A cover letter is one of the best tools you can have for any job application. With a cover letter, you’re able to talk directly to the hiring manager and argue your case for why you’re the best candidate for a specific job. Here’s how you can write a better finance cover letter to bolster your job search.
In your cover letter header, you’ll start with your name, contact information, including your phone number, and any important professional links, such as your LinkedIn. From there, the first part of writing the perfect cover letter is always the salutation. Note how this applicant uses the hiring manager’s name rather than a generic phrase like “To whom it may concern.” This shows that you’re not just using the same cover letter template for hundreds of jobs: you’re actually putting in some work to create a great cover letter.
The first paragraph needs a hook to showcase exactly why you’re the best candidate for the job. Hiring managers get dozens and sometimes even hundreds of applications for the same job, so if you can set yourself apart early on, it’s always going to play in your favor. This applicant chooses to take the hiring manager back to the first finance job she ever had, then showcases the most impactful skills she’s learned from her experiences.
In the second paragraph, go deeper into your work experience and your skills. For an entry-level job, you may want to list common soft skills like communication skills and problem-solving skills. If you’re applying for a higher-level job, as is the case in this sample, then you’ll typically want to focus on the specific skills you’ve learned throughout your career, addressing required skills listed in the job description. In this case, the applicant mentions her passion for numbers, a knack for forecasting patterns, and previous work as a Junior Financial Analyst.
The last paragraph is your call to action. This is where you actually get to ask the recruiter for a job interview. End your letter with a polite and formal sign-off, like “Sincerely.”
Every cover letter requires a distinct approach. An investment banking cover letter for an established firm is not going to look the same as a cover letter for a teller position. The good news is that the ResumeNerd cover letter builder has a variety of cover letter templates and styles to match any job need.
Oftentimes, matching your cover letter to your resume is a great way to ensure that your whole job application looks stylish and professional. If you’re using the ResumeNerd resume builder, then you can more easily match the entire cover letter to the resume, including every element of both.
Most cover letters should be between half a page and 3/4 of a page, which is about 250-350 words. This gives you enough time to talk about your achievements and accomplishments without being so long that it might overwhelm a hiring manager who opens your letter.
