Unique and apparently effective cover letter goes viral

This was sent at 1:15PM on Monday and made its way around to several bulge, boutique and MM IBs, along with some PE shops and HFs.

I found it to be quite good and the responses from the email chain were surprisingly positive. Maybe it will get him some interviews.

Dear Mr. X:

My name is **** and I am an undergraduate finance student at *****. I met you the summer before last at Smith & Wollensky’s in New York when I was touring the east coast with my uncle. I just wanted thank you for taking the time to talk to me that night.

I am writing you to inquire about a possible summer internship in your office. I am aware it is highly unusual for undergraduates from average universities like **** to intern at ****, but nevertheless I was hoping you might make an exception. I am extremely interested in investment banking and would love nothing more than to learn under your tutelage. I have no qualms about fetching coffee, shining shoes or picking up laundry, and will work for next to nothing. In all honesty, I just want to be around professionals in the industry and gain as much knowledge as I can.

I won’t waste your time inflating my credentials, throwing around exaggerated job titles, or feeding you a line of crap about how my past experiences and skill set align perfectly for an investment banking internship. The truth is I have no unbelievably special skills or genius eccentricities, but I do have a near perfect GPA and will work hard for you. I’ve interned for Merrill Lynch in the Wealth Management Division and taken an investment banking class at ***, for whatever that is worth.

I am currently awaiting admission results for **** Masters of Science in Accountancy program, which I would begin this fall if admitted. I am also planning on attending law school after my master’s program, which we spoke about in New York. I apologize for the blunt nature of my letter, but I hope you seriously consider taking me under your wing this summer. I have attached my resume for your review. Feel free to call me at #, or email at #@yahoo.com. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

****

14 Comments
 
LHDanAuto-ding for saying "a MLB" instead of "an MLB"?
Like I said, his writing is 8th grade level at best. No reason a cover letter should look like that.
 
newfirstyearFYI - I've had this letter recirculate back to me about 3 times today, I'm pretty sure every bank on the street has called him as far as I can tell. And I haven't seen a single negative comment about it.

Quite frankly, the kid is honest, and doesn't beat around the bush. Unfortunately, this is something that can only be done by one person once.

False, sending honest, from the heart, blunt emails like this can be done as long as people continue to try to stress their experiences. Which will be forever.
 

I think the majority of people, 70%, that want to get into investment banking are just as eager as that kid. It's just that most people are discouraged from writing a cover letter like that 1. because it doesn't follow the M&I template or being unique is put down and 2. people say cover letters are of little importance. Regardless, that guy is probably shitting himself. Good for him.

 

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