services to companies and organizations. I analyzed an investment opportunity for a private equity fund within the wind turbine sector, leading to a critical investment decision. I also developed an Excel model for the valuation using both multiple and discounted cash flow methods. This model was used by the entire team.

In addition to my internship experience, I am a Finance major from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado. My college curriculum has readied me for any challenges in business analysis, quantitative methods, and organizational behavior. Despite my responsibilities as a soccer club vice-president, I graduated with a 3.9 GPA. As evidenced by my excellent educational performance, I believe I will be able to adapt to the challenging demands of your organization.

In this section, you can also talk about your motivation for applying with the firm and personal interests. Make sure to present them in a manner that’s relevant to the desired position.

Closing Paragraph

The closing paragraph revolves around you as a person. Write about what you can contribute to the organization, your passion, personal values and skills. Finally, add one more sentence that indicates your high value. Avoid writing “If you have any questions about my application, please do not hesitate to contact me” as this creates no value. If recruiters find you suitable for the job, they will find a way to contact you.

Here’s an example of the closing paragraph:

I take pride in my innate leadership potential. When I was still in university, I was an officer of the consulting club for two consecutive years.  Furthermore, my former colleagues can attest to how I motivate other people to do their tasks, and involve everyone in working towards the common goal.

Looking forward to discuss the opportunities with you.

It’s essential to close your McKinsey cover letter in a professional manner. You may use the following closing examples:

  • Best regards
  • Respectfully
  • Yours truly
  • Most sincerely

Also, don’t forget to attach your signature in order to add sincerity to your McKinsey cover letter. If you’re uploading your letter on the Internet, consider creating a digital signature. Just sign a piece of clean, white paper, scan it, and crop the image down to the ideal size of your signature. This will help you stand out as a professional and technically-competent applicant.

Review Your Cover Letter

Before sending out your McKinsey cover letter, review its content and structure. If you know someone who is qualified and willing to check it for you, ask for his or her objective feedback. After reviewing the document, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is the content relevant and interesting enough to pique the interest of the recruiter?
  • Does it convey the value I can contribute to the firm?
  • Are my ideas or qualifications presented in a smooth and comprehensible manner?
  • Does it look reader-friendly?
  • Is it free from spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors?

If you answered “yes” to all of these questions, you can submit your McKinsey cover letter with your resume and other required documents.

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Tips for Advanced Professional Degree Candidates

Application and interview information, more than half our consultants have a doctorate, law, medical, or non-business master’s degree..

Working toward your advanced degree means you already have many of the skills and strengths you need to succeed here.

If you like the idea of a stimulating and challenging career alternative and an opportunity to work with highly motivated colleagues in a team-based environment, we encourage you to apply.

Application tips

The following general recommendations give a sense of how we assess candidates with Advanced Professional Degrees and provides suggestions for highlighting your accomplishments.

We review every application completely, so we encourage you to provide accurate and thorough information. There are no knockout factors, and you need not be distinctive on every dimension. You will be better served by providing all the information we ask for than by leaving out elements you feel are weak.

Your application (i.e., cover letter, CV/resume) is our first and primary evidence of your written communication skills, so present it in a thoughtful and compelling manner. Make it easy to identify distinctive elements.

Preparing your CV or resume

Preparing for the online application, preparing for interviews.

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Home » 9+ Professional Mckinsey Cover Letter Samples

9+ Professional Mckinsey Cover Letter Samples

Mckinsey Cover Letter

If you’re looking for a job at Mckinsey, you’ll need to submit a cover letter with your application. The good news is that you can use one of our professional Mckinsey cover letter samples to help you get started. Just customize it to fit your own qualifications and experience, and make sure to focus on why you’re a great fit for the position. With our help, you’re sure to make a great impression on the hiring committee!

Table of Contents

How To Write a Mckinsey Cover Letter?

At McKinsey, we ask our cover letter readers to assess three key things;

(1) why you’re interested in McKinsey

(2) why you’re a good fit for the role you’re applying to, and

(3) what you can bring to the team. Follow these simple tips and you’ll be sure to make a great impression.

When applying to McKinsey, do your research and demonstrate why you’re excited about the specific team or office you could see yourself joining. Our cover letter readers value candidates who can stay laser focused on demonstrating why they would excel in the role they are applying for with us.

