5 free cover letter templates that will get you hired

While we all know a strong resume is important to the job search process, it is not necessarily the most important document you'll need in order to secure an interview. Many people believe a strategically targeted formal cover letter may be the most important weapon you need to fight this battle and win it. (With the mention of a cover letter, you don't have to freak out because by the end of this article you will be amazed to see how just a minimalist design and a basic cover letter template can pull the game in your favor.)

Cover letters don't get the respect or recognition they deserve. While it's true that a strong resume is essential in the job search game, the purpose of a resume is different than that of a cover letter. A resume outlines job-fitting accomplishments thus far and goals for the future. When you initially send off your resume to various employers, you're really gauging their interest. If the discerning hiring manager replies back to you, s/he will most likely either ask for an interview or just disqualify you outright. The cover letter along with the associated documents then make it easier for applying for jobs by highlighting why exactly you'd be great at a specific field and how your expertise meets all of the stated qualifications in its job listing.

Here are 5 professional cover letter templates to bag offers from giants like - J P Morgan, McKinsey and Company, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and BCG. (No matter if you are seeking an entry-level job, an internship, or even applying for a managerial position.)

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J P Morgan

A job-getting cover letter should not just reiterate your resume but should additionally anchor why you wish to work for that business and convince the future employer of your qualities, skills, and what makes you in particular an excellent fit for them. 

This is not just another how-to guide with formulaic steps that you can follow. We understand that every job application is different and that every single cover letter design should purposefully meet the needs of the specific job in question.

Have a look at an impactful yet simple cover letter template that will position you as a good fit - Cover letter that will surely get you hired at JP Morgan! (with a free sample)

Pro Tip: Seize the attention of the recruiter with your introductory paragraph. In the next paragraph, describe why you are the ideal candidate for that role. But don't overdo it!

McKinsey & Company

While applying to your job at McKinsey & Company, we suggest a personalized approach (tailored to a specific job-listing) rather than using a template for each one, because no two jobs are exactly alike, as we all know. 

Prove your employer that you have all of the necessary and relevant skills as well as traits that will make not only yourself a valuable asset in their company but also help expand their business overall.

Look at this job-getting cover letter sample and get a hang of how you want to emphasize your story, now that it's time - Applying to McKinsey? Here is the free sample cover letter (with tips and tricks)

Pro Tip: Some companies have specific cover letter formats. For instance, when applying for any of the job positions at McKinsey use 'The Business McKinsey Cover Letter Format '. The length should be 1 page. Use the same font and style as your resume font. Pick one that is elegant but readable: Calibri, Cambria, Montserrat, etc. Always ‘Align Left’. Use 1.15 line spacing, and leave an empty line between every section and paragraph. Use at least a 1-inch margin on every side.

This relevant skill will help you reach the pinnacle of achievement while applying at McKinsey and Company.

Morgan Stanley

Other than an ideal candidate, hiring managers look for more than just your skills when they want to hire you. They also look for passion, meaning that besides being experienced in the job you're applying to, you should well research their company and show them that you are keen on acquiring all relevant information regarding their business so as to ensure a smoother transition after being hired.

Check out all the fundamentals of gaining extra attention from your employer and acing a great cover letter at Morgan Stanley - How to write a finance cover letter for Morgan Stanley (with a free sample!)

Pro Tip: In the closing paragraph, thank the employer and say you’re looking forward to receiving a response. Also, explain what attracted you to the type of work, why you’re interested in working for the company, where you find the job listing, and why you think you’d be a good fit in the detailed body paragraphs.

Goldman Sachs

If you want to be successful while applying for a job at Goldman Sachs, you have to show that you've done your homework. This means researching the company and mentioning the specific things they're looking for in a candidate when answering questions. Of course, there's no way of knowing whether you'll get the job without going to the interview, but at least put on a good show. It would be even better if you have some prior experience or a degree that relates to what they want so that can impress them even more!

Here’s all you can do to impress the recruiters because your first impression will surely portray you as the best candidate for the position you are applying for - Free sample cover letter for Goldman Sachs | Get that investment banking job now!

Pro Tip: To make your cover letter noticeable, make sure to add a call to action paragraph/line. You can end it like, "I am ready for the interview invitations and looking forward to hearing from you. I am available for the interview and I am contactable by X."

BCG

Not all candidates will make the effort to write a cover letter. While it might not always be necessary and sometimes you might not have any available time for it, writing a cover letter explaining why you're applying for a particular position and how the position aligns with your career goals, will always capture the hiring manager's attention than doing nothing at all. Not sending one at all is a sign of laziness and even though that may work out on occasion, more often than not you will be in danger of having your application tossed into the garbage bin without so much as a second glance. It’s a serious flaw - just like making spelling or grammar mistakes in your resume. No one wants to hire an applicant who doesn’t care about that kind of thing.

However, when you are applying for a job at BCG, make sure your cover letter is a flawless one. Know how to write one inside out - Use this consulting cover letter to get hired at BCG (with a free sample)

Pro Tip: Do not underestimate the importance of a good header including your full name, contact information, and the date you have applied. A good example of a respected layout highlighting your contact info can be seen in this job-getting cover letter.

Regardless of whether it’s a cover letter or an email to someone you try to strike up a friendship with, sending something personalized will often yield better results. People are more likely to want to get to know you if they feel that you care about their interests rather than making them feel like just another name on the pile. These five professional templates are the most significant aspects of applying to these companies. The key takeaway from these is - don't be lazy and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there - most times there will be no negative repercussions.

All in all, make the best use of these classic cover letter samples! Whether you want to draft a formal cover letter, an informal cover letter, networking cover letter, authoritative cover letter, entry-level cover letter, or anything for that matter, you are all prepped to set the stage on fire.

Hang on! One last thing. Be aware of grammar errors. Duh!

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