What consulting employers look for in covering letters

Consulting graduate jobs are highly competitive. While a strong CV is essential, getting into consulting is likely going to require a well-crafted cover letter as well. This guide walks you through writing a compelling cover letter that impresses recruiters at consulting firms and highlights your potential.

Let’s break down what consulting firms are really looking for and how you can present yourself as the ideal candidate.

Why a cover letter matters in consulting

Your cover letter isn’t just a formality - it’s an opportunity to showcase the skills and qualities that recruiters value most. It helps you align your experiences and goals with the firm's specific role and culture. More than in many professions, consulting recruiters closely examine cover letters to assess communication ability, analytical thinking, and sincere interest. A strong letter creates a strong first impression.

Consulting cover letter essentials

A strong cover letter should include:

• Conciseness and clarity: Keep it brief and easy to read.
• Tailoring and specificity: Customize it to the firm and role. Show you’ve done your research.
• Demonstrated skills: Don’t just claim skills—illustrate them with relevant experiences.
• Genuine enthusiasm: Express real interest in both consulting and the specific firm.
• Error-free writing: Spelling and grammar mistakes are deal-breakers.

Ideal length

Stick to one A4 page. Keep your message simple and impactful.

How to write a great consulting cover letter: step-by-step

1. The opening: grab their attention

Your introduction sets the tone. Avoid generic greetings—use the hiring manager’s name if possible. Check the job posting or LinkedIn to find the right contact, and use proper titles (Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.).

State the exact role you're applying for and where you found the listing. Include a reference number if applicable. Start with a compelling opening sentence, not a cliché like “I’m writing to express my interest.” Try something specific and engaging:

“After following [Firm Name]’s innovative work in [Industry], I’m eager to contribute my analytical mindset to the [Position Name] role.”

2. Why you? Highlight your strengths and experience

Now explain why you're the right candidate. Refer directly to the job description and describe how your background matches what the firm is looking for.

Use examples from academic projects, internships, or extracurriculars to prove your abilities. Use the STAR method:

• Situation – What was the context?
• Task – What was the challenge?
• Action – What did you do?
• Result – What was the impact?

Example:

“As a marketing intern at [Company], I led a team of five to develop a digital campaign that increased website traffic by 20% over three months.”

Consulting firms value a broad set of skills:

• Analytical thinking (data analysis, research)
• Communication (presentation, writing, listening)
• Teamwork and leadership
• Problem-solving and creativity
• Commercial awareness

Highlight transferable skills, even from unrelated roles. Quantify achievements where possible, and frame any potential gaps (e.g., lack of consulting experience) in a positive way:

“Though my background is in [Field], I’m excited to apply my problem-solving skills to consulting at [Firm Name]. I’m also open to relocation for this role.”

3. Why them? Show you’ve done your homework

Demonstrate real interest in the firm by referencing its values, projects, or focus areas. Show that you’ve researched the company culture and understand how it differs from competitors. Mention specific projects or clients that interest you, and explain why.

You could say:

“I admire [Firm Name]’s commitment to [Value] and its recent work on [Project]. My interest in [Industry/Skill] aligns perfectly with your team’s expertise in [Specialty].”

Avoid vague compliments like:

• “I’m impressed by your firm’s reputation.”
• “I want a challenging and fulfilling career.”

These sound generic and unconvincing.

4. Conclusion: end on a strong note

Reaffirm your interest in the role and the firm. Briefly restate your most relevant qualifications and express enthusiasm for the next steps. Offer to provide further information or attend an interview.

If you plan to follow up, say so - but only if you actually intend to. End with a professional closing:

• Use “Yours sincerely” if addressing someone by name.
• Use “Yours faithfully” if using “Dear Sir/Madam.”

When printing, sign in blue or black ink. For emails, a typed name is sufficient.

Cover letter structure template

Your contact information:

[Your Name]  
[Your Address]  
[Your Phone Number]  
[Your Email Address]  
[Date]

Recipient’s information:

[Recipient’s Name]  
[Title]  
[Company Name]  
[Company Address]

Salutation:

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [Last Name],

Paragraph 1: Introduction

State the position you're applying for, how you found it, and hook the reader with a strong opening.

Paragraphs 2–3: Why you

Use specific, quantifiable examples to show you're qualified. Align your experiences with the job requirements.

Paragraph 4: Why them

Demonstrate knowledge of the firm and explain why it’s your top choice.

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

Summarize key strengths, reiterate enthusiasm, and express willingness to interview.

Closing:
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Formatting tips

• Font: Use Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri (11–12 pt.)
• Margins: 1 inch on all sides.
• Spacing: Single-space with line breaks between paragraphs.
• Proofreading: Review for grammar, typos, and flow. Have a second person review it too.
• Save as PDF: Keeps formatting intact.
• Filename: Use a professional name like FirstName_LastName_CoverLetter_FirmName.pdf.

Avoid these common mistakes

• Using generic phrases.
• Making spelling or grammar errors.
• Writing long, unbroken paragraphs.
• Repeating your CV.
• Failing to research the company.
• Using a negative or arrogant tone.
• Using informal language.

Tailor every letter

Every consulting firm is different—your cover letter should be too. Explore the company’s website, news articles, and social media to understand their values, ongoing projects, and culture. Then match your skills to their specific needs. Reference key projects and explain your interest.

Weak vs. strong examples

Weak:

• “I am motivated and results-driven.” (Too vague)
• “I admire your firm’s reputation.” (Non-specific)
• “I want a fulfilling career.” (Applies to any job)

Strong:

• “Having followed [Firm Name]’s work in [Industry], I’m excited to apply my analytical mindset to the [Position Name] role.”
• “While working as [Position] at [Company], I led a five-person team to increase site traffic by 20%, showing my ability to deliver tangible results.”
• “I am especially drawn to [Firm Name]’s emphasis on [Value] and the impact of its recent project, [Project Name].”

Final Thoughts

Writing an excellent consulting cover letter takes time, research, and precision. If you tailor your letter to each firm, highlight your achievements, and convey genuine interest, you'll stand out in a competitive field. Use this guide to help craft a letter that gets noticed—and gets results.

Let me know if you'd like this formatted as a downloadable PDF or if you need help tailoring it to a specific firm.

5. Show them why they want you. Use the next paragraph or two to explain why you’re the right candidate – but don’t just repeat the content of your CV. PwC stresses: ‘Throughout the process, we'll be looking for you to show awareness and evidence of the skills and qualities you need to succeed in our business. Wherever possible, you should be able to demonstrate and highlight how you match our requirements.’

6. End well. The closing paragraph of your letter should be strong and clear. Reaffirm your suitability for the role and your enthusiasm about the prospect of working for the employer. If you are really keen, you can add a line saying that you’ll give them a call to see how your application is progressing, but if you say it you must do it! State that you look forward to hearing from them and are happy to provide any further information they need. ‘Aim for clarity,’ says OC&C Strategy Consultants, ‘and make it easy for us to distinguish you from other applicants.’

7. Check spelling, grammar and sense very carefully. Elegant formatting won’t make up for poor spelling and grammar. Consulting recruiters will be reviewing your attention to detail and your ability to communicate in writing. Read through your covering letter out loud. This will help you identify verbose sentences that can be rewritten and will help you check the sense of your writing.

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