how to write a cover letter goldman sachs

How to write the perfect cover letter for Goldman Sachs

Hassan Akram

Hassan Akram is the CEO of City Careers Coach based in London, England. His firm has clients from 15 countries and specialises in helping students enter the world’s most eli te finance careers. He read History at University College London and is an ex investment banking, private equity, corporate law, and venture capital recruiter. His personal client base covers students from Harvard Busines School, the University of Oxford, and the London School of Economics. It also includes students from the world’s most prestigious schools, such as Eton College in England, La Rosay in Switzerland, and Doon School in India. He is a globally regarded expert on getting into elite careers and has spoken to the MBA classes at Harvard Business School, MIT-Sloan, and the Yale School of Management on this. LESS ... MORE

As an ex-investment banking recruiter, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to stand out in the competitive world of investment banking, particularly at Goldman Sachs. I’ve seen 1,000s of cover letters, 100% of my clients last year were successful at CV stage, and I’ve spoken at Yale on this exact topic. While many candidates focus on academic achievements, the real key to impressing Goldman Sachs lies in providing a well rounded analytical text, showing your research in the bank, your interest in investment banking as a career, and a strong section on why you would make a good hire. In this article, I’ll guide you through the essential components of an effective cover letter for Goldman Sachs, drawing on my experience and insights.

Understanding the Goldman Sachs cover letter

Cover letters for Goldman Sachs should be concise, targeted, and meticulously crafted. They need to highlight not only your qualifications but also your genuine interest and understanding of the industry. Here’s how to structure your cover letter effectively:

1. Why Goldman Sachs?

2. Why Investment Banking?

3. Why You?

Explain why you are passionate about investment banking at Goldman Sachs. Focus on specific aspects of the firm that attract you, such as:

Professional development: Emphasize Goldman Sachs’ commitment to professional growth, as demonstrated by initiatives like Goldman Sachs University, which provides extensive training and development programs for employees at all levels.

Inspirational leadership: Mention influential figures within the firm, such as Anne Victoire Auriault, who has been recognized in Fortune’s 40 Under 40. Highlight how such leadership inspires you and aligns with your career aspirations.

Apprenticeship culture: Discuss Goldman Sachs’ unique apprenticeship culture, which fosters close mentorship and hands-on learning, allowing new analysts to develop critical skills and advance their careers rapidly.

2. Why investment banking?

Describe your passion for investment banking, focusing on your interest in financial analysis. Highlight any experiences that have driven your enthusiasm for this field, such as internships, projects, or coursework. Emphasize the dynamic nature of investment banking and the impact it has on shaping financial markets. Explain how your analytical skills and desire for continuous learning make investment banking a perfect fit for you.

3. Why you?

Differentiate yourself by emphasizing your leadership skills and track record of success. Highlight specific instances where you demonstrated leadership and how these experiences make you an ideal candidate. Also, mention any notable successes in helping others secure positions in elite investment banks.

Final tips for success

Tailor each letter: Customize your cover letter for each application, reflecting the specific bank’s culture and values.

Be concise: Keep your cover letter to one page, focusing on the most relevant information.

Proofread: Ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors, as these can undermine your professionalism.

Quantify achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements and impact.

Show enthusiasm: Genuine enthusiasm for the role and the firm can set you apart from other candidates.

By focusing on your ability to perform deep financial analysis, showcasing your leadership skills, and demonstrating a track record of success, you can craft a compelling cover letter that captures the attention of Goldman Sachs recruiters. Remember, the goal is to highlight not only your qualifications but also your passion and readiness for the challenging and rewarding world of investment banking.

Note: Kyran Patel, a current student from the University of Warwick, assisted in the editing of this piece.

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