Be sure to explicitly state how your skills and experiences have prepared you for success at McKinsey. The goal is to give our cover letter readers a sense of how you work through problems and think analytically – two qualities that are very important to us. We also want to get a sense for whether you will be a strong cultural fit within our firm.

And finally, remember that the best way to show us what you can bring to McKinsey is by sharing examples of your leadership experience and impact. Be sure to paint a picture of the difference you made in previous roles – whether it’s quantifiable results like increased revenue or year-over-year growth, or more qualitative achievements like turning around a struggling team or department. We are looking for evidence that you can drive results and lead others through difficult challenges.

Related: How To Write a Cover Letter (And Get Hired in 2022!)

Mckinsey Cover Letter Optional

Mckinsey Cover Letter Example

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to apply for the consultant position at McKinsey & Company. As a recent graduate of XXXX Business School, I have the analytical and problem-solving skills that McKinsey looks for in its consultants. My coursework focused on finance, accounting, and strategy, and I have interned with two top-tier consulting firms. I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to McKinsey and contribute to your firm’s success.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Enclosure: Resume

Related: Cover Letter for Internship with no Experience: 09 Samples & Examples

Mckinsey Cover Letter Optional

To Whom It May Concern, The writing to apply for the position of associate consultant at McKinsey & Company. I am a recent graduate of Harvard Business School and have previous experience working in consulting at Bain & Company.

believe that my skills and experience make me an ideal candidate for this role. In particular, I have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which I believe would be valuable in a consulting role. Additionally, I have experience working with clients and managing projects, which I believe would be beneficial in a consulting role.

I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to McKinsey & Company and would welcome the opportunity to contribute to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Related: 123+ Attractive Career Objective for English Teacher Ideas List

Mckinsey Cover Letter Sample

I am writing in regards to the open position for a Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company. Based on my research, I believe that my skills and experience perfectly align with what McKinsey is looking for in a candidate.

I have attached my resume for your review and would be happy to provide additional information or answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Related: Indeed Cover Letter: 07 Templates and Samples

Mckinsey Internship Cover Letter

I am writing in regards to the internship opening at McKinsey& Company. I am immensely interested in the position and would be grateful for the opportunity to intern with such a prestigious company.

As an economics student at XYZ University, I have developed strong analytical skills that I believe would benefit McKinsey. In my previous role as a research assistant, I was responsible for conducting data analysis and writing reports. This experience has honed my ability to think critically and solve problems, which I believe would be beneficial in a consulting role.

I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to McKinsey and would welcome the opportunity to contribute to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Cover Letter To Mckinsey

I am writing in regards to the open position for a Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company. Based on my research and understanding of the role, I believe that I am a strong candidate for the job and would like to be considered for the opportunity.

As a recent graduate of XYZ University with a degree in economic.

I have a strong foundation in working with data and conducting analysis.

I have gained further experience through internships at ABC Company and 123 Consulting, where I worked on projects such as market research, financial analysis, and process improvement. My skills in Excel, PowerPoint, and SQL have also been honed through these experiences.

I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to McKinsey and would like to contribute my skills and knowledge to the team. I am eager to learn and grow in my career, and I believe that McKinsey would be the perfect place for me to do so. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Related: 07 Best General Manager Cover Letter Samples

5 Things To Include in a Mckinsey Cover Letter

So, you’ve finally taken the plunge and decided to apply to McKinsey. Congrats! As you probably know, the firm is notoriously selective.

So you’ll need to put your best foot forward in all aspects of the application process. In addition to a strong resume, you’ll also need to write a top-notch cover letter. Not sure what to include? Here are five things that are sure to impress:

  • Start with a bang. The opening paragraphs of your cover letter are crucial. McKinsey evaluators will be looking for evidence of your analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • So be sure to explain how you would approach solving a particular business problem.
  • Get personal. A great way to stand out from the crowd is to share something personal about yourself that will give the evaluators a sense of who you are as a person. What motivates you? What drives you? Why do you want to work at McKinsey? Answering these questions will help you create a more human connection with the reader.
  • Highlight your relevant experience. Even if you don’t have any direct consulting experience, it’s important to highlight any experiences that have prepared you for a career in consulting.
  • Examples could include your involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or prior internships/jobs.
  • Show off your quantitative skills. As an aspiring consultant, it’s essential that you be able to fluently speak the language of numbers and data. Use your cover letter as an opportunity to showcase your quantitative skills by discussing a difficult problem that you solved using data and analytics.
  • Conclude with a call to action. End your cover letter strong by briefly summarizing why you’re excited about the opportunity to work at McKinsey and why you believe you would be an asset to the team. Then, include a call to action asking for an interview or further conversation. By following these tips, you can write a cover letter that will help you land an interview at McKinsey&Company!

