Consulting cover letter guide (for McKinsey, BCG, Bain, etc.)

Consulting cover letter

Today we’re going to explain everything you need to know about writing consulting cover letters.

We’ll start by reviewing an example cover letter that got interview invitations from ALL the MBB firms (McKinsey, BCG, and Bain). 

And then we’ll explain exactly how you should write your own cover letter to land consulting interviews. Here’s a full list of the topics in this guide:

  • Example cover letter

How to write your consulting cover letter

Consulting cover letter tips.

  • The skills consulting firms look for

Consulting cover letter screening process

  • Get help with your cover letter

Let’s get to it! 

Click here for a consulting letter/resume review with an ex-MBB consultant

Example cover letter (which got interviews at mckinsey, bcg, and bain).

Below is an anonymised cover letter from a candidate who got interviews at McKinsey, BCG and Bain. So you can trust that this template works.

The image here highlights the different sections of the cover letter, but we’ll dive deeper into the text later, and you can also get a downloadable copy below.

Consulting cover letter example

Free download of the consulting cover letter example, here. 

In the next section, we’ll go step-by-step through each part of the cover letter and explain how to go about writing it. But before we dive in, please note the following points about the above template:

  • A lot of people use this template. Get inspiration from it, but every sentence in your letter should be written from scratch.
  • This cover letter might sound impressive. It's one of the best ones we’ve seen. But even if you have not achieved as much as this person, you can still get an interview.

With that said, let’s dig into the cover letter writing process!

As a starting point, this video provides a nice overview of the full writing process for a consulting cover letter. 

Now let’s break things down further.

1. Introduction

Example - Introduction

Mary Taylor - [email protected]

DD / MM / YYYY

Dear Sir / Madam,

I would like to apply for an Associate position at McKinsey in London.

This section is a formality. It should simply state the following information:

  • Your name and email address. You can replace your email address with a postal address although those are not commonly used anymore.
  • The date on which you are sending your letter
  • The position, company, and office to which you are applying

Keep it short and sweet.

2. Why you? 

Example - Why you?

I started working as an Analyst at Big Finance in New York in September 2020 and was quickly promoted to Associate in a year and a half instead of the average four years. While at Big Finance, I advised a broad range of clients who constantly gave me positive feedback and regularly asked to work with me again. Before joining Big Finance, I graduated as the top student of my MEng in Chemical Engineering at Prestigious University in the UK. While studying, I received two competitive scholarships and awards. In addition, I developed my leadership skills as the President of the Prestigious University Consulting Club. High energy was essential to lead a team of 5 managing the club and growing the number of members by 20%.

This is your "GOLD MEDALS" section. It is the first section of your cover letter and therefore the most important one.

It should state the TOP 3 achievements of your life to date that are relevant to consulting. These achievements should be as unique and as memorable as possible. When your reviewer reads them they should think "Wow, that's impressive. I want to know more about this person."

To write this section you need to step back and ask yourself "What are the most impressive things I've done with my life so far?" This is not an easy question to answer. 

In our experience discussing this with a close friend can help. It's sometimes easier for them to quickly point out the impressive things you have done as they are an external observer.

In addition, notice how achievements are QUANTIFIED in the example above. Saying you have been promoted "in a year and a half instead of the average four years" is much more powerful than saying you have been promoted "quickly." You should quantify your achievements whenever possible.

This section is your chance to grab the reader's attention. If there's nothing impressive in it, they will stop reading and just scan the paragraphs. So don't miss your opportunity!

3. Why consulting?

Example - Why consulting?

There are several reasons why I want to pursue a consulting career. To start with, I know I will enjoy being a strategy consultant because I have already worked in a strategy team in the past. This was in summer 2019 when I was a Strategy Intern at Big Grocery Retailer in London. In addition, I think consulting is a unique opportunity to comprehensively learn about business management by working on a variety of company situations. Over the past two years, I have started building my business skills while advising clients on financial matters at Big Finance. I now look forward to learning more about companies’ management at McKinsey. Finally, I want to work in consulting because I truly enjoy interacting with clients. Throughout my work experiences I have built a successful track record of developing and maintaining relationships with clients including, for instance, the senior strategy team at Big Grocery Retailer.

Once you have convinced your reviewer that you have impressive achievements under your belt they'll be thinking: "Ok, this person is impressive. But do they REALLY want to be a consultant? Or are they just applying because they're not sure what to do with their career."

The third section of your letter should therefore answer the  "Why consulting?" question . But here is the thing about this question: There are some reasons to go into consulting that you should tell your reviewer about. And some reasons that you should really keep to yourself.

For instance, one of the mistakes candidates commonly make in their cover letter is to write something along the lines of "I'd like to spend 2 or 3 years in consulting to learn more about business in general and then decide what I want to do." This is a HUGE mistake. 

Consulting firms want to hire FUTURE PARTNERS. Not employees who will stay for a couple of years. You can watch the video below for more details about this.

The best approach for your "Why consulting?" section is to write about past experiences that really show you know what you are getting into. The perfect situation is if you have done an internship in consulting or in corporate strategy and have enjoyed it. If that's the case, this is the perfect section to write about it.

But even if you haven't done related internships, there are plenty of angles you can use to connect your past experiences to what you will do as a consultant. For instance:

  • You might have enjoyed working with clients when you were in M&A or in Sales
  • You might have enjoyed structuring and solving tough problems as an engineer

You should use these experiences to say that "working with clients" or "solving tough problems" is something you KNOW you enjoy doing; and you look forward to spending more time doing this as a consultant.

When they read this section, your reviewer should think: "Ok, this person is impressive AND they know what they are getting into."

4. Why McKinsey / BCG / Bain / Other?

Example - Why McKinsey?

McKinsey appeals to me for three reasons. To start with, the different people from the company I have met and worked with all told me they had truly enjoyed their time there. For the past two years, I have worked for Michael Smith, a former Engagement Manager from the London office, who now works for Big Finance. Additionally, I regularly read McKinsey’s reports on financial services and think the insights delivered by Sarah James and others in the Finance practice are truly superior to that of other consultancies. By joining McKinsey, I therefore think I would have an opportunity to work with and learn from the best consultants in the industry. Finally, the fact that McKinsey was selected by Finance Supercorp to shape its digital strategy also played an important role in my decision to apply. This was a first-of-its-kind contract in finance and it shows that while at McKinsey I could get the opportunity to work on truly unique projects.

If you have managed to convince your reviewer that you have an impressive background and that you really want to be a consultant, you have a VERY HIGH chance of getting an interview. 

The only question that's left for you to answer is: " Why McKinsey  / Why BCG? / Why Bain? "

Top consulting firms  have a lot in common. In most regions, they cover the same industries and work for similar clients. They also pay similar salaries, and the career path is more or less the same from firm to firm. So what should you write about in this section?

In our experience, the most efficient way to set yourself apart in this section is to write about three specific elements:

When you write "I've met with Michael Smith," or "I've read report X," or "I've heard about project Y," you are making an argument that's SPECIFIC enough for your reviewer to think: "Ok they've done their homework."

If you stay too GENERIC, your argument will be much less credible. For instance, writing something like "While at McKinsey, I'll be exposed to a broad range of industries which I'm excited about" is a weak argument because you could swap McKinsey for BCG or Bain in that sentence.

In fact, this is the ultimate test. If you can swap McKinsey with another name in your "Why McKinsey?" section you are not being specific enough. You need to work on your paragraph again and mention SPECIFIC people, reports, or projects that you find interesting.

5. Conclusion

Example - Conclusion

For all these reasons, I am very enthusiastic about the chance to work at McKinsey. I am available for an interview at any time and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Mary Taylor

The last section of the cover letter is a formality again. It should include the following elements:

  • A sentence or two saying that you are enthusiastic and available for interviews at any time
  • Your final signature

So how do you make it easy for your reviewer to put your cover letter on the "Accept" pile? We have put together the 10 tips below to make sure you can achieve this and avoid common mistakes.

Consulting cover letter tips

Tip #1 Don't use a template letter

Writing cover letters is painful. But trust us, reading hundreds of them can be at least as painful. That's why you should make every effort to make your letter interesting and genuine. 

It's ok to get inspiration from templates such as the one we provide in this guide. But every sentence in your letter should be written from scratch.

Tip #2 Keep it to one page

One of the unwritten rules of consulting cover letters is that they should not be longer than one page. The trick to achieve this is to only select the MOST RELEVANT experiences from your  resume  and to summarise them. 

The points you decide to highlight should clearly demonstrate that you would make a great consultant.

Tip #3 Standard format and font

It's tempting to use an eye-catching font and format. But that's actually a bad idea. You only risk your interviewer thinking: "I've never seen this font, it looks really weird. Who is this person?" Your cover letter should stand out because of its content, NOT because of its format.

Tip #4 Not the time to be shy

Your cover letter is not the time to be shy. If you went to Harvard and have three Olympic medals, now is the time to say it! Most of us don't, and that's fine. But the point is that you should really push yourself to bring your most impressive accomplishments forward.

Tip #5 Network, network, network

This might sound surprising, but a big part of the cover letter is  how much networking you have done . Having networked with people from the firm you are applying for pays dividends for multiple reasons. 

First, they might recommend you to the HR team. But most importantly, these people will give you insight into what makes their firm UNIQUE. Then you can quote what you've heard in your cover letter (and name drop the person you heard it from) to show that you really understand the firm you are applying for.

Tip #6 Read, read, read

Unfortunately, networking is not always easy or possible. In these cases, your second best option is to read as much as you can on the firms you are applying for. You should read about the firm's projects, reports, and partners and find pieces of information you are really interested in. 

For instance, if you did your master thesis on electric vehicles, try to find who works in this area at the firm and what they have to say about it. And then mention what you have found in your cover letter.

Tip #7 One letter per firm

One question we often get is: "Should I write one letter per firm?" The answer is YES. But it's not as hard as it might sound. 

Every cover letter needs to answer three questions: Why you? Why consulting? And why this firm? The only paragraph you will need to change in every letter is the one about "Why this firm?" For each firm, you will have to do the networking and reading mentioned above.

Tip #8 Start writing early

Writing an outstanding cover letter is VERY HARD. Most candidates underestimate how much time it takes and start this process too late. You'll need to take a step back and reflect on everything you have done to date to highlight your most relevant experiences. 

This takes multiple iterations. Start early.

Tip #9 Get feedback

In our experience, great candidates all look for feedback and iterate on their cover letter until it's truly as good as it can get. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it.

It’s best to get feedback from peers or consultants. These people will be able to point out which parts of your letter they don't get or don't find impactful enough. If you’d like to have an expert review your cover letter, check out our team of  ex-consultant coaches .

Tip #10 Proofread multiple times

Finally, you should check and double check your letter for typos and grammar mistakes - multiple times. A cover letter is (not so secretly) a writing test and you should really treat it like one.

What consulting firms look for

To get multiple interviews at  top consulting firms , it’s extremely important to understand what those firms are actually looking for. 

The good news is that most of the leading consultancies are looking for basically the same skills. 

To illustrate this point, here’s what  McKinsey  and  Bain  say that they’re looking for in candidates, along with our own translation of what they mean:

What consulting firms look for

There are also a few unofficial items that consulting firms will look for on your resume, and you can read about those in our  consulting resume guide .

Next, let’s talk about the typical cover letter screening process.

Screening process

Now let's talk about HOW your cover letter will be handled once you send it. Here's how it works.

Your application will be sent to a JUNIOR CONSULTANT who recently graduated from your University. They will score your documents based on a grid provided by the HR team. 

Consultants usually have to score 200 to 400 applications in about 2 weeks. And this is sometimes on TOP of their normal project. It's not uncommon for them to leave the job to the last minute and to have to do it on a Friday night just before the deadline.

Why is this important? The point we are trying to make is your application is part of 100 other applications. And the person who will review it will be tired by the time they get to your cover letter. If they don't understand something, they won't Google it. It's your job to make their job easy.

Why consultancies ask for a cover letter

There are two main reasons why consulting firms ask for cover letters.

First, partners bill several thousand dollars per day to their clients. The opportunity cost of interviewing you is HUGE for the firm. Put yourself in the shoes of a consultancy for a second. What are the top 3 questions you want to answer before investing money in interviewing a candidate?

  • Have they demonstrated the skills needed to be a consultant?
  • Do they know what consulting is and what they are getting into?
  • Are they genuinely interested in working for our firm?

If you don't answer these three questions in a structured and impactful way, your chances of getting past the screening process are very low. This is why every cover letter should be structured as follows:

  • Why consulting?
  • Why this firm?

The second reason consulting firms ask for a cover letter is to test your writing skills. Consultants write all the time: emails, PowerPoints, Word documents, etc. They spend about 50% of their day writing. And a lot of the time their job is to summarise very large quantities of information in a succinct way.

This is exactly what you have to do in your cover letter. You have to a) look back on all your past experiences, b) select the relevant experiences to convince the reviewer that you are the right person for the job and c) summarise all these experiences in a way that's easy to read and digest.

