Sample cover letter

Sample cover letters

Sample cover letter #1 Applying for an internship

[INSERT YOUR NAME] [INSERT YOUR ADDRESS] [INSERT YOUR NUMBER] [INSERT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS]

[INSERT DATE] [INSERT NAME OF RECIPIENT] [INSERT RECIPIENT’S POSITION] [INSERT RECIPIENT’S ADDRESS]

Dear [RECIPIENT]:

I am a [first/second/third]-year student at [insert academic institution] and I’m writing to apply for [name of position advertised] position with [name of organisation]� I have a strong [insert average mark], which I achieved while [include example of extracurricular activity or personal challenge]� Completing a placement at [insert organisation] would allow me to continue my commitment to [insert an issue relevant to the organisation and for which you are genuinely passionate]. I feel confident that I will make a positive contribution to your office while strengthening the skills I’ll need for a career in [insert relevant specialisation]�

[NB: We will assume from this point onwards that the author is applying for an internship at a large accounting firm in their management consulting division].

As a student at [insert academic institution], I wrote an honours thesis on the correlation between effective organisational design and revenue uplift. Specifically, my thesis argued success relies on aligning an organisation’s structure and accountabilities to the business’ broader strategic goals� I am passionate about applying these learnings to real-life industry problems – specifically, by engaging with management to challenge the constraints of their existing organisations and then co-designing new structures to support their business goals�

I was drawn to [organisation’s name] because it is my career goal to work in an industry that encourages strategic and creative thinking to solve business problems� As a market leader in management consulting, [organisation’s name] has [insert examples of its involvement in this area, such as a major client]� These projects resonated with me because [insert why these projects resonated with you, for example, linking to organisational design in the previous paragraph]�

This semester, I worked with a start-up to develop an app designed to connect disadvantaged youth with potential employers� I was responsible for building relationships with a broad range of stakeholders including disadvantaged youth, youth organisations, smaller businesses and corporations� I was able to learn how to interact with multiple stakeholders representing different interests� I believe these skills will be a valuable asset in helping to build client relationships and business development opportunities in the future�

Given my ability to learn quickly and in a fast-paced environment, I believe I will be able to adapt to the demands of management consulting� Moreover, my background in commerce has provided me with the analytical toolkit that I believe will be valuable at your organisation�

I have enclosed a resume highlighting my education and work experience� I hope to have the opportunity to interview with you about an internship position, and I will call your office in a few weeks to see if I may schedule a time to speak with you�

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration�

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Sample cover letter #2 Applying for a graduate position

[INSERT YOUR NAME] [INSERT YOUR ADDRESS] [INSERT YOUR NUMBER] [INSERT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS]

[INSERT DATE] [INSERT NAME OF RECIPIENT] [INSERT RECIPIENT’S POSITION] [INSERT RECIPIENT’S ADDRESS]

RE: Application for [Position] at [Organisation]

Dear [Mr/Ms last name of contact person],

I am writing to apply for the graduate program at [organisation name]� I am currently in my penultimate year of an [insert degree and unit], having previously completed my undergraduate major in [insert subject]� I have a strong distinction average, which I have achieved while maintaining multiple extracurricular commitments, including being elected by my peers in 2019 to the role of [position] in the [student society/leadership organisation], and working part-time�

I am applying to [organisation name] because of its position as a market leader in the Asia Pacific region. This is reflected in [organisation name]’s success in consistently winning the [award] as well as its prominent role in [example]�

[NB: We will assume from this point onwards that the author is applying for a trading graduate role at an investment bank]�

My interest in trading was born of my experience developing and trading my own portfolio, where I have consistently been able to generate an above market return. In 2018, I was a finalist in a three-day simulated market challenge run by the University of New South Wales and the Trading Society� From these experiences, I have learnt how to identify trading opportunities and execute these under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic environment�

Given my passion in trading, I have taken every opportunity possible to prepare myself for a career in this industry� In 2019, I completed a summer internship at Macquarie’s Commodities and Global Markets unit, where I was responsible for researching the energy futures market with a focus on Australian coal and power [insert other achievements where relevant]� Furthermore, in my most recent semester, I completed an online course via Coursera on algorithmic trading to enhance my understanding of the impact of technology on the market�

I believe that my [insert character attributes], and my dedication to [organisation name]’s mission will enable me to make a positive contribution at your firm. Please find enclosed my resume and a copy of my academic transcript� I will send an email in a few weeks to follow up on my application�

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration�

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]