Related: What is Cover Letter? Complete Guide To Get any Job.

I hope you found this blog helpful. If you are looking for more information on how to write a great cover letter or want to see some examples.

Be sure to check out our website. We have tons of resources that can help you land your dream job!

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Jessica William

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.

sample cover letter for mckinsey

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.

sample cover letter for mckinsey

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

Scoring in the McKinsey PSG/Digital Assessment

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Great consulting resumes have 4 main sections: Education, Work Experience, Extracurricular Activities, & Others. All should be result-oriented and data-driven

McKinsey Resume: Our Comprehensive Guide with Examples

  • Last Updated July, 2023

Former UK-based McKinsey and Bain recruiter

The first step to landing a consulting job at McKinsey is crafting a compelling resume to set you apart from other candidates.

A McKinsey resume helps you tell your story and highlight your transferable skills and the impact of your achievements.

In this article, we’ll discuss:

  • What makes a McKinsey resume different
  • How to write a McKinsey resume
  • An example of a successful McKinsey resume
  • 4 common mistakes to avoid in a McKinsey resume

Let’s get started!

What Makes a McKinsey Resume Different

How to write a mckinsey resume, example of a successful mckinsey resume, 4 common mistakes to avoid in a mckinsey resume.

As one of the top consulting firms in the world, competition for a job at McKinsey is fierce, so your resume needs to stand out to secure an interview.

Understanding and prioritizing what’s important to McKinsey in the people they hire is the first step to landing your dream job.

Spend some time on their website, particularly in the careers section, where you’ll find lots of information about what they look for, skills consultants use daily, stories from current consultants, and how they review applications.

You need to demonstrate your fit with the firm, the role, and the value you will bring to enhance the projects you will be working on, showing that you’re worth one of those coveted interview spots.

Relevant Skills

A McKinsey resume should focus specifically on the skills relevant to consulting and the impact you’ve had during your education and work experiences. 

McKinsey wants to see that you are driven, have an entrepreneurial spirit, and have excellent communication skills. They also look for candidates with strong problem-solving, teamwork, analytical, and leadership skills.

Track Record of Success

A good McKinsey resume demonstrates a track record of these qualities. Telling McKinsey you have leadership skills isn’t enough. You have to show that you have the skills and how you’ve used them to bring value to your teams, projects, roles, or employers. 

Avoid listing your previous titles, tasks, and responsibilities, as this doesn’t help you stand out in a competitive applicant pool. Try to be very specific with quantifiable evidence. 

Example : Increased scholarship money raised by 30% by holding a parent-student relay race on Parent’s Weekend.

McKinsey also values a strong academic record. Although they don’t select applicants with specific degrees over others, some degrees may indicate that you have more relevant skills. So you’ll need to consider what skills are missing from your degree. 

For example, suppose you have a degree in a humanities subject. In that case, you may need to show where you’ve developed business problem-solving and analytical skills within other areas of your life. Our article on the best majors for consulting helps you understand more about how degree subjects are viewed by consulting firms and what you need to consider as you develop all sections of your resume.

Nail the case & fit interview with strategies from former MBB Interviewers that have helped 89.6% of our clients pass the case interview.

Presenting your experiences clearly and concisely is key to ensuring that recruiters don’t dismiss your consulting resume without reading a word. If the recruiter sees a complicated layout or illegible font, your resume will likely head straight to the “no pile.” It indicates that you don’t have a good grasp of the industry norms and didn’t put in effort for the application.

Break up your resume into sections such as education, professional experience, and additional information. Including a leadership section in your McKinsey resume is also good, as they value this skill.

Present your resume in reverse chronological order with your current activities, whether education or work experience, followed by your previous experiences. This helps the recruiter see how your skills and experiences have developed.

