sales and trading internship cover letter

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Sales and trading cover letter: example and tips.

When applying to any sales and trading role you’ll need to have always prepared two things: a resume and a cover letter. However, there’s no getting around the fact that the former is much more important than the latter.

Think about the interview process from your interviewer’s perspective: they’re not just interviewing you, but potentially up to ten different people over a day or two. And these interviews – whether a first round or a superday – are usually being conducted during market hours where they (obviously!) have other things on their mind.

So, your interviewer isn’t going to spend a lot of time thoughtfully combing through your resume and reading through your cover letter prior to interviews beginning; given how many interviews will be occurring, that would involve a lot of prep time.

As a result, here’s the process that most doing interviewers will follow: prior to the interview, they’ll do a quick scan of your resume, looking at where you’re attending college and what past experiences you’ve had, and then judge you primarily on how you perform during the interview.

If they’ve been given a copy of your cover letter, which isn’t always the case, then they may quickly scan it as well (in particular, if they think you have an interesting resume). But most will just casually glance at the cover letter (again, if it’s even been provided to them to begin with).  

So, the reality is that your cover letter isn’t going to be something that’s closely scrutinized at every step of the interview process. But that doesn’t mean that your cover letter isn’t important.

The reality is that all resumes – especially for summer analysts – will look quite similar from a formatting and content perspective. In other words, there isn’t much variability. However, there is a ton of variability when it comes to the cover letters received from applicants: some make them far too long, some have loads of grammatical mistakes, some are more akin to personal statements that you’d use for getting into college, etc.

Therefore, even though your cover letter won’t be read by everyone, having a cover letter that conforms to a proper format and touches on a few key points is impressive and is a way that you can standout from the crowd.

Because even though your cover letter won’t be read by everyone involved in the recruiting process, you can be sure that it’ll be read (perhaps very quickly) by at least a few people. There are always some interviewers who, if they’re impressed by an applicant or are on the fence about them, will take a look at their cover letter to see how it’s formatted, how well it’s written, and what topics are touched on.

In the end, there are only so many ways to try to stand out in the sales and trading interview process. So, even though a cover letter may not be nearly as important as your resume, or how you perform during the interview, it will be read by someone at some point and could help land you a role.

The good news is that your cover letter can follow a bit of a “template” format, where you can just swap out the names of banks, so you don’t need to spend countless hours crafting a unique cover letter for every place you’re applying to.

Personally, I’ve always been impressed by cover letters that are properly formatted and hit some key points, even if they’re a bit generic, because it shows you “get” how cover letters are supposed to look. And, as I’ve discussed many times before, when applying to sales and trading one of the best ways to stand out is just to show you “get” what is involved (i.e., that you understand what market making is, that you understand the structure of desks and what desks are out there, etc.).

Sales and Trading Cover Letter

Below is a breakdown of how to structure and write your sales and trading cover letter. Included is also a template to show you what a submitted version should look like (although you’ll obviously need to make some personalized modifications to it).

Sales and Trading Cover Letter Format

Sales and trading cover letter example, sales and trading cover letter tips.

As I mentioned in the preamble, there’s an incredible amount of variability when it comes to the cover letters that are received; with some being far too long, some being far too personal, and some showing a lack of understanding (unintentionally) of what sales and trading is all about.

So, here are some formatting rules that your cover letter should follow. Needless to say, you don’t have to use all of these – but they’ll create a cover letter that stands out for being nicely formatted and, more importantly, doesn’t standout due to being abnormally formatted!

• Your cover letter should, under no circumstances, be over a page. In fact, it should be short enough that there’s significant white space on the page. Having a short cover letter makes it more likely it’ll be read and just looks more conventional.
• Your cover letter should be centered on the page with 11- or 12-point font – use whatever font you used for your resume, traditionally most will use something like Arial.
• Your cover letter should be three-to-six paragraphs and no paragraph should be more overly long (you don’t want there to be a wall of text anywhere). Don’t worry about indenting paragraphs.
• Your address should be in the top right-hand corner (several spaces down from the top).
• The date you’re submitting the cover letter should be three or four spaces below the address (right-aligned).
• You should use “To Whom it May Concern:” as the greeting, left-aligned.
• All paragraphs in the body should be full-width justified.

When it comes to the actual content of the cover letter, here’s the general approach that I’d follow:

• The first paragraph should cover who you are, what you’re studying, and any quasi-relevant experience you have (i.e., a prior internship related to finance).
• The middle paragraphs should state why you’re interested in sales and trading, which always works best if you can tie it back to past experiences (i.e., internships, clubs on campus, etc.). Then you should provide a bit of detail on the areas of sales and trading that are of most interest and why you’re specifically applying to this bank (i.e., because it has a rotational program, because of your past conversations with current employees, etc.).
• The closing paragraph should thank the reader for their time, and below that you should state your full name (followed below by your college e-mail address and your phone number).

In the end, you want to keep your cover letter simple and well formatted. You don’t want to be overly verbose, and you don’t want to say anything too specific about your exact interests in a certain desk if you’re applying to a summer analyst position.

For example, you don’t want to say you’re really interested in the equity derivatives desk, as that can seem a bit presumptuous, especially if the person who’s reading your cover letter is on a rates or credit desk. The obvious exception here is if you’re applying specifically for a certain desk, in which case you should make your interest in the desk clear and explain why.

Below is the text for a pretty good (albeit slightly generic) sales and trading cover letter. Your aim should be to craft a cover letter that can be reasonably quickly edited, as you’ll be applying to a number of different banks.

Needless to say, the text of the cover letter below isn’t perfectly formatted according to the rules I’ve listed above! So, to see the cover letter properly formatted in PDF format, just click here: sales and trading cover letter .

Here’s the cover letter content:

To Whom It May Concern:

I am currently a rising sophomore at Harvard College pursuing a concentration in economics and last summer completed an asset management internship at [X].

During my time at [X] I became increasingly interested in markets and, more specifically, the role that sales and trading professionals play in them. As a result, given how opaque the world of sales and trading is, I began networking as broadly as possible in an attempt to better understand the nature of the roles that exist and the attributes of various desks.

As you can imagine, these conversations have given me an appreciation for just how diverse a mix of roles and desks exist within the sales and trading universe. Indeed, this is partly why I’m so excited to be applying for a summer analyst position in sales and trading – especially at a firm as storied as [Y].

While I can’t confess to knowing exactly what desk is right for me yet, my work last summer did lead to an initial interest in [Z] – and I know [Y] is a leader in [Z] trading among, obviously, many other areas.

From all of those I’ve talked to, [Y] has a phenomenal summer analyst program that, due to it being rotational, provides a summer analyst broad exposure so they can figure out where exactly they best fit and can best contribute to the firm. The latter being something that I’d hope to do for many years to come.

Thank you very much for your consideration. Should there be any further questions, please let me know.

First and Last Name

In the above template, you’ll obviously have to change a few things around to make it fit your background (i.e., change the college and major, change around the past internship, etc.). But once you’ve crafted your own cover letter in this vein then you just need to swap out the name of the bank you’re applying to, and also change the second to last sentence based on if it’s a rotational or a fixed-placement program (if it’s fixed-placement, then just say that it will allow you to get a deeper understanding of a desk as opposed to only getting brief exposure as occurs in a rotational program).