Cover letters are a disguised writing test. Candidates who end up getting invited for interviews recognise this early on. Making a good impression on paper is way harder than making a good impression in person.

Are many candidates ready to invest HOURS in writing the perfect cover letter? No. That's the whole point. That's how you can set yourself apart. If you spend enough time making sure that your letter is as impactful as it can be, you stand very high chances of getting invited for interviews.

Another reason that it can help to have a cover letter is to explain anything on your resume that may look unusual to a reviewer, such as a time gap or a non-traditional background for consulting. 

Whatever your unique situation is, if you’re not confident in how your cover letter looks today, then we can help you. 

Get an Ex-MBB consultant to review your cover letter

The guide above, in addition to our guide on  consulting resumes , should go a long way in helping you craft documents that will get you interviews. 

But if you still feel you need additional help, we have a team of ex-MBB recruiters and interviewers who would be happy to provide feedback on your cover letter.

You’ll get feedback on how to immediately improve your cover letter, including what experience to focus on, how to optimise your phrasing, formatting, etc.

Start by browsing profiles for available coaches.

Interview coach and candidate conduct a video call

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BCG Cover Letter

Written by . Posted in Cover Letter

cover letter

Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has been recognized as one of the most prominent consulting firms in the world. Its prestige places it, along with McKinsey and Bain, in what’s known as the “Big Three” of the industry. Currently it has approximately 78 offices located in 43 countries across the world.

The firm recruits exceptional graduates and working professionals to join their team. They visit colleges and universities to find passionate individuals who are capable of developing recommendations after thoroughly analyzing a business case. Recruiters employ various tools for screening applicants, but the first document they check is your BCG cover letter .

If you’re in the process of crafting an impressive cover letter, here are some pointers to follow:

Research and Network

In order to write a letter that creates value to BCG, research the firm and network with people who are or were connected with the firm. The information you learn from the firm’s website, books, magazines, and employees will guide you in finalizing the content of your letter. A letter will only pique the interest of the recruiter if it’s customized to the company’s direction, goals. and needs.

Think of a Structure

Before you turn on your computer and start typing, think about how you will structure your BCG cover letter. To simplify things, follow this outline:

A cover letter must only contain relevant information. Remember, BCG receives numerous applications each year. Recruiters only have a short time to review your document so it must expertly convey your qualifications.

Mentioning the name of a key person in the management consulting firm or industry can make your cover letter unique. However, when you do this, explain how your encounter with the consultant has convinced you to pursue a career at BCG. Were you motivated by his or her description of the company’s culture and goals? Are you interested in the challenging working environment? Recruiters are interested in this type of information.

Explain Issues

If your work history listed on your resume has noticeable gaps, or if you are shifting careers, you should explain these issues in your BCG cover letter. Recruiters might question why you stopped working for a couple of years or why you decided to leave sales and pursue a career in management consulting. Your explanation will help recruiters understand where you came from and how you can contribute to their goals. Everything must be clear from the beginning; otherwise, you could be instantly rejected for the opening.

Proofread Your Letter

Review your cover letter a few times before you send it to BCG. Make sure the content is relevant, interesting, and substantial. Furthermore, it must be free from spelling, grammatical, and punctuation errors. Mistakes give recruiters the impression that you are not meticulous with details and/or you have poor communication skills. If you want objective feedback about your BCG cover letter, ask a friend for help or contact an expert.

You’ll need a well-crafted job application whether you’re seeking for a position as a teacher, engineer, or receptionist. The cover letter is a very useful document for this. You’ll have a far better chance of finding your dream job if you include a professional cover letter with your CV.

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A Guide to the BCG Internship

What to expect from an internship at one of the world's most prestigious consulting firms.

Emily Wong

Along with McKinsey & Co. and Bain & Co., Boston Consulting Group is one of the top three management consulting firms in the world. With $8.5 billion in revenue in 2019 alone and over 90 offices across the globe, BCG is a recognized and respected name anywhere you go. If you’re looking to pursue a career in consulting, the BCG summer internship program is a stepping stone to amazing opportunities in the industry, including a full-time offer at the firm. But an internship at BCG is in high demand and short supply, which means you’ll be facing stiff competition. Here’s what you can expect, from the recruitment process to the internship.

What’s the Internship Like?

The BCG consulting internship is open to rising college juniors and seniors, as well as grad students in business school. It’s hosted in over 90 locations, from San Francisco and New York to Malaysia, and while the program duration varies by location, it’s typically 10-12 weeks long. Interns are put on case teams, assigned real clients projects, and often have to travel for part of the week to visit their sites. They also receive lots of training and mentorship outside of their work from current BCGers. According to some sources , United States offices pay $32,000 for MBAs and $18,000 for undergraduate summer interns for the duration of the 10-week program.

Do You Have the Right Background?

cover letter for boston consulting group

Many consulting firms prefer candidates who come from quantitative backgrounds, like business, economics, statistics, math, etc. But while math skills can certainly come in handy in interviews and on the job, BCG prides itself on hiring students from a diverse set of backgrounds, from science to humanities. One former   BCG   intern even said, “it’s almost like business students are disadvantaged because a diversity of majors and academic disciplines is really encouraged.”

Academic achievement is important to BCG, with GPA as a natural indicator. Some sources advise that candidates should have a minimum grade point average of 3.6 out of 4.0 in order to prove their qualifications. However, that doesn’t mean anything lower than that is automatically ruled out. A candidate with a 3.2 GPA can still make it to the next round if they can show outstanding achievements to make up for it, like awards, prestigious past internships, or high standardized test scores.

Making the Most of Your Application

cover letter for boston consulting group

If BCG conducts visits at your campus, you can find your school’s page on their website and apply directly through its portal. Otherwise, you can go through the general online application. Either way, the application just consists of general information, including your background, office preferences, transcript, standardized test scores, resume , and cover letter.

While writing your cover letter, it’s important to cater it specifically to BCG. Boston Consulting Group values teamwork, problem solving skills, passion, flexibility, and curiosity. Therefore, try to highlight these values when talking about projects and experiences. You can also personalize the letter by talking about your specific experiences with BCG that make you want to work there, whether it’s conversations with current associates or completing the BCG Virtual Experience Program .

Before advancing to the interview stage, undergraduate candidates typically have to take the BCG Potential Test, an online assessment that allots you 45 minutes to answer 23 multiple-choice questions. Most questions assess your quantitative and logic skills, like, “Which of the following conclusions are accurate given the following data?” or “Calculate X, Y and Z given the following information.” You’re expected to complete the test without using a calculator or other resources.

Nailing the Interviews

cover letter for boston consulting group

If you make it past the BCG Potential Test, you’ll be invited to a live interview. The BCG website says that the interview process varies by location, but there are usually at least two rounds of live interviews, divided into three parts:

  • BCG will strive to learn more about you during each round. You’ll talk about your background and personal experiences so they can assess your fit at the company.
  • They’ll assess how you solve problems by giving you a case study to evaluate your thought process, strategic/analytical skills, and ability to make a strong argument for the solution you recommend.
  • They’ll answer your questions about the job as they evaluate your ability to listen and communicate effectively, as well as your curiosity and creative thinking.

Knowing more about you

While preparing for the behavioral portion of the interview may not be your first priority, your experience and cultural fit will be significant factors in BCG’s hiring decision. Before the interview, try to come up with thoughtful responses to questions that you know they’ll ask, like, “Why consulting?” or “Why BCG?” Show that you’ve researched the consulting career path and the firm, talked to consultants, and have concrete reasons for why BCG is your top choice.

BCG is also interested in your professional history, so be ready to talk through and answer any questions about your resume. Additionally, think about how to answer other questions that candidates have been asked in previous interviews, such as:

  • Tell me about a time you persuaded someone
  • What accomplishments have given you the greatest satisfaction
  • Tell me about a time you failed
  • Tell me about a time you took leadership
  • What’s your leadership style?
  • Tell me about your greatest challenge on your previous job

Don't know where to start? Try writing a list of accomplishments, significant lessons, and interesting stories from your professional experience. Think about class projects, internships, leadership or volunteer positions, and other task-oriented settings. Once this list is complete, think about which behavioral questions each story could address.

As you move forward in your career, keeping a list of professional achievements is always advised. Starting early will put you ahead of the curve!

👉 For more behavioral interview tips, click here

Assessing how you solve problems

cover letter for boston consulting group

Cases are a staple of the consulting interview process. During a case interview, you will be told about a business scenario and asked to propose a solution. This requires thorough knowledge of the factors that impact organizations, from manufacturing costs to market trends. Luckily, there are plenty of in-depth resources to help you prepare. Popular study materials include caseinterview.com or the book Case in Point . BCG also offers its own resources, such as case interview tips, practice case interviews, and guided consulting cases on its website.

Taylor Smith, managing director and partner at BCG, suggests practicing a case live with a friend or somebody from your career office who can give you feedback. It’s important to learn how to walk someone through your thought process and be able to hit on the right points without rambling. BCG employees also caution against memorizing examples or facts from industries and suggest that you instead focus on being present during the interview. Engage the interviewer, ask for information when you need it, and think about solving the problem collaboratively.

Answering your questions

While this is your time to get more information about the role, your interviewer will still use it as an area of evaluation. It’s important to make the questions insightful, whether they’re about your potential responsibilities, the firm’s history and culture, or even the interviewer’s personal experiences.

If you want to stand out, show that you've looked into the company. Instead of asking general questions, dive deeper into BCG-specific programs/initiatives (think resource groups, volunteer programs, etc), research they have conducted, or articles they have appeared in.

Part of your evaluation will be based on how well you present yourself, so confidence and eloquence are key.

Enjoying the Internship Experience

cover letter for boston consulting group

COVID response

Along with every other company, BCG had to make some adjustments to its 2020 internship program. The firm extended full-time offers to all interns, as well as three options for the program itself, as long as they signed the full-time offer within two weeks. First, interns could choose to work at a non-profit of their choice for full pay, giving them an opportunity to make a real social impact during the pandemic. They could work for a startup for 33% pay, which gave them some flexibility like working on their own business or a friend’s project. Or they could do the 6-week virtual BCG internship for full pay. If they didn’t sign the offer on time, they’d be locked into the third option.

The in-person internship

Orientation.

While the details of the internship can vary by location, they all follow the same basic structure. For the first three days, summer associates are led through orientation, where they meet the other interns and attend lectures by current BCGers on the skills required in consulting, like problem solving, email communication, and Microsoft Office. They also get their work iPhone and laptop, as well as some introductions to BCG’s time-saving Excel and PowerPoint macros. Finally, they go over the BCG evaluation process, parameters, and benchmarks. Interns are typically assigned their client project within the first few days and head to the client sites during the second week.

The program

Interns are given a lot of hands-on responsibility to manage real client work. Nishad, a former intern at the Bombay office , was assigned to a factory, where he aimed to increase profits by making production more efficient. He would walk around the factory to observe the process and ask questions to the workers and managers for most of the day, and then he would go back to his hotel to do more analysis. BCG works collaboratively with its clients, so Nishad was able to have lunch with the staff, attend internal client meetings, and present his final dashboard to the factory CEO and COO.

Interns also get a lot of support from their BCG team members and associates. Each intern is assigned a buddy-- a current associate who they can meet for coffee and ask for support and career advice throughout the internship. Typically, interns report directly to a 2nd year senior associate, a project leader, or a consultant. They get regular feedback from their project leader throughout the program to give them an opportunity to learn and improve.

Past BCG interns have reported a tight-knit cohort, with plenty of opportunities to bond. On the weekends, they can attend intern events, like office-wide retreats, sporting events, volunteering, meals, and happy hours.

Return offers

BCG says that the vast majority of its interns receive offers for full-time positions. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s guaranteed. In order to lock down a return offer, it’s important to stay focused and show a commitment to your work. Respond to feedback quickly and positively. 

Finally, it's important that you show balance and keep a level head. The job is stressful, but it also presents a lot of opportunities to cut loose at parties and other social events. Embrace these factors, but be sure that neither get in the way of your learning experience. In time, you'll find a way to work hard, stay healthy, and have fun!

Cover photo by Boston Consulting Group - https://www.bcg.com/

The information provided herein is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide tax, legal, or investment advice and should not be construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation of any security by Candor, its employees and affiliates, or any third-party. Any expressions of opinion or assumptions are for illustrative purposes only and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results and the opinions presented herein should not be viewed as an indicator of future performance. Investing in securities involves risk. Loss of principal is possible.

Third-party data has been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable; however, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Candor does not receive compensation to promote or discuss any particular Company; however, Candor, its employees and affiliates, and/or its clients may hold positions in securities of the Companies discussed.

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Career in Consulting

Consulting Cover Letter

Consulting Cover Letter: a step-by-step guide (2024)

With a great CV, your consulting cover letter can open the door to scoring an interview and, ultimately, getting a job in consulting.

But it’s not that easy: less than 30% of applicants receive a call for an interview.

Thus, in this article, I’ll show how to write a persuasive and customized cover letter to move your job application to the top of the pile .

In particular, I’ll show you the exact steps you need to take to write a consulting cover letter that:

  • Set you apart from the crowd
  • Express your motivation to join the firm you are applying to

But first, let me introduce you to Paul.

