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

Updated 28 August 2022

Finance can be a very competitive industry, so every aspect of your application can affect your eligibility when looking for a new position. Your cover letter can showcase your strengths and qualifications that may persuade an employer that you can succeed in the position. To write a cover letter that impresses potential employers, consider what skills you have and how to best present them. In this article, we discuss what a financial analyst cover letter is, how to write one with a template and an example, as well as three tips for a strong cover letter.

What is a financial analyst cover letter?

A financial analyst cover letter is a letter you can include with your CV when applying for a job as a financial analyst. Cover letters are typically short and contain a few additional facts about your qualifications, experience or the reasons why you're seeking a particular job to provide context to your CV. You can use this additional document to showcase your professionalism and your strong communication skills.

It's typical to include a cover letter with a physical copy of your CV. However, as emailing applications become more popular, you can include your cover letter in the body of your email and attach your CV. If you're applying online, many employers provide a section to include a cover letter. Read the instructions of an application to provide all the documentation and information that the application requests. If they don't ask for a cover letter, you can still provide one, unless the employer specifically states not to send one.

How to write a financial analyst cover letter

Here are some steps you can follow to write a financial analyst cover letter:

1. Review the job posting

Before you begin to write your cover letter, review the instructions in the job posting. This can help you clarify what they are looking for in an applicant so you can tailor your cover letter to their specifications. For example, if the posting calls for a financial analyst with five years of experience, you can choose to highlight your previous experience in your cover letter.

Related: How to Write a Cover Letter

2. Include your contact information

At the beginning of your letter, you can include your contact information so that potential employers can respond to your application. You can also include the name of the city you live in to satisfy company requirements. For example, potential employers may prefer to recruit someone who is already familiar with the area and doesn't have to relocate. If you're using a template, use the same header as your CV, which usually includes your name and contact information, However, if you're typing a cover letter into an online job application, you may not need to include your contact information again.

3. Add a greeting

To begin your cover letter, address the recruiter for the position to show you're detail-oriented and invested in this specific position. If you don't know the name of the recruiter, try searching for the company on social media for more information. Otherwise, you can address the letter simply to the recruiter. The most commonly used greeting is "Dear [Hiring Manager]" because it's professional without being too formal.

4. Describe relevant skills

Describe how your skill set positions you to succeed in a financial analyst position. You can do this by providing anecdotes that relate to tangible business results you have worked towards. For example, if you have increased profits or capital gains by a specific percentage, you can include those anecdotes in your cover letter. Relating your skills to specific scenarios or results can make them more meaningful and keep them from being generic.

6. Include a conclusion

After you have represented your skills to the best of your ability, you can conclude your cover letter by restating your interest in the position and establishing the next steps. You can mention that you're going to follow up at a specific date to show that you are proactive. If you mention the next steps, it is important to follow through with them after you have sent your cover letter. For example, if you end your letter by saying you're going to call in two days to find out more about the position, be sure to follow up with that call.

Related: How to End a Cover Letter

8. Add your signature

Finish your cover letter with a signature. You can choose from the following list of signatures to keep your professional tone:

Sincerely
Respectfully
Best Regards
Thank You

Follow your signature with your name. If it's a digital cover letter, you can type your name, and if it is a physical cover letter, you can sign it.

9. Proofread your cover letter

Your cover letter is a representation of your attention to detail and your ability to perform successfully as a financial analyst, so consider proofreading it before you send it. Proofreading can help you catch small typos and eliminate irrelevant information. Most cover letters are brief so check for conciseness when editing.

Template

Here is a template you can use when writing your financial analyst cover letter:

[Your name]

[Phone number]

[Email address]

[Name of city or town you live in]

Dear [Name of hiring manager],

I am applying for the financial analyst position that was posted [where you saw the posting.] I am a financial analyst with [number of years] of experience with [area of expertise].

As a valued member of [company name]'s financial team, I contributed to the following:

[include three instances of quantifiable successes that you contributed to during your previous experience.]

I am interested in your position because it aligns with my expertise and goals of [name one to three goals that align with the company mission.] I will reach out to you in the following week to follow up on my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Example

Here is an example of a cover letter for a financial analyst you can use as a guide when writing your cover letter:

Margaret Herrera
+44 5555 555555
London, UK

Dear Nina Grant,

I am applying for the financial analyst position that was posted on your website. I am a financial analyst with a Master's degree in financial analytics and five years of experience at Wise Financial managing complex initiatives for publicly held companies and global industries.

As a valued member of Wise Financial's analyst team, I contributed to the following:

Facilitated acquisitions of deals up to 100 million pounds.
Provided analysis that contributed to the approval of business cases valued at 200 million pounds
Developed analytical and operational solutions throughout multiple departments.

I am interested in your position because it aligns with my expertise in forecasting and budget processes, and my goals of taking on a leadership position through a managerial role. I will reach out to you in the following week to follow up on my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
Margaret Herrera

Tips for writing a financial analyst cover letter

Here are some tips you can use when writing your cover letter:

Focus on desirable skills

A strong applicant for a financial analyst position has specific skills they can use to succeed in any position. These are the skills that you may want to highlight in your cover letter. Think of specific times you illustrated those skills to provide evidence in your cover letter. Here are some notable skills you can mention:

Analytical skills
Leadership skills
Decision-making skills
Mathematical skills
Attention to detail

Use keywords

Many companies use database filters to go through cover letters and CVs to find the right candidate quickly. You can use keywords you find in the job posting, or other industry-relevant terminology to satisfy the criteria of the filters. Consider the keywords you used to search for the posting. These can indicate what keywords the recruiter associated with the posting. Using the same terminology can help you get through the filters and into the hands of someone who is reading CVs for their content and qualifications over specific keywords.

Customise your content

Your cover letter is stronger when you tailor it to the specific role. If the company has a speciality, or if the position posting mentions specific skills, you can rewrite the body of your cover letter to address those skills specifically. You may have a variety of skills that you know make a good financial analyst. The purpose of customising your letter is to show the employer that your skills align with their needs. For example, if the financial institution frequently works with overseas markets, you can focus on your experience with them.