Note: What you should be putting in [Z] is a broad asset type, not a specific desk. So, for example, you could say you’ve developed a general interest in rates or credit. But you shouldn’t say you’ve developed a specific interest in equity derivatives or interest rate swaps (as that’s a bit too specific and could be viewed as some as a bit presumptuous given your lack of experience).  

Whenever you’re applying to a hyper-competitive role, you want to take every opportunity to standout that you possibly can. The reality is – at least for sales and trading - the best way to standout with your cover letter is to keep it short, well-formatted, and hit on a few key themes (i.e., that you’ve talked to people in the industry, that you know the program is rotational or not, etc.).

You don’t want to be too over-the-top in what you’re saying, and you also don’t want to be too specific with what desk you want to end up on (unless you’re applying for a specific desk). Instead, you want to keep everything very professional, well-worded, and show that you’ve developed a reasonably good understanding of what sales and trading involves (i.e., by saying you’ve tried to better understand the role of those in sales and trading, aren’t sure exactly what desk is right for you, etc.).

In the end, it’s not a given that too many will read your cover letter. But even if they just briefly glance at it, as they flip over to your resume, if it’s well formatted (i.e., followed the rules I mentioned above) that leaves a subtly positive impression. And, when it comes to applying to hyper-competitive roles, those subtly positive impressions can make all the difference.

While it’s a safe assumption that the vast majority of your interviewers are not going to have read your cover letter, it’s an equally safe assumption that at least a few people involved in the process will have glanced at it.

Therefore, it’s worth putting time into creating a personalized template – following the general rules and format I’ve gone through in this post – that you can then quickly change around for each bank you’re applying to.

In the end, it shouldn’t take you more than an afternoon to create your own cover letter and then personalize it for each bank that you’re applying to. Just make sure, prior to submitting your cover letter, that you double check you’ve put in the right bank name! You’d be surprised how many cover letters at Goldman express the candidate’s interest in working at JPM!

If you’re currently gearing up for interviews, beyond getting your cover letter and resume in order, be sure to go through the sales and trading primer and review all the sales and trading interview questions I’ve put together here as well.

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Professional Sales Intern Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your sales intern cover letter must immediately grab attention. Highlight your enthusiasm for sales right from the start. Demonstrate your ability to learn and adapt quickly. Convince the reader of your potential to contribute to their team's success.

Cover Letter Guide

Sales Intern Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Sales Intern Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Embarking on your job hunt, you've likely realized the importance of a standout sales intern cover letter to complement your resume. Crafting this crucial document can be daunting; it's not about echoing your resume but weaving a narrative around your proudest professional triumph. Striking a balance between formality and originality—a task often riddled with clichés—is key. And remember, brevity is your ally; your story must captivate within the confines of a single page. Let's tackle these challenges together and create a cover letter that opens doors.

• Personalize your sales intern cover letter and get inspired by other professionals to tell a compelling story;
• Format and design your sales intern cover letter to make an excellent first impression;
• Introduce your best achievement in your sales intern cover letter to recruiters;
• How to make sure recruiters get in touch with you, using your sales intern cover letter greeting and closing paragraphs.

What is more, did you know that Enhancv's AI can write your cover letter for you? Just upload your sales intern resume and get ready to forward your job application in a flash.

If the sales intern isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Sales Intern resume guide and example
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Sales Intern cover letter example

Darren Whales

New York, NY

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Demonstrating relevant experience: The cover letter highlights a specific project where the candidate led a social media engagement campaign, showing direct experience and results which are relevant to sales and marketing roles.
• Quantifying achievements: The candidate uses percentages to quantify the impact of their work, such as the 20% boost in brand awareness and 10% increase in lead generation, which effectively showcases their contribution to past initiatives.
• Alignment with company goals: The writer makes a clear connection between their past work and the strategic objectives of the potential employer, suggesting that they can align their skills and efforts to the company's mission.
• Proactive stance: By expressing an eagerness to bring success and dedication to the team and inviting the hiring manager to discuss their fit for the role, the candidate shows a proactive mindset, which is often appreciated in sales-oriented jobs.

The must-have sections and format of your sales intern cover letter

When writing your sales intern cover letter, keep in mind that it'll only be read by the recruiters and not the Applicant Tracker System (or software used to assess your profile). That's why you should structure your content with a/an:

• Header (apart from your contact information, include your name, the role you're applying for, and the date);
• Personalized salutation;
• Opening paragraph to win the recruiters over;
• Middle paragraph with key details;
• Closing that starts from clichés;
• Sign off (that's not mandatory).

Industry standards dictate your paragraphs to be single-spaced and to wrap your content in a one-inch margin. Designing your sales intern cover letter, refer to one of our templates , which automatically takes care of the spacing and margins.

Choose the same font for your sales intern cover letter as you did for your resume : the likes of Lato and Bitter would help you to stand out in a sea of cover letters in Arial or Times New Roman.

Export your whole sales intern cover letter from our builder in PDF to keep the same formatting and image quality.

The top sections on a sales intern cover letter

• Header: This section includes your contact information, the date, and the employer's details, which is crucial for ensuring that your application reaches the correct person and demonstrates attention to detail.
• Greeting: A personalized greeting addresses the hiring manager by name and shows that you’ve done your research to find out who will be reading your cover letter, making it more impactful.
• Introduction: Here you should introduce yourself as a sales intern candidate, briefly mention your enthusiasm for sales, and highlight the research you've done on the company, demonstrating both your interest in the role and your proactive nature.
• Body: The body of your cover letter is where you elaborate on your relevant coursework, experiences, sales skills, and any successful projects or achievements that show your potential value to the sales team, making a direct connection between your background and the internship's requirements.
• Closing: In your closing section, reiterate your excitement for the opportunity, express your hope for an interview, and include a proactive statement about following up, showing your determination and commitment to taking initiative, which is highly valued in sales roles.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Strong communication skills: Sales require persuasive and clear communication with potential clients, and an ability to convey product value effectively.
• Customer service experience: Experience in customer service shows that the candidate can handle client inquiries and maintain positive customer relationships.
• Proactive attitude: A proactive intern takes initiative, seeks out new sales opportunities, and brings fresh ideas to the team.
• Ability to work in a team: Sales often involve collaboration with different departments, so being a team player is crucial for a sales intern.
• Eagerness to learn: Sales tactics and market trends are always evolving, and a desire to learn signifies that the intern will stay updated and improve their skills.
• Sales coursework or projects: Relevant academic experiences such as courses or projects can demonstrate foundational knowledge in sales principles and strategies.

What matters most when tailoring your sales intern cover letter salutation

Your sales intern cover letter greeting should feel welcoming to recruiters.

Use their first name (e.g. "Dear Marshall" or "Dear Sara"), if you've previously been in touch with the hiring manager and are on a more friendly basis.

If this is the first time you're contacting the recruiters, start your sales intern cover letter with:

• their last name (e.g. "Dear Ms. Ali" or "Dear Mr. Stevens") - look up who's the hiring manager for the role on social media or the company website;
• generalized greeting (e.g. "Dear HR Team") - just don't use "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam".

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Company Name] Team,
• Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
• Dear [Department] Department,
• Dear [Job Title] Search Committee,
• Dear [Company Name] Recruitment Team,

How to start your sales intern cover letter introduction

The opening paragraph of your sales intern cover letter can seem like a real enigma.

Where do you start writing ?

In your sales intern cover letter introduction, focus on yourself by stating what:

• gets you motivated and excited about the role;
• you like best about the company, from culture to awards.