Paul is a recent graduate from a business school in France.

He did two internships (one in Marketing and one in Finance).

Paul used the tips from this article to learn how to write a cover letter for a consulting job and landed job interviews in ALL the consulting firms he applied to . 

At the end of this article, you’ll see Paul’s consulting cover letters for McKinsey, the Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, and Deloitte.

Also, you’ll find a consulting cover letter template to help you craft your consulting cover letters. 

Let’s get started!

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Get the latest data about salaries in consulting, what is a cover letter.

Along with your resume, a cover letter is an important part of your consulting job application.

It is intended to provide a more in-depth introduction, enhancing the information in the resume or CV, outlining pertinent qualifications, and showcasing some of your most noteworthy achievements.

A strong cover letter convinces the employer that your skills align with their requirements and demonstrates the following:

  • Justifications for your qualifications for the job.
  • An explanation of why you want to work as a consultant.
  • Justifications for why you would be a good fit for their particular company.
  • Your capacity for producing engaging, clear, and concise writing.

A strong cover letter should ultimately focus on “why should we hire you” and “what’s in it for us.”.

And for that reason, it’s worthwhile to take the time to write a strong cover letter .

What recruiters want

The consulting recruiting process is costly for top consulting firms. 

Do the math:

Multiply the time spent by a management consultant giving interviews by their fees.

You’d get an insanely high number.

Therefore, management consulting firms want to invite only candidates with a serious chance of making it.

To do so, they use two selection criteria. 

Consulting cover letter - what recruiters want

Selection criteria 1: do you have the right consulting skills?

ALL consulting firms essentially look for these 4 skills when screening your application documents (resume and consulting cover letter):

  • Problem-solving : As a Consultant, you will be essentially a problem-solver. Thus, Consulting firms will assess the range of problems you had to solve and the impact you had.
  • Leadership abilities : As a Consultant, you must get things done while working with others. Thus, Consulting firms will assess your ability to work in teams and create a climate where people are motivated to do their best.
  • Personal impact : As a Consultant, you will need to gain the support and commitment of others. Thus, Consulting firms will assess your ability to develop relationships with people and influence someone to act upon your recommendation.
  • Drive : As a Consultant, you will work on new consulting projects every 3x months. Thus, Consulting firms will assess how comfortable you are with new situations and your ability to perform outside your comfort zone.

Consulting skills: what mckinsey is looking for

Selection criteria 2: are you a good fit?

A career in consulting is not for everyone.

It’s demanding. 

And it can sometimes be stressful.

Therefore, management consulting firms want to assess your motivation to pursue a career in consulting.

And more specifically, a career in consulting in their firm.

To do so, they’ll assess if you’ve done your homework.

For instance, do you understand what consultants do?

And do you understand what makes them different from other management consulting firms?  

Related articles :

Your answer to the question Tell me about yourself must be consistent with the information on your resume.

Check this article explaining how to craft a superior answer to the question “ Tell me about yourself .” 

Also, read this article to learn more about the recruiting process at McKinsey.

Besides, I’ve written articles about the recruiting process at Boston Consulting Group and Bain & Company .

How to write a consulting cover letter: your step-by-step guide

Good consulting cover letters tend to follow a tried-and-trusted format. 

One that’s set up in a way that lets you show off your accomplishments and what are your motivations to join this consulting firm in particular .

If you’re worried about sticking to the same format as everyone else somehow stopping you from standing out, don’t.

It’s what you say (or don’t say) that counts. 

Let’s break down how your cover should look.

Consulting cover letter - the different sections of a management consulting cover letter

Step 1: Add the header (mandatory)

To begin with, start your cover letter with the following information:

  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Date of sending

In addition, you can include the company’s name and address to which you’re applying.

Paul's McKinsey cover letter: Header

Step 2: include the greetings (mandatory)

The greeting needs to display the right level of respect and professionalism.

If you have a name for the contact person, use it.

If you don’t know the contact person’s name, you can begin your cover letter with “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”

Do your best to find out to whom you’re writing to.

Look at the company website or LinkedIn page to see if you can track down the hiring manager’s name. 

Or  take the initiative to call the company.

Someone on the other end of the phone might be happy to tell you who does the hiring.

Step 3: write the opening paragraph (mandatory)

If you were to meet a hiring manager in person, you wouldn’t just throw your resume in their face and walk away, would you?

I’d like you’d offer a handshake and tell them who you are first.

This paragraph  is like a good handshake.

You want your first paragraph to be strong, succinct and make a great first impression .

In your opening paragraph , start strong:  show enthusiasm and show you want to come in there and make a contribution .

Hook the reader early with a first paragraph that makes them want to read.

You can use these guiding questions to craft the first paragraph of your cover letter .

  • Which position are you applying to ? Consultant in the BCG Munich office 
  • What are your personal qualities? Results-driven and eager to learn. 
  • Who are you? What are your past and present experiences? A final-year student at HEC Paris who completed two internships in the Banking and Technology sectors
  • What is your most impressive achievement? Experience in working with C-level management teams  

Paul's McKinsey cover letter: Opening Paragraph

This is an important cover letter tip: 

Mention the position you’re applying to (Business Analyst, Senior Consultant, Associate, etc.)

Step 4: explain why you are a good candidate (mandatory)

Your management consulting cover letter must say why you’re the right person for the job. 

This is one of the most important consulting cover letter tips.

To do so,  you must  highlight the specific skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for consulting .

For instance, here is how Paul has highlighted his skills in his consulting cover letter.

How Paul has highlighted his skills in his consulting cover letter

Here are the four steps followed by Paul to show off his skills in his cover letter :

  • Step 4.1: List your most impressive achievements and write a great resume.
  • Step 4.2: Select three skills you want to emphasize.
  • Step 4.3: Select three achievements that best illustrate how you used those three skills.
  • Step 4.4: Highlight these three achievements in your cover letter. But don’t repeat your resume word by word; show your personality instead.

Step 4.1: List Your Most Impressive Achievements And Write A Great Resume

In the “Consulting resume: 11 steps to get interviews in 2023”   article, you have the exact steps you need to take to:

  • List your most impressive achievements
  • Summarize these achievements into compelling action statements in your resume
  • Format your resume with a ready-to-use template
  • Get inspired with (literally) hundreds of examples
  • And much more…

So, start your cover letter… by writing your consulting resume !

Step 4.2: Select The 3 Skills You Want To Emphasize In Your Consulting Cover Letter

Choose the three skills you want to emphasize in your cover letter . 

For instance :

  • Problem-solving : how you used your analytical and quantitative skills to solve a problem and had an impact
  • Leadership skills : how you got something done while working with someone or a group of people
  • Personal impact : how you influenced people to act upon your recommendations

Another cover letter tip:

Do NOT put three achievements in your cover letter that illustrate the same skills twice or thrice.  

If you do so, you will undermine your profile…

And lose an opportunity to show that you are a well-rounded professional .

Step 4.3: Select The 3 Achievements That Best Illustrate How You Used Those Skills

You now must have a great list of achievements and an outstanding resume. 

Now, it’s time to select which achievements you will highlight in your cover letter.

To do so, select which achievements best illustrate your experience in three chosen skills . 

To do so, choose three achievements you feel are your strong suits to focus on.

For instance, you can ask yourself :

  • Which achievements are you most proud of?
  • Where did you have the biggest impact?
  • Which achievements were the most challenging?

Step 4.4: Highlight These 3 Achievements In Your Cover Letter. But Do NOT Repeat Your CV Word-By-Word; Show Your Personality Instead

Finally, highlight these three achievements in your cover letter. 

However,  your cover letter shouldn’t just rehash your resume . 

In other words, do not repeat your word-by-word resume.

Because this will give a weak impression.

Instead, use  the letter to tell a brief story , such as “my toughest sale” or “my biggest technical challenge,” and show your personality . 

That’s  how you will stand out from the rest .

It will make a HUGE difference if you show your personality when highlighting your achievements in your cover letter.

The secret to showing your personality is to tell the readers WHY these achievements matter to YOU .

For instance:

  • WHY this achievement was important for you
  • WHY this achievement, in particular, was challenging
  • Why did you enjoy this achievement 
  • WHY this achievement left a positive (or negative) mark on you 

Do you see the pattern here?

To make it personal, explain WHY a particular achievement is important for YOU .

There are four  reasons why a particular achievement can be  important for you : 

  • You had to manage (or you were part of a team managing) something critical for your company. In other words, you had a huge impact.
  • The situation you had to handle was very challenging : you had to deal with a tight schedule, you had few resources to reach your objectives, you were in the middle of stakeholders who were not aligned, etc. In other words, it was tough ! Think of these long hours spent at the office 🙂
  • You had to do something for the first time : present something in front of the leadership team for the first time, face a specific problem for the first time, have to handle a crisis for the first time, have to manage a team for the first time, etc. In other words, you learned a lot. 
  • Or a combination of these 3 things : critical x challenging x first time (I can imagine how stressful it was!!)

So, to conclude, when describing your achievements in your cover letter, make sure to cover these four critical elements:

  • The problem you had to solve
  • How you solve this problem (your action)
  • The outcome (the results of your action)
  • Why was this achievement important for you

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cover letter for boston consulting group

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Step 5: explain why you want to join this firm (mandatory)

A well-written cover letter highlights your credentials for a job and proves your desire to work for this company in particular. 

The golden rule of applying to a job is showing interest in the firm you apply to . 

Explaining your motivation to join a company is what is most important for recruiters, according to a recent survey of 200 recruiters.

Importance of expressing your motivation and interest in your cover letter

Why is explaining your motivations to join this specific firm so important?

Think of it from the consulting firm’s perspective: they want to hire someone who will positively impact the firm and its customers and someone who is a good fit.

The hiring process is very costly and time-consuming. 

Therefore, they don’t want to hire someone who will leave the company after 12 months .

Being specific when you express your motivations to join a consultancy is key.

It won’t impress the readers if you give general reasons that can be applied to other consultancies. 

Even worse,  it shows that you haven’t done your homework and haven’t done any research about the company .

Thus, do not write, “I want to work for McKinsey because it’s the market leader” or “I want to join the Boston Consulting Group because I’ll be able to work with smart people.” 

Note:  I’ll show you how to use these two (good) reasons yet sound specific . 

So, now let’s see  how to express your motivation to join this firm in particular . 

To begin with, let’s see what Paul wrote in his McKinsey cover letter.

Paul's McKinsey Cover Letter

Paul gave two reasons why he is interested in joining McKinsey & Company. 

Each of his reasons follows this formula :

how to answer why this firm in particular

Step 5.1: Start By Giving A Reason Why You Want To Join This Company

You want to join a top consulting firm for many good reasons .

So if you are asking yourself, “Why McKinsey?”, “Why BCG?”, “Why Bain?”, “Why Deloitte?”, Why Accenture?” or “Why any other firms,” you should consider the following reasons :

  • The company’s culture : you think you’ll be a good fit with the company’s culture. For instance, the culture of excellence at McKinsey. Or the collaborative culture at Bain & Company. Another example: the diversity of profiles promoted by the Boston Consulting Group
  • Its reputation : you want to work for a company recognized as a global market leader, such as McKinsey & Company. Or do you want to join a well-known advisor in a specific geography like Bain & Company in the Middle East?
  • The company’s specialization : you can have a special interest in a topic or an industry and join a firm with expertise in that topic or industry. For instance, Simon Kucher & Partners for pricing, or Bain & Company for Private Equity. Or maybe McKinsey is the only consulting firm working with public entities in your region 
  • Smart colleagues : you want to be inspired and work with people inside and outside the firm who will challenge your work and how you think. For instance, McKinsey is obsessed with working mainly at the CEO level
  • The company’s size : you want to join a new (or a small) office and be part of the teams that will help develop that office. Or the office can be well established, but you want to join a newly created practice and want to help develop it
  • The company’s international footprint : you want to have the opportunity to work in an international environment or to be relocated to an office abroad in a couple of years. For instance, some consulting firms have international staffing rules, whereas others offer only local staffing opportunities
  • The career progression opportunity : you want to join a company that invests a significant amount each year to train their consultants. For instance, Bain is known to put a high value on training their employees

So, think of “Why do you want to work for this company?” or “What attracts you to work for this company?” and check which reasons make sense.

However,  if your cover letter mentions some of the previous reasons without any more explanations, your answer will sound very generic  (and weak).

For instance, if you write, “I want to work for a prestigious company and be surrounded by smart colleagues,” this can be applied to most consulting firms. 

That’s  why you need to add evidence that you know what you are discussing .

In other words, you must show that you did your homework and researched the company. 

That’s step 5.2.

Step 5.2: Then, Back-Up Your Reason With A Persuasive Source Of Information

To make your answer convincing, you must back up your reason with a good source of information.

Thus, you will show the readers that you are not applying to this firm for random but thoughtful reasons. 

