Experienced Consultant Cover Letter

Question

I'm an experienced tier 2 consultant (2.25 years), trying to move into MBB. I've networked quite a bit and outperformed at my current position, that I believe I have a high chance of securing an interview. The last cover letter I wrote was in college, where I emphasized my interest in consulting. I'm writing my present cover letter to address the quaetion ' Why M/B/B?,' but I'd like to get any tips or pointers from the community on the experienced consultant cover letter. Please feel free to share any tips. Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

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

Intro of who you are
Why you (several reasons)
Why "The Company" (Usually 3 reasons)
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!

Answer 2

Overall, the message doesn't change too much - and cover letter will be much less important than your CV - and if you manage to secure interviews through networking, your Cover Letter may never even be read at all. However, you should still have your reasons for switching very clear, as you may then be challenged during actual interviews for why you want to switch.

A couple specific comments on the Cover letter:

Your "why consulting" points should be more informed based on your actual experience in the industry
Your "why firm" section needs to be strong - really focus on what M/B/B offers that fits your ambition and goals. You should not focus on "why not my current firm"

Good luck!

Answer 3

Hi,
I too joined consulting as an experienced hire.
As usual in cover letter you'll have to cover the classical :

- introduce yourself
- why you
- why consulting and specifically the firm your appliying for

The key for you is to insist on the latter topic. Since this is not your first job, we expect you to have a more mature vision of your carreer and you need to explain why you decide to make this move now, how your past experience is relevant, and how you project yourslef in this new environment.

Hope this helps

Best
Benjamin

Answer 4

Every year, big 3 consulting firms McKinsey, BCG, and Bain (MBB) receive a million applications and reject more than 80% of them even before interviews. CV and cover letters are your only chance to impress recruiters.

In such tight games with competitors from HBS, Wharton, Sloan, etc., you must be exceptional in every way possible, even to the smallest details. The resume is important, but Cover Letter is another weapon you absolutely need to utilize.

I recommend that you can get your free management consulting cover letter template here that actually works at MConsultingPrep!

https://mconsultingprep.com/cover-letter-for-management-consulting/

Answer 5

Typically, in depth screening is completed by the ACs / Consultants at the office that you are looking to apply to on... (read entire answer)

Typically, in depth screening is completed by the ACs / Consultants at the office that you are looking to apply to once you have made it past the initial filters. HR will assist... (read entire answer)

Answer 6

Let me take a crack at this (in English) since no-one has addressed this. Top consultancies typically want the best... (read entire answer)

Let me take a crack at this (in English) since no-one has addressed this. Top consultancies typically want the best people regardless of their background. Yes, some roles are... (read entire answer)

Answer 7

This is a great, great question... that I suspect no-one can systematically answer :) Unless you have spent significa... (read entire answer)

This is a great, great question... that I suspect no-one can systematically answer :) Unless you have spent significant time working for or with all three, how can you truly com... (read entire answer)