Write no more than two sentences, which are both authentic and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

How to write an achievement-focused sales intern cover letter body

We've got the intro and greeting covered. Now, comes the most definitive part of your sales intern cover letter - the body .

In the next three to six paragraphs, you'd have to answer why should recruiters hire you.

What better way to do this than by storytelling?

And, no, you don't need a "Once upon a time" or "I started from the bottom and made it to the top" career-climbing format to tell a compelling narrative.

Instead, select up to three most relevant skills for the job and look back on your resume.

Find an achievement, that you're proud of, which has taught you these three job-crucial skills.

Quantify your accomplishment, using metrics, and be succinct in the way you describe it.

The ultimate aim would be to show recruiters how this particular success has built up your experience to become an invaluable candidate.

Thinking about the closing paragraph of your sales intern cover letter

Before your signature, you have extra space to close off your sales intern cover letter .

Use it to either make a promise or look to the future.

Remind recruiters how invaluable of a candidate you are by showing what you plan to achieve in the role.

Also, note your availability for a potential next meeting (in person or over the telephone).

By showing recruiters that you're thinking about the future, you'd come off as both interested in the opportunity and responsible.

Sales Intern cover letter advice for candidates with no experience

If you're worried about writing your Sales Intern cover letter and have no professional experience , we sure have some advice for you.

Turn recruiters' attention to your transferable or relevant skills gained thanks to your life and work experience.

Instead of writing about past jobs, focus on one achievement (whether from your volunteering experience, education, etc.) and the skills it has helped you build.

Alternatively, you could focus your Sales Intern cover letter on your career objectives and goals. Always remember to make those relevant to the job you're applying for by detailing how you see yourself growing as part of the company.

Recruiters would be way more impressed with candidates who fit the job profile and can bring about plenty of skills and vision to the table.

Key takeaways

Winning at your job application game starts with a clear and concise sales intern cover letter that:

• Has single-spaced paragraphs, is wrapped in a one-inch margin, and uses the same font as the sales intern resume;
• Is personalized to the recruiter (using their name in the greeting) and the role (focusing on your one key achievement that answers job requirements);
• Includes an introduction that helps you stand out and show what value you'd bring to the company;
• Substitutes your lack of experience with an outside-of-work success, that has taught you valuable skills;
• Ends with a call for follow-up or hints at how you'd improve the organization, team, or role.

Cover letter examples by industry

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Enhancv harnesses the capabilities of ChatGPT to provide a streamlined interface designed specifically focused on composing a compelling cover letter without the hassle of thinking about formatting and wording.

• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
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• Lightning-fast responses

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How to Write an Internship Cover Letter [Expert Advice & Examples]

Published: May 31, 2024

It’s been a few years since I applied for my first internship, but I still remember the difficulties I encountered. After I finally crafted an eye-catching resume , I faced the daunting prospect of creating an internship cover letter for every application; I honestly didn’t know what to include or the tone I should strike.

Although I got the internship, in the end, I never found out whether my academic achievements, experience, or well-crafted cover letter got my foot in the door. However, I’ve always been curious.

With the benefit of hindsight — and some guidance from cover letter experts and hiring professionals — I’m here to help you write a winning internship cover letter. Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship

Writing my own internship cover letter, internship cover letter examples, internship cover letter templates.

• Include your name, date, location, and contact information.
• Include the company name, department, and address.
• Address the hiring manager.
• Set the context for your application.
• Sell your experience and personalize your cover letter.
• Think about your cover letter’s readers (humans and machines).
• Close the letter with grace and a call to action.
• Proofread, proofread, and proofread.

I’ve seen some creatively designed cover letters, but in my opinion, you can’t go wrong with the traditional business letter format, which you’ll find in our free cover letter templates .

Download our cover letter templates …

Business professionals use this format style to apply for full-time roles and other purposes, so it’s something you can reuse in the future.

Remember to use formal terms such as “Dear” and “Sincerely,” and lean towards a professional tone in your body copy. Even if you know the recruiter personally, always use formal salutations instead of “Hey!” or Hi [name]. ”

1. Include your name, date, location, and contact information.

Ensure you provide your contact information, such as your phone number, email, and location, on your internship cover letter.

Since you’ll probably be sending your cover letter online (through an email or web form), you don’t need to provide your full home address — your city and state should be enough for most positions.

Your Address

Your City, State, Zip Code

Cell: 555-555-5555

Email: [email protected]

2. Include the company name, department, and address.

With your personal information out of the way, it’s time to showcase your research skills a little. Do an internet search to find the full name and address of the company you’re applying to. Try to dig deep to find the department name, but leave it out if you’re unsure.

If the internship will be remote, use the company’s general headquarters address if the internship will be remote.

City, State Zip

3. Address the hiring manager.

Tempted to type “To whom it may concern” or “Dear hiring manager” ? In your hunt for an internship position, you’ll stand out from the crowd by being resourceful. So, channel your inner sleuth by tracking down the hiring manager’s name.

You might find their role description on the company website, but if not, your best bet is to look through LinkedIn.

If you can’t find the hiring manager's name, or you’re unsure if you’re addressing the right person, leave the name out. I think it’s safe to say that sacrificing a bit of personalization is much better than addressing the wrong person in your cover letter.

5 Free Cover Letter Templates

Five fill-in-the-blank cover letter templates to help you impress recruiters.

• Standard Cover Letter Template

Entry-Level Cover Letter Template

• Data-Driven Cover Letter Template

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4. Set the context for your application.

The first paragraph can make or break your internship cover letter and your entire application.

I’ll admit: I’ve always found opening paragraphs tricky, whether they’re for a cover letter, regular email, or a blog post, but they’re essential for creating a strong first impression and engaging the reader.

First, explain how you found out about the company or position. If you know anyone at the company, you can mention them here. Next, express your interest in the company and how it relates to your goals and passions. Also, make sure you get your basic information down, like your name, education level, major, and interests.

Depending on the company and position, you could try a creative approach to get your reader’s attention. Here’s one that worked for me early in my career:

“Can I tell you a secret? I’ve been telling stories since I was five years old. No, not fibbing — real storytelling ...”

A word of warning, though: Be sure to research the company’s culture before taking an approach like this. While this opening statement worked well for startups and more laid-back companies, a big accounting firm might find it culturally off-beat.

Pro tip : Geoffrey Scott , hiring manager and certified professional resume writer at Resume Genius, says, “The cover letters that stand out to me are ones where the candidate’s excitement clearly comes through. Of course, the tone must stay professional, but it shouldn’t be dull. When you’re passionate about what you do, it comes through in your cover letter.”

5. Sell your experience and personalize your cover letter.

Your cover letter isn’t supposed to be a summary of your resume, so go deeper and personalize it for your internship application.

To start, read through the specific position’s description and pick out a few qualities that you think apply to you. I don’t recommend choosing all the descriptors mentioned, as it could appear disingenuous and make your cover letter too long.

For instance, if I see a company looking for someone who’s “outgoing, organized, hardworking, and willing to take criticism,” I would pick the qualities that best describe me and focus on providing examples in the body of my cover letter.

You should cover things like:

• Relevant coursework.
• Soft skills (e.g., teamwork, problem-solving).
• Extracurricular activities (e.g., volunteering).
• Work experience (if any).

That said, make sure you tie them to the internship opportunity. For example, you could say, “I understand that this role requires that I consistently meet deadlines. I held down a part-time job while keeping up with my college assignments, which demonstrates my time management skills.”

