Cover letter advice

Question

Hi guys,

I need some advice on writing a cover letter; this is my first time applying to a consulting position, and I'm quite lost, to be honest. I'm applying to the Oliver Wyman Riyadh office as an analyst.

I currently work in a big tech startup as CX, and I always wanted to do consulting as a career but never felt good enough for it, I didn't come from a target school, and I don't have the perfect resume per se, but I decided to take a shot and see what happens!

Answer 1

Hi there,

That’s a great decision — applying is absolutely worth it, and many successful consultants started from non-traditional backgrounds. For Oliver Wyman, your cover letter should do three main things clearly and confidently:

Show motivation for consulting and OW – Explain why you’re drawn to problem-solving, working with diverse teams, and having client impact. Link it to Oliver Wyman’s focus areas (innovation, data-driven strategy, or transformation in the Middle East).
Connect your experience to consulting skills – From your CX role, highlight transferable strengths: analytical thinking, improving customer processes, working cross-functionally, managing clients, or driving measurable outcomes. These are exactly what OW looks for.
Show genuine fit for the Riyadh office – Mention your interest in regional transformation projects or industries (like public sector, energy, or digital). Keep it personal and authentic — the tone matters more than prestige.

Even without a target-school background, a well-written letter that combines motivation, relevant skills, and regional interest can absolutely stand out. Keep it one page, concise, and impact-focused.

Happy to help you refine or edit your draft – feel free to reach out!

Best,
Evelina

Answer 2

Hi there,

If it is your first time writing a consulting cover letter, you can ask ChatGPT (or other AI tools) to get you a few sample examples for reference, or even feed it with your CV to ask for a first draft. However, do remember that you'd need to modify and tailor the draft to your own experiences afterwards, to make it really yours.

Best,

Emily

Answer 3

Reach out for a cover letter professional review.

It's one of those things that make a huge difference and most candidates neglect it, which means you can gain a competitive advantage.

Re the structure of the cover letter, high level:

1. Make sure that you are clear about what sets you apart and makes you perfect for this role. Substantiate this with examples from your professional experience.

2. End with a sharp motivation as to why you want to join that office and firm. Connect it with what you've learned about them from the discussions you've had with consultants from that firm.

Best,
Cristian

Answer 4

Hi, happy to help! feel free to DM me. In general, you'll want to cover your why consulting, why the firm, why you as a narrative. If you're not already in the Middle East, you'll also want to speak about your location choice. Good luck!

Answer 5

Hey there :)

That’s a great decision! For Oliver Wyman, focus your cover letter on three things: why consulting, why OW, and why you. Highlight problem-solving and analytical skills from your CX role, especially any data-driven projects or process improvements. Show curiosity, adaptability, and motivation to learn. Coming from a non-traditional background can actually make your story stand out if you position it confidently.

If you’d like, I can help you draft or polish your cover letter so it fits perfectly with OW’s style, just send me what you have.

best, Alessa :)

Answer 6

Hi, happy to help you. Just reach out!