How To Write A Consulting Cover Letter: Template And Example

A cover letter is an essential document when you are applying for the role of a consultant. It provides the hiring managers with insights about your personality, work and how you may contribute to the firm. Learning how to write a compelling cover letter may help you improve your chances of gaining an interview call. In this article, we discuss the definition of a consulting cover letter, the steps to write one and provide a template and example to help you write your own.

Related: Short Cover Letter Sample (With Helpful Steps and Tips)

What Is A Consulting Cover Letter?

A consulting cover letter includes your career history and accomplishments and helps a recruiter assess your suitability for a job role. It provides an opportunity to share your work experience and details to substantiate why you may be a good fit for the job. Writing a customised and concise cover letter showcases your interest in the job role.

Related: What Are Consulting Jobs? (With Careers, Salary And Skills)

How To Write A Consulting Cover Letter?

A cover letter may help you persuade a recruiter to consider your resume for a job role. Recruiters may read through a cover letter to understand your personality and career history to evaluate your suitability for the company. Here are the steps you may follow to write a compelling cover letter:

1. Research the company

Read about the company, their history and its work. Understand the business objectives and how your skills may be relevant to the company. Learning about the company helps highlight necessary details about yourself in the cover letter that may improve your chances for an interview. For example, if a company recruits people from different backgrounds with a history of upskilling, you may highlight your certifications and willingness to learn.

Related: Essential Research Skills (With Benefits And How To Improve)

2. Understand the job description

The job description released on a company's website or shared by a recruiter includes detailed information on who is an ideal candidate. Understand the job description and identify relevant experiences and skills that may complement the role. Look for industry keywords in the job description and incorporate them in your cover letter. A recruiter may skim through the cover letter looking for specific keywords relevant to the job.

Related: Job Description Vs Job Specification: An In-depth Guide

3. Choose a simple template

Choose a simple and professional template for your cover letter. Ensure it uses simple, corporate fonts like Helvetica, Arial or Times New Roman. This makes it easy for anyone to read the document. You may structure your cover letter to highlight specific information, such as your name and the job role. Maintain a font size of 12 points throughout the cover letter. The format and colours used in a cover letter create the first impression. Align your text to the left of the document to maintain uniformity.

Related: How To Format A Cover Letter (With Example)

4. Begin with your contact details

When you draft the cover letter, start with your name and degree. Follow this detail with your contact information, including phone number, email and city. These details help a recruiter to contact you in case they shortlist your resume for an interview. Adding the contact details on the header makes it easier for the recruiter to identify and record them if necessary. Follow these details with the date and the name of the company. You can avoid this step if you are going to email the cover letter to a recruiter. Instead, include your name and job role in the email subject to make it easier for the recruiter.

5. Add a salutation

The purpose of a salutation is to personalise the cover letter. In case you are writing to a specific hiring manager, ensure you mention their first and last name. If you are going to send a cold email, you may address the cover letter to the Hiring Manager.

6. Introduce yourself

The first paragraph of the cover letter focuses on you and why you are applying for the specific role in the company. It showcases how the role complements your goals and why you want to join the company. Keep the paragraph brief and to the point. The first paragraph is crucial, as it may compel the hiring manager to read further. It is vital to express your excitement about the position. Mention the role you are applying for and the company name. Write the cover letter in the first person. This can aid the recruiter in understanding you and your personality.

Related: How To Write About Yourself (With Tips and Examples)

7. Add relevant accomplishments and career history

The second paragraph of your cover letter focuses on your work experience, skills and qualifications. Use this paragraph to describe points relevant to the job role without repeating information from your resume. You may share your cherished accomplishments and achievements that substantiate how you may be a good fit in the company. If you are changing your career path or applying for a job after a break, discuss your transferrable skills or educational qualifications that may benefit in transitioning. You may add a paragraph, but ensure to keep it brief.

Related: 9 Skills To Include In A Cover Letter (With Examples)

8. Summarise and add a call to action

The last paragraph summarises your cover letter. Reiterate your interest in the job role and the company. Express your gratitude to the recruiter for spending time reading your cover letter. You may summarise your qualification in a line to substantiate how you may contribute to the firm. Complete the paragraph with a call to action that expresses your interest in discussing the role and your talent.

Related: What Is A Call To Action? (Importance, Tips And Examples)

9. Include your signature

End your letter with a signature and valediction. Keep it professional and use phrases like ‘Yours sincerely' or ‘Best regards' to close the letter. If you email your cover letter, add your contact details, like phone number and city, below your name. It makes it easier for the recruiter to reach out to you. You may also include links to your social media profile if relevant to the job role.

Template For Writing A Cover Letter For Consulting

Here is a template that you may follow while drafting a cover letter for the role of a consultant at a firm:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State] [Zip code]
[Date]
[Company name]

Dear [Hiring manager's first name] [Hiring manager's last name],

[Express excitement for the position, including the role title and the company name]. [Introduce yourself by explaining why you are applying for the job and how the job aligns with your career goals and what specifically draws you to the company].

[Explain your relevant experience and qualifications without repeating what is in your resume]. [Highlight one to two relevant achievements with facts and data when possible].

[Explain why you would be a good fit for the company]. [Optional - address employment gap or career transition].

[Express gratitude]. [Summarise qualification]. [Restate interest in the role]. [Call to action + availability and preferred contact method]

[Complimentary close],
[Signature]

Example Of A Cover Letter For Consulting

Here is an example of a cover letter that you may refer to while drafting one for the role of a consultant:

Raman Rajesh, Bachelor of Design in fashion merchandising
+91 9876543210 | raman.rajesh@email.com | Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560001

15 October 2022
Fancy Pants

Dear Brenda D'Souza,

I am thrilled to be applying for the role of style consultant at your esteemed firm, Fancy Pants. I am in awe of Fancy Pants' customised clothing and want to be a part of its ecosystem. With over three years of experience in production and design, I understand consumer requirements and possess the ability to develop products to cater to their needs. I enjoy working with different fabrics to create a unique and chic look.

In my previous role at Clothing Cadure, I developed the recently launched athleisure collection. I worked with designers and production executives to adopt sustainable, cost-effective methods that met the necessary quality standards. I spearheaded their festive collection looks in 2021, which proved to be among the best-selling clothing pieces and increased the company's revenue by 2x that quarter. Apart from my dedication to the role, I spend weekends learning more sustainable fabrics and eco-friendly production methods.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you and an opportunity to discuss this role further. With a proven track record of styling prominent celebrities, I am confident in contributing significantly to the company's growth and meeting managerial expectations. I would be happy to share more work samples and discuss how my talents may benefit Fancy Pants soon.

Yours sincerely
Raman Rajesh

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.