Pro tip : If you lack relevant experience, use your research and knowledge to show enthusiasm. Daniel Space , a human resources business partner who has worked with companies like Spotify and WebMD, told me he once hired a French major instead of an HR major for an HR internship.

Why? He explains, " Not only did she clearly articulate how she understood the role … she also spent a few sentences describing the company going through a merger and correctly assuming that her work would be in helping with that.”

6. Think about your cover letter’s readers (humans and machines).

According to Jobscan’s research , 487 out of 500 Fortune 500 companies (97.4%) used an Applicant Tracking System in 2023. If you’re not familiar, this is a tool used to streamline hiring tasks.

Why do they matter for internship cover letters? Well, companies use these systems to filter resumes and cover letters based on keywords.

Ben Lamarche , general manager at recruiting firm Lock Search Group, told me that his company screens internship applications using an application tracking system.

When I asked how applicants could get their cover letters seen by a human, he recommended “ avoiding excessive formatting, sticking to a basic text layout, and including a few important words from the internship description, such as the precise requirements for skills and knowledge.”

Pro tip: Wondering how long your internship cover letter should be? I recommend you limit it to under a page or around 250 to 400 words. Also, use shorter paragraphs to break up the text.

Here’s what Indrė Padegimienė , talent acquisition specialist at Omnisend, has to say on the matter: “Recruiters are pretty busy people with hundreds of applications to review, so clear and concise communication is key. A five-page cover letter won’t get you a job.”

7. Close the letter with grace and a call to action.

If the internship application does not explicitly state “ please do not contact, ” you might choose to conclude by specifying how you will follow up, such as, “I will call next week to see if my qualifications are a match,” or “I am eager to meet with you to discuss this opportunity, and am available for an interview at a mutually convenient time.”

In your closing paragraph, thank the hiring manager for taking the time to consider you, and end on a positive, confident note, such as, “I look forward to speaking with you soon.”

Pro tip : You may even go a step further and give the hiring manager a call to action . I don’t think it hurts to include a link to your online portfolio , website, or even a YouTube channel where you display your work and personality.

To see how often hiring managers follow through on your calls to action, track the number of clicks on your link using a URL tracker like Bitly .

8. Proofread, proofread, and proofread.

When I asked Scott (Resume Genius) about the cover letter pitfalls he encounters the most, applicants’ lack of proofreading stood out.

After describing the cover letter mistake of simply summarizing what’s in your resume, he shared, “Another common error that could end up costing you a position is having spelling and grammar mistakes, especially if the internship is for anything that requires close attention to detail, like data entry. This seems obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how often I see it.”

Even with the availability of spell-checking tools like Grammarly , internship applicants still submit cover letters riddled with typos. Let me put it this way: You’ve done the hard part of actually writing your internship cover letter, so don’t let small mistakes put employers off.

Pro tip : Some companies provide AI cover letter generators. You simply input your resume and the job description, and you should get a decent-looking cover letter in seconds.

Just remember that while AI generators can save you time, you should check over everything they produce to ensure the AI hasn’t told any tall tales about your hands-on experience or skill set or made any mistakes. As you’ll see in these ChatGPT-generated internship email examples , caution and revisions are advised.

If you’re still unsure after your check-up, get a friend or classmate to proofread your cover letter for clarity and spelling before you finally sign off on it and hit send.

Now, I’ll use the tips I gave you above to craft an internship cover letter. In this sample, I will be applying for an event planning position. I start by including my contact information. That includes an address, phone number, and email address.

I also included the recipient’s contact information including the department I’m applying for.

I start with a greeting and the hiring manager’s name. If you can find a direct contact, referring to the person by name is preferred. From there, I mention that I am a referral and mention my contact at the company. I can then introduce myself and discuss relevant school experience relating to the role.

In the next section, I refer to relevant professional experiences. While these may not apply to an event role in corporate, I mention club work that I’ve done that relates to the role. I also reference an orientation job I held at the university that matches the events skillset.

From there, it’s time to wrap up with a conclusion. I also used Preview’s signature function on my Mac to include a handwritten signature followed by a typed version of my name.

Now, let’s explore some other cover letter examples for inspiration.

To inspire you further, I’ve curated additional internship cover letter examples tailored to different industries and positions. I’ll also explain why each example works and what you can do to evoke a similar response.

1. Hospitality Internship Cover Letter

Why This Cover Letter Example Works

I like that this cover letter demonstrates the applicant’s passion, willingness to learn, and previous industry experience. If I were the hiring manager, I’d shortlist them based on their internship cover letter.

How to Incorporate That Into Your Internship Cover Letter

I recommend you start by analyzing your own transferable skills and experience and seeing how they relate to the internship you're applying for.

Do you have any examples, facts, or figures that you can include in your letter? This will help the hiring manager understand your interest in the position and give them more of a reason to hire you over the competition.

I often see applicants use statements like, “I helped increase my group’s scores by [X]%.” If you have any figures like this, use them, but be honest about the role you played.

2. Supply Chain Internship Cover Letter

I could easily tell that, like many internship applicants, this student had yet to gain professional experience in the field. However, the applicant does a great job of showing enthusiasm for taking on real-world experiences.

They also demonstrate their knowledge of three areas of supply chain management: forecasting, inventory management, and logistics.

Go through your course notes and write down a list of topics and terms relevant to the internship you’re applying for. After I’ve completed coursework, I sometimes need to remind myself of what I’ve covered.

3. Fashion Design Internship Cover Letter

The student wrote a great second paragraph discussing their experience participating in design projects with original pieces that show their “artistic vision.” I also like that the student highlights how their design philosophy aligns well with Sleeves and Thread’s commitment to “pushing boundaries.”

Do your research on the company you’re applying to. You can compliment them on awards they have won or mention how you would fit well within their company culture.

4. Finance Internship Cover Letter

Rebecca takes the time to highlight her skillset, but she also balances her cover letter with reasons why Banking Corporation will be a great fit for her career. She gives plenty of reasons why the company appeals to her, which helps balance the cover letter.

Don’t be afraid to explain what an internship will do for you . Yes, companies want to know how an intern can help them, but they know you’re mainly there to advance your career.

5. Marketing Internship Cover Letter

If you work in marketing or another creative industry, you’ll have more freedom when it comes to drafting your cover letter. Here, Robin takes a novel approach by weaving in colorful language that practically jumps off the page. With just enough pizazz, their personality shines through. I think any marketing hiring manager would be eager to learn more.

Let your creative side run free! On a blank page (a creative’s nightmare, I know!), type out plenty of eye-catching phrases and sentences to showcase your writing skills. Next, see if you can find the right places to add them to your internship cover letter.

If, instead of examples, you’d like a jump-off point, don’t worry — I’ve got you covered. Here are some internship cover letter templates to get your creative juices flowing.

Standard Internship Cover Letter Template

This highly customizable internship cover letter is generic but can serve as the foundation for all your applications.

Data-Driven Internship Cover Letter Template

If your major is data-driven, like STEM, marketing, or accounting, I think this is the internship cover letter template for you. With this template, you can include the data highlights of your class projects and assignments to show the hiring manager that you can support your experience with credible facts.

As you approach your senior year of college, you may be looking for entry-level roles rather than internships. Cover letters are just as important for full-time roles as they are for internships, so use this template to make the transition in your job search.

Wrapping Up Your Internship Cover Letter

Worried about not having enough experience or skills to get your preferred internship? Don’t stress over what you haven’t achieved yet — and remember, everyone starts somewhere.

