goldman sachs cover letter 300 words example

The cover letter that will get you a job in a bank

Do you really need to write a cover letter when you're applying for a job in an investment bank? These days, it's surely all about the skills in your CV - who's got the time to read that extra blurb saying how perfect you are for the role?

Recruiters working with experienced hires certaintly don't have the time. Most of the banking recruiters we speak to treat the cover letters (or 'cover emails') they receive from experienced candidates as an irrelevance. "For experienced roles, we rarely look at cover letters," says the CEO of one London-based financial services recruitment firm. I just go for the CV," agrees another. "I look at the CV and then I phone them. - If the CV is relevant, I'll get everything that would have been in the cover letter from that call." 

This doesn't mean you should just attach a CV/resume with no introductory email. It does mean that the introductory email might not be read - but you still need to make sure you don't make common mistakes like referencing the wrong bank, or forgetting to attach your CV altogether.

However, there some situations in which cover letters can make all the difference.  

These include:

• When you're applying for graduate jobs in banking.
• When you're applying to banks directly (without going through external recruiters),
• And... when you happen to be using a recruiter who simply likes cover letters (hard to tell!).

"For graduate hires, cover letters are very important," says one headhunter. Just how important is reflected by the fact that some banks specify them as a must-have in the ir graduate recruitment process .   Banks like Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, Barclays, Morgan Stanley and Macquarie typically all demand that their would-be analysts in Europe write cover letters or something very similar, says Victoria McLean, a former Goldman Sachs recruiter and founder of banking CV specialists, City CV.   "Some banks still ask for specific questions to be answered around motivation, strengths and key behaviours/competencies (these are of varying word counts depending on the bank)," she says.

Goldman Sachs historically demanded that recruits write a 300 word personal statement as a cover letter. A former recruiter at the firm told us it was  very important. "Some students were excellent until they got to the cover letter," - those 300 words let them down.

What makes a good banking cover letter? Mai Le, a former Goldman Sachs investment banking associate who ran  CoverLetterLibrary , a community which houses a collection of cover letters that have enabled juniors to get jobs at banks in the past. Le says the best cover letters have two things in common: narrative structure (they emphasize your story and show the choices that brought you here) and facts and figures that underscore your background and achievements. By comparison, Le says the worst banking cover letters suffer from key-word stuffing, irrelevant information and spelling and grammatical mistakes.

It can help to follow a general template... 

You need to tailor your cover letters for each job you apply to. But this doesn't mean that you can't write a cover letter that follows a template. It does mean that each time you apply for a new job, you will need to fill in the template all over again.

McLean suggests your template follows the following format: Introduction. Why me? Why you? Why this job? In total, the text within the template should be no more than 750 words, or one A4 page, long. Le says some candidates also use a format that's ordered as, Why this job? Why this bank? Why me?  "It's a matter of personal preference," she says. Ultimately, you want all these elements in the cover letter and should go with which ever you feel comfortable with.

Either way, here's what to include.

The easy introductory paragraph

The first paragraph is all about explaining why you're writing. If you're applying for a graduate job in a bank, keep it short and sweet.

"The first paragraph is just to say who you are and why you're writing the letter," says McLean.

This paragraph might read something like. "I am an X with X year history of X at global banking firms including X as well as X. I have been working for X for the past X years."

If you're writing a Goldman Sachs cover letter that's 300 words or less, you can ditch this style of opening paragraph. - There's just no space for it.

If you're writing to a recruiter, there's less need to be quite so brief with your introduction. Say who you are, and explain why you've approached that recruiter in particular: "If someone says they've been referred to me by someone I know and respect, I will sit up and pay attention," says one U.S. recruiter. "The same applies if they say they've learned that I mentor women and that this is something they're interested in too."

In other words, when you're writing a cover letter to a recruiter, you need to know who you're writing to. Use this introductory paragraph to address them in person. Flattery will get you everywhere.

The selling yourself paragraph. 'Why you?'

The second paragraph is usually harder. This is where you need to start selling yourself, expressing your personality, and explaining why you're such a hot catch. It's here that you can add in some of the narrative explaining how you came to apply for this role, plus some of the substantiating figures that Le says make successful cover letters so effective.  Don't  use bland and empty phrases like, "I am a determined, motivated person." Do look at the key words and skills used to describe the job you're applying for and (without too obviously reiterating the ad) explain how you match them. Focus on the results and on  outcomes you've achieved in similar situations in the past.  You need to be specific and you need to bring yourself to life.

If you're writing a cover letter to accompany a graduate application, McLean says you can use the second paragraph to talk about what you've studied and how it's relevant. If you've studied finance and know how to do a DCF, now's the time to mention that. If you haven't studied finance but have good relationship management skills and you want to work i n M&A (a relationship-focused business), say that here. Provide EVIDENCE for the skills you're claiming to have.- List any awards you've won. Never, ever, make empty statements. "Many successful trading cover letters feature the candidate's trading return profile and their rationales for their success or failure," says Le. " - Cover letters for sales positions highlight the candidate's track record that evident their ability as a natural salesperson."