To do so, there are three persuasive sources of information that you should consider::

  • Consultants who work at the company you are applying to . Your interviewer wants to know if you have done your homework and have talked to anyone from the office you are applying to, or at least from the firm in general. In other words, networking is super important.
  • Reports produced by the company, such as the McKinsey Quarterly or the BCG Insight. Tell them you read and found interesting a report or an article about a topic you like.
  • Alumni with whom you have worked with . If you had the opportunity to work with alumni from the firm you are applying to, mention it. This shows that you have an idea of what working there looks like.

To conclude, back up the reasons why you want to join a company with one of these sources of information, and you’ll show the readers that you researched the company and thus demonstrate real interest .

Step 5.3: Finally, Explain Why This Reason Is Important For You

Now, it’s time to make it personal. 

As for your skills  (read again writing tip 6, “Show your personality in your cover letter” if necessary),  explain why this particular reason is important for you .

For instance, you can explain why working for a global market leader such as McKinsey is important:

You are excited by the opportunity to work on impactful projects. 

Another example:

You can explain why the focus of Bain & Company on having an impact is important for you: you need to have tangible results from your work.

Step 5.4: Repeat The Previous Steps 1 Or 2 Times

Try to give a minimum of 2 (and a maximum of 3) reasons why you want to join a particular firm.

Therefore, repeat the previous steps 1 or 2 times.

Step 6: say why you want to pursue a career in consulting (optional)

This section is optional. 

90% of the time, your management consulting cover letter should NOT include this section .

If you need to include this section, keep it short. 

My recommendation is a maximum of 3 or 4 lines.

And to do so, the process is simple.

First, select one or two reasons you want to pursue a career in consulting.

Here are some examples of reasons to pursue a career in consulting:  

cover letter for boston consulting group

Second, explain why this reason is important for you .

For instance, why is having an impact important for you?

Or why is working in an environment with a strong learning curve important for you?

Again, keep your answers concise.

Step 7: end with a call to action (mandatory)

This is your call to action.

Thank the readers for their time, and let them know you’re excited to be interviewed.

I would welcome the chance to discuss further your expectations and how my analytical, leadership, and communication skills can bring value to McKinsey.

Always be polite and respectful in your close.

Let them know how eager you are to be interviewed, but never make demands.

Paul's McKinsey Cover Letter: Signature

Step 8: add your consulting cover letter signature

Sign off your letter with a “Best” or “Best regards” (remember to include a comma), followed by your name.

You can use other phrases like “Yours sincerely,” “Kind regards,” or “Best wishes,” but “Best” or “Best regards” are the safest options.

Step 9: proofread and check typos

Now it’s time to polish your consulting cover letter to ensure it stands out.

Like your resume,  your cover letter is one of the few things in your life that needs to be perfect .

Thus, you must put the same attention to detail in your cover letter as Consultants do with their slide deck presentations.

In other words, perfection is the minimum standard your cover letter must pass to keep it out of the rejection pile.

Pay close attention to the following areas to make your cover letter bulletproof.

Imagine finding out that your application — the one you spent hours working on — was dismissed because of a few small spelling or grammar errors. 

That would be tough to take.

But it happens.

Hiring managers must review hundreds of resumes and cover letters.

And typos are one of the easiest ways to narrow applicants down . 

So, double or triple-check your cover letter.

When you’ve done that, have someone else read over it.

#2: Formatting Errors

Large blocks of text are hard work on the eyes, especially on a screen. 

Therefore, keep sentences short and limit paragraphs to three or four sentences.

Moreover, I recommend using bullet points when describing your most critical skills and achievements . 

Another thing to remember is that your cover letter and resume will be read together, so the two should be consistent in how they look. 

Thus, match the style of your cover letter to your consulting resume .

To help you, I have put a cover letter template at the end of this article.

In addition, you can find a resume template in this article .

#3: Any Trace of Copy And Paste

The  “I am writing to apply for the role of  [job]  at  [company] ”  example from a previous cover letter is classic copy-and-paste.

Anything non-specific or generic immediately has the hiring manager wondering how many other people you’ve tried to impress with your robotic writing . 

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use copy-and-paste templates.

It just means you shouldn’t make it obvious that you do.

#4: Too Many Words

According to a survey by Saddleback College, almost 70% of employers want a cover letter to be less than one page.

24% say that the shorter, the better.

Generally, your consulting cover letter should be less than 500 words and fit on a single page . 

Let me repeat because it’s important:

Your consulting cover letter must be on one page.

#5: File Name And Type

First, use the PDF format when submitting your cover letter to a consulting firm unless otherwise specified by the company or recruiter.

Besides, when assigning a file name to your cover letter, include your first and last name along with the name of the company you’re applying to in the name of the file, like “Sébastien Ritter Cover Letter McKinsey.”

Step 10: get your cover letter reviewed by an expert

To ensure your consulting cover letter is error-free, share it (with this article 😉) with your friends and ask for feedback.

But do not ask all your friends.

Instead, focus on these three people: a grammar champion, an HR person (preferably in the consulting industry, but non-consulting HR is fine, too), and a Consultant.

Step 11: complement your cover letter with a great CV

I recommend focusing your time and energy on your consulting resume before writing your cover letter. 

Because recruiters say they spend a maximum of 60 seconds deciding whether a candidate should be invited for an interview, they probably start by figuring out whether you have the skillset and education required for the job.

And that’s the purpose of the resume .

For instance, I recommend spending 80% of your time writing your CV and 20% writing your cover letter.  

Check this article that will help you craft your CV .

You’ll find a step-by-step guide, templates, and examples to help you craft a perfect consulting resume. 

My best consulting cover letter tips

In 2023, I analyzed 147 management consulting cover letters . 

As a result, here are my 7 best cover letter tips. 

And here is the best part:

You’ll also learn the most common mistakes to avoid at all costs. 

Consulting cover letter tip 1: Personalize your letter for each firm

Never send a generic cover letter.

This implies that you must create a new one for each firm.

Consulting cover letter tip 2: Simplify your letter

Clarify and condense your message.

Using complicated words and sentences would almost certainly fail to convey your intentions to the company, and the person reading the letter probably won’t bother with the rest of your application.

Consulting cover letter tip 3: Be specific when needed

Make sure to quantify your accomplishments.

For instance, elaborate on your marketing expertise in your cover letter by stating that you increased revenue to $10,000 while bringing in 200 more clients monthly.

Having specific personal information can help you stand out from other applicants.

Consulting cover letter tip 4: Omit unnecessary details

Let’s state the obvious:

You don’t need to mention your graphic design experience.

Personal information like accomplishments in leisure activities, interests, and hobbies are best left out.

Consulting cover letter tip 5: Show Your Value

When applying for consulting positions, it’s a common error for candidates to focus only on their individual accomplishments.

Cover letters with many “me memes” are frequently read by recruiters.

This means that rather than emphasizing how they can contribute to the company (and eventually become partners), many applicants concentrate on how they will personally benefit from the position in question.

In your cover letter, highlight how your skills will help the company.

Consulting cover letter tip 6: Remember that spelling counts

Grammar and spelling mistakes can indicate that you neglected to proofread your own letter.

Additionally, be consistent—do not represent a dash with “—” in one location and “–” in another.

Consulting cover letter tip 7: Give Yourself Time to Write a Quality Letter

A strong consulting cover letter takes time to write, just like consulting resumes do.

It’s important to consider your accomplishments and what sets you apart from others if you want to be successful.

Think twice before assuming you can create a quality cover letter in a single evening.

It necessitates numerous revisions, careful rereading, and prompt feedback.

Additionally, you must ensure that the cover letter complements your resume flawlessly and elaborates on your impressive abilities and experiences.

Four consulting cover letter examples

In the next 4 sections, you can find sample cover letters for McKinsey, BCG, and Bain & Company.

McKinsey cover letter (Undergraduate)

Now, you can see a first consulting cover letter sample.

That’s the McKinsey cover letter used by Paul. 

Please note that this Junior Consultant cover letter (or a cover letter for the Associate Consultant position) can also work for other positions. 

Paul's McKinsey Cover Letter

BCG cover letter (experienced hire)

Here is now a BCG cover letter from an experienced hire.  

BCG cover letter (experienced hire)

Bain cover letter (Undergraduate)

Here is now a Bain & Company cover letter from an undergraduate student.  

Bain cover letter (Undergraduate)

Bonus: McKinsey cover letter from FirmLearning

Here is another McKinsey cover letter example from the YouTube channel Firm learning:

Do you want more consulting cover letter samples?

Then sign up for our free training !

In this free training, you’ll find consulting cover letter samples and tips on acing your consulting interviews at top management consulting firms.

And you’ll improve your problem-solving skills!

Consulting cover letter templates

Do not reinvent the wheel.

Thus, you can download free consulting cover letter Word or PDF templates to fasten the writing process .

These detailed templates will help you correctly outline your management consulting cover letter.

You can use these templates to apply to any top-tier consulting firms, including the following:

  • Bain & Company
  • Oliver Wyman
  • Roland Berger
  • Deloitte Monitor
  • Strategy&
  • E&Y Parthenon
  • And many more.

If you need help writing your resume, these templates will help you.

Here is the Word template .

And here is the PDF template .

Besides, check this article to download consulting resume templates and examples.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a cover letter be.

Aim at 2–4 paragraphs within one page.

Do I need a cover letter?

I ALWAYS recommend adding a cover letter to your application .

Because a well-written cover letter will always distinguish your application.

If a resume shows your  Skills and Accomplishments, a consulting cover letter must show your Personality and Motivation.

In other words, a great cover letter is your chance to say something about yourself that you can not put in your resume.

And for securing your dream consulting job, any advantage you can gain over other candidates to land an interview is worth taking.

A good consulting cover letter is one such advantage.

This article helps showcase your personality and motivation in your consulting cover letter.

Also, here is what recruiters say will get an application rejected (source: careerbuilder.com ):

Cause Of Rejection: no cover letter

Not submitting a consulting cover letter is a risk of rejection . 

How to organize your consulting cover letter sections?

Short answer: the order of the sections does not matter much.

For instance, you can organize your management consulting cover letter like this:

  • Why consulting

Or you can organize the sections of your management cover letter differently. 

There is no one-size-fits-all management consulting cover letter winning order.

Consulting cover letter: final words

I hope you found this new guide to writing a persuasive, customized cover letter for consulting jobs helpful. 

Now I’d like to hear what you have to say:

Which tip from today’s post was the most helpful for you?

Is it how to show your personality?

Or maybe it is how to express your motivation for a particular firm.

Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.

P.S. Are you looking for help?

If you want a team of experts by your side throughout the entire consulting recruitment process, check if we would be a good fit by clicking here .

Besides, check our clients’ success stories .

We’ve helped hundreds of candidates get offers at top consulting firms around the globe. 

The best part?

Those candidates had various backgrounds: MBAs, Engineers, PhDs, experienced professionals, etc.

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18 thoughts on “Consulting Cover Letter: a step-by-step guide (2024)”

Pingback: All About The McKinsey Recruitment Process - Career in Consulting

cover letter for boston consulting group

The only useful and structured cover letter writing article on the whole internet!

cover letter for boston consulting group

Happy that you enjoyed the article, Anthony 🙂

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cover letter for boston consulting group

I didnt realise how much i need this article, till i read it . Truly helpful , Thanks Sebastien 🙂

Thanks! glad you found it helpful!

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Pingback: How to answer “Why McKinsey?”, “Why BCG?”, or “ Why Bain?” questions - Career in Consulting

cover letter for boston consulting group

Brilliant brilliant work, Sebastien! Thank you very much. The best I have come across so far.

Thank you very much Samuel!

cover letter for boston consulting group

Wow, this paragraph is pleasant, my sister is analyzing such things, so I am going to inform her.

cover letter for boston consulting group

Great article to read, all the tips are great….

Thanks! I’m glad you like it

cover letter for boston consulting group

Ththank you very much for the article which was very interesting, just like the one about the CV!

However, I was wondering if following this structure in 3 adjectives and form could not be penalizing since many people have already followed your article?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Hi Thomas. Thank you for your comment, and I’m glad you’ve liked this article! Regarding your question, besides the structure described in this article, the content (the reasons why you are interested in a firm and why these reasons are important for you) will make your CL unique. Hope this helps, Sébastien

cover letter for boston consulting group

I never write comments like this on the internet but felt compelled to express my gratitude. This, and the resume writing article, are the most thoughtful and helpful guides I have ever read on this topic. Although I am a teacher in England (not an American consultant!) I found all the advice to be completely transferrable and have done a major overhaul on my CV. Thank you for being so clear and thorough in your advice – I have shared it with my colleagues and will continue to spread the word to anyone who needs CV writing advice in any profession.

Thank you Emily for the nice comment

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Every year, more than 1 million candidates apply for a consulting role in McKinsey.

[ Click here to directly go to the Consulting cover letter sample ]

But only 10,000 people get the final offer. That’s a 1% success rate .

The top 3 consulting companies, McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, and Bain & Company , are some of the most selective companies when it comes to hiring.

Most people don’t know this, but they start their selection process by screening the cover letter and consulting resumes .

More than 80% of resumes and cover letters are rejected before the first screening. Less than 15% of candidates get called for interviews in the big three consulting firms.