Use formatting that makes your resume effortless for the recruiter to read:

  • Make the headings for each section stand out using a bold font or capitalization
  • Avoid using color
  • Select professional and easy-to-read fonts (such as Times Roman or Courier)
  • Use bullet points to list your achievements 

And finally, get your resume proofread before you submit your application, as you don’t want a spelling error to be the reason you don’t get an interview. McKinsey is searching for the best to invite to interview, so attention to detail is vital, just as it will be when you’re a consultant working with a client.

Don’t be tempted to include everything you’ve ever done – this isn’t an autobiography. Prioritize your strongest achievements, the things you’ve done that set you apart from others with similar backgrounds. 

You need to ensure everything is tailored toward the McKinsey consulting role. Make a list of skills the firm looks for and check to ensure they’re all represented. If you’re worried about insufficient content, don’t be tempted to include irrelevant skills or information. Use every line in your resume wisely.

Focus on 3 to 5 bullet points that best represent your impact and the value you’ve brought to your team, project, role, or employer. Writing this way can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but this is not the time to be modest!

Use numbers to drive home your achievements in each bullet point. Not only does this clearly show the impact you’ve made, but it also demonstrates to the recruiter that you understand the nature of working in consulting and how evidence-based it is. 

In the education section, talk about clubs, societies, or teams you were involved in at school and university, particularly if you held leadership positions. McKinsey appreciates that you will likely have developed transferable skills from different parts of your life. This gives them a fuller picture of how you have done this, especially if you don’t have many years of work experience. Include any awards or recognitions you received while you were studying too. There’s no such thing as an overachiever at McKinsey!

Your professional experience section can include part-time and full-time roles, depending on where you are in your career. It’s great if you have some big brand names in your career history, as this makes it easier for the recruiter to understand more about your background quickly. If you haven’t, don’t worry! It’s more about what you did within your roles and not who you did it for. Sometimes it is easier to make an impact when you’re not just a tiny cog in a very large wheel.

You should include a leadership section, but it’s not always easy to create, particularly if you don’t have much work experience. Don’t just use this section for experiences you’re struggling to fit elsewhere.

You can also include volunteering roles and military service on your McKinsey resume. These can also help you demonstrate transferable skills, but make sure you apply the same principles as you have with your education and professional experiences, focusing on your achievements and impact.

Within the additional information section, it’s good to include some personal information, such as interesting hobbies, as it humanizes you and can provide a great conversation starter if you have something in common with an interviewer. Remember that interviewers want to see if you can pass the airport test, which is a way to gauge whether you are a likable, professional candidate and easy to talk to. Listing languages you’re proficient in and technical skills you possess to a competent level is also helpful to include in this section.

Your resume is your sales pitch, so it’s important to get it right to convince McKinsey that interviewing and hiring you is the right decision.

Let’s look at an example of a resume that landed a McKinsey interview and offer. As you read through, take note of the best practices.

Don’t have that much experience to put in your resume?

Don’t worry!

Not everyone does, expecially if you’re an undergrad. See our  Consulting Resumes article for more consulting resume examples.

1. Listing Your Experiences Without Quantifiable Impact

Avoid writing a list of your tasks and responsibilities. Focus on your impact, action, and achievements. You need to show why you are a better option to invite to interview than another candidate.

Good example : Achieved cost savings of $20K in recurring transportation costs by analyzing export schedule and consolidating over 100 orders.

Avoid this : Achieved cost savings by consolidating multiple orders.

As a student, knowing how to quantify your impact can be hard if you haven’t had much work experience. There are ways you can do this, even with your school and university experiences using measures like volume and frequency. Here are some examples to help you reflect on your impact:

  • If you held a leadership role in a school club, how many events did you organize, and how many students attended the event? What was the budget you were managing?
  • If you were on the school website team, how many articles did you review, or what was the impact of your writing?

2. Not Tailoring to McKinsey Skills

Ensure you are tailoring your resume to meet the role of a McKinsey consultant. If you don’t include relevant skills, they won’t be able to see that you can perform in the role.

Good example for leadership and analysis : Improved university enrollments by 7% by leading a team of 6 to analyze feedback and questions from previous events and running workshops specifically targeted to address them.

Avoid this : Improved university enrollments by running workshops for prospective students.