Instead, take stock of your academic and extracurricular achievements and see how you can apply your skills and experience to an internship.

Then, you’re ready to craft a compelling cover letter that shows you’re competent, enthusiastic, and willing to go the extra mile for every position you apply for. Whether you get your preferred internship or not, you’ll be happy that you gave it your best shot.

Don't forget to share this post!

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How to write an internship cover letter (with examples)

A cover letter is a really important part of most internship applications. Spending the time and effort to produce a great cover letter can be the difference between getting that all-important interview and being ghosted.

In our ultimate guide to internships, we cover all elements of cover letters and have even created 12 template cover letters for you to download and use.

Need to skip to the most relevant part of this guide? You can do so here:

What to include in an internship cover letter?

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Your cover letter should include your contact information, the contact information of the organization you are applying to, the reason you’re applying, and why you’re perfect for this internship position.

Your contact information: Make it easy for the person reading your letter to get in touch with you. In the modern world, your cell number and your email are really important. You can be less specific about your address if you’d like. Either of the below examples work.

You don’t need to include other identifying information such as your age, gender, or race, but some people may choose to include their pronouns.

The company you’re applying to: A lot of organizations that offer internships will be big companies with loads of employees. Therefore you need to be specific.

Finding the name of the person to address your cover letter to, their department, and their location will show that you’ve done your homework, and you’re not just sending out loads of generic letters.

If you’re really struggling to find the right address, and you can’t find it via email or giving the company a call, just use the address where the internship would be located.

Address your letter to the hiring manager: Try to avoid using phrases such as “dear sir/madam” or “to whom it may concern”. Take time to find out who the hiring manager is and address them.

If for any reason you cannot find the name of the hiring manager, then address the company’s hiring committee.

If there is more than one hiring manager, address them all.

Contextualize your application: This should cover how you heard about the company and the position and why this relates to your skills and experience. It’s important to also include why you are a good match for the position, so include your level of education and your major.

You might decide to inject a bit more personality into this statement, but be careful. If you’re applying to a large accounting or law firm, they’ll expect the language you use in your cover letter to be formal. The best thing to do is explore the company’s website and social media and mirror the language and personality that comes across in their tone of voice. Something fun might look like this:

Body of the letter: The body of the cover letter should have sections explaining why you are qualified for this internship and the work or extracurricular experience that you have that is relevant.

For an internship right at the beginning of your career, keep your cover letter to one side of A4 and include between two and three examples. You might find that adding a few bullet points that either focus on your attributes (if you have less experience) or achievements (if you’ve done an internship before) can make this section really clear.

[Experience 2] As a senior majoring in marketing at [College], I have acquired skills in SEO, paid advertising, organic, PR, and social media and hold a 3.7 GPA.

Closing the letter: Make a final point and include a call to action such as “I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your organization at the interview”. If this is an internship in design or similar, you could also include a link to your online portfolio.

Sign off: This should be professional. If you know the name of the person you are addressing then “yours sincerely” if you don’t and are addressing “sir” or “madam” it should be “yours faithfully”.

Top tip: If you’re struggling to remember, it’s “friends aren’t faithful”, so someone whose name you know, a “friend”, is not someone you address faithfully.

If you’d like to use something less formal, you might choose “with best wishes” or “respectfully”.

Signature: If you’re sending the letter in the post, add a handwritten signature. If you’re attaching it to an email, simply sign off with your full name.

A cover letter is your way of telling the story of your resume. It’s often one of the key deciders when a hiring manager is shortlisting applicants for an interview.

It’s important to spend some time and effort on your cover letter so that you can really showcase your skills, experience, and personality.

Format your cover letter professionally: Your cover letter should use a formal business format (unless otherwise stated in the job advert). If you are sending the cover letter via email, you might slightly tweak the format to have your contact details at the bottom of the email’s signature, rather than at the top of the email.

Every cover letter you do should be different: Internship applications are a lot of work. The most successful applications though are those that have clearly read the job advert and customized their application.

Do your research, find out about the company’s mission, vision, and values, speak to previous interns, read reviews, and take a deep dive into their social media.

The more time and effort you spend on your cover letter, the more successful it will be.

Use keywords: If an organization is using an application scanning software then they’ll be searching for keywords and phrases from the job description in your application. Use language that they use when you’re writing your cover letter.

As an example, a company might be looking for a “hard-working intern with excellent timekeeping skills”, you might respond with:

Address any specific points detailed in the job pack: Some job descriptions will ask you to address certain key points in your cover letter. Make sure you address all of them clearly and concisely.

If it’s easier, and to make it clearer for the person reading your application, use subheadings.

Make it specific: Use specific examples and explain why they are relevant. If you don’t have a lot of work experience, detail the modules you’ve taken as part of your college career or the names of relevant papers you have submitted.

You don’t have to talk about every detail of your career and education so far, just choose the ones that are most relevant to your application.

Talk about your academic achievements: Detail information such as your major and minor, classes you’re taking, and relevant projects you have worked on. If leadership is an attribute they are looking for, you could talk about the time you successfully lead a team project.

Extracurricular activities, sports, and voluntary work might all be relevant: No work experience? No problem! Draw on other things that you do alongside your studies such as being in a society, playing a sport, or volunteering at your local dog shelter.

Proof your letter, and then proof it again: Make sure that your application is perfect and that there are no errors such as spelling or grammar mistakes. As well as running your cover letter through a system such as Grammarly, ask friends and family to read through your application.

If you can, ask someone who is a hiring manager and looks at internship applications as part of their job to give you some feedback.

Don’t give up: It can feel like writing cover letters for internships takes over your life.

If you’re unsuccessful, where possible, ask for feedback. Some good feedback could help you to successfully get an internship elsewhere. Know that internship programs tend to be really competitive, but you will get there!

If this is your first internship, you might find it easier to successfully apply to internships at less well-known companies. It could be the foot in the door you need for a more prestigious internship next year.

Internship cover letter examples

These sample cover letters are here for guidance. We’ve covered some of the main industries that offer internships as well as providing some generic examples. These can be downloaded and used as a template for your own applications.

Make sure you follow our tips above so that they’re relevant to your specific experience and the specific internship you’re applying to!

This provides a basic template that you can apply to lots of different internships in different industries.

Read the cover letter below or download it here .

[Email] [Cell number]

[Hiring manager name] [Department] [Company name] [City, state, zip code]

Dear [hiring manager],

I am writing to apply for the [specific internship] that was listed [on your website / at the [school name] career services office]. I am a [insert adjective], [insert adjective 2], and [insert adjective 3] student who would be ideal for this role, and my skills and experience make me a great fit for your organization.

[Experience 1] As editor of my university’s college paper, The Buzz, I am in charge of a team of 50 volunteer writers, photographers, and designers. In the last year, I have grown the paper’s readership by 20% and secured 3 sponsorship deals from local businesses, valued at over £20,000.

[Key statistics] I currently work as a freelance marketeer for [Company Name], a building contractor with over 300 employees. For over 18 months I have grown their social media accounts and developed content for their website. During this time I have: Grown their LinkedIn by over 250% Increased engagement on their Facebook by 70% Boosted website visits by 96%

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can add value to [company name].

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]

If you’ve never worked before, this cover letter gives you some examples of how you might draw on your academic and extracurricular activities to successfully get your first internship.

