Cover Letter

Hi, happy to share a few tips that work well for RB specifically.

1. Lead with the "why RB" in the first line, not the last Most candidates open with "I am a X year student at Y university applying for Z." Skip it. Open with the specific reason you want Roland Berger over MBB or Big 4. RB readers screen for genuine interest because they lose too many candidates to MBB late in the process. One sharp sentence on what attracts you to their European heritage, their industrial/automotive depth, or a specific recent study they published goes a long way

2. Structure the body in 3 paragraphs, each with one proof point

• Paragraph 1: why consulting (one experience that proves you have tested it, not just read about it)
• Paragraph 2: why RB specifically (a project, a partner you met at an event, a sector focus)
• Paragraph 3: why you (one quantified achievement that shows analytical rigor or leadership, not a list) One proof per paragraph. No CV repetition. The reader already has your CV next to the letter

3. Quantify everything you can "Led a team" is weak. "Led a team of 5 to deliver a market entry analysis for a EUR 2M client in 6 weeks" is strong. RB screeners are ex-consultants, they read for numbers and outcomes

4. Cut every adjective "Highly motivated", "passionate", "dynamic" add zero signal. Replace with a fact that proves the trait. If you cannot prove it, drop it

5. One page, 4 paragraphs max, no walls of text Aim for 250 to 300 words total. Recruiters spend 30 seconds on a cover letter. Make every line earn its place

Happy to review a draft if you want a second pair of eyes

Hi,

I would definitely address it. The cover letter is exactly where you clarify things that might raise questions on the CV, and your reason is both valid and meaningful, so it won’t hurt you if anything, it shows maturity and responsibility.

On the role itself, yes, express interest but be careful with the framing. It’s fine to mention consulting as a long-term goal, but don’t position the internship as just a stepping stone. Make it clear that you’re genuinely interested in this role and in Roland Berger specifically, and that it fits into a broader path you’re building toward consulting.

In short: explain the gap briefly and confidently, show real motivation for the role, and connect it naturally to your long-term direction without making it sound transactional

Best,
Franco

Feel free to DM me if you want a quick review of your draft.

Hi,

Good that you’re putting effort into this — for Roland Berger, the cover letter actually still carries weight.

Most people don’t fail because their profile is weak, but because their letter sounds like it could be sent to any consulting firm.

If I were you, I’d keep it very simple and focus on three things.

First, why consulting — but keep it concrete.
Don’t say “I like problem-solving.” Instead, link it to something you’ve actually done (project, internship, etc.) that made you interested in this type of work.

Second, why Roland Berger specifically.
This is where you can stand out. Show you’ve looked into the firm. Even one sharp point is enough — for example their strong European footprint or their mix of strategy and implementation. No need to overdo it.

Third, why you — with proof.
Pick one or two experiences and show impact. What was the situation, what did you do, and what changed because of you. Keep it results-oriented.

In terms of structure, I’d go with something like:
quick intro → why consulting + why Roland Berger → 1–2 examples → short closing.

A couple of small things that make a difference:

• don’t repeat your CV line by line
• keep it tight (one page max, ideally shorter)
• use simple, direct sentences

If I had to put it simply: make it specific, make it personal, and show impact.

Best,

Soheil

Hey,

some tips: 

- start strong, ideally with "what you are passionate about" and how it links to Consulting / Roland Berger

- detail out some key highlights of your CV that back-up your passion and fit for Consulting

- Flesh out a connection to RB, e.g., a event you attended, somebody you know, projects they did and have a connection to what you are interested in / have studied

And don't forget the basics: no typos, no wrong company name / address.

Good Luck!

Keep it short and snappy. Cover letters are usually read very quickly or not at all. Use bolding or underlining to highlight key words. It’s an exercise in executive writing so start with the main message and then highlight it briefly.

For example:

My name is x, I am apply to RB because of y. I bring experience in z through my work at x. 

Also use Claude or ChatGPT to get feedback and make it sharper.

A few tips for a strong Roland Berger internship cover letter:

• Keep it to one page, 350 to 400 words. Recruiters skim.
• Structure it in three short paragraphs. Why consulting, why Roland Berger, why you.
• Why consulting. Be specific. Skip "I love problem solving". Tie it to one or two real experiences.
• Why Roland Berger. This is where most candidates fail. Do real research.
• Why you. Pick two or three concrete examples of impact. Quantify where possible. "Led a team of 4 to analyse X and delivered Y", not "I have strong analytical skills".
• Open strong. Skip "I am writing to apply for...". Use a one-line hook.
• Close cleanly. One line on next steps. Confident, not desperate.

Avoid:

• Repeating your CV.
• Generic firm praise like "Roland Berger is a top global firm".
• Long sentences.

Read it out loud before sending. If it sounds stiff, rewrite.

Good luck.

Not to repeat what others highlighted - but very likely that the initial screening is going to be done via some form of digital/AI tool and is mostly going to be resume driven for the internship. As highlighted by others - keep it sharp and focussed, highlight 1-2 key focus areas on why RB (sector/industry focus, discussion with other consultants - drop names if possible) etc and you should be good. 

hey! 

I would do it like this: Short, sharp, and confident:

1. Opening   Why Roland Berger + why consulting.

2. Your value   Two or three concrete strengths backed by examples (not generic claims).

3. Fit with RB   Show that you understand their culture: entrepreneurial, European, analytical, collaborative.

4. Closing   Confident, positive, forward‑looking.

Best, Alessa

Hi there,

You don't have to write a whole cover letter for each one. I have built out cover letter mass production techniques that lets you churn out high quality cover letters in about 20 minutes (once you have the pieces together).

Feel free to message for how to do this!

Hi there, 

Do reach out if you need help with this. 

Generally speaking, try to tailor it as much as possible to show the parallels between your past experience and what would make you great at this role. And make sure you also clarify why you're keen to join - it's best if you show what you've learned about the firm from people who are already inside. 

Best,
Cristian