3. Leaving Out Extra-Curricular Activities

McKinsey loves to see what applicants have achieved outside of work and school. Do you coach kids in soccer? Do you volunteer at your local non-profit? Share what you like to do and what soft skills you’ve learned.

Example : Volunteered as a mentor at a local youth center and led workshops for underprivileged teenagers on financial literacy and leadership skills.

4. Poor Formatting

Attention to detail is important! Make sure you proofread your resume for formatting, spelling, and grammar mistakes before you submit your application.

Common formatting mistakes to watch out for include inconsistent bolding, misaligned text, and improper spacing.

– – – – – – –

In this article, we’ve covered:

  • What is different about a McKinsey resume
  • A guide on how to write a McKinsey resume
  • A real example of a McKinsey resume from a successful application
  • Top 5 common mistakes to avoid when writing a McKinsey resume

Still have questions?

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

Other people prepping for how to write a McKinsey Resume found the following pages helpful:

  • Consulting Cover Letters
  • The Consulting Interview Process
  • Consulting vs. Investment Banking
  • McKinsey PEI Questions
  • McKinsey Case Interview

Help with Your Consulting Application

Thanks for turning to My Consulting Offer for advice on cover letter and resume writing. My Consulting Offer has helped 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 Cynthia was able to get her offer from McKinsey.

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sample cover letter for mckinsey

Sample cover letter for Full Time position at Mckinsey & Co

Business analyst.

Ms. Cathy Recruiter

McKinsey & Company

10 Park Avenue South

City, State Zip Code

Dear Ms. Recruiter,

Mr. Frank Hurley suggested that I forward my resume to you for consideration. I am a senior at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Isenberg School of Management majoring in Finance with a minor in Economics with a 3.6 GPA. I am currently working as summer intern with Alternative Investments Group.

As Mr. Hurley may have mentioned, I am in the top 5% of my class at Isenberg, and I recently was elected president of Beta Gamma Sigma, National Business Honor Society. In both my academic and extracurricular activities, I have consistently demonstrated my capacity to make a positive impact, regardless of the situation. My analytical and personal skills are ideally suited to management consulting, and I am confident that would be an asset to McKinsey & Company.

I have extensive knowledge of business applications including Excel, Word and Access and have interpreted complex data for several honor classes as well as an independent study on global investment strategies. I believe my strengths in data analysis, analytical problem solving, and communication have prepared me for a successful career in investment banking.

I want to thank you in advance for your time and preference list consideration. You may contact me at

Mia Student

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

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COMMENTS

  1. McKinsey Cover Letter

    The McKinsey cover letter is a 1-page document that explains your story, serves as a writing sample, and why you want to work at the firm. As a rule of thumb, a knockout cover letter will not guarantee an interview at consulting firms. However, a strong cover letter can move the needle on borderline candidates.

  2. McKinsey Cover Letter Example & How To Write

    This is also an excellent opportunity to tie in your previous college coursework or work experience and explain how it's relevant to the work being done by McKinsey. Here's an example of our McKinsey cover letter, with our candidate's motivation for applying highlighted: 3. Include your previous consulting achievements.

  3. McKinsey Cover Letter Sample & Guide (10+ Examples)

    You need a McKinsey cover letter that's as polished as a freshly-minted consultant's business card. One that'll make the interviewer eager to add you to their all-star team. This guide will show you: How to write a cover letter for McKinsey to be in the one percent. A McKinsey cover letter sample better than 9 out of 10 other cover letters.

  4. McKinsey Cover Letter Examples & Ready-To-Use Templates

    Check all our Resume Cover Letter Examples. 1. McKinsey Cover Letter Sample. If you have a boatload of consulting experience, you probably have the contacts and the know-how to get the position you want. You might have recruiters bugging you. You might even have the money to have someone write the letter for you.

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

    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 ...

  6. 4 Ways to Start Your McKinsey Cover Letter, According to Recruiters

    Your cover letter is key to getting your foot in the door, recruiters and a former McKinsey manager said. They recommended demonstrating problem-solving skills and leadership abilities, and ...

  7. McKinsey Cover Letter Examples & Expert Tips · Resume.io

    Use this McKinsey cover letter example to finish your application and get hired fast - no frustration, no guesswork. This cover letter example is specifically designed for McKinsey positions in 2024. Take advantage of our sample sentences + expert guides to download the perfect cover letter in just minutes. 4.2.

