Oficio de Cámara Origen a Cámara Revisora

Now the fun part: the actual application.

Writing the cover letter

Firms vary on the importance of the cover letter. Some recruiters don’t read it and go straight to the resume. Others look at it as a true writing sample. Don’t take any chances; take the cover letter seriously.

There are some standard components to cover letters in consulting. We aren’t recommending that you follow this outline slavishly, but we do think you should include them all in some form:

• Introduction – Identify your current position or school standing, and express your general interest in the firm.

• Relevant experience – Discuss how your background and experience fits consulting. If the firm has a specialty, explain how and why you are interested in that specialty.

• Interest in consulting – Discuss (briefly) what aspects of consulting appeal to you. Is it the problem-solving? The variety? Your love of assisting clients?

• Interest in the firm – Why do you want to work for this firm?

• Additional information – Depending on the preference of the company, you may need to include information such as your preferred start date and office location. Be sure to list more than one office location if possible, because some firms have office-specific hiring needs and you might increase your chances of getting hired if you list more than one office. • Next steps – If you are applying through your school, the next steps are

usually clear. (On campus, the recruiter will normally invite selected students to interview; some schools have a lottery system for interviews as well. If you are unfamiliar with how interviewers are assigned at your school, contact your career guidance counselor.) Otherwise, you will need to specify the next form of contact. We suggest you write in your letter that you will follow up with the recruiter in a few days to discuss what happens next.

Be sure to proofread; we’ve all heard stories of cover letters to Accenture that begin, “I’m very interested in a position with Bain and Company.” This actually happens more often than you think at the undergraduate and MBA level. Students often apply to up to 20 companies at once, so there’s a high chance of a mistake slipping through the cracks. Triple-check everything. The consulting market is so competitive that the slightest error may sink your application. You may want to have a friend read your cover letters too. Most of all, keep the cover letter to one page. It takes a lot of effort to make the letter both concise and powerful, and it will be worth the effort.

Additional materials

Most firms only want to see the cover letter and resume, but you should confirm that they don’t have any special requirements. BCG, for example, wants to see your SAT scores and transcript. You will want to check what other requirements specific firms have for your resume or cover, including GPA or GMAT on the resume or office preference in the cover letter. Ask the firm’s recruiting manager for these details.

Sending it in

More firms these days request that candidates apply by e-mail. This is fine. Most of the time, you can send the cover letter as e-mail text and attach your resume in Microsoft Word format. We advise you to confirm this format with your recruiter contact.

If you need to send a paper version, print your materials on nicely-woven resume paper stock using a laser printer. Paper clips are preferred to staples.

Following up

It is generally a good idea to check in with the recruiter and make sure your application was received. A quick e-mail is fine and will do the trick. Campus recruiters are usually good about responding, because they know that the process is stressful.

Most firms have “core” schools they prioritize. If you are not from one of those core schools, or if you have already graduated, you will often have a more difficult time hearing back from the companies of your choice. Don’t give up – keep contacting the firm if you are truly interested. Consulting firms appreciate follow-through.

another firm? Then you know it’s tough – and that you need

every advantage you can get.

“I have rewritten this resume 12 times and in one review you got to the essence of what I wanted to say!” – S.G., Junior Consultant, Atlanta, GA

“I was skeptical at first, but you proved me wrong! The critique zeroed in on where I had weaknesses in the resume.” – S.S., Consultant, San Diego “You made coaching fun! Thank you.”

– H.C., Consultant, Toronto, Canada

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