Nov 09, 2018 - 04:07 PM
It is important to include a cover letter if you’re applying for a job at a consulting firm like McKinsey. A cover letter is one of the most crucial components of a job application. Competition at a firm as reputable as McKinsey is bound to be tough; a cover letter can help you stand out in a crowded field of applicants.
A cover letter offers you the opportunity to share your personal and professional narrative with the company. In other words, explore your background, and any learnings that are relevant to the position at McKinsey that you’re applying for. Emphasize why and how you’re The One for the job.
Not every hiring manager will read cover letters, but many will. If you’re very excited about a job, you should write one. If two equally qualified candidates apply for a job at McKinsey and only one submits a cover letter, that candidate will stand out from the competition. And, in the competitive world of consulting, standing out is critical to getting hired. Make sure your cover letter is a single page in length, and make sure it contains an opening greeting, an introductory paragraph, one or two body paragraphs, and a closing paragraph.
Nov 09, 2018 - 04:07 PM
Recruiters may read a cover letter that is over 300 words, but it’s not likely. Why is that? Because a 300-word cover letter will likely stretch to two pages. Cover letters should always be a single page in length. Keep that bit of information in mind when writing your cover letter.
Keeping a cover letter to a single page can be tricky, especially if you’re excited about the role, and how your skills and talents align with the role (so perfectly!).
Sadly though, recruiters read so many cover letters (out of necessity) that they are unlikely to read yours if it’s longer than one page. To avoid having a recruiter skip over reading your cover letter entirely, work to condense your message. Be brief and to the point. Make every word matter. If your letter ends up going past one page, look for content to edit out. Anything that could be considered extraneous, or perhaps a bit trivial, should be trimmed.
Although you may share less information by keeping your cover letter to one page, you’ll ensure the recruiter reads it. If you find it hard to condense your cover letter, ask a friend to proofread it for you. You can also read your cover letter aloud—you’ll likely find things to cut out once you hear the letter read aloud. These techniques will help you to keep your cover letter to a reasonable length, so you’ll have the best chances of your letter being read.
Aug 15, 2018 - 03:13 PM
We recommend including a cover letter for every job you apply for, including jobs at consulting firms. Whether or not the employer asks for one, it is usually a good idea to include one anyway. The only situation where you should not include a cover letter is if the employer specifically says not to. Other than that, assume a cover letter is either expected or the applicant's choice. Even if a cover letter is optional, this tool makes it much easier to make a good impression. Your cover letter introduces you and gives you an opportunity to sell your abilities and passion.
Learn more about creating strong job applications. Learn more about cover letters and avoid common mistakes.
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