What are the typical Cover Letter structure that Recruiters look for?

Application Cover letter recruiting Resume
New answer on Aug 22, 2020
3 Answers
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Tommy asked on Dec 05, 2018

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Dec 05, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

To be honest, recruiters are no paying that much attention to the cover letter.

In terms of the structure I would use the following (in paragraphs):

  1. Intro of who you are
  2. Why you (several reasons)
  3. Why "The Company" (Usually 3 reasons)
  4. Outro

In terms of the content:

Why you is about your career path and extracurricular activities. Depending on your experiences either start from the first or from the last role (the later you are in your career the more sense it is to start with last one). You can mention a couple of your unique selling point and structure your lifepath around it. Add memorable projects or experience with high impact / cool brands / etc. that will stay in the memory of the reader.

Why "The Company" question can include the following arguments:

  • Brand / positioning / market share in the region
  • More clients / projects / expertise in the industry you are interested in
  • More well-known stories of success in your city
  • Your friends working there
  • Your interactions with the other consultants before the interview
  • Your prior experience of working with the Firm on a client side
  • Office traditions
  • Work experience with firm alumni
  • etc

Best!

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Anonymous replied on Aug 22, 2020

Hi Tommy,

One thing I would add to whats been said already.

Your cover letter could be a good place to justify or persuade the recruiter about a certain topic. For example, if applying to the UAE offices, recrutiers typically want to see that you have a good reason to be there - this could be spoken laugauge, family, previously lived there and want to settle there, experience with public sector work (since that's the focus with projects). etc...

That being said, it is not gauranteed that the recruiters will read that.

Rakan

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Anonymous replied on Aug 21, 2020

Hi Tommy,

Drop me a line and I can share an example of a good cover letter with comments in it.

Hope it helps you,

Best,
André

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Vlad gave the best answer

Vlad

McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
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