How to Write a Cover letter for Investment Banking (Examples & Tips)

In today’s competitive job market, especially in finance and technology, investment bankers need a well-crafted cover letter to differentiate themselves from other candidates. They are a crucial part of the UK financial market, helping clients raise capital and expand their businesses. This guide explores the must-have sections and the best strategies for your cover letter to improve your chances of securing a job interview.

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Investment banking cover letter example 

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James has chosen the matching cover letter Cornell template, showcasing a proven track record in leading teams, financial analysis and fostering long-term relationships. The candidate emphasises his achievements, like increasing revenue and cutting expenses. They demonstrate genuine interest by mentioning the person who referred James to the job and showing enthusiasm for the role. It follows a simple layout keeping it brief and tailored to the job. 

Explore our matching investment banking CV example to help you streamline your job application process.

What to include in an investment banking cover letter? 

An investment banking cover letter, like a good CV, should provide an impactful snapshot of essential qualifications, experiences, and accomplishments. It also includes your contact information at the top, similar to the format of a professional business letter. Remember to include your name, location, phone number, and email address.

Your investment banking cover letter should incorporate the following must-have sections:

• Opening line: Start with a strong and concise opening line that clearly states the position you're applying for and expresses your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

• Body paragraphs: Highlight your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments, aligning them with the requirements of the investment banking role.

• Closing: End the letter professionally, reiterating your interest in the position and expressing gratitude for the opportunity.

For more details, refer to our blog article on how to structure a cover letter.

How to write an investment banking cover letter

See how to write each section of an investment banking cover letter in three simple steps below:

1. How to start an investment banking cover letter 

Whether you are a school leaver, a student, applying for your first job or a seasoned professional, kick off your investment banking cover letter with a captivating opening line that explicitly states the job you are applying for. Your introduction is a brief snapshot of your main qualifications, echoing your CV personal profile. Think of it as a hook to capture your employer’s attention, with the purpose of establishing a positive tone for the rest of your cover letter. 

For more inspiration or skills examples, refer to our articles on language skills or soft skills in a CV.

Here is the must-have information to include in your introduction:

• Contact information: Include your full name, location, date of application, phone number, and email at the top of the letter.

• Salutation: Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name, or opt for a general greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager."

• Hook: Begin with a strong opening, briefly outlining your background and expressing interest in the position. Ensure to mention how you found this job opening.

For more tips on who to address a cover letter to, refer to our comprehensive guide on how to start a cover letter.

2. How to write the body of an investment banking cover letter 

This section of your cover letter showcases how your qualifications and experiences directly align with the requirements of the investment banking position. After highlighting your main areas of expertise, substantiate your skills with concrete examples from your past roles. Tailor this section to the specific requirements of the investment banking role you're applying for, whether it's an investment banking analyst, investment banking associate, or related positions within the same field.

Your investment banker skills may encompass financial analysis, market research, valuation techniques, investment analysis, time management, and attention to detail. For more information, see the related article on what skills to put on a CV.

• Highlight your expertise in conducting financial analysis through examples of how you tackled complex financial data sets in your previous projects.

• Show your strong analytical and problem-solving skills through specific projects or assignments where you successfully evaluated investment opportunities or conducted market research.

• Mention your relevant experience working with financial modelling tools, such as Excel or Bloomberg, to demonstrate you're tech-savvy and qualified to do the job.

• Highlight your top-notch achievements gained from your previous roles, such as completing a high-profile financial analysis project or receiving recognition for improving investment strategies.

Explore our articles on adding achievements and work experience sections to ensure your CV information aligns seamlessly with your cover letter.

• Paragraph 1: Highlight your core competencies and experiences in investment banking that align with the job description. These include your financial analysis, valuation, mergers and acquisitions, and capital raising proficiency.

• Paragraph 2: Provide concrete examples of your achievements and successes in previous roles or academic projects related to investment banking. Quantify your accomplishments with numbers or percentages where possible. This could include executing successful transactions, generating revenue, or securing new business opportunities.

Cover letter body example for investment banking assistant:

Cover letter body example for investment banking administrator:

3. How to end an investment banking cover letter 

Close off your cover letter with a clear call to action, highlighting your excitement for the opportunity and desire to discuss further how your skills align with the bank's specific needs. Keep it brief and professional. You could add a paragraph before the conclusion explaining how your previous experience matches the company’s mission and goals. Refer to our accounting and finance cover letter examples for more inspiration.

Below are must-have sections to include at the end of your investment banker cover letter, tailored for banks in the UK:

• Appreciation: Extend genuine gratitude for the hiring manager's time and effort, thanking them for reviewing your application.

• Positive note: Finish on a high note, showing your excitement for the job and readiness to make a significant difference at the bank.

• Call to action: Encourage your reader by suggesting a next step, such as providing more information or setting up another interview. Let them know you're available and keen to discuss how your skills match the bank's goals.

• Sign off: Close with a professional sign-off, selecting phrases like 'Best regards' or ' Sincerely' to keep your writing polite and cheerful.

Cover letter ending example for investment banking:

I appreciate your consideration of my application for the Investment Banking Analyst role at Barclays. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the esteemed team at your institution. I eagerly expect the chance to elaborate on how my financial modelling skills and academic background align with your department's needs. Thank you for considering my application.