The motivational paragraph. 'Why this job (in this sector?)'

If you're an experienced hire applying through a recruiter or applying directly to a bank, this is where you explain why you want the job you're applying for. If you're a student applying for a first job, this is why you need to explain why you want this job and why you want to work in this sector. Be specific -  you'll need to know about the job and the sector before you start this section.

As a student, you'll need to link your skills back to your motivation for working in that area of banking above others, says McLean. Why M&A? Why not sales and trading? Why not compliance?  - If you want to work in operations , for example, explain how you have a passion for building systems and improving efficiency, as evidenced by your system for serving customers in your weekend job...

"You should include what you love about the industry to which you are applying," says McLean. "Why is it important to YOU? Why does it matter to YOU? How does it make a difference to YOU? and why is it interesting to YOU? Especially valid for Graduates: Why finance? Why investment banking / asset management?  before addressing the specifics of the division or programme to which you are applying. The key is to make this personal…. This is where most grads go wrong in their cover letters, they sound too generic and impersonal."

The connection paragraph. 'Why this bank ?'

The fourth paragraph is all about explaining why you want to work for that particular bank. Again, you need to be specific. McLean says graduates often copy and paste from banks' own websites. For example, it's not unheard of for them to write, "I want to work for Goldman Sachs because you have 170 locations across 90 cities in over 30 countries."  This will get you nowhere.

"The idea is not to flatter your potential employer but to identify what makes them a good choice for you and you a good fit," says McLean. "Telling Goldman or Citi you want to work for them because they are the best is not going to impress anyone. However, writing that it’s an opportunity to work with some of the best minds on the street and that you want to be held to those same exacting standards is a bit more engaging." But you need to put this in your own words: you need to make it personal and say what the banks strengths mean to YOU.

The other ex-Goldman Sachs recruiter we spoke to said she particularly looked for, "creativity and effort and writing about Goldman Sachs," when running through students' cover letters. People were expected to say exactly why they wanted to work for Goldman rather than, say, J.P. Morgan.

Instead of just reiterating what you've read on banks' websites, therefore, you need to cite some unusual reasons for choosing that bank that will make you stand out. If you're a student, it helps to say that you've met some of the banks' staff and were impressed by them.  Citigroup, for example, suggests that  student cover letters  reference encounters with the bank's staff at recruitment events. - Make a note of the staff you meet and explain what they said or did that impressed you, and what made you think you'd like to work with them.

Mark Hatz, a former M&A associate at Goldman Sachs and Perella Weinberg Partners who now helps people get jobs in banking , says stressing your rapport with people you've met from the firm is particularly important when you're applying for a job in M&A or capital markets: "These are advisory businesses and they want to see that you can build a rapport and work in a team. If you get the job, you'll also be spending a lot of hours in the office with these people, so showing you like them is very important."

It also helps to reference the bank's strategy, to mention any awards the bank won, and to cite any conversations you've had with or comments you've read from other industry professionals and analysts who've given concrete reasons why it's good place to work. Everything in this section needs to be positive. - You need to explain why you want to work for Deutsche Bank specifically without writing anything that denigrates its rivals. The more senior you are, the more you will need to reference solid strategy points at this stage.

"Show a grasp of where they are going, what the plan is and why this appeals to you," says McLean. Show that you know their strategy and that you agree with the way they're addressing challenges. "You should also write about the future of the firm. You should be planning to be there for a few years and hoping to share that future with them," McLean adds. Look at the shareholder letter in the last annual report for information on a bank's strategy.

The call to action

Finally, you need to end the cover letter with a call to action. McLean suggests completing the letter with the following sentence: "I really look forward to hearing from you. I am available for interview and contactable by X.'

Simple. Except all of this has to be written in 750 words - or just 300 if you're a student applying to Goldman Sachs. It's not so easy after all.

Click here to create a profile on eFinancialCareers. Make yourself visible to recruiters hiring for top jobs in technology and finance. 

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Investment banking cover letter tips and samples

First, is a cover letter necessary for investment banking jobs ? In many cases, no, but in some cases, yes, as it turns out.

At bulge bracket investment banks , the recruiters are unlikely to read a cover letter for just-out-of-school positions; they may only see your resume. But some insist on cover letters for graduate positions for a sort of first assessment.

Generally, a cover letter is more likely to be read in smaller or local banks. If you can write a good cover letter and it gets read, you have made an impressive start.

But if you have drafted a poor cover letter, you have already ruined your chances before you’ve even started.

If you’re applying to investment banks in New York, London, Mumbai or Singapore- or if you’re hoping to get into Citi, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley or any other investment banking team – we hope this article helps you put your best step forward.  

Investment banking cover letter for candidates without experience

For candidates who are only completing their business school programs or recently completed them with internships but have no work experience, the investment banking cover letter consists of four parts: Introduction, Background, Fit, and Conclusion.  

Introduction

The introduction is best written in three or four sentences. Introduce yourself, and mention where you’re studying or doing your internship.

You should give the school name regardless of whether it is well known (you may give your GPA if it is really great), and the name of the company/group where you did your internship, especially if it is well known.