I am delighted to apply for your [subject/role] internship at [company name]. Currently, in my junior year at [college name], I am majoring in [subject] and have maintained a 3.98 GPA.

I recently completed a module on [relevant subject] where I wrote a paper on [relevant title], featuring [company you’re applying to] as a case study. This showcased [what you learned about the company].

As a student, I have been extensively involved in my school community. I am currently the social chair for the 300+ strong gaming society. I am responsible for arranging weekly meetings and twice-termly larger events such as hackathons, tournaments, and our annual cross-college games convention which is attended by over 2,000 students.

Personal attributes that I believe make me suitable for this position include:

• Communication: I am a very social person who has traveled globally as a chess player. I am also a friendly face at the Games Society and have been part of the committee since my freshman year.
• Organized: Year after year I have grown attendance at our cross-college games convention by at least 10%. This year I am also adding an additional day of activities.
• Motivated: I am the first person in my family to go to college so academic achievement is very important to me.

With my academic achievements and extra-curricular activities, I feel that I can bring a lot of skills to your organization. I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge of [example] and [example] while bringing my hard work and dedication to your team.

Your mission [insert company mission extract] resonates with me so much [because].

Need to show off your current skills and experience? Here’s an example data science cover letter.

As a recent Bachelor of Computer Science graduate, I have spent the last four years exploring machine learning, big data, and AI. I’m excited to bring my experience to [Company Name] as your next data science intern.

Each summer during college, I successfully completed a summer internship program in data science. Most recently, in the summer of 2022, I joined GH Computing for 12 weeks. During this time, I worked on a model to forecast sales across North America, working cross-functionally with a broad variety of departments.

I completed a one-year industry placement between my second and third years of studies at AHB Industries and spent this time splitting my time between the data analytics and data sciences teams. Within this year I: mentored two summer placement students in data science, drove the optimization of their operational processes, and worked as part of the team who improved their telecommunications network efficiency by 20% in just 3 months.

I am fluent in Java, Python, R, Tableau, and PowerBI, and achieved a 4.0 GPA whilst studying at [College Name].

I have the experience and passion to help [Company Name] grow over the next 12 months. I am dedicated to continual learning and would be thrilled to join the team. You can find my online portfolio at www.myportfolio.com.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can add value at interview.

Love numbers and looking for a career in accounting? Here’s an example accounting cover letter.

I recently found your job posting for your summer accounting internship at [company name] via my college’s jobs board and am delighted to submit an application. I am currently a junior at [college name] majoring in accounting and finance. I have a strong academic record, achieving a 3.8 GPA year after year and completing numerous projects focused on accounts payable, month-end closings, and year-end accounts.

Last fall, I spent a month working in industry at ABC Incorporated where I was able to join their payroll team. During this month I saw the end-to-end preparation of payroll for over 2,000 employees and also gained experience in accounts payable and invoice creation.

I was excited to see that this summer program would allow me to learn from several functional areas including revenue, tax compliance, and financial management. [Company name]’s values align with my own. As a young black female with aspirations in the finance industry, I am delighted that your organization is passionate about increasing representation in this field.

I am hard-working and eager to learn and believe I could make an impact on your team this summer.

My resume is attached and I am looking forward to discussing this opportunity further!

Want to pursue a career in architecture, and already pursuing relevant academic qualifications? Here’s an example architecture cover letter.

I am delighted to submit my application for the one-year architecture internship at [company name]. I am a current Master of Architecture student at [college name], having graduated from my undergraduate studies in 20[xx] from [college name] in the top 3% of students.

During my undergraduate program, I completed 15 projects which helped me to develop excellent software skills in SketchUp, Lumion, and ArchiCad. I am also highly proficient in Rhino3D and Revit.

My Master of Architecture is focused on sustainable commercial design. As an organization that has a sustainable approach to design, your award-winning Mystery Box Theatre design formed part of a paper I recently completed on Net Zero In Public Space Design.

Last summer I worked as the Intern Architect at EcoLoGIC Ltd for three months. I joined professional site visits, produced detailed drawings, and assisted with the design of the new Mercury Inc headquarters which broke ground just a few weeks ago.

For the past two years, I have worked as an office assistant for 12 hours a week at JA Design, a boutique architectural firm with a team of 20 employees. My responsibilities have included managing reception, writing correspondence, updating their website, proofing documents, and general office management and clerical responsibilities. This role has given me first-hand experience in an organization whilst also developing my people, time management, and communication skills.

It would be a delight to discuss my experience further with [company name]’s team as I feel I could aid the studio in its mission of sustainable style.

A whiz with computers? Here’s an example IT cover letter.

Please accept my application to your IT summer internship program from summer 20[xx]. I’ve been following the [company name] journey for some time, so was excited to come across this opportunity on LinkedIn.

As stated in my enclosed resume, I am in my senior year at [college name] with a 3.88 GPA majoring in Computer Science. I’m among the top 5% of high-achieving students and on the Dean’s list.

Besides my academic endeavors, I am also on the chess club, the swim team, and part of the computer science society. I’ve found that balancing a range of responsibilities has meant that I am highly organized.

Last fall, I spent a term working in the industry as an IT intern at Sandy Corp’s head office in Minnesota. During my three-month placement, I was responsible for resolving technical support requests, updating the intranet, and developing new web pages. During this time I:

• Responded to over 1,000 IT support requests.
• Installed computer systems.
• Managed the end-to-end IT onboard of over 50 new starters.

I am a native speaker of English and Spanish and confident in coding languages such as C++, Javascript, SQL, Java, and Python.

Over the 8 weeks of this summer program, I hope that I will be able to learn more about IT in an international setting whilst also making an impact on your operations.

Thank you for your time and consideration, I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Is engineering the career for you? Here’s an example engineering cover letter.

I am writing to apply for [company name]’s undergraduate summer internship program in chemical engineering. I am currently a sophomore majoring in chemical engineering with a minor in physics at [college name] and have a strong interest in process engineering in the pharmaceutical industry.

Entering college during the Covid-19 pandemic has shown more than ever the vital importance of our pharmaceutical industry.

I recently met a number of your previous interns and recent graduate employees at my university’s careers fair and was excited to learn about their hands-on experience developing Covid-19 vaccines in the last few years. The [company name] mission to “be more to succeed” also resonated with me, as I am someone who is always striving to learn and improve.

This past summer, I had the opportunity to intern with Grant Turton, a small organization specializing in capsule-based animal health. During my 12-week placement, I worked on the commissioning and validation of a clean room.

I am aware that this program has the opportunity to complete an additional 4 weeks at your Swiss office. I speak fluent French as my mom is from France so would be able to communicate with French-speaking colleagues with ease.

Please find attached my resume which accompanies this application.

Excited by big data? Here’s an example data analyst cover letter.

I am writing to apply for the data analyst internship at [company name] that I saw advertised on the [college name] jobs board. I am confident that my experience, knowledge, and previous work experience make me the ideal candidate for this role, and see this as a great opportunity to grow professionally.

I am a freshman majoring in Information Science at [college name]. In my first two semesters, I achieved a 3.8 GPA and placed among the top 3% of students.

Prior to beginning my college career, I spent 3 months working with Sandara Inc as a junior data analyst. I was given a lot of responsibility very early on, managing and maintaining their employee database. Each week I compiled and interpreted this data into a weekly report for their senior management team.

