Should I structure my cover letter points around the firms key values e.g. "Our core values:
and how my skills and experience show I meet these
Or
should I cover the desirable skills and experience (although most (apart from two) of these are already covered in my CV?
Hi there,
Q: Should I structure my cover letter points around the firms key values or should I cover the desirable skills and experience
You can do both. You can refer to the values they look for and show you have the desirable skills/experiences related to them.
You can structure a cover letter with 4 parts:
In part 2 you can write about experiences that show skills useful in consulting such as drive, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork and convincing others. Ideally you will craft this to the values they are looking for in that particular company.
It is important that in part 3 you make your cover letter specific to a particular firm – the rule of thumb is, can you send the exact same cover to another consulting company if you change the name of the company? If that’s the case, your cover letter is too generic.
Good luck!
Francesco
You are getting distracted by jargon.
Simple steps:
The simpler and easier to connect the letter is, the more impact it will create. Patience is running thin these days in people across the world - don't give them a chance to close your file prematurely.
These are really the same….
Figure out what the company wants from its candidates (analytical skills, communication, hardwork, teamwork etc.).
Then structure paragraphs defending how you have demonstraded these.
It's both!
Would I also need to include a paragraph of why that firm / my interests in consulting?
When it comes to structuring your cover letter, it's important to strike a balance between highlighting the firm's key values and showcasing your skills and experience. Here's a suggested approach to incorporate both aspects effectively:
Begin by expressing your interest and enthusiasm for the firm: Start your cover letter by addressing why you are specifically interested in the company and how its values resonate with you. This can help demonstrate your alignment with the firm's culture and core values.
Align your skills and experience with the firm's values: In the body of your cover letter, discuss your relevant skills and experiences in a way that directly connects with the firm's key values. For each value mentioned, provide examples from your background that illustrate how you embody these values. Focus on specific accomplishments or situations where you demonstrated collaboration, excellence, ingenuity, grit, or diversity.
Showcase additional desirable skills and experiences: While some skills and experiences may already be covered in your CV, your cover letter provides an opportunity to delve deeper into specific achievements or anecdotes that showcase your fit for the role and the firm. Highlight additional skills, experiences, or projects that are not as prominent in your CV but are relevant to the position you're applying for.
Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused, emphasizing quality over quantity. Use specific examples and metrics whenever possible to provide evidence of your abilities.
In summary, a strong cover letter combines an understanding of the firm's key values with a clear demonstration of how your skills and experiences align with those values. By striking this balance, you can create a compelling narrative that showcases your qualifications and makes you a strong candidate for the role.
Best of luck with your cover letter!
1. Structure around both their culture (it is a bit different from stated values) and desired consultant attributes.
2. Don't try to cover everything - focus on ~2 values/cultural traits; and on ~2 key attributes/skills
3. It is easier to use your cover letter than a CV to tell a story. As such, it is fine if there is some overlap. You don't need to repeat, but also don't assume that someone will “read” the same story you read on the CV. It may required some guidance (and in that case, use the cover letter).
Hi there,
Both work. Just settle on one.
I would recommend the former. Choose max 3 of the values and exemplify them with stories from your experience.
Keep it short, simple and clear. To be 100% sure that it's good, get professional support on it. It's totally worth it.
And absolutely make sure that you calibrate the cover letter to each individual firm that you apply to.
Best,
Cristian
Hello,
I would do both! I would recommend addressing (1) why you are interested in the firm, and (2) why you are a good fit for the firm in your cover letter, and both things you mention address those points. When covering desirable skills and experiences, make sure you are giving them something extra to what is covered on your CV (e.g., a particular narrative, an insight that's not otherwise obvious, an achievement or learning process you are proud of, etc.)
Hi there,
there are no hard rules to how to structure a cover letter, but what works well in my experience, is a standard structure that talks about…
Feel free to reach out via DM to me or any of the other coaches, if you need help with reviewing and perfecting your application materials.
Regards, Andi