How did you find the company? Did you attend a campus seminar organized by them? Did you read an article written or presentation made by the company CEO or an interview with her? Mention names. What position are you applying for? Be specific, especially with smaller firms.  

I am (name), a third year business major at (school). I recently met (name) from the M&A team at (company name) at a conference organized at our school.

In the paragraph giving your background, focus on your relevant internship experience and how the knowledge and skills that you picked up would help the company you are applying to.

If you have had a half dozen internships, don’t mention all of them but only the relevant ones.

As far as possible, try to relate any experience that you have to banking skills such as financial modelling and valuation. Here, too, four sentences may be your maximum limit.  

I have completed accounting internships at (company name) and trained in wealth management at (company name).

During these internships, I (mention your work, such as “analyzed financial statements and made investment recommendations”), and (your takeaways, such as “honed my accounting and financial skills and developed my leadership capabilities”).

Explain, in the next paragraph, how your personality and abilities make you a good fit. Show that you understand the bank’s work culture and its people and will get along with them. You may mention any relevant extracurricular activity.  

I am confident that I can bring my experience and skills in (area of expertise) to the position of (analyst or associate) at (company name).

I am impressed by the track record of your transactions and responsibilities given to (analyst or associate) at your organization and also your corporate culture that includes (corporate social responsibility program, etc.).

Winding up the cover letter, you should express thanks, remind them that your resume is enclosed (a call to action), provide your phone number or email once again for quick reference, and indicate that you would love to hear from to discuss your qualifications.  

Cover letter for emailed applications

If you are emailing your cover letter or resume, it is perhaps not a good idea to attach a separate cover letter, as it might not be read at all.

If you are forwarding your resume by email, the body of your email can itself serve as the cover letter.

But you should remove the addresses on top and make the cover letter much shorter, say, three or four sentences in all.

If you’re applying on the website of companies, and there’s provision for “Optional cover letter,” you could still write a short letter.  

Investment banking cover letter for experienced candidates

For most positions for which experience is required, most recruiters may see only your resume. But for graduate positions, some recruiters do like to see cover letters.

In fact, some banks, such as Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Barclays, insist that candidates send their resumes along with cover letters. Goldman Sachs, for example, required a personal-statement-type cover letter in 300 words or less.

The best cover letter for positions that require experience uses a narrative structure, giving your story and your life choices, and numbers that show your achievements.

The worst looks like it has been written with SEO in mind, and contain factual, grammatical, or spelling errors along with irrelevant information.

You should write a cover letter separately for every company or position, but you can have a basic template.

An expert suggests the sequence “Why they should hire you,” “Why you want this job,” “Why this bank,” and Conclusion.  

Sample introduction

  As mentioned, if you can say you came to know about the recruitment through a company program or a presentation made by a company official or the recruiter himself, or an article or interview by the CEO, nothing like it. Names-dropping works.  

Why they should hire you

In the second paragraph, you explain your personality in a nutshell. Keep away from inane phrases such as “I am a motivated, hard-working person.”

Use words or ideas from the job description for the post without making this obvious. Say why you feel you have these attributes.

Provide factual figures from your current job/s to support your achievements, such as, “ensured 20 percent return for a $50-million investor and revamped her investment portfolio”).

Among the crucial words to use are, of course, the names of well-known companies that you may have worked for (Fortune 500 companies, bulge bracket banks, large PE firms).

If you can mention projects that have had an impact on your company, you should mention those and what role you played.

The other good words to use that bankers like to see are “financial modeling,” “analytical ability,” and “leadership and team-building skills.”

You can also mention any relevant academic achievement. For example, if you studied relationship management but not finance, narrate your success dealing with a client.

Mention an award that you won for an activity relevant to an attribute required for the position.  

Why you want this job

As you are an applicant with experience, you should say why you want to move on to a larger canvas or take on more responsibilities.

Do you feel you have excellent leadership and team-building skills? What about people skills and your power to communicate effectively?

Provide specific instances where the keywords mentioned in the job description resonate in your cover letter. You should also know your sector thoroughly.  

Why this bank

Here, the key is to say good things about the recruiter bank without denigrating other banks. Show that you understand their strategy and plans and why these appeal to you. Mention some of the bank’s recent achievements or a positive analysis about the bank by an expert.

Have you also read an article explaining why this bank is a great place to work? Did you meet some of the bank’s employees at a conference or seminar? Say that and how they came across as a positive team. You need to impress upon the recruiter that you would love to work with this team.  

The basics of writing cover letters

Finally, let’s tackle the typographical aspects. Don’t use a font size less than 10 points or a margin less than three-quarters of an inch.

Stick to a readable font such as Calibri, Times New Roman, Ariel, Verdana, and Cambria, rather than a stylish one. Don’t go for bold; prefer normal.  

How long should your cover letter be? Don’t write multipage cover letters that say in long form all that you are mentioning in your resume. So, limit it to just a single page.

In any case, don’t expect the recruiter to flip the page and go to a second page. If you’re emailing your cover letter and resume, make your letter even shorter.  

