Hey guys. I am trying to make it into one of the top Discretionary Equity Trading Firms in NYC if possible like First New York or Chimera. I had previously worked at Trillium Trading and so I have had experience in the field and I really enjoyed the work there for what its worth as it was engaging, challenging, and dynamic on a daily basis. I would truly appreciate it if I could get some advice on how to make my Cover Letter stronger and tighter as I apply for these firms. I really value firms that can provide a strong training program to help foster good behavior and methodology in trading. That being the case I really would appreciate the help guys.
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First, don't say to whom it may concern... look for the guy/gal's name that will potentially be reviewing your resume, failing that write Dear hiring manager at XYZ... something that is at least a bit more personalized.
Next, break up your paragraphs, from a distance your letter reads too dense, it is better if you follow the journalistic rule for paragraphs, 1-4 sentences, 3-5 lines max. per paragraph. That make the text much more readable.
"I am writing to notify you..." make it sound more genuine and excited... if this your ultimate target firm, write something like I am exhilarated to have the opportunity to apply to XYZ firm... or something along those lines.
Since you've had a very relevant work experience, bring that up first. If a trader reads this letter, he/she will say who are you and how can you make my life better (either easier or more profitable). Mention that mentorship right up front. Instead of opening up with offer to apply theory, say 'I had experience trading live and I managed to do xyz there, resulting in xx% P&L' or whatever.
Having said that, you can take out stuff like the fact that you can use bloomberg. It's obvious you know how to use it if you traded at a respectable prop firm.
On top of that you can take out the second paragraph completely.... You want to sound as little as like a wet-behind-the-ear student, and more like a star trader ready for the big leagues.
Your closing paragraph is good.
I hope my suggestions help.
Good luck with your application... hope you get in ;)
cheers,
M
so discretionary it hurts
Yea I know it is really difficult but it is the field where I have tangible experience and out of the many things I've done public accounting, owning a business, or operations for Bloomberg. It was the role where I was happiest with my career. Thanks guys for all of the advice I will adjust my cover letter to reflect it. For mzara, what if I was only able to work there for 5 months? That being the case I was able to learn about different strategies to trade equities however, I was still in the process of becoming profitable and refining the strategies I was taught.
Honestly it's way too damn long. No one is going to read that.
Star with you excitement to be applying. Then basically jump into you relevant trading experience under strong mentorship. Then say how that translated into $xx of pnl. Lastly spend 2 sentences mentioning your time at business school and you know how to look at business fundamentals, not just trading technicals.
Given this, you value their additional training they can provide to make you even more well rounded, but would love to speak more in person about what you can bring to FNYS.
It really doesn't need to be much longer than my above post.
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