I am a team player, who has competed at a national level in the junior league softball team and I am now part of the [college name] swim team. Sports have taught me how to work with others through victories and defeats. I am as disciplined with my training in the pool as I am in the classroom and the workplace.

My academic record, sporting achievements, and work experience all make me ideal for your summer program. I hope to discuss my experience with you further at interview.

Know your Python from your Java? Here’s an example software engineer cover letter.

I am writing to apply for the software engineering internship for summer 2025 that is listed on your website (ID: 500-500). I am a senior student at [College] majoring in computer science and hold a 4.0 GPA. Particularly interested in front-end application development, I was excited to see that this was a core part of your summer program.

I’ve been building things since I was 12 when I taught myself Python online. Since then I’ve built a number of apps, including a lecture booking program that is now used across my school by over 20,000 users.

Now confident in AngularJS, React Native, and Node.js my recent coursework was awarded the Dean’s Prize.

Last year, I spent a year studying abroad in Japan. During this time I spent 4 weeks interning at Funky Games Studio, learning from some of the most successful games developers in the world. While interning I was able to program the background scene for their recently released Catchy Racers. This proved to be a fantastic opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and develop new skills while also experiencing a completely different culture (and learning some Japanese!)

During your 12-week program, I want to push myself as an engineer, step out of my comfort zone, and build my experience whilst also making a valid contribution to your team.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I have attached my resume to this application, and my portfolio can be accessed via www.myportfolio.com.

Can you create amazing things on InDesign? Here’s an example graphic design cover letter.

I was excited to learn via LinkedIn that [company name] is looking for graphic design interns to join their summer program this year. I have just graduated from [school], majoring in graphic design and branding, which has allowed me to develop my creativity, professionalism, and aptitude for graphic design. I am due to begin my master’s program at [school] in graphic design this fall and hope to develop my professional skills by joining your program.

Throughout my undergraduate studies, I completed a variety of freelance projects which allowed me to build my professional skills in both print and digital design. Last year, I had the opportunity to participate in an international design contest creating a new logo for Brand Magazine. Out of over 10,000 participants, I made the final three. This success led to three magazines approaching me to create new logos for them. The money earnt from these three logos has funded my postgraduate studies in full. This work and my freelance work are all available to view on my portfolio www.myportfolio.com.

I hope to discuss the contributions I could make to your team at the interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

Want to pursue a career in banking or finance? Here’s an example finance internship cover letter.

I am a senior at [school], majoring in finance, with a minor in mathematics and a 3.8 GPA. I am writing to express my interest in the investment banking summer program at [name organization] as I believe I am an ideal candidate for the position.

I have completed modules in financial modeling, investment banking, and advanced investment banking with grades in the top 5%. I am hoping that this placement could form the basis of my undergraduate dissertation, Risk Analysis in the US Banking Sector.

As captain of the football team, I have completed my studies on a full scholarship. I have developed my skills as a leader, ambitiously pushing towards our highest national placement at college nationals year after year. I also act as the team’s treasurer, managing over $200,000 of scholarship funding and a further $100,000 of sports funding each year.

During my time as treasurer, I have:

• Reduced annual spending by 5%
• Increased our fundraising efforts to bring in an additional 10% of funding year-on-year
• Raised enough funds to generate one additional full football scholarship.

I hope that this internship can grow my experience in finance, shaping me for a career in investment banking in an international setting. I am particularly interested in the 4-week global placement that follows the successful completion of this program in the US. I find the international opportunities that come with this career trajectory incredibly exciting.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my application further at the interview.

Got your finger on the pulse of TikTok? Here’s an example marketing cover letter.

I am excited to apply for the summer marketing program that I saw advertised via the [School]’s job board. Reading the job specification I am delighted that my academic accomplishments and previous work experience meet all the necessary requirements. I am a creative, design-led, and ambitious marketing junior at [School] who is seeking a rewarding internship.

At school, I have acquired skills in advertising, PR, content writing, SEO, and paid media while focusing my coursework on print and digital design.

I currently work as a content marketing manager for the online clothing brand Glossy. In the past 12 months, I have:

• Developed their content strategy
• Grown their TikTok and Instagram audiences by 200% and 220% respectively
• Yielded a 50% ROI from paid advertising

Last year, I completed a 12-week summer internship program with the design agency Raw, where I worked on the entire rebrand for one of their clients.

A keen photographer in my spare time, I love creating a visual identity. You can find my photography and design work on my portfolio website www.myportfolio.com.

I would be delighted to have the opportunity to interview with you, I appreciate your time and consideration.

Writing cover letters for internships is tough for everyone. Here are some frequently asked cover letter questions.

How can I send a cover letter?

More and more, cover letters are sent via email. However, some companies still expect to receive a cover letter and resume via the mail. Check the job description.

If the letter is being sent via email, you can either copy and paste the cover letter into the body of the email (note: you may want to play around with formatting) or you can attach the cover letter to the email.

If you’re opting for the latter, write a simple cover email. It might go something like that.

Dear [hiring manager’s name],

I am delighted to apply for the [internship name] at [organization name].

As requested I have provided my cover letter and resume which are both attached to this email.

I look forward to hearing from you!

In some instances, an organization might have an online application form that you attach your cover letter to. Again, this should be made clear in the job description.

Do I have to write a cover letter for an internship?

A cover letter is a key element of the internship application process. However, some organizations ask for candidates to fill in an application form, or submit an online application.

In some cases, they won’t ask for a cover letter but a personal statement instead. This will have much of the same content but will not be formatted as a letter.

If a company says that a cover letter is not compulsory, it’s best to still work on and submit a cover letter.

What can I include in a cover letter when I don’t have work experience?

No work experience? No problem! Everyone has to start somewhere and for a lot of people, an internship is their first experience of the workplace.

Find examples of your skills from:

• Your academic achievements
• Any voluntary work you have done
• Your hobbies
• Community work
• Unskilled jobs you have had in the past

What is an “uninvited” cover letter, and should I send one?

An uninvited cover letter is sometimes referred to as a cold cover letter. This is when you submit a cover letter for an internship that is not currently advertised.

This can be a good strategy for smaller organizations that might not have considered hiring an intern previously. They might create a role or keep you in mind when a position becomes available.

Although you won’t be able to tailor your application based on a job specification you should still tailor your cover letter based on a role you would like and why this is an organization you want to work for.

Choose companies you particularly admire, rather than sending lots of these cold applications out.

Make sure that there aren’t already internships advertised, as if you cold apply when there are open positions this can reflect very poorly.

Did you know that we’ve produced the ultimate guide to internships? We cover everything from the different kinds of internships to application deadlines to look out for. Check out the ultimate guide to internships here .

Sales Intern Cover Letter Sample

A sales intern cover letter is written to make sure that the hiring manager is made aware of your skills and passion. If your cover letter can do this, you are halfway into the company of your interest already.

Writing a cover letter is most difficult when you are doing it for the first time – or when you are writing one when your experience is not in the area where you have applied.

In such situations, it is best to seek assistance.

There are many things that first-timers may not be aware of, that pertain to good cover letter writing.

To apply for a sales intern position, you may refer to the following cover letter sample:

Sales Intern Cover Letter Example

Robin Frank 85 Alex Ave Cedar Hill, TN 85745 (000) 257-9685 Robin.frank @ email . com

May 26, 2023

Ms. Maria Nelson Human Resource Manager The Retail Shop 670 Dick Farmer Avenue Cedar Hill, TN 37032

Dear Ms. Nelson:

Having recently graduated from the business school of ABC University, I was in search of the most unique internship opportunities in a sales capacity, the likes of which I discovered are being offered by The Retail Shop.