Start with your name, contact address, phone number, and email address, which should be at the top, right-aligned or centered. In the next line, below, mention the date, the name, designation, and contact information of the person whom you’re writing to, left-aligned.

Here, try to find out the name of your intended recipient as far as possible, as this would help strike a personal touch at the start.

If you can’t do that, just the designation and the company name and contact address will have to do. If you have the name, start with “Mr. (Name)” or “Ms. (Name),” or else, say “Dear Sir / Madam.”  

Giving it a spin

Applicants with no experience such as an internship may not get a second look.

Those who have done internship at a bank but have no relevant work experience could make any exposure to finance work, such as running a school investment fund or analyzing businesses (for a financial blog), useful, and thereby get noticed.

You could write a great cover letter, but remember to give the same attention to your resume. In the end, people land jobs not for writing a good letter but for what they have done with their lives and for thinking outside the box.  

Investment Banking Cover-letter Writing Tips

• Limit the letter to just one page
• Do a spelling and grammar check
• Get the letter proofread by a friend or family member
• Be specific to the company/position
• Touch upon your unique selling points
• Relate your USPs to investment banking
• Don’t sound arrogant, but don’t plead with the recruiter
• Draft the letter keeping your resume in mind

  Also read – Investment Banking from a non-target school   References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

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6 thoughts on “Investment banking cover letter tips and samples”

Hi , Sameer

I am a mid level manager, with a private sector bank , having 10 years of experience across different departments of the bank.Though , i don’t have any leadership experience, but have expertise across functionalities in various departments, across Assets and Liabilities.

I am planning to go for an Executive MBA , from IIMs , and i have applied for the same with a GMAT Score of 700.

Need your say on the possibility of getting a call from IIMs , with my kind of experience.

Nilanjan Choudhury Nilanjan

Sir I want to do mba with finance after 3 years ,now I want to do accountant job and I have also another option is available which is sales support job in banking sector,so I am confused about which one job is better as a experience for MBA finance. Which one job should do me because I want some experience that is prove better after MBA with Finance?plzzz tell me sir

Greetings! I’m Kunal, and I am currently pursuing Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) from Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, University of Delhi. My question for you is, should i sit for placements in my college for companies like Bain, BCG etc (which offer analyst positions), or should i go for a Masters in Finance or Business Analytics abroad to get placed in front end consulting directly? Does it justify the costs? My ultimate aim is to work as a front end consultant in MBB.

Present I’m studying in MBA second year specilization in finance after completing MBA How to develop in my career and job .please help me

I was a bit confused about the whole ‘study abroad’ process. Emphasizing on the education loan and visa process. Which one comes first? There is a requirement of visa application in the education loan-requirement list and on the other hand, visa filing requires my bank statement and if I am capable financially. Can somebody help me with this dilemma?

@Nilanjan: No point in asking others to speculate after you’ve already submitted your applications, right?

@Jlio: Forget about what MBA admission officers will think and choose the role that excites you.

@Kunal: Go for a job, work for a few years, and then apply to a top tier firm where your dream companies recruit.

@Rammurthy: We’ve shared some thoughts here: https://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2019/02/11/improve-profile-in-college-how-to/

@Kaur: Admission first, followed by education loans, and then visa. The visa officer would want to see where you are going, for how long and whether you have funds to cover you throughout the period.

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The perfect cover letter for getting a job in wealth management

If you’re looking for an entry-level job in wealth management, you’ll need to craft a cover letter that conveys a specific understanding of the actual skills required to succeed. Talk yourself up as a stock-picker and you’re unlikely to end up getting an interview. A strong wealth management cover letter will accentuate your ability as a salesperson and relationship-builder who has a large network of potential customers.

No cover letter should ever exceed one page in length, according to Afzal Hussein, a former member of Goldman Sachs’ asset management team and founder of Official CV Doctor . Three quarters of a page – or between 300 and 500 words – is a good length to shoot for. If avoidable, don’t begin the letter with: “To Whom It May Concern.” In this day and age, you should be able to track down the name of the hiring manager – an action that will suggest you put in the appropriate effort and aren’t blasting your cover letter and resume all over town.

The letter should begin with a brief introduction about yourself and what you’ve been up to over the last 1-3 years, as well as detail why you want to work for that specific firm, Hussein said. Dropping the name of the company (more than once), any employees you’ve met, networking events you’ve attended and details about the firm will show that you’ve done your homework. This should represent one-third of your cover letter.

Selling yourself

At this point, you’ll want to transition to the most important aspect of the cover letter: why you are suited for the role and company in question, both in terms of your relevant experience and your skillset and personality. This is particularly important in wealth management because many inexperienced candidates don’t understand the realities of the position, according to a current Morgan Stanley broker who now runs a small team.

For the first few years, “it’s 100% a sales job,” he said. Yes, you’ll need the acumen to understand investment products and gain market knowledge, but all that can be taught. The ability to sell yourself, earn the trust others and develop a list of people to call cannot, he added. “If I get an email from some kid three years out of college who says they’re the next Warren Buffett, I delete it,” he said.

