Financial Analyst Cover Letter (+ Examples & Tips)

As you look to start or advance your career in financial analysis, you need an application that stands out and gets the hiring manager's attention. A resume is essential, but a financial analyst cover letter that complements it is even better.

The cover letter adds a personal touch to your application and gives more details about your qualifications. Some hiring managers will not ask for one, in which case you don't have to send it. However, if that's not the case, you should accompany your resume with a cover letter that gives more information on your financial expertise.

In this article, we'll help you write a professional financial analyst cover letter with our easy guide. Here are some of the topics we'll cover:

• How to write the body of your cover letter.
• The right format for your cover letter.
• Tips to help you write a call to action.
• How to write a catchy introduction.

How to Write a Financial Analyst Cover Letter

A cover letter must be one page as most hiring managers don't have much time to review anything longer than that. This document allows you to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, so don't shy away from injecting your personality.

This is your chance to show your potential employer why you're the best person for the job. Describe your job responsibilities and use figures and facts to quantify them to show the recruiter what you can achieve. Also, highlight the skills that make you unique and use action verbs and keywords from the job description to optimize the cover letter.

Use a simple format that's easy to follow when writing your cover letter. The structure of your financial analyst cover letter should have the following sections:

• A header
• A greeting
• A catchy introduction
• A cover letter body
• A call to action/conclusion
• A professional sign off

Start With the Contact Information

The cover letter starts with a header that contains your personal details, including your full name, phone number, professional email address, and home address. This information must be correct to allow the recruiter to reach you.

After your details, you'll add the date you're writing the letter and the addressee's details. These details must also be accurate.

Example 1

Example 2

Introduce Yourself Efficiently and Professionally

A cover letter gives you a chance to create a personal connection with the hiring manager even before you have a face-to-face meeting. So, make a lasting impression by making it as engaging as possible. The goal is to get the recruiter interested enough to call you for an interview.

The first section of the cover letter is the introduction which must be catchy and interesting. Add an achievement that gets the recruiter's attention and express your interest in the position in the introduction.

Here are some tips to help you as you write your cover letter.

• Always begin with a professional greeting and add the name of the recipient. If you cannot find the recipient's name, you can use 'Dear Sir/Madam' or 'Dear Hiring Manager.' Avoid the phrase 'To whom it may concern,' which is very impersonal.
• Companies in the financial sector are different. Some prefer a more serious tone, while others don't mind a fun and conversational tone. Researching the company you want to apply to will help you determine the best way to write your cover letter.
• Keep it short, but be creative and include the achievements that set you apart from the other candidates.
• Proofread your cover letter to ensure that it has no spelling or grammatical errors.

Correct example

CORRECT

Dear Ms. Mercy,

I'm excited to learn about the senior financial analyst position at Drummond Investment Bank and would like to express my interest in the same. I have ten years of experience in Investment banking and believe that this experience has prepared me for this senior management role. In my previous role at Arvest Investment Company, I grew the company's portfolio and revenue to $10M annually, recording a 65% increase which is the highest to date.

Incorrect example

INCORRECT

To whom it may concern,

I recently saw that there is an open position for a financial analyst at Drummond Investment Bank and I would like to apply for the job. I'm skilled in data sourcing, ad hoc analysis, and data analysis. I believe these skills will allow me to perform well in the position.

Explain Why You're the Right Fit in the Cover Letter Body

The second section of your cover letter is the body which contains information on the skills and experience that make you the best candidate. This is also your chance to highlight the achievements that make you the best person for the financial analyst job.

It contains two to three paragraphs that should have the relevant achievements that will help you stand out among the other candidates.

The first paragraph highlights some of your job responsibilities and the achievements in your previous roles. Always quantify them with figures that show the hiring manager what you can achieve for the company if given the opportunity. If you've not worked in a financial analyst position before, highlight transferable skills from other positions and show the recruiter how they will be useful in the new job.

The second paragraph discusses how your experience and skills will be useful in the position. If there is a specific problem you can solve, highlight it. If you've received an award for your work, you should mention it in this section. Any relevant educational achievements that showcase your expertise should also not be left out of this section. Your goal as a job seeker should always be to stand out.

Correct example

CORRECT

My previous role at Arvest Investment Company involved sourcing for investment funding, allowing me to grow my data-sourcing and communication skills. I negotiated a deal amounting to $3M with one of our major partners, which allowed the company to bring on five new clients. I also supervised and mentored a team of six financial analysts to provide effective assistance to clients.

In 2017, I was awarded the 'Best Employee of the Year' award for successfully acquiring one of the biggest clients for the company. I believe I have what it takes to close on the clients you're looking to bring into the company using the strategies I have learned over the years. I would also like to share my other skills and knowledge to help you achieve and surpass your annual targets.

Incorrect example

INCORRECT

I have worked as an investment banker for the past eight years and will use this experience to help you achieve your yearly targets. I'm also well-versed with various software tools and will assist in training the other personnel.

Finish your Financial Analyst Cover Letter with a Call to Action (CTA)

The last paragraph of your cover letter should have a call to action that encourages or prompts the hiring manager to respond to you. This is crucial as failure to add a call to action leaves everything to chance.

Remember to thank the recruiter for their consideration. Also, show your eagerness for the position by asking for the next steps of the interview.

Examples of how to write a CTA

The Farewell: Close Your Cover Letter Professionally

How to finish your letter

Here is a list of possible farewells for your financial analyst cover letter.

• Kind regards
• Sincerely yours
• Respectfully
• With best regards
• Yours truly
• Respectfully yours
• Sincerely
• Respectfully yours

What you have to avoid

• Take care
• Warmly
• Cheers
• Best wishes
• Yours
• XOXO
• Take it easy
• Warmest regards

Complement Your Cover Letter with a Financial Analyst Resume

A cover letter is crucial to the success of your application, but without a financial analyst resume, your application is incomplete. A resume allows you to describe your qualifications in a detailed format briefly. Check out our resume examples and resume templates which will give you some great ideas as you create your resume.

Key Points: Writing an Effective Cover Letter as a Financial Analyst

• A cover letter allows you to showcase your creativity and writing skills.
• Keep your cover letter short but make it interesting to create a personal connection with the recruiter.
• Avoid using boring language in the introduction. Instead, let it be catchy and engaging.
• The contact information in the header section should be accurate.
• Mention the achievements that will make you stand out.
• Check the cover letter for errors before sending it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get hired without a financial analyst cover letter?

It's possible to get the job without a cover letter if the recruiter didn't ask for one. However, if that's not the case, your application will be incomplete, and you'll miss out on the opportunity.

What are the main sections of a financial analyst cover letter?

• The header section
• A catchy Introduction
• Cover letter body
• Call to action