Private equity cover letters need to be written specific to the opportunity you are applying for. Generic cover letters get… well, unimpressive results.
Your cover letter needs to show that you understand the private equity firm and their current challenges.
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REPLAY VIDEO
This video demonstrates several key points in creating a successful private equity cover letter.
- You will see real life examples of cover letters.
- You will learn about top mistakes made and how to avoid them.
- We walk you through the process of creating a great cover letter.
COVER LETTER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
During this training session, we requested participants ask questions by typing them in during the webinar. After the session, we took that entire list of questions and answered them for you.
Q: How long should a cover letter be and are bullet points acceptable?
A: I generally recommend that the cover letter be about ¾ of a page. This will give you the opportunity to convey your value proposition. Yes, bullet points are acceptable within the letter to make key points.
Q: What % of employers do you think actually review cover letters?
A: I have never done a study on this. But, I always read cover letters when I was a hiring manager and in human resources, as well. In a number of instances those letters affected my decision to bring a candidate in for an interview. So, I imagine that I am not the only one reading them or using them in this fashion.
Q: Best approach when you don’t have someone’s name?
A: When you don’t have someone’s name, it is best to do the research (obviously) to uncover the name. If you cannot find a name – and sometimes you can’t – you should use ‘Dear Hiring Manager’.
Q: What is the most effective open sentence to grab the reader’s attention?
A: This is very dependent on the position. There is no one right answer here; frankly I could fill a binder of effective openings. You will need to write something compelling that creates a strong introduction based on the role.
Q: What if you have been through many mergers and it makes you look like a job hopper?
A: You can portray mergers on the résumé by showcasing the name of the current firm and then the previous firm in parentheses. For example: XYXCompany (Merged with ABC company); or XYX Company (Formerly ABC Company).
Q: How can I create an effective cover letter if I have never worked for a fund before?
A: If you have never worked for a fund you will need to showcase transferable skills that are related to the role and make connections between previous positions and the position you seek.
Q: Is it necessary or desirable to send cover letters to recruiters?
A: You should always send a cover letter.
Q: How do you ensure you are targeting the keywords searched by the recruiter for the position?
A: Research the company and try to get a description of the position. You will then have enough information to collect the key words and also provide examples in the documents of your skill in the highlighted areas.
Q: The cost of professional help with my cover letter and resume seems high. How can I justify investing that money up front, before getting a new job?
A: This is an investment in you and your career. If you are not an expert in something, then hire it out to a real professional. Professional resume writers have helped hundreds or thousands of clients increase their prospects for interviews and generate more money when they are offered positions. In some cases, they have reduced the time to secure interviews and offers of employment by weeks. For well-paid investment professionals, the ROI is clear.