Highlight any experience you have in financial services – even if it’s only being a member of an investment club in college – and stress your background and aptitude in dealing with customers. Then explain how your experience and skillset would make you a good fit as a wealth manager. “I look for thick-skinned yet personable relationship-builders,” the Morgan Stanley broker said. Briefly include relevant figures and achievements like hitting sales quotas. At this point, you can mention your passion for and knowledge of the markets if you have no direct work experience. Many brokerage firms now hire people who worked in completely different industries who may be older and have more established networks, according to recruiters.

Using your cover letter to tease the potential power of your personal network – the people you’ll likely need to lean on to start building your own book of business – is up for debate. One recruiter who places experienced wealth managers feels a young recruit would come off as overly egotistical. The Morgan Stanley broker disagrees. “I want to know how you plan to generate revenue – through your skills as a relationship-builder and the people you know.”

Finish your cover letter by briefly reiterating your interest in the position and the firm in question and thank the person for their time. Try not to waste any sentences and avoid clichés and fluff. “You have a finite number of words to use in your cover letter in order to sell yourself to the reader,” Hussein said. Brevity is key.

Have a confidential story, tip, or comment you’d like to share? Contact: [email protected]

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Home » 5+ Professional Goldman Sachs Cover Letter Examples

5+ Professional Goldman Sachs Cover Letter Examples

When it comes to applying for a job at Goldman Sachs, you need to make sure that your cover letter is up to scratch. After all, this is one of the most prestigious investment banks in the world and you will be competing against some incredibly talented candidates.

Luckily, we have put together some professional Goldman Sachs cover letter examples to give you a head start. Simply follow the template and fill in your own details to create a killer cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition. Good luck!

Table of Contents

How To Write a Goldman Sachs Cover Letter?

When applying for a job at Goldman Sachs, it’s important to make a good impression with your cover letter. After all, Goldman Sachs is one of the most prestigious investment banks in the world. Luckily, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of getting your cover letter noticed. First, make sure to tailor your cover letter to the specific position you’re applying for. Generic letters are less likely to impress hiring managers.

Second, take the time to research Goldman Sachs and familiarize yourself with the company’s history and culture. This will help you come across as being genuinely interested in working there. Finally, try to convey your passion for finance and investing in your cover letter. If you can show that you’re excited about the opportunity to work at Goldman Sachs, you’ll be more likely to stand out from the competition.

Related: How To Write a Cover Letter (And Get Hired in 2022!)

Goldman Sachs Cover Letter Example

To Whom It May Concern,

The writing to apply for the position of Investment Banking Analyst at Goldman Sachs. I am a recent graduate of XYZ University with a degree in Finance and I have previous experience working in the banking industry.

The confident that I have the skills and qualifications that are required for this role. In addition, I have the drive and determination to succeed in an investment banking environment. I am eager to utilize my skills and knowledge in order to contribute to the success of Goldman Sachs.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Related: Investment Banking Cover Letter: 05 Examples ideas

Cover Letter For Goldman Sachs New Analyst

I am writing to express my interest in the New Analyst position at Goldman Sachs. As a recent graduate of XYZ University with a degree in Finance, I am eager to begin my career in investment banking.

During my time at XYZ, I gained valuable experience through internships at both a small regional bank and a large commercial bank. These experiences taught me the importance of working diligently and paying attention to detail, two skills that will serve me well in investment banking. In addition, my coursework in finance and accounting has given me a strong foundation on which to build my career.

I am confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to be successful as a New Analyst at Goldman Sachs. I am excited to put my skills to work in an investment banking environment and look forward to contributing to the success of Goldman Sachs.

Related: 07 Best Research Analyst Cover Letter Samples

Goldman Sachs Spring Week Cover Letter

I am writing to apply for Goldman Sachs’ Spring Week program.

Goldman Sachs is a world-renowned investment bank that has a reputation for providing excellent opportunities for career development. Confident that I have the skills and experience needed to be successful in this program, and I believe that Goldman Sachs would be an excellent place to develop my skills further.

Have a strong academic background, having graduated from XXXX University with a First Class Honours degree in Accounting and Finance. I also have experience working in the financial sector, having worked as an intern at ABC Corporation. In this role, I gained valuable experience in investment banking and financial analysis.

I am a motivated and driven individual, who is eager to learn and grow in an investment banking environment. I am confident that I have the potential to be a valuable asset to Goldman Sachs, and I look forward to contributing to your team’s success.

Related: Flight Attendant Cover Letter: 05 Template & Ideas

Goldman Sachs Internship Cover Letter

To Whom It May Concern, The writing to apply for the Goldman Sachs Internship program.

It a sophomore at XYZ University and am looking for a summer internship in investment banking. I have researched your company and believe that it would be a great place to learn and grow as an investment banker.

Have attached my resume and cover letter for your review. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you about this internship program and how I can contribute to Goldman Sachs.

Related: Cover Letter for Internship with no Experience: 09 Samples & Examples

Goldman Sachs Cover Letter Sample

I am writing in regards to the open position for an analyst at Goldman Sachs. I believe that my skills and qualifications make me the perfect candidate for this role.