So, if you think, " How do I become a consultant? How to write a consulting cover letter that gets me the consulting job?” - This blog is for you.

Consulting cover letters are very different from traditional cover letters for jobs. In this guide to writing a consulting cover letter, we’ll tell you everything you need to write on the consulting cover letter to stand out from your competitors.

In this blog, we will discuss:

  • What is a consulting cover letter?
  • What are the things recruiters look for in a cover cetter?
  • How to structure a consulting cover letter?
  • How to write an effective consulting cover letter?
  • 5 tips to write a stellar consulting cover letter
  • Consulting cover letter dample

We’ll also share five consulting cover letter examples to help you get an interview.

What Is a Consulting Cover Letter?

A consulting cover letter is an adjacent document with your consulting resume that helps you introduce your skills and accomplishments to the hiring managers.

It’s an essential part of your application, especially for big three consulting firms, because it’s easy for recruiters to quickly sort bad candidates based on the quality of a cover letter, lack of attention to detail, etc.

However, if done correctly, consulting cover letters is an excellent way to stand out from the crowd and get yourself a job interview.

You don’t have enough space to elaborate on your experiences on a resume. But with a cover letter, you can expand on your experiences and explain the reasons for some potential red flags on your resume.

Why do you have a job gap? Why do you have a low GPA? You can explain the reasons for that in the cover letter.

In short, your consulting cover letter is the deciding factor for getting a job in a big consulting company.

What Recruiters Look for in a Consulting Cover Letter?

The recruiters look for a candidate who has excellent communication and leadership skills. They look into the applicant's skills and experience to understand if they have the qualities to become a successful consultant.

Recruiters look for mainly four aspects from a consultant cover letter. These are:

  • Does the candidate have the relevant skills and experience required for the job?
  • Does the candidate have a clear idea of what the company does?
  • Is the candidate interested in working with the company?
  • Does the candidate have excellent communication skills?

element-of-consulting-cover-letter

If you want to create an outstanding consulting cover letter, you need to address all four points in your letter.

How to Structure a Management Consulting Cover Letter?

A perfect management consulting cover letter must have six distinct elements.

  • Opening Paragraph
  • Closing Paragraph
  • Your Signature

Consulting Cover Letter: Header

This is a mandatory part of any professional letter. The header section must include

  • Candidate’s name
  • Phone Number
  • Your Location

Even if your resume has all this information, you need to add these to your cover letter.

Salutation is an essential part of the consulting cover letter. Never start your cover letter with “To whom it may concern.” It will not get you the job.

Instead, find out who is the recruiter or hiring manager and address the cover letter directly to them.

If you don’t identify who the hiring manager is, you can address the letter to the recruitment team. For example:

Dear members of the BCG Recruitment Team, To Bain Recruitment Team,

Consulting Cover Letter: Opening Paragraph

The first sentence of your consulting cover letter is the perfect opportunity to hook the reader’s attention. And the second sentence should state the role you are applying for and how you learned about the position. The third sentence should describe why you are interested in the company you are applying for.

Do some initial research and craft a personalized and customized opening paragraph for the Consulting cover letter. If you can do that, you will improve your chance of getting shortlisted by 1000%.

Here is an example of the Opening Paragraph of a consulting cover letter:

I am a 4+ years experienced digital marketing professional working with top SaaS brands to help them generate $100M in sales year on year. I’m highly pleased to apply for the Associate Consultant position at McKinsey. I appreciate McKinsey’s leadership and sales practices to provide an outstanding experience to clients.

Consulting Cover Letter - Body

The consulting cover letter body part should explain your key accomplishments, experience, and why you are a good fit for the firm.

Don’t write a generic consulting cover letter body. Research the consulting firm, go to their website and understand the qualities they are looking for. After that, you can start creating the body of the consulting cover letter.

Below is a consulting cover letter example of the body paragraph:

body-of-consulting-cover-letter

Consulting Cover Letter- Closing Paragraph

The closing paragraph is where you place the call to action to encourage the recruiters to take action. It must be short and to the point.

Here’s an example of the Closing Paragraph of Consulting Cover Letter:

Closing-of-consulting-cover-letter

Consulting Cover Letter - Ending Signature

This is a formality for any type of professional letter. There are different types of closing signatures. Such as:

Thanking You Thanks and Regards Best Regards Sincerely Thank You

How to Write an Effective Consulting Cover Letter - Formatting

It’s not enough to have great content for the consulting cover letter; You need to format it professionally to get the most out of it.

Here are some formatting tips to help you create the consulting cover letter:

Keep it Under 1 Page:

The consulting cover letter should not be more than one page. Recruiters don’t have much time to give to one single candidate. And in this time, if you create a 2-page cover letter, the maximum chance is that recruiters will ignore your application.

Use 1-inch Margin:

A 1-inch margin is standard for any professional cover letter. A margin of less than 1 inch makes your cover letter look cramped. A 1-inch margin ensures enough whitespace to make the letter easily readable.

Use Professional Font:

Always use a professional font in the consulting cover letter. Some professional fonts are:

  • Times New Roman

Also, ensure to keep the font size to 12 points. It makes the cover letter very easy to read.

Save the Cover Letter in PDF

Make sure to submit the cover letter in PDF format. It ensures that your cover letter format is intact, no matter who views it.

10 Tips for Writing a Consulting Cover Letter

Writing a solid consulting cover letter allows you to present your candidacy to the hiring managers. Here is a list of tips for writing a stellar consulting cover letter.

1. Research the Company Requirements

Interviewing candidates is expensive; it takes time and money to get excellent people on board.

So, the company also wants to ensure that the candidate they are interviewing is interested in the job.

Therefore, consulting firms look for signs that:

  • You’ve researched the company
  • You have a proper motivation or reason for entering into consulting
  • You have a good answer to why you’re the right fit for the company
  • You have impeccable speaking and writing skills

Use your cover letter to showcase that you have all the signs that a consulting firm looks for in a candidate. This will set you apart from the rest of the candidates.

2. Link Cover Letter To Resume

Your cover letter should complement your resume and strengthen your candidacy.

Start the cover letter with unique experiences and skills to hook the recruiter’s interests.

In resumes, there is less space to explain anything to the recruiter. You can complement it by going into detail about your achievements and skills in the cover letter.

Here are some points consulting firms look for in a consulting cover letter:

  • Big brand name: If you are from a reputed university or worked with reputed brands
  • Good Academic Performance: 3.5+ GPA
  • Leadership experience and good communication skills
  • Excellent Analytical Skills
  • The ratio of your accomplishments and career year: the more experience you have, the more accomplishments you should get

3. Don’t Use a Standard Cover Letter Template

Writing a cover letter is difficult. It takes a lot of contemplating and self-reflection to make it right. You have to edit and rewrite the cover letter multiple times to make it interesting.

Some candidates try to use standardized cover letter templates to avoid the pain of writing a cover letter.

This is a big mistake, mainly if you apply to prestigious consulting firms. The recruiters in these organizations are experienced in identifying a standard cover letter.

Don’t write a consulting cover letter for the sake of it. Write the cover letter to make each sentence count and help you get closer to your dream job.

4. Use Evidence-based Storytelling

Everyone loves a good story. And in your cover letter as well, you should tell the story of your experience, don’t list down your skills and accomplishments without any context.

Demonstrate how various experiences have given you certain skills that nobody has.

For example, instead of saying you have led marketing campaigns in your past organizations, you can say that You’ve managed a marketing budget of $50,000 and coordinated with the content team to launch two successful campaigns and generated $5mn sales.

This is evidence-based storytelling, and this gives more context to the recruiter about your experience and helps them evaluate your skills.

5. Avoid Repeating Things on Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter and resume go hand in hand — they should complement each other, but they should not be the same.

You can reference elements of your resume but focus on aspects that aren't covered very well there or put a different spin on things, so it's still interesting for them to read about it again.

6. Pick Your Best Stories And Accomplishments

A cover letter is an opportunity to tell great stories from your work experience that are relevant to the consulting firm you're applying to.

If you have accomplishments, such as helping previous employers save money or increase profits, put these front and center where hiring managers won't miss them. Don't just list your skills — explain how they helped your previous employers meet their goals.

However, make sure to include only 2-3 such stories. And keep them short and crisp. Nobody has the time to read through a 2-page cover letter.

7. Quantify Your Results and Impact

Consulting firms want to know that you have the potential to deliver results for their clients — so make sure you mention how much impact or value you've created in past jobs or internships. For example: "I helped ABC Company reduce its customer service costs by 20%." Or: "I generated $100K in annual savings for XYZ Company through process improvement initiatives."

8. Keep Your Cover Letter Crisp

Many consulting firms get hundreds, if not thousands, of applications for each job opening. It's important to keep your cover letter as brief as possible so that recruiters don't lose interest.

Keep your cover letter to a maximum of one page. The most successful cover letters have three identifiable sections: who you are, why you are applying and why the firm should hire you. This can be covered in three paragraphs or about 300 words.

9. Namedrop Employees You Have Talked to

If there is someone at the firm who referred you or whom you have spoken to about this position, mention them by name in your cover letter, preferably in the first paragraph. This will help the reader to associate your application with that particular employee. It will also help if that person has put in a good word for you!

10. Double-check You're Addressing The Cover Letter Properly

Address the right firm. Take the time to research the firm and make sure your cover letter is addressed to the right person.

Most firms will have information on their websites about who is in charge of recruiting.

The more personal you can make the cover letter, the better for you.

Failing to address your cover letter correctly may be discarded without even being read.

Here’s a Management Consulting Cover Letter Sample For Your Reference:

Frequently asked questions:, do all consulting firms require cover letter.

Most consulting firms keep cover letters as an optional document. However, you must add your cover letter with your resume to distinguish yourself from other candidates. Writing a unique cover letter can help you stand out from the crowd.

What if The Cover Letters are Optional?

Consulting firms like McKinsey and BCG have made their cover letters optional.

It certainly helps the candidates with strong resumes to get out of the hassle of creating a cover letter. However, if you have some red flags on your resume, such as a low GPA or an employment gap, you should write a cover letter to explain these potential red flags to the recruiters and increase your chances of getting hired.

Key Takeaways

Writing a consulting cover letter doesn’t have to be complicated. Just remember the following tips:

  • Write a proper cover letter header and ensure that you are not making any mistakes in your contact information
  • Always start the cover letter with a proper and professional salutation
  • The first paragraph of the consulting cover letter should hook the recruiter to read the whole cover letter
  • In the second paragraph, explain your experiences and show why you are the perfect candidate for the job
  • Always end the consulting cover letter with a call to action

If you want to create a consulting cover letter, go to the Hiration Cover Letter Builder tool and pick from 20+ consulting cover letter templates to make an excellent one for yourself.

If you have further questions, reach out to us at [email protected] , and we will be happy to help you out.

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BCG Internship – How to Get One & What to Expect

  • Last Updated September, 2023

Former BCG Associate

A Boston Consulting Group internship is a great way to learn what working in management consulting is like while building your skills for a career in the industry. However, BCG summer internships are not easy to land due to the limited number of positions available every year.

But don’t worry! My Consulting Offer is a team of former BCG, Bain, and McKinsey consultants and recruiters. We can tell you what it takes to land a BCG internship and help you prepare.

In this article, we’ll discuss:

  • Benefits of a consulting internship.
  • What a BCG internship is like.
  • Responsibilities BCG interns typically handle.
  • How to apply for an internship.
  • How to succeed at your internship once you land it.
  • What management consulting firms look for in summer interns.

Also, look out for the “Pro-Tips!” throughout this article!

Let’s get started!

Benefits of a Consulting Internship

How to Apply for an Internship.

What is a BCG Internship Like?

5 Tips to Help You Succeed as a BCG Intern

What Responsibilities Do Interns Handle?

What Firms Look for in Summer Interns

The Benefits of a Consulting Internship

What Responsibilities Do BCG Interns Typically Handle?

How to Apply for a BCG Internship.

What Consulting Firms Look for in Summer Interns

Management consulting internships are temporary positions in a consulting firm where you work as part of a project team to help business leaders analyze and fix complex business problems.

If you are just starting your research on consulting internships, you’ll find our compiled list of consulting internships helpful.

So, why apply for a consulting internship? Some of the key benefits you can gain from a consulting internship include:

  • Learn important skills. Interns receive extensive on-the-job consultant training that will enable you to take your critical thinking, data analysis, PowerPoint, and Excel skills to another level.
  • Meet smart and passionate professionals who could be valuable mentors for the rest of your life.
  • Land a full-time job before you graduate. Interns who perform well and fit with the firm’s culture often receive an offer to return full-time when they graduate.
  • Decide whether consulting is the right career for you and if the firm is the right fit.  
  • Travel (in some cases). If you’re staffed on a case outside of their city, you’ll have the opportunity to travel with their project team to work on location with their clients.

Nail the case & fit interview with strategies from former MBB Interviewers that have helped 89.6% of our clients pass the case interview.

The Boston Consulting Group is one of the top-tier management consulting firms referred to as “MBB” (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) firms. BCG internships are typically 10- to 12-week programs for undergraduate or Master’s students. Interns are also sometimes referred to as summer associates or summer consultants.