  8. 3 McKinsey cover letter examples [Get hired]

    McKinsey cover letter example 3. CV templates. The example cover letters here should give you a good general idea on how your McKinsey cover letter should be formatted and written. The rest of this guide gives more specific guidance on how to create your own cover letter in this format, and even includes some templates you can copy and paste.

  9. McKinsey Cover Letter Example & How-To (2023 Guide)

    When it comes to writing a cover letter for McKinsey, it's important to include examples of work experience relevant to the job role you are applying for. You can use specific projects, tasks or initiatives that you have carried out in the past as evidence of your skills and competencies. Doing so will help to demonstrate why you are the best ...

  10. How to Write the Perfect Consulting Cover Letter (McKinsey, BCG, Bain

    This should include the name and address of the consulting firm or the specific individual you're addressing. Date: Place the date on the right-hand side of the page. Remember to spell out the month for clarity (e.g., "1 April 2024" in the UK format or "April 1, 2024" in the US format).

  11. What (not) to do: your resume when applying for McKinsey

    Finally, please note that for most positions and programs, we do not require cover letters. Find a role at McKinsey today. About Amy. I work as an expert with McKinsey's recruiting function, designing and developing assessments and processes for all client-service roles globally. Before joining recruiting, I came to the talent acquisition ...

  12. McKinsey Cover Letter Sample

    Yours truly. Most sincerely. Also, don't forget to attach your signature in order to add sincerity to your McKinsey cover letter. If you're uploading your letter on the Internet, consider creating a digital signature. Just sign a piece of clean, white paper, scan it, and crop the image down to the ideal size of your signature.

  13. PDF Name Address Line 1 Address Line 2

    the McKinsey info session and speaking with several consultants including John Smith and Kate Doe, I learned about the distinguishing qualities that make McKinsey an ideal place to start a career. But beyond the obvious credentials of a top-notch client base, unmatched global network,

  14. Application and Interview Information

    You will be better served by providing all the information we ask for than by leaving out elements you feel are weak. Your application (i.e., cover letter, CV/resume) is our first and primary evidence of your written communication skills, so present it in a thoughtful and compelling manner. Make it easy to identify distinctive elements.

  15. McKinsey Cover Letter: Samples & Ready-To-Use Templates

    A clear ruleset on formatting to make sure your letter doesn't end up in a McKinsey bin. A step-by-step template you can lay a foundation on, and be ready within a couple coffee. Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 18+ cover letter templates and download your cover ...

  16. 9+ Professional Mckinsey Cover Letter Samples

    At McKinsey, we ask our cover letter readers to assess three key things; (1) why you're interested in McKinsey. (2) why you're a good fit for the role you're applying to, and. (3) what you can bring to the team. Follow these simple tips and you'll be sure to make a great impression. When applying to McKinsey, do your research and ...

  17. Consulting Cover Letter: What You Actually Need to Know

    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.

  18. I applied to McKinsey with this Cover Letter

    Do you need to write a cover letter for your job application? I applied to McKinsey with this cover letter, and I got in. In this video, I show you the cover...

  19. Writing your MBB cover letter

    MBB firms (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) usually require a cover letter. They'll read it immediately after reading your CV, provided your CV has captured the recruiter's attention. Whether you are writing a BCG, Bain or McKinsey cover letter, these tips all apply!The basicsOne page, font 11 minimum, 3-5 paragraphes.Cover letters require some work.

  20. McKinsey Resume: Our Comprehensive Guide with Examples

    A good McKinsey resume demonstrates a track record of these qualities. Telling McKinsey you have leadership skills isn't enough. You have to show that you have the skills and how you've used them to bring value to your teams, projects, roles, or employers.. Avoid listing your previous titles, tasks, and responsibilities, as this doesn't help you stand out in a competitive applicant pool.

  21. Mckinsey & Co Cover Letter

    Sample cover letter for Full Time position at Mckinsey & Co. Ms. Cathy Recruiter. McKinsey & Company. 10 Park Avenue South. City, State Zip Code. Dear Ms. Recruiter, Mr. Frank Hurley suggested that I forward my resume to you for consideration. I am a senior at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Isenberg School of Management majoring in ...