As a recent graduate of XYZ University, I have a strong understanding of the financial industry. In addition, I have internship experience working in a similar role at ABC Company. This experience has given me the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role.

It is a motivated individual with a strong work ethic. I am confident that I can be an asset to Goldman Sachs and contribute to the success of the company. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further with you.

Related: 07 Professional MBA Cover Letter Samples [Free]

5 Things To Include In a Goldman Sachs Cover Letter

When applying for a job at Goldman Sachs, you want to make sure your cover letter is up to the challenge. Here are five key things to include:

• Why you’re interested in Goldman Sachs: Even if you’re applying for a specific position, take the time to explain why you’re interested in working at Goldman Sachs specifically. What is it about the company that appeals to you?
• Your skills and experience: Goldman Sachs is looking for top talent, so be sure to highlight your skills and experience that make you a good fit for the role you’re applying for.
• Your motivation: A cover letter is also an opportunity to share your motivation forApplyiingng to Goldman Sachs. What are your goals and aspirations? Why do you want to work at Goldman Sachs?
• Your research: Show that you’ve done your research by mentioning specific things about Goldman Sachs that appeal to you. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the company and not just applying blindly.
• Your excitement: Finally, be sure to express excitement about the opportunity to interview with Goldman Sachs. This will show that you’re truly enthusiastic about the company and the role you’re applying for.

Related: What is Cover Letter? Complete Guide To Get any Job.

As one of the premier investment banks in the world, Goldman Sachs receives countless applications from highly qualified individuals seeking employment. While a strong resume is certainly important, your cover letter is your opportunity to stand out from the crowd. In order to capture the attention of the Goldman Sachs hiring team, your cover letter must be well-written and demonstrate your understanding of the financial industry.

To help you get started, we’ve created professional Goldman Sachs cover letter examples. The first example is for an experienced candidate applying for a position as a vice president, while the second example is for a recent graduate who is applying for an entry-level analyst role. Both examples are designed to showcase your skills and qualifications in the most positive light possible. Simply follow the instructions below to customize them with your own information.

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Here’s what Goldman Sachs looks for in a cover letter

Edith Cooper, Global Head of Human Capital Management at Goldman Sachs, explains what the company looks for in a cover letter. 

Produced by  Michael Torres  and Joe Avella .

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Goldman Sachs Cover Letter Review

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Currently writing a GS cover letter and would be very grateful if anyone would care to give it a read through and give me any feedback. Have little knowledge/experience of cover letters so this is my first attempt.

Note: The lack of formatting (i.e. address, formal setting etc) is due to the fact that GS want it to be submitted into the application form, so not a word doc.

Main point: you have to mention the position are applying to. Good spin of History major but I would add all the analytical experience you have to make the story more interesting.

Thanks for the reply.

Just to mention summer analyst enough? No need to go into 'individual' responsibilities? For example common knowledge that interns do the bitch work... Best to leave that out?

I am also a qualified ski instructor - I was thinking of adding that in saying it showed me how to analyse individual client needs and assess when a change of plan is needed, i.e. clients aren't progressing

"XXXXX, an analyst in the Goldman Sachs XXXX office, recommended that I apply to the [job title] position. He advocated the Goldman Sachs emphasis on the individual and said my History degree would be an asset..."

I think this would be a better way to approach it. Currently your first sentence is too negative and instantly creates a bad tone.

Also if you are applying to a job in the US, which is what I assume, we spell "analyse" as "analyze".

Hi everyone,

was just wondering, does GS still strictly demand a 300-word cover letter? Or have they laxed up on the rules now

Did you get the role?

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Goldman Sachs Cover Letter: 4 Templates and Emails

If you are planning to apply for a job position at a prestigious company like Goldman Sachs, you will definitely have to make your application cover letter attractive. We are here with some letter samples that sill surely help you if you need. Just make sure to insert the required personal details at the right places.

Letter Template: 1

Table of Contents

Goldman Sachs Cover Letter

[ Mention the date]

[ Mention the name of the hiring manager]

[Mention the name of the company]

[Mention an appropriate address of the company]

Dear Sir/Ma’am,

I saw at Goldman Sachs site that your company is looking for [ mention the post ]  and I read the job description by which I believe that I am suitable for this role and can do this properly.

I am well trained in this field and have an experience of [ mention the years] by which my skills are proper for this role. As I have a friendly and positive nature, I can work in a team as well as in  an individual. Apart from this I can manage time well, have good communication, have leadership qualities and can learn new things in a faster way.

I always wanted to do something big in this field and I would be really grateful if I get a chance to work in such a big company as Goldman Sachs. This job is good for my development and will help me to learn new things about this field.

I will apply my theoretical knowledge to get my work done in a proper way and in the given time. I hope you will not get dissatisfied with my work and the techniques that I will be using if I get selected for this post at Goldman Sachs Company.

I have attached one copy of my resume and the other documents. This will really help you to get an idea about my skills and experience gained from my training period. Hope you will contact me soon to discuss the role in detail. You can contact me for the further procedures at your own convenience. Thank you for your time. Have a good day.