It is not just my degree and a major in sales that I am banking on to obtain this job. In fact, I have a wide array of skills that I would like to highlight, which I am sure will go a long way in impressing you to give me a chance.

A recent externship at Macy’s has somewhat acquainted me with sales work, and I am sure that once you dichotomize my professional profile and skills, you too will agree that I am the best person to be hired for this position. Ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction through excellent sales services is my strongest point. In addition to this, I am exceptionally talented in handling upselling services, keeping retail work ethics in mind, and ensuring that customers receive what they need in terms of goods and services.

I am positive that once you have met with me, you will get a wider view of my enthusiasm for a sales intern role, encouraging you to hire me on the spot! I will be in touch. If you need to reach me in the meantime, please call me.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Robin Frank (000) 257-9685 Enclosure: Resume

• Retail Sales Representative Cover Letter Sample
• Sales Intern Resume Sample – Guide, Duties, Skills
• Legal Intern Cover Letter Sample [Updated 2022]
• Entry-Level Sales Clerk Cover Letter No Experience

How Do I Get A Trading Internship?

Wondering how to get trading internships while still in university? Check out our tips for finding and securing trading internships.

If you’re into a fast paced environment, have an interest in stock, and desire a lot of hands-on learning, then a summer 2021 trading internship might be for you.

What does a trading intern do?

As a trading intern, you’ll be exposed first hand to your firm’s procedures and some insider knowledge. You’ll sit in on meetings, create summaries, shadow the people at your desk, and generate trade ideas from what you observe.

How do I find a trading internship?

If you’re wondering how to get a trading internship for summer 2021, try looking on Handshake under filtered searches like “trading internships near me.” Handshake allows you to focus on employers you want to work for and even network with past interns who may also be alumni from your school. And if you’re looking for a trading internship in a particular location for summer 2021, try searching for openings by using filters like “stock trading internship London” or “sales and trading internship.”

How do I get a trading internship with no experience?

If you’re interested in getting a trading internship, but have no prior experience, it’s key to play to your strengths and show employers that you’re eager to learn. You can search for trading internships on Handshake to first get a feel of the requirements they usually list for internships. After that, list your resume and cover letter experiences and previous roles you’ve had where the skills translate over. For example, if you’ve taken a trading strategies course or have had experience in an applicable school project, mention it and how it relates to your desired role!

When should I start applying for trading internships?

For most positions, start searching for your internship sooner rather than later! If you are planning to have a summer trading internship, we recommend starting to look for internship positions no later than the season prior. Many industries prefer to recruit as early as the fall, so staying up to date on fall virtual career fairs will be helpful in securing a role! Each company has different deadlines for applications, so sooner is usually better! If you’re searching for a role during the school year, it’s best to get on applying 3-6 months prior so you can inform your internship of your other obligations and classes.

It’s also really important to keep in mind that your university’s career services center will have great insight about specific recruitment periods at your school. Make sure to sign up for a meeting with your career advisor at the start of the school year for additional help in planning ahead!

How much do trading interns make?

Because the internship roles that require trading interns vary, there’s no standard answer for a trading internship payscale. If you’re wondering how much your trading internship will pay, it might be best to inquire directly with the company you’re considering taking an internship with.. Some internship programs will offer only class credits, while many others are more keen to compensate their interns with an hourly rate or a set stipend.

What skills are relevant for trading interns?

• Background in finance
• Strong knowledge of market trends
• Great displays of both leadership and teamwork
• Good communication skills

Where do trading interns work?

Trading interns can take their learnings and work into a few different roles like Financial Sales & Trading Agents , Personal Finance Advisors , and Accountants . They also can work for many different types of companies, like our constantly growing list of employers hiring now .

How do I write a cover letter for an internship?

Take a look at some great cover letter writing tips to boost your confidence and ace your internship application! And if you need a place to start, try our free cover letter template download here , or reach out to your school’s career center for personalized cover letter guidance.

Find the right jobs for you. Get hired.

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Home » Internship Tips » Tips & Tricks » How to Write Cover Letter for an Internship?

How to Write a Cover Letter for Internships [Examples & Template]

Cover letters and resumes are the introductory documents that help an employer form their first impressions about a future employee. Thus, it is very important to draft the perfect documents to find success, especially when applying for an internship. To help you through the drafting process we are going to walk you through the process to write a cover letter for an internship that not only grabs attention but leaves a lasting impression.

Table of Contents

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship?

Want to write the best cover letter for an internship role? Follow the steps below and learn how to write a cover letter. 

• Mention Your Details: At the top left corner of the internship cover letter, write your full name, address, email ID, and phone number.
• Add Date: Next, add the date you are writing the letter. 
• Mention Receiver’s Details: Mention the receiver’s name followed by the company address. The receiver can be the manager or the HR professional responsible for recruitment. 
• Address the Recruiter: Write “Dear [name]” to address the recruiter before beginning the main content of the letter.
• Opening Statement: Write a brief statement that appeals to the recruiter and informs them of your intent to apply for the internship position. You can add one or two of your key achievements here but do not forget to mention which position you are applying for. 
• For example , you mention you have strong communication skills. Back the claim with a background story of how you gave a presentation on a technical topic and were able to communicate your idea easily to the audience due to your skills. 
• Closing Paragraph: Thank the recruiter and add a call to action, like requesting them to check your resume for more details or that you are available for an interview to discuss the internship opportunity further. 
• End With Formal Salutation: End your letter with “Warm Regards” or “Sincerely.”

Also Read: How to Write Cover Letter for a Job?

Cover Letter Template For Internship

Let us look at this internship letter template to understand how to write an internship application letter.

Also Read: Cover Letter Formats

Sample Cover Letter for Internship for Different Sectors

Here are some examples of letters for internships based on different sectors for your better understanding:

1. Sample Cover Letter for IT Internship

This sample cover letter for IT internship is for sectors like Web Development, Data Analyst, etc. 

2. Sample Cover Letter for Finance Internship

This cover letter format for an internship will guide you on how to create a cover letter for a job in the financial sector.

3. Sample Cover Letter for Marketing and Advertising Internship

This cover letter for an internship in marketing and advertising will help you showcase the skills that will enable you to contribute effectively in the corporate world, especially if you are seeking digital marketing internships .

4. Sample Cover Letter for Graphic Design Internship

This is the best cover letter for an internship in graphic design . It will help recruiters see your passion for design which will increase your chances of getting hired.

5. Sample Cover Letter for Human Resources (HR) Internship

This is the best way of writing a cover letter for an internship in Human Resources .

6. Sample Cover Letter for Law Internship

This format will highlight your relevant skills and experiences and make you a strong candidate for law internship opportunities .

Also Read: Cover Letter for Legal Interns .

Mistakes to Avoid while Drafting a Cover Letter

When writing cover letters it’s important to pay attention to minute details, here are some mistakes that you should avoid while writing your cover letter:

• Generic Templates- Craft a unique letter for each application, tailored to the specific internship and company.
• Ignoring Formatting- Use clear headings, bullet points, and a readable font. A well-formatted cover letter reflects your attention to detail.
• Overwhelming Length- Keep your cover letter concise and to the point. Aim for around 250-300 words.
• Neglecting Proofreading- Always proofread your cover letter before sending it out. Typos and grammatical errors can make a negative impression.