A BCG internship gives you a true taste of what being a full-time associate or consultant is like. Interns are staffed on a case with a project team and expected to:

  • Work with the project team to solve complex business problem posed by the clients.
  • Own a module or a smaller scope deliverable within the team’s project.
  • Contribute to recommendations for the client along with the BCG team and client counterparts.
  • Develop and present client deliverables – be it Tableau dashboards, PowerPoint slides, or Excel models to name a few.

Within the project team, you can expect to work very closely with another consultant or the project leader to define the business problem you are trying to solve. Boston Consulting Group interns often have discussions with this consultant or project leader at the start of the week to align on their problem-solving approach, which could include collecting and synthesizing information from desktop research, analyzing data from market research, conducting market sizing exercises, and more. Interns then work independently on the tasks and later regroup with the full team to share their work and get feedback or buy-in for the recommendations.

Outside of the project team, interns are also sometimes paired with a “buddy,” usually an associate or consultant, who can guide them around the office or give tips to be successful. Office-wide events such as town halls, home office days, and movie nights, allow interns to meet more people.

Pro-tip! Take advantage of your “buddy” and socialize with other associates and consultants. They can provide tips on things such as working with your case project leader and partner.

Responsibilities of BCG Interns

Interns have similar responsibilities to full-time associates, though an intern may receive more guidance from the project leader on how to approach tasks. (Full-time associates and consultants also have these opportunities to seek guidance.) 

Being on a Project Team

Boston Consulting Group interns are usually staffed on large case teams with other associates or consultants, a project leader, and partners. In rare cases, the intern could get staffed a case with only a project leader or partner.

The scope of the case is usually defined during the proposal stage, before the team begins formal work with the client. Once the project is officially launched, the project leader delegates different sections (also referred to as “modules”) to the rest of the team.

For example, the project team could be working on a business strategy for a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) case, where the client has stagnant revenue growth. The project’s scope is to identify growth opportunities across their product portfolio, which includes personal care products, beauty, and household products. The project leader could assign each product category as one “module” for each team member.

As a BCG intern, you could receive a smaller section of that module or own the entire module, depending on the size of the project team. Assuming you are tasked to own the module and identify the growth opportunities for the beauty category, you may expect to:

  • Run business diagnostics – Analyze client data (for example, revenue and costs) to identify patterns and provide insight on whether the beauty category has opportunities to improve.
  • Lead qualitative analyses – Conduct desktop research or expert calls to gather industry benchmarks or case studies that could help you develop recommendations to grow the category.
  • Develop quantitative models – Build Excel spreadsheets to size the opportunity for your client to “win” or project the investments required to undertake that opportunity.
  • Synthesize your findings and recommendations on slides – Create a storyline with backup data to share your recommendations in a concise and compelling manner.
  • Present your findings and refine the deliverables – Present the documents you have developed to the project team or clients to gather feedback or obtain buy-in.

Pro-tip! Getting feedback is good! Sometimes the feedback could send you in a completely new direction or sometimes it could just require some minor formatting tweaks. Either way, we share our work with others to collectively build the best answer that will deliver the most positive impact for the client. Your teammates and clients may have other perspectives, data, experience, or simply a better understanding of the company’s values and culture. No one on the team, interns included, is expected to know everything.

Working with Clients

Interns also gain the experience of working directly with client counterparts.

Client teams often have some form of hierarchy similar to the project teams you work with. Client teams consist of:

  • Project Sponsor(s) : The C-suite executives that are funding the project.
  • Project Lead/Manager : The client lead that is in charge of ensuring that Boston Consulting Group is delivering the agreed deliverables on time and within cost. The client lead will also provide valuable feedback on the deliverables to ensure that the recommendations make sense for the clients.
  • Working team : The associate- or consultant-equivalents from the client’s firm. They are often assistant managers or managers who provide data and may work collaboratively with the project team to problem-solve, develop Excel models, PowerPoint slides, or present the findings.

Project teams usually work at the client’s office and sometimes share a conference room with the working team to facilitate discussions and co-development of the deliverables. You can expect to:

  • Be part of discussions with the clients.
  • Gather information and data from clients to get a better understanding of the complex business problem.
  • Present your findings and recommendations in meetings with more senior stakeholders.

Working directly with clients is valuable for interns as it helps sharpen communication and stakeholder management skills. For example, you could gain experience building professional relationships with people from other backgrounds, communicating to drive action, and encouraging collaboration and idea-sharing. In addition, working directly with clients will help you gain more understanding of the real problems that companies face.

How to Apply for a BCG Internship

Are you excited to apply for a BCG internship? If so, it’s best to start preparing as early as the year before you want to join. You’ll need to stand out among many other applicants and pass BCG’s high bar because there are a limited number of summer internship positions every year.

Check your campus Careers Department or our  Consulting Deadlines page for application deadlines. BCG internship application deadlines are usually 3-6 months before the summer internship begins, but this varies for different geographic regions.

Boston Consulting Group has a 3-step application process for their internship program.

Step #1 – Apply Online

Candidates need to apply for the internship roles on BCG’s career page . Create a profile and upload your cover letter and resume or CV (curriculum vitae). Candidates commonly start the application process for these internship positions in their sophomore or junior years and complete the internships during the summer before their junior or senior years.

If you are new to writing cover letters and CVs, our step-by-step guides to writing consulting cover letters and resumes can help make the process a lot more effective.

In summary, a good cover letter includes:

  • Opening – keep your opening short and sweet. Briefly introduce yourself and express interest in working for the firm you’re applying to, mentioning the specific position you want. Include 1-2 sentences on why you want to work in management consulting here.
  • Paragraph 1 – Explain why you chose the firm you are writing to and why you would be a good fit for the firm.
  • Paragraph 2 – Find what the firm is looking for in their consultants and highlight how you fit those characteristics.
  • Paragraph 3 – Share a story from your experience that shows you have the characteristics the firm is looking for. Highlight the skills and capabilities you’ve demonstrated in the past. It’s even better if you can quantify the impact you’ve driven in that experience.
  • Paragraph 4 (optional) – Share other stories that could work to your advantage. Order these stories with the strongest story first, the second-strongest last, and the least strong (but still good) stories in the middle.
  • Paragraph 5 (optional) – Address any red flags in your application – for example, low GPA.
  • Closing – Express your interest again and close the letter.

Cover Letter Pro-tip! Try to highlight your key selling points by answering 3 key questions in a standout cover letter – why consulting, why BCG, and how you can contribute to the firm.

For a strong resume, you should use standard sections in the following order:

  • Personal Information
  • Work Experience
  • Non-work Experience or Extracurricular Activities
  • Other – Additional Skills & Interests

Resume Pro-tip! Showcasing previous internship experience will help distinguish your resume from other applicants, especially if you can measure the impact you delivered or highlight transferable skills, such as Excel and PowerPoint skills.

Resume Pro-tip! You do not need to have directly applicable business experience to land a consulting internship. Roles that include client management, problem-solving, quantitative skills, and/or managing complex deliverables on a tight timeline will stand out on a consulting resume.

Step #2 – Pass the Online Assessment

The online assessment is applicable only to some geographic locations and Boston Conuslting Group has a couple of different versions of the test. It’s best to check with your HR representative on the application process for the role you are applying for.

The BCG online assessment is a test in which the candidate is asked case questions with multiple-choice answers. Many of the questions are quantitative. Candidates are given an overview of a client, their business problem, and data relevant to the client’s business and the overall market (revenues, costs, business lines, market size, etc.)    

These tests are designed to assess the following skills:

  • Business judgment,
  • Logical reasoning, and
  • Quantitative aptitude.

We share some examples and more tips in our article on the BCG online case and chatbot interview.

Step #3 – Ace Your Interviews

Interns go through 2 rounds of case interviews before they are considered for an offer. Our Complete Guide to BCG Case Interviews provides more details about the Boston Consulting Group, the qualities the firm looks for, and what to expect in the interview. BCG internship candidates go through similar interviews as full-time associates.

These interviews are broken down into two sections:

Section #1: Behavioral Fit Questions

The interviewer spends approximately 10 to 15 minutes on behavioral questions to understand more about the applicant and their fit for the firm. Common questions include:

  • Why consulting?
  • Tell me a time where you had a conflict and how you solved issues.

In our article on Behavioral Interviews , we introduce the A STAR(E) structure to help you prepare your stories in a more structured manner. To recap, A STAR(E) stands for:

A – Answer – Start with a 1-sentence answer to the interviewer’s question.

S – Situation – Describe the situation. When and where did the events in the story happen? Who was involved?

T – Tension – What was the conflict?

A – Action – What actions did you take to resolve the tension?

R – Result – What were the results of your action?

(E) – Effect – What did you learn from the situation and the events that followed it?

(E) or Effect is in parentheses because it will not be essential to every story. 

Section #2: Case Interview

The interviewer spends approximately 30 to 55 minutes on a business case to assess your ability to structure and solve business problems.

BCG case interviews are candidate-led, which means you will need to lead the interviewer through your logic to solve the problem. Candidates can ask for data and, if data is shared, they will be expected to provide insights or estimates based on data and graphs.

If you are completely new to case interviews, our Comprehensive Guide to Case Interviews will familiarize you with the process and expectations. With this guide, you should be able to master the 4 key success factors to ace a case interview:

  • Step 1: Understand the question you are being asked.
  • Step 2: Take time to think through all the key aspects of the problem and structure your approach to solving it.
  • Step 3: Ask pertinent questions and use information from the interviewer to form hypotheses about the problem and explore potential options.
  • Step 4: Summarize your case interview conclusion in a persuasive manner.

5 Tips for Succeeding as a BCG Intern

Once you land the offer, the next question you might have is “How do I succeed?” Boston Consulting Group interns usually have 2 key goals throughout their internship – contribute to the team and obtain a full-time offer.

These tips will help you succeed:

Tip #1: Be Curious

Start by having the right mindset. You’ll have a lot of opportunities to learn but you have to be proactive in taking them. Go the extra mile to learn a new skill or research more to gain a better understanding of a problem. Or simply raise your hand to help the team if you have extra capacity.

Tip #2: Manage Expectations and Focus on Quality

As an intern, you may be tempted to take on more work to show that you can do more and to help the team or perhaps even learn more. However, the risk to this is that you could end up not completing the tasks on time – which would delay team deliverables or lead to low quality work.

To balance your workload, talk through expectations with your project leader by highlighting the tasks you’re working on, how long you think they will take to complete, and expected deliverables. Your project leader will then be able to give you guidance on whether you are in line with what the team needs.

Tip #3: Ask Questions

This goes beyond the case setting and into the office setting in general. If you’re unsure about anything, it’s best to ask questions. As mentioned above, there’s no expectation that you know everything. On the contrary, BCG appreciates people who show the drive to learn and the ability to challenge a thought in the right way. Boston Consulting Group is also a firm that values collaboration, thus, everyone on your case and outside it will share their knowledge and experience with you.

Tip #4: Assess Whether the Firm Is Right for You

While you are contributing to your case team, take some time to figure out if the firm has the right kind of cases, work on topics that excite you, and the people and culture you want to work with. Would you be excited to receive a full-time offer for when you graduate? You will continue to spend a lot of time with these people so make sure you’ll find joy in the work.

Tip #5: Meet People and Have Fun!

Although the stakes and pressure are high during the internship, remind yourself that this is a valuable opportunity to meet new people. BCG also has numerous team- and company-wide events to allow you to socialize with other people in the firm. You could end up discovering new interests or talents, which might shape you to be a better consultant and a more interesting person.

All firms are looking for the same basics: smart people who can structure a problem quickly, think fast, accurately, and creatively, work independently and as part of a team, and communicate clearly and concisely.    

Our article on Passing the BCG Interview also highlights the 3 key qualities BCG emphasizes more than other firms.

Drive basically means the ability to move forward to solve a problem. It’s a key quality Boston Consulting Group looks for during the interview to identify high potentials who will not give up when faced with a problem.

One way to show drive during the interviews or as an intern is to adopt a “hypothesis-driven” approach, which simply means having a running hypothesis and driving toward testing it. For example, after identifying that the beauty category of your FMCG client has declining profitability, share your thoughts on what you think is driving the decline.

Drive goes beyond explaining why a problem exists but also includes the ability to think of solutions or tests you can run to prove or disprove your hypothesis. This shows your interviewer and case team that you can not only structure and guide people through your thought process but develop recommendations that will drive impact. As a team member, your manager will have much more confidence working with you if, after a meeting, you take the initiative to stress-test your analysis and incorporate the feedback received into your deliverables. They’ll know that you are clear on what needs to get done and they won’t have to micromanage your work in addition to doing theirs.

2. A Tailored Approach

Boston Consulting Group is proud of being able to work collaboratively with their clients to develop customized solutions that will drive impact for the client. BCG also wants to see its consultants tailor their approaches and recommendations for the client. The goal is really to show your team that you are not just a machine that rehashes models and frameworks. You know how to look at every situation with new eyes, and you’ll be able to catch the nuances of each client.