With regards,[ mention the name of the sender]

[Mention the address of the sender]

[Mention the contact details of the sender]

Download Template : ( pdf, docs, ODT, RTF, txt, HTML, Epub, Etc )

Letter Template: 2

[Mention the name of the hiring manager]

[Mention the address of the company]

With due respect, I [ mention your name] want to state that I am interested in working at Goldman Sachs for the post of [ mention the post]. I saw the job description on the company’s site and after reading it I find myself suitable for this position at Goldman Sachs Company.

As my qualifications are proper for this post and in addition to this, as I have been interested in this field from childhood, I did training from [ mention the name of the institution] for [ mention the years] where I learned different and new things about this field and also worked in a company called [ mention the name of the company] for [ mention the years] to apply my theoretical knowledge to gain some experience in this field which will make me perfect for this job role in a big company like Goldman Sachs.

I have different abilities I am goal-oriented, work in teams, and have good management qualities by which I am confident to do this job in the correct way and complete my tasks in the given time.

In this letter, there’s one copy of my resume and other important documents which will make you believe that I am suitable for this job and perform well in this field.  Hope that I will be receiving a call from you very soon to discuss the role in detail. There will be no issues if you contact me at your own convenience. Have a great day ahead.

With regards, [ mention the name of the sender]

Letter Template: 3

[Give a proper address of the company]

Recently, I saw that Goldman Sachs Company is searching for [ mention the post]  at [ mention the site] . After reading the job description and requirements you are searching for in a candidate, I got really excited and want to apply for this post in your company.

As I have a degree in this field from [ mention the name of the institution] and did my training at [ mention the name of the city] from [mention the name of the institution] so I believe that I will be able to perform this role properly.

I was searching for this type of job for a long time in which I can really do well, finally, I got this opportunity. I have skills like I am a hard worker as well as a smart worker, goal-oriented, can do work under tremendous pressure and adaptable.

It would be really good if I get selected for this job on the basis of my experience and knowledge. I have always worked hard in this field as I was interested in this field from childhood and really want to get a job related to this field. You will not be disheartened by giving me a chance to work for your company.

One copy of my resume and other necessary documents are attached to this letter. You can judge my abilities after seeing them. Hope we will be discussing the role soon and the other factors. You can contact me at your own convenience. Hope to receive an offer letter from your company very soon. Have a nice day ahead.

Letter Template: 4

[Mention the date]

With due respect, I am writing this letter to show my interest in the post of [ mention the post] at Goldman Sachs Company. According to the job description and requirements mentioned in the company’s site, I am really grateful to know that I am suitable for this position.

According to the requirements, a candidate must have a master’s degree certificate in [ mention a particular course] and have skills like good communication, leadership qualities, can multitask, dealing with the customers, fluency in all the languages, and must have a positive attitude, it is good to know that I consist of the skills required for this post at Goldman Sachs Company.

In addition to this, I did my training in this field from [ mention the name of the institution] for [ mention the years] and after my training period was over, I worked at [ mention the name of the company] as a[ mention the post] to gain my experience by applying my theoretical knowledge.

I have work experience of [ mention the years] related to this field as I was interested in this field from a very young age, and since then I have worked on it. I assure you that you will not face any failures if you give me this amazing opportunity to work for Goldman Sachs as a [ mention the post]. You will be amazed by my work and will not get disheartened. I assure you to increase the company’s sales by my skills, experience, and new techniques. 

There’s one copy of my resume as well as my other necessary documents for this job, it will help you to believe in my skills and experience. You can contact me anytime regarding the post at Goldman Sachs Company. Hope to discuss this role in detail and work for a Big company like Goldman Sachs. My contact details are mentioned below through which you can contact me regarding this position. It would be great if you consider me for this job role at your company. Thank you so much for your time. Have a wonderful day ahead.

[ Mention the address of the sender]

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Goldman Sachs Cover Letter For investment Banking Job - Free sample

Table of content: 

The introductory paragraph: ‘why you’.

• The motivational paragraph: 'Why this job?'

Building a connection: 'Why this bank?'

• Goldman Sachs sample cover letter

Puzzled about how to write an investment banking cover letter for Goldman Sachs? Fortunately, figuring out the formula for writing a successful cover letter is simple and easy to follow.

But what makes a good banking cover letter? According to research, there are two things in common in the best cover letters - the first is the narrative structure where you emphasize your story and show the choices that brought you here; the second is the facts and figures that highlight your background and achievements. 

Historically, Goldman Sachs demanded that job applicants write a 300-word personal statement as their cover letter. Its importance was highlighted by a former recruiter at the firm, "Some students were excellent until they got to the cover letter", those 300-word cover letters actually let them down. 

Your cover letter should be tailored for each job you apply to. You can write a cover letter that follows a template. It means that each time you apply for a new job you have to fill out the template from the very beginning. The format of the cover letter is a matter of personal preference. However, the content within the template should not exceed more than 750 words, or one A4 page long. 

The first part of your cover letter should answer who you are and why you are writing this letter. If you are applying for a graduate job in an investment banking firm like Goldman Sachs keep the content short and simple. You need to know who you are writing to i.e. the name of your recruiter and address them in person. 

