How to Write a Finance Cover Letter (With Template and Example)

When applying for a job in finance, an effective cover letter can help you communicate your qualifications to recruiters. A cover letter can provide a great opportunity to address potential employers directly, share your personality and convince recruiters you're the right person for the job. Spending extra time on your cover letter, especially for more advanced positions, can help you make a good first impression on employers. In this article, we define what a finance cover letter is, explain why it's important and list steps you can use to create a compelling cover letter.

What is a finance cover letter?

A cover letter, or cover email, is a document that accompanies a CV or finance job application. It can give recruiters relevant background on candidates' personality, qualifications and experience. It also gives job seekers an opportunity to share why they want to work for a specific company. Cover letters are typically A4 sized and give details about how a candidate's skills and experience make them the best choice for a specific role. Usually, candidates use cover letters to address employers directly and they are more personalised than CVs.

Related: How To Write a Cover Letter

Why is a cover letter important?

Cover letters are important because you can use them to communicate exactly how your experience and background qualify you for a position in finance. You can tell the company why you're excited to join their team and why your unique personality, knowledge and skill set would benefit their operation. Cover letters can give context to your CV and provide background on some of the information you included. This can give potential employers a clearer view of who you are as an employee and see how well you'd fit into their company.

How to write an effective finance cover letter

If you are interested in writing a finance cover letter that attracts the attention of employers, here are some steps you can take:

1. Find a template

Templates can help you organise your thoughts and create a cover letter that's easy for employers to understand and read. You can use this guide as a template or find one of many options online. Looking at examples can give you ideas for what to include in your own cover letter.

2. Include relevant contact information

Begin your cover letter with your name and contact information. Consider formatting this the same way as your CV, that way it's clear the two documents go together. Make sure your name and contact information are easily accessible, so, if an employer wants to contact you to ask questions or schedule an interview, it's easy for them to find the best way to connect with you.

After your own details, include the details of the intended recipient. This can help make it clear exactly where you intend the letter to go and ensure the recruiter sees it. It can also be a good idea to date your letter. This can help recruiters to know when you applied for the position.

Related: How To Address a Cover Letter (With Examples)

3. Include a greeting

Your greeting can help your letter feel personalised. Try to research the company before writing your letter to determine who the recruiter is. You can also reach out to the company to ask who's reviewing CVs and cover letters. By addressing your letter directly to the recruiter, you can show that you're a dedicated candidate who took the time to research the position. If you can't find the name of the contact at the company, you can simply address your letter with a greeting like, 'to whom it may concern.'

4. Provide background information

Depending on the length of your paragraphs, plan to include two or three body paragraphs in your cover letter. In the first, include relevant background information. You can start by introducing yourself and describing who you are as a candidate. Include some of the finance experience listed on your CV. Be sure to describe who you are, why you're interested in the opportunity and how you learned about the position.

Consider including your university qualifications here, along with any previous employment or relevant experience you have that can support your application. Even though your CV often repeats this information, including it in your cover letter can help the reader quickly see why you're a good fit for the job. List experience of working with particular software too, as this is an important aspect of working in finance. Tell the reader what software you've used in the past or new skills you're interested in learning.

5. Explain why you want to work in finance

In your second paragraph, explain to the employer why you want to work in the finance sector. This can be a great place to personalise your cover letter to fit a specific opportunity. Explain why your skills lend themselves to the role and show that you're genuinely interested in pursuing a career in finance. If you graduated recently or have little work experience, tell the reader what made you choose finance as a path. Including personal information can make you more memorable to a recruiter that is reading through a pile of applications.

6. Say why you want to work for the company

In your last paragraph, tell the employer your reason for applying. Use this portion of your cover letter to express your sincere interest in the position. Personalising your cover letter can show employers you took the time to research their company and have thought hard about the role. Understanding a company and a position can help you write a letter that stands out and makes it easy for employers to envision you in their role.

Related: How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

7. Conclude your letter

Before you sign off, consider concluding your letter with an optimistic statement. You can tell recruiters you look forward to hearing from them or that you're eager to speak more about your qualifications. If needed, you can also use this section to list your availability or preferred contact method.

Sample cover letter template

Here is a sample cover letter template you can use to help you format your cover letter:

[Full name]
[Address]
[Phone number]
[Email address]

[Recruiter's full name and title]
[Company name]
[Company address]
[Date of writing]

Dear [recruiting manager name or 'To whom it may concern'],

[Introduction and relevant job experience].

[Reason for working in the finance sector].

[Why you want to work for the company].

[Conclusion],

[Name]

Related: How To Structure a Cover Letter (With Example)

Example finance cover letter

Here is an example of a finance cover letter using the above format:

Sally Jones 10 Smithson Street
London
SW1A 2AA

Larry Hamill, HR supervisor
Firehouse Loan and Mortgage
90 Madison Street
London
W1F 7RF

Dear Mr. Hamill,

My name is Sally Jones and I am writing to express my sincere interest in your position of financial analyst. I graduated from university in 2019 with a major in finance. During my schooling, I studied various aspects of finance, including economics, business management and reporting methods. Since graduating, I've worked as a financial advisor for the last two years. My current job has taught me many practical skills and methods and I'm eager to learn more about financial analysis. I think my energy and enthusiasm would make me a valuable addition to your team.

In my current position, I work with SQL and have developed extreme proficiency with it. I'm excited to continue growing my knowledge of the loan process. While at university, I wrote my final dissertation on microfinance banks, which meant that I could really take time to learn and understand a very specific aspect of finance. This work gave me great insight into how the systems work and cemented in my mind that this is a sector that I want to pursue a career in.

As a company that provides financial advice to many small businesses, I would love the opportunity to join your team and work with small businesses myself. I have always been a supporter of independent start-ups and working with your award-winning team would be a valuable experience. I recently met some of your team during a recruitment event, and while talking to them I really felt their passion for their job and your company. I felt as though I connected with their ideas and it made me excited to apply for this role.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you!

Sally Jones