3. The BCG Attitude

The BCG attitude is a combination of being personable, being coachable, and having a go-getter mindset.

Project teams can spend 8 to 12 hours a day together. Therefore, it is critical to find and hire consultants who they’d feel comfortable working long hours with and putting in front of clients. The right mindset makes a big difference in establishing this comfort.

That being said, BCG is also not looking for cookie-cutter consultants. The firm appreciates people that have interests outside of consulting. You will find yourself speaking to BCGers from a variety of backgrounds and interests, from engineers to performing artists ( John Legend was a BCG consultant before his music career took off), Ph.D.s, and more. This is because BCG values the variety of experiences and the perspectives they can bring to a case.

– – – – –

In this article, we’ve covered:

  • What you can get out of a consulting internship.
  • What a BCG internship entails.
  • The roles and expectations of an intern in a team setting and a client setting.
  • The BCG internship application and interview processes.
  • 5 tips to succeed as a Boston Consulting Group intern.
  • The qualities consulting firms look for in the interns.

Still have questions?

If you have more questions about BCG internships or BCG sophomore consulting internships, leave them in the comments below. One of My Consulting Offer’s recruiters will answer them.

Other people prepping for applying to Boston Consulting Group internships found the following pages helpful:

  • Consulting Internships: How to Get One and What to Expect.
  • List of Top Consulting Internships .
  • BCG Referrals .
  • BCG Case Interview .

Help with Your Consulting Application

Thanks for turning to My Consulting Offer for advice on Boston Consulting Group internships. My Consulting Offer has helped 89.6% of the people we’ve worked with to get a job in management consulting. We want you to be successful in your consulting interviews too. For example, here is how Carolyn was able to get her McKinsey internship.

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Consulting Cover Letter: What You Actually Need to Know

The key to effective cover-letters is story-telling. Most people write cover letters like resumes, with cold, hard facts, and that’s the problem.

Cover letters are much more effective if they contain stories capturing the burning spirits of candidates. In this article, I’ll tell you how to install such stories seamlessly into your consulting cover letters, and land a case interview yourself.

Consulting cover letters – The basics

What are cover letters for.

Cover letters are documents accompanying resumes, to provide further insights into the qualities and motivations of a candidate, as well as portray who he/she is as a person .

In consulting cover letters, there are three essential qualities you must always display:

  • Leadership skills:  the ability to influence people’s decisions.
  • Achieving mindset : the continuous, relentless push for the best results.
  • Analytical problem-solving:  the ability to solve problems in a structured, methodical manner.

Regarding motivations, there are two questions you need to answer:

  • “Why consulting?”:  Do you really understand the consulting world, and how it fits with your long-term plans? Is there something unique in the consulting track to explain your choice?
  • “Why this firm?”:  Out of all the consulting firms, why ours? There should be something uniquely attractive about this firm to you, isn’t there?

And last but not least, don’t forget to show that you have an interesting personality that fits with the firm’s culture.

Cover letters vs Resumes – What’s the difference?

Because so many candidates confuse between the two, then end up writing boring cover letters resembling “paragraph versions” of their resumes, I feed the need to differentiate.

There are four marked differences:

Cover letters go deep, resumes go wide

In cover letters, you should select one or a few most notable achievements, and describe them in detail to reflect your three defining aspects (values, competencies, motivations).

This stands in contrast with resumes, where you cram as many relevant achievements as possible into the space of one or two A4 pages.

Cover letters are “soft” stories, resumes are “hard” bullet lists

The content format of cover letters is much less defined, leaving room for a lot of creativity, unlike resumes which are almost always bullet lists of cold, hard facts.

Your goal as the candidate is to fully utilize that loosely-defined format and make your cover letter as attractive and memorable as possible.

Cover letters describe personality, resumes do not

A crucial role of the cover letter is to portray who you are as a person. Resumes don’t do that, they focus on your achievements.

Your personality does not only come directly through the contents, but also reflected in the style of the letter – so take time to make your cover letter more attractive, and you’ll make a better impression with the screener.

Cover letters touch on future plans, resume concerns mostly the past

In cover letters, you have to answer the motivation questions (why consulting, why this firm). In resumes, that aspect is barely mentioned.

The most credible answers to those questions connect the job with your future plans – as such, the cover letter is not confined to the past like resumes.

Understanding your audience

The vibe inside the screening room.

Busy, tiring, and boring – that’s the vibe inside the screening room.”

Picture this in your mind:

A junior consultant is in the office on a Friday night, going through hundreds of applications. He has to do this as a form of goodwill for the company, on top of his ongoing project.

Everyone’s application looks the same, following one set format; a somewhat extraordinary resume catches his attention, so he checks the cover letter to see if there’s anything interesting, only to be disappointed because the letter is an exact recital of the resume.

If you want to grab the screener’s attention and make memorable impressions, you have to break that negative vibe, using an unordinary cover letter.

Most cover letters are just listings of achievement and cliched motivation statements – they feel like unoriginal walls-of-text that offer nothing new – and that’s the exact reason why many screeners don’t like cover letters. Write an exciting story instead – the screener will love it.

Why they read your cover letter

There are two main reasons why the screener reads your consulting cover letter:

  • He wants to know more about your motivations and personality because your resume is both impressive and interesting/unordinary at the same time.
  • He wants to clarify some ambiguous points in your resume – this happens if you appear highly competent, but your writing is not clear enough.

In both cases, there’s no excuse to repeat your resume in a paragraph format and disappoint the screener. You have all the reasons in the world to present an attractive, detailed, focused narrative – tell a story and get your interview.

Both the background and the purpose of cover-letter-screening suggest that an innovative story-telling approach is much more beneficial than the common, formulaic, overly-formal cover letters.

Such an approach will definitely make your cover letter stand out from the heap of some 200 other applications. It helps you grab the screener’s attention, and impress him in a memorable way.

Additionally, it makes reading the cover letter easier and more enjoyable. The screener is already tired, so there’s no point in making his life harder.

Whatever the reason, as the cover letter is opened AFTER the resume, the implication is that you need to perfect your consulting resume first!

If you haven’t read it, here’s an A-to-Z guide to writing the perfect consulting resume , from a former McKinsey consultant and resume screener!

Consulting cover letter – Step-by-step guide

All these elements must be presented in a coherent storyline and concise language.

Keep in mind this is a consulting cover letter – as such, your story should be backed up by impactful, specific, verifiable results.

To write impressive, fact-based stories that demonstrate all three necessary aspects of the candidate, I advise you to follow these four steps:

Step 1 – Self-reflect for storylines

Search your memory for events, experiences, ideas… that can serve as a basic storyline – the backbone of your cover letter. For each storyline, consider the following six criteria :

  • Uniqueness: The base story should be something unique to you. If it’s something common or universal, you won’t have the screener’s attention.
  • Attractiveness: Your story should be attractive and entertaining – only then can you trigger the screener’s curiosity. Usually, it’s something “big” and impactful, but not controversial
  • Positiveness: The story should have a positive “vibe” to it. If it’s something sad or negative, don’t include it in your cover letter.
  • Qualities: All three consulting qualities (leadership, achieving, analytical problem-solving) should be illustrated in your story. Otherwise, consider that story irrelevant.
  • Motivations: Your story should at least help explain why you’re applying, if not providing direct answers to that question. Firms don’t like to hire candidates without clear motivations.
  • Personality: Make sure you exhibit a likable personality. On the other hand, if that story suggests negative traits (pessimism, short temper, cynicism, etc.) you have to modify it.

Let’s see if these storylines of my own could match the requirements:

“I escaped from a near-death experience during a paragliding session using my gliding skills.”

This is not something you hear every day, and near-death stories are often quite attractive, so you have those two boxes checked; and for now, there’s no sign of “bad” personality traits.

However, it’s a near-death experience, so it does have a negative vibe. Additionally, it shows neither consulting qualities nor relevant motivations.

=> This story only meets 3 out of 6 criteria. Out!

“I founded an entertainment business which attracted lots of attention, but ultimately failed.”

Not everyone is a startup entrepreneur, so this story does meet the “uniqueness” criterion. It’s relatively easy to draw attention with startup stories, and it’s easy to explain a consulting career choice from a former entrepreneur perspective, too. No negative personality trait is visible.

While being a business owner suggests some leadership and problem-solving experience, as well as an achieving mindset, a failure story like this might raise some questions on the “qualities” aspect; it also creates a negative vibe.

=> Overall, 4.5 to 5 out of 6. Not really the best storyline for a consulting cover letter, but usable with some modifications.

“I broke McKinsey’s code of conduct, convinced a client to pay their long-overdue service fees, and was celebrated for it.”

Is there anyone who doesn’t like those “breaking rules” stories? I’m quite confident this experience is quite unique and attractive. Because this is actual consulting work, it’s undoubtedly easy to point out all the important consulting qualities, as well as to provide a basis for my motivations.

However, this “breaking the rules” story may suggest rebellious tendencies, so if I’m going to use it I’ll again need some modifications.

=> This story scores 5.5 / 6. Quite good but I do need to be careful with it.

cover letter for boston consulting group

Step 2 - Add and classify details

Rack your memory and jot down everything related to your storyline; don’t worry about having too many details, you will be trimming the story later.

Pay special attention to the details best illustrating relevant qualities , motivations , and personality , because you will need to emphasize them.

Step 3 – Structure and enhance

Arrange the details of your story in a logical, intuitive structure; the most common method is:

1. Describe a notable, relevant experience using the problem-action-result structure to impress the interviewer with your qualities first.

2. Try to link it up with the present/future parts of your story (ideas, philosophies, plans) to explain your motivations.

Trim all non-essential and technical details, they do nothing but confuse the reader and bore them to death. Your story should be told in a way even your grandmother can understand.

Then, arrange and enhance the remaining details so that the story feels more dramatic, i.e the uniqueness and difficulty of the problem should be emphasized.

On a related note, consultants dislike lengthy cover letters – in fact, one A4 page is the maximum length – so there’s one more reason to start trimming.

Step 4 – Amplify consulting features

First, make all three key consulting traits stand out from your story – leadership, achieving mindset, and analytical problem-solving.

Then, make subtle references to consulting work using the industry’s terminology and concepts. Most screeners, being consultants themselves, will subconsciously appreciate this. However, avoid buzzwords and slangs found on the Internet, or you’ll appear superficial and unprofessional.

Consulting cover letter – Tips

To write the best cover letter, you must thoroughly understand the industry, its major firms, and even the very office you’re applying into.

To achieve such an understanding, there is quite a bit of research to do – and here are three tips for you to ease that process!

Tip 1: Networking

Successful networking goes a long way in the consulting recruitment process and in cover letters.

Firstly, management consulting firms are relatively publicity-shy, so having a connection within these firms allow you to gain very specific and authentic insights about the firm, the job, as well as the consulting world in general, helping you make better choices and deliver more convincing reasons.

Secondly, you may earn a referral ! The screening stage is harsh – it’s where most candidates are filtered out, both in absolute and proportional terms – and referrals help a great deal with that.

Remember to show your networking efforts by mentioning the names of consultants at the office you’re applying into, as well as their projects. The screener will know you really do care about the job, and you’ve done your homework.

Tip 2: Read consulting news

The websites of major consulting firms all have countless articles on current affairs as well as their own projects – read them frequently and regularly .

For one thing, those articles will deepen your understanding of management consultants and their work, helping you make better choices and explain them more effectively to the screener.

Additionally, reading consulting articles regularly will help you know more about the specific projects of each firm, which you can bring up in cover letters.

Tip 3: Build “cheat sheets”

A few ready-to-use “cheat sheets” containing all the important details on the consulting industry and major firms will significantly ease the writing process.

I recommend making three different groups of sheets – one for the consulting world in general, one for the firms, and the last one about the specific offices you’re applying into.

Be implicit and “smooth” when using these sheets. Make sure to sound as natural and seamless as possible when mentioning your references; avoid putting them at the focus of your sentences, but to use them as supplements to the main idea (e.g: I was awed by the network of experts supporting our project with McKinsey back in 2016).

Consulting cover letter – Visual format

Consulting cover letters are not the place for creative, colorful designs. Format your letters in a conservative, text-dense, black-and-white fashion – that’s how actual consultants do it.

One A4 page is the maximum length for consulting cover letters.

Inside the busy screening room, nobody has the time and energy to read a two-page worth of story, no matter how attractive it is.

If your cover letter exceeds that maximum length, trim away the less important details and shorten your expressions; you can also tweak your font size, spacing, and margins to squeeze the most content into one page.

Use formal, conservative fonts, such as Times New Roman, Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, etc.

Keep your font size at 10-12. Larger text tends to feel somewhat “messy”, and they’re space-consuming. Smaller text, on the other hand, feels difficult and tiring to read.

Additionally, the typeface in your cover letter should match that on the resume.

Spacing, margins, and alignment

Use spacings of 1.15 between lines and 1.50-2.00 between paragraphs. Consulting cover letters are quite text-dense, so it’s important to use these white spaces to ease the visual strain.

Always align your text on the left side. Left-aligning is the standard in the United States, where most major consulting firms are based; additionally, left-aligning keeps the horizontal spacing between words even, unlike justified where that spacing varies considerably between each line.

All four margins should be equal at 1 inch. That should keep your letter neat and tidy while maximizing the amount of text on one page.

cover letter for boston consulting group

Other reminders

If you know who’s screening, address them by name. Otherwise, generic salutations are fine.

I’ve come across pages claiming it’s no longer acceptable to write generic salutations (“ To whom it may concern ”); however, in consulting firms where the screening process is assigned to junior consultants on an availability basis, you don’t always know who’s reading your letter, so such salutations are okay.

On the other hand, if you happen to be applying into a small, new office, and your networking efforts are successful, you may know your screener. In that case, refer them by name for a greater impact.

Replacement test

If you can replace the industry and the firm in your letter with something similar and it still makes sense, your tailoring is not enough.

Your motivations should be based on unique and defining descriptions – for example, McKinsey having the largest support network for consultants, or Bain being the frattiest among MBB consulting firms.

Non-unique reasons, such as “prestigious brand name” or “interesting projects” can apply to basically every major consulting firm out there, so they’re not strong bases for your choices.

Maintain formality

Use formal language throughout, and keep standard your heading and salutation.

Show your uniqueness and creativity only through the main content sections. Other “procedural” parts of the cover letter should always remain formulaic – see the sample section.

The language in the main paragraph should also remain formal, i.e no slang, no contraction, no overuse of exclamations.

Avoid short-term motivations

Don’t say you’re in for a 2-year learning experience, or your application will be heading for the bin very, very quickly.

It’s costly to turn fresh graduates into effective consultants, so firms don’t want candidates who will bail out just after they’ve become useful. They want people who will stay in the firm for as long as they can – they want future partners.

You might include long-term plans concerning other industries, but don’t give the impression that you’re bailing out in a few years. If that’s your plan, don’t even mention it.

Proofread and edit

Writing cover letters should be a long process of continuous proofreading, feedback, and editing.

It’s best to find a former/working consultant or at least someone who’s knowledgeable about the industry to help you out. Consulting cover letters differ from normal ones quite considerably, so generic guidelines won’t be of much use.

It’s also very helpful to allow intervals of at least a few days between writing and proofreading sessions; you will find it easier to spot errors if you proofread with a “fresh” mind.

Try to avoid format, spelling, and grammar mistakes at all costs. In consulting cover letters, such mistakes are much less tolerated.

Cover letter file format

Always send your cover letters in the PDF format (most screeners expect you to do so).

This file format will make sure your cover letter appears the same on every computer, and it minimizes the damage that may occur in the file transfer process (by contrast, DOC files are vulnerable to numerous errors).

Depending on the computer, PDFs may look cleaner than DOCs – one possible bonus point for appearance.

Still not sure whether your cover letter is good enough? Book a meeting with former consultants. Our coaches will show you how to make your resume stand out among thousands of candidates. 

Cover letter example

Now that you’ve learned the secrets to the best story-telling cover letter, let’s have a little exercise and help the First President write one to McKinsey, shall we?

(The content in this sample letter is largely fictional for illustration purposes)

George Washington [email protected] Mount Vernon Plantation, Fairfax County, Virginia, U.S.A July 4, 1789

To whom it may concern,

My purpose in life is to liberate the American people and lead them to prosperity. The revolution of the Thirteen Colonies was up against the largest military force in the world – the British Empire – at a four-to-one disadvantage – few if any country had come up against such odds victoriously. And that was the situation I was in, as the leader of the revolution.

Under my lead, the revolutionaries mobilized internal support from 2.4 million soon-to-be American citizens and external support from allies in France. This support allowed us to remain operational even after severe defeats, which would otherwise put an end to the revolution. After six years, the Colonies came out victorious and was recognized as the new United States of America. War is over, so my new task is to steer the newfound States towards economic prosperity – and consulting experience at McKinsey will help a great deal with that.

I happen to also run a plantation business – Mount Vernon by name – which was McKinsey’s client during our expansion project in 1785. I was extremely impressed by the highly structured and data-based approach that McKinsey consultants took to deliver their solutions, and even more impressed by the incredible network of experts that was backing our project.

Through Ms. E.M – the Engagement Manager for our project from McKinsey’s DC Office – I came to be aware of the firm’s expertise in the public sector – which was recognized as being the overall best among major consulting firms.

And for that reason, I realized a consultant position at McKinsey DC will give me invaluable exposure in the public sector, both from its projects and its vicinity to the country’s capital.

I will be looking forward to speaking with you in person, about how I can put my experience as a former head-of-state and an entrepreneur to work at McKinsey.

Sincerely yours, George Washington

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The client base of BCG in Boston reflects a mix of many different local, regional, and global industries. It is a blend of decades-old clients and new relationships. Because the base is relatively large, the clients and work of the Boston office span virtually all of the firm's practice areas. The industries we serve primarily include health care, financial services, industrial goods, consumer goods, high tech, retail, and PIPE (principal investors and private equity).

The Boston office also plays a central role in the firm’s support of global public health, including the worldwide fight against malaria. Wendy Woods , the global leader of the Social Impact practice and topic leader of BCG's global health work, is based in our office and has led numerous projects focusing on treatment and intervention for conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. BCG offers a unique opportunity for consultants of all levels to engage in decision-making processes with real senior thought leaders at our clients.

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We have a focus on health and wellness in the office and host a number of activities for all to partake in, including Yoga Wednesdays and Boot Camp on Fridays. Boot Camp supports Inner City Weightlifting, a Boston-based organization that takes at-risk young people off of the street, teaching them weight training and ultimately helping them pursue opportunities to find a career in personal fitness. We host many social events as a way of fostering our own community within the office. Every year we enjoy a holiday party, a kids’ holiday party, many Friday night drinks, and Red Sox season tickets, distributed through a raffle and office celebration. A tried and true favorite is our Around the World Celebration, where we enjoy food, drink, and décor from countries and regions around the world. This celebration helps us welcome our ambassadors visiting from other offices. 

Last but certainly not least, one of our most anticipated traditions is our annual Summer Chatham Cape Weekend. It's a wonderful opportunity for all Boston BCGers and their significant others and families to get together and bond across cohorts. Once you’re part of the BCG community, you remain there. We have a very active local alumni initiative. We host regular events for specific alumni groups to connect our alumni with their respective current BCG counterparts.

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Sample cover letter for Internship position at Boston Consulting Group

Summer intern.

I am writing to apply for the internship position at The Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Currently, I am a Masters in Public Policy (MPP) candidate at ABC University, with a concentration in Economic Policy. I have worked first-hand on various policy issues of social and economic significant and I want to enrich my professional expertise by working in a dynamic environment that BCG promises. I believe that I have the skillset and drive necessary to succeed at BCG.

BCG fascinates me because of its wide range of capabilities in the global market and the customized approach it takes towards solving clients’ unique challenges. The diverse range of experiences in a challenging work environment will allow me to chart my own professional and personal course. In addition, a dynamic team coming from different educational and professional backgrounds will result in an enriching workplace environment that I intend to benefit from.

I believe that my previous academic and professional expertise have provided me with the analytical skillset to succeed at BCG. As an Economics major in college, I applied the theoretical frameworks to different real-life situations. Post graduation, I started working as a Research Associate where I evaluated various social security programs funded by international agencies like ABC and XYZ. My most recent engagement in the field of policy consultancy was with ABC Department of Health where I evaluated an ABC initiative funded by the federal government. I now want to enhance my portfolio by working with various clients

I believe that my education, work experience, and leadership abilities make me a strong candidate for this position. I have attached my resume that outlines my education and experiences in further detail. Should you have any questions, please contact me at the details below. I hope that I get more opportunities to talk you about my aspirations in person. 

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COMMENTS

  1. BCG Cover Letter: Our Step-by-Step Guide + Examples

    Former McKinsey and Bain recruiter The most common question I was asked as a recruiter, and now as a recruiting coach, is "Do I need to write cover letters for my consulting applications?" This is usually followed up with "And do I need to tailor my cover letter for every firm?"

  2. Boston Consulting Group Cover Letter

    View a real cover letter for the Boston Consulting Group Full Time position, Consultant. Access our database of cover letters for internships and recent grad positions.

  3. BCG Cover Letter: Your Guide to Success

    Yes, BCG does require a cover letter. Cover letters are essential for filtering applications and gauging an applicant's interest and ability for the position. Some geographies will indicate that the cover letter is optional, so you might ask us, "Should I still write a cover letter if it appears optional?" Our emphatic answer is - yes!

  4. Consulting cover letter guide (for McKinsey, BCG, Bain, etc.)

    Mary Taylor - [email protected] DD / MM / YYYY Dear Sir / Madam, I would like to apply for an Associate position at McKinsey in London. This section is a formality.

  5. BCG Cover Letter

    BCG Cover Letter Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has been recognized as one of the most prominent consulting firms in the world. Its prestige places it, along with McKinsey and Bain, in what's known as the "Big Three" of the industry. Currently it has approximately 78 offices located in 43 countries across the world.

  6. Cover letter for Boston Consulting Group

    Download Pdf Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to apply for the position of Project Leader at the Boston Consulting Group. I am excited about this opportunity and believe that my skills and experience make me the perfect candidate for the job. I have a proven track record of leading successful projects and teams.

  7. How to Submit a Great Internship Application

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  8. A Guide to the BCG Internship

    While writing your cover letter, it's important to cater it specifically to BCG. Boston Consulting Group values teamwork, problem solving skills, passion, flexibility, and curiosity. Therefore, try to highlight these values when talking about projects and experiences. You can also personalize the letter by talking about your specific ...

  9. The Boston Consulting Group Cover Letter

    top 25% Contact Us View a real cover letter for the The Boston Consulting Group Full Time position, Associate. Access our database of cover letters for internships and recent grad positions.

  10. Boston Consulting Group Cover Letter

    View a real cover letter for the Boston Consulting Group Full Time position, Graduate Scheme. Access our database of cover letters for internships and recent grad positions. ... I was frequently encouraged to apply to The Boston Consulting Group due to its client-focused, team-orientated environment which I believe I would be well suited to.

  11. Consulting Cover Letter: a step-by-step guide (2024)

    Step 8: add your consulting cover letter signature. Sign off your letter with a "Best" or "Best regards" (remember to include a comma), followed by your name. You can use other phrases like "Yours sincerely," "Kind regards," or "Best wishes," but "Best" or "Best regards" are the safest options.

  12. Full-time Application

    Full-time Application at created 1-Jan-2019. Boston Consulting Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under national, provincial, or ...

  13. Consulting Cover Letter That Lands Interviews: 2023 Guide

    In this blog, we will discuss: What is a consulting cover letter? What are the things recruiters look for in a cover cetter? How to structure a consulting cover letter? How to write an effective consulting cover letter? 5 tips to write a stellar consulting cover letter Consulting cover letter dample

  14. BCG Resume: Tips, Template, & Mistakes To Avoid

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  15. Find Jobs

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  16. Consulting Cover Letter Examples (For All Consultant Jobs)

    This guide will show you: A consulting cover letter sample better than 9 out of 10 others. Consultant cover letter examples that let you plug in your core strengths. The workplan for how to write a cover letter for consulting positions. Why the right few achievements prove you're the biggest shark in the tank. Want to write your cover letter fast?

  17. The Boston Consulting Group Cover Letter

    Sample cover letter for Internship position at The Boston Consulting Group POSITION: Associate Consultant Dear xxx, I would like to express my interest for an associate consultant position in The Boston Consulting Group Jakarta office.

  18. BCG Internship

    A Boston Consulting Group internship is a great way to learn what working in management consulting is like while building your skills for a career in the industry. ... Try to highlight your key selling points by answering 3 key questions in a standout cover letter - why consulting, why BCG, and how you can contribute to the firm. For a strong ...

  19. BCG Cover Letter

    October 31, 2021 RE: BCG ASSOCIATE APPLICATION My interest in Management Consulting and my well-rounded skillset working in various corporates make me a well-qualified candidate for the Associate position at Boston Consulting Group ( BCG ).

  20. Consulting Cover Letter: What You Actually Need to Know

    In consulting cover letters, there are three essential qualities you must always display: Leadership skills: the ability to influence people's decisions. Achieving mindset: the continuous, relentless push for the best results. Analytical problem-solving: the ability to solve problems in a structured, methodical manner.

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  22. boston consulting group Cover Letter

    View a real cover letter for the boston consulting group Internship position, intern. Access our database of cover letters for internships and recent grad positions. ... I would like to apply for a summer internship at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), one of the leading consulting firms in the world. ...

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    589 likes, 21 comments - thinksage.in on February 15, 2024: "Here is the list of Companies Hiring People with Career Break: But first: Do not be too defen..."

  24. Boston Consulting Group Cover Letter

    Sample cover letter for Internship position at Boston Consulting Group POSITION: Summer Intern I am writing to apply for the internship position at The Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Currently, I am a Masters in Public Policy (MPP) candidate at ABC University, with a concentration in Economic Policy.