The second paragraph is a little hard where you have to sell yourself. In this, you not only have to express your personality but you also have to explain why you are such a hot catch. You should refrain from using bland and empty phrases like, "I am a motivated and determined person" and rather look at your skillset to describe the job you are applying for and explain how your strengths match them. Stay specific, and bring yourself to life. You can also focus on the results, experiences, and outcomes you have achieved in the past with reference to similar situations. 

The motivational paragraph:  'Why this job?'

It is suggested that you should include what you love about the industry to which you are applying. Start by linking your special skills back to your motivation for working in that specific area of banking above others. For example, why do you want to get into M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions)? Why not sales and trading? Why not something else? You must answer why this job matters to you and how it will make a difference in your life. Tell them about your job-relevant achievements and your real achievements in that specific area. The most important aspect is to make your answers as personal as you can and this is where many graduates go wrong in their cover letters because they sound too formulaic and generic. 

This paragraph should answer- 'Why this bank?' Again, you need to dive deeper into the specifics. Don't copy and paste from the bank's own website. That will get you nowhere. The basic idea is not to flatter your employer but to identify what makes them a good choice for you. You need to make your answers personal and reiterate what the bank's strengths mean to you. You can begin by citing some unusual reasons for choosing the particular investment banking firm that will help you stand out from the crowd. Everything in this section has to be positive. You need to explain why you want to work for Goldman Sachs without denigrating its rivals. 

The last part is where you end the cover letter with a call to action. 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." It is as simple as this. But remember, all of this has to be written in 750 words or as little as 300 words if you are a student who is applying to Goldman Sachs - which makes it a little difficult for you. Therefore, below is a sample cover letter to make you familiar with the process. 

Goldman Sachs sample cover letter 

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Are you a Student or Professional?

Application checklist.

Before you start filling out the application, which takes 15-20 minutes, check that you have this information readily available:

Contact Information Current address, email, preferred contact number and other relevant contact details.

Education University degrees and dates.

Examination Results Information regarding exams you have taken and your scores.

Grade / GPA Your cumulative grade / GPA as recognized by the university in which you are currently enrolled.

Personal Statement (Mandatory for EMEA only) Your motivation for applying in 300 words or less.

Language Skills Information regarding your proficiency of other languages.

CV / Resume A current CV / resume in one of the following formats, Microsoft Word, Rich Text Format, Text or PDF. Your CV / resume must be under 512KB in size and must not be password protected.

Academic Transcripts Mandatory for applicants in the following countries:

• Germany / Austria / Switzerland - university and high school grade transcripts, letters of reference (Arbeitszeugnisse)
• Italy - university and high school grade transcripts
• Spain / Portugal / Denmark / Sweden / Finland / Norway / Netherlands - university grade transcripts
• New Zealand and Australia - most recent university academic transcript and/or transcripts

Please note that if you are applying from any country to Frankfurt or Zurich, you must attach the documents available to you listed under Germany / Austria / Switzerland.

Application instructions: example of how to apply  to an Engineering (Tech and Strats) full time or summer internship position.

1. Visit gs.com/careers and select "Apply" under "I am a Student" 2. Click "Apply Now" and choose Summer Analyst / Associate ( if you are graduating between Fall 2020 and Summer 2021) or New Analyst (if you are graduating by Summer 2020 ) 3. Select Recruiting Year – 2020 4. Select Position – Summer Internship / New Analyst 5. Select Role – Summer Analyst / New Analyst 6. Select Location – New York City; Dallas; San Francisco; Salt Lake City 7. Select Division – Engineering 8. Select Sub Division – General 9. Complete remaining questions, upload resume, and Submit!

For additional information on our application process, please refer to our   FAQs .  

Sample cover letter for Internship position at Goldman sachs

Summer analyst.

My name is [Your Name] and I am currently [a Year in School and Major / Business School Student at [School Name]] / [Working at Company Name in Division Name]. I was recently introduced to your firm via [Friend / Contact at Firm / Presentation] and was impressed with what I learned of [Your Culture / Working Environment / Bank-Specific Info.]. I am interested in pursuing an [Investment Banking Analyst / Associate] position at your firm, and have enclosed my resume and background information below.

I have previously [Completed Internships In… / Worked Full-Time In…]. Through this experience [Working on Transactions / Leading Teams and Managing Projects / Performing Quantitative Analysis], I have gained [Go Into Anything Relevant to Banking, Such As Analytical / Leadership / Teamwork / Finance / Accounting] skills and honed my [Any Other Relevant Skills]. I also had the opportunity to work on [High-Impact Project], which [Describe Results].

Given my background in [Summarize Internships / Work Experience] and my [Summarize Skills] skills, I am a particularly good fit for the [Position Name] position at your firm. I am impressed by your track record of [Transactions / Clients] at [Firm Name] and the significant responsibilities given to [Position Name], and I look forward to joining and contributing to your firm.

A copy of my resume is enclosed for your reference. I would welcome an opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you and learn more about [Firm Name] at your earliest convenience. I can be reached at [Phone Number] or via email at [Email Address]. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

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