Broke a cardinal rule in cover letter, should I admit to it? - Interview in a few hours
So I broke the cardinal rule of cover letters ie sending a copy and paste of a letter I had previously used. Even worse it was for an entirely different industry and company (management consulting / McKinsey). The problem is that while I did adjust the cover letter to match investment banking I left out a glaring referrence to McKinsey when I used the term "The Firm" . Somehow the banks seem to have missed this and have invited me to interview (which I am ecstatic about) but I beleive that anyone who reads the later with 100% attention instead of just scanning it will notice the referrence.
My question is should I preempt any discussion about it in the interview(ie control the narrative) or do I leave it till the interviewer brings it up and somehow try and bullshit about how my interest in managment consulting is closely related to investment banking? Plus any ideas on how to make that link
No one is going to read it.
No, do not bring it up voluntarily. If they call you out on it, there's nothing you can do but own up to it. As far as your explanation (not excuse but explanation) goes, do not talk about how similar consulting is to IB. That's just stupid and is not really the case. Frankly, I would just say it was an honest mistake, and while I do not want to place all my eggs in one basket, whether it's between industries or between companies, I'm interested in your company and I can prove it throughout the rest of the interview. Then kill the rest of the interview.
Thanks, I'll go with that and keep my fingers crossed
What the magnum said.
People read cover letters?
As someone who has done 100s of interviews, I can say that no one reads cover letters.
From your handle it seems you are talking about the consulting industry. Correct?
I think you should send an email to everyone you're interviewing with outlining what happened before you arrive. Only way to tackle this thing head on.
Yes, perfect. Also, I'd fix the cover letter, print it on very thick scented paper, and mail it (USPS) to all parties involved e.g. Interviewing bankers, bank HR, school career center, business school dean and exec board
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