Box 00001
Furman University
3300 Poinsett Highway
Greenville, SC 29613
June 1, 20xx
Mr. John Doe
Vice President
McKinsey & Company
P.O. Box 2222
Greenville, SC 12345
Dear Mr. Doe:
Would a team-oriented, analytical, creative individual with well developed problem-solving
skills and professionalism be a welcome addition to McKinsey & Company? I feel
confident that my diverse work experience and strong academic performance match the
needs of the business analyst position advertised on McKinsey & Company’s Careers
website.
Both in an academic and professional work environment, I have demonstrated research,
strategic planning, and project execution abilities. Data collection, analysis, and
interpretation were crucial to my Summer Scholar team research project and my
independent research as a Magill Scholar. While I worked as a project analyst for Service
Resources, Inc., development of the multi-client service model required me to interact with
internal and external clients, conduct cost-benefit analysis, and meet strict deliverabilities.
This position required that I learn to operate ArcView GIS and a complete line of software
extension, which demonstrates my ability to master technology quickly and learn on the job.
My teamwork and leadership skills are best demonstrated through my experiences with the
Leadership Development Programs and the Peak Performance Ropes Course at Furman
University. After learning many aspects of personal and professional leadership as a
participant in the Leadership Programs, I was asked to return to teach underclassmen
participants. In my roles as a Ropes Course facilitator and coordinator, I led initiatives and
activities for corporate, student, and community groups. The facilitator’s role is to observe
group interaction and debrief activities in such a way that encourages team building,
initiates teamwork, and improves group dynamics. These experiences have shaped my
approach to team interactions and leadership responsibilities.
I hope this description of my qualifications and the attached resume convey my interest in
putting my skills and experience to work for McKinsey & Company. Please call me at
(864) 555-5555 after 1 p.m. to arrange an interview.
Sincerely,
Sue Furman
Box 00001
Furman University
3300 Poinsett Highway
Greenville, SC 29613
June 1, 20xx
Mr. John Doe
Vice President
Bank of America
P.O. Box 2222
Greenville, SC 12345
Dear Mr. Doe:
I am writing to apply for the financial analyst position that I discovered on
www.monstertrak.com. I am eager to build on the analytical skills that I have acquired at Furman
University and Merrill Lynch. The extensive training program at Bank of America will provide
excellent tools to begin a career in finance. I have obtained analytical, communications, and time
management skills, along with a strong sense of dedication, that will make me an asset to Bank of
America.
During the course of my liberal arts education at Furman University, I have worked on different
projects from examining annual reports to creating a new company and devising a strategic
marketing plan. These projects helped me sharpen my analytical and writing skills. Throughout
my Furman career I have given several PowerPoint presentations to students, professors, and
upper-level administrators at Furman University. These presentations have helped me hone my
verbal communication skills. Track and field has played a huge part in shaping my time
management and communication skills. I have been committed to track for the past ten years. As
a student athlete, I have juggled classes, practices, rehabilitation, and other extra curricular
activities. By sticking to a strict schedule, I have been able to accomplish my daily tasks along
with ongoing projects. Track also has provided me with another chance to sharpen my verbal
communication skills. I have conducted numerous team meetings, and I often act as a liaison
between Coach Mullin and the sprint team.
Working at Merrill Lynch has given me another opportunity to develop my time management and
analytical skills, and has required keen attention to detail. As an intern, I have been assigned
several tasks simultaneously; it has been my responsibility to prioritize and complete these tasks
in a timely fashion. Paying close attention to detail has been a key part of my job when I am
depositing checks or when I am analyzing financial statements. Occasionally, I have been
responsible for proofreading letters for my boss before they were sent to current clients or
reviewing a presentation before it was given to prospective clients. Working for Merrill Lynch
has taught me that hard work inside and outside of the office is essential to success in the
financial field.
I look forward to hearing from you. Please contact me at 864-555-5555 or
consideration.
Sincerely,
Sue Furman