I am eager to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.

Best regards,

Freya Brooks

Refer to our blog article on how to end a cover letter for more inspiration.

How to write an investment banking cover letter with no experience

As a graduate or starter seeking to enter investment banking without direct experience, you can highlight transferable skills gained through education or side jobs. For example, showcase how your degree in finance or economics has honed analytical abilities and attention to detail, crucial for data analysis and reporting tasks. Additionally, you could mention volunteer roles where you developed leadership and coordination skills that apply to team-based environments in investment banking.

For more inspiration, refer to our related cover letter writing guides:

• Data analyst

• Accountant

• Sales

• Short cover letter.

Cover letter example for an investment banking summer intern:

I am reaching out to express my keen interest in the Investment Banking Summer Internship position at Morgan Stanley, as advertised on LinkedIn. I am a third-year Finance undergraduate student from the London School of Economics seeking to leverage my strong communication and problem-solving skills in a corporate setting. During my recent summer internship, I gained hands-on experience through projects such as "Financial Modeling for Market Trends" and "Valuation Techniques for Investment Analysis" as a part of my coursework. Outside of academics, I was a proactive member in the Finance Club, where I organised events like stock market simulations and guest lectures from industry professionals.

Through these experiences, I've built a solid foundation in financial markets, valuation techniques, and investment analysis. Morgan Stanley's reputation for talent development and hands-on experience in investment banking is what excites me most. I'm excited about Morgan Stanley because they have an excellent reputation for nurturing talent and offering excellent career development opportunities.

For more tips and examples on how to match your cover letter with your CV, refer to our internship CV example guide.

Cover letter example for an investment banking graduate:

I'm excited to convey my sincere interest in the Graduate Investment Analyst role at Citigroup. With a Master's degree in Business Administration from Imperial College London, I've honed a solid understanding of financial analysis, corporate finance, and mergers and acquisitions. During my studies, I led a project analysing investment opportunities for a local startup, resulting in a 20% increase in their valuation within six months. Additionally, I excelled in Financial Modelling and Analysis course, where I created a robust model for evaluating potential acquisitions, earning praise from industry experts. Outside academia, I completed internships at boutique investment firms, assiting senior analysts in conducting market research and performing due diligence on potential investments. These experiences have significantly enhanced my analytical skills and attention to detail.

As a recent MBA graduate, I am eager to leverage my diverse skill set and strategic mindset to contribute to Citigroup's Business Development teams in the UK. My hands-on experience has equipped me with skills such as advanced financial modelling, market research, and strategic analysis. I am confident in my ability to make great asset to the team, contributing to Citigroup's continued success.

Check our related graduate CV example for more tips and valuable advice to help you streamline your application.

If you have little to no experience, see our list of the top skills employers look for in your application:

• Financial modelling

• Valuation techniques

• Analytical mindset

• Accounting principles (e.g. GAAP or IFRS)

• Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Analysis

• Market research.

For more information, see our related article on how to write a CV with no experience for more advice that also applies to cover letters.

Key takeaways

In summary, excelling in UK investment banking hinges on a well-crafted cover letter that effectively showcases your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, including highlighting transferable skills, tailoring each application to the job requirements, and maintaining a professional tone, you can significantly enhance your chances of success. Your cover letter is a key tool for setting yourself apart from others and making a lasting impression on potential employers.

Next steps?

To help you create excellent career documents, refer to our Writing Services. Alternatively, check out our easy-to-use CV and cover letter builder, providing a diverse collection of professional cover letter and CV templates. Take the next step towards your successful investment banking career now!

Additionally, explore our related blog article on good interview questions to ask during a job interview.

FAQ 

How long should a cover letter be for investment banking?

A well-written cover letter for investment banking ranges between one to two pages, giving a quick overview of your relevant experience, skills, and achievements. As the job description mentions, focus on relevant details and use concise language to communicate your qualifications and skills.

See our related blog on how long should a cover letter be.

Does JP Morgan ask for a cover letter?

Yes, a well-written cover letter is required to land a job at JP Morgan. Attaching one to your application will set you apart from competitors, increasing your chances of securing the job offer. Multinational Corporations (MNCs) like Goldman Sachs or Qatalyst Partners would require you to upload one; however, they are not likely to be read. Therefore, ensure it is simple to read and only highlights the most relevant skills and experience. 

Does UBS require a cover letter?

Uploading a cover letter for UBS is optional. Instead, they have an application form to fill in and answer all the questions. Aim to keep the most impressive achievements and experience as high as possible on your CV and application form to ensure you meet your employer’s expectations. 

Do banks care about cover letters?

While attaching a cover letter is not always obligatory, it could help personalise your application and create a solid impression on recruiters. Show your passion for the field and demonstrate how your previous skills and experience align with the job requirements. 

What is the importance of a cover letter for investment banking?

A well-written cover letter enables you to convey your motivation for the position and align your skills with the employer's specific requirements. It also allows addressing any gaps or unique features of your background that may not be fully reflected in your CV. Ultimately, this document sets you apart from other applicants, enhancing your prospects of securing your desired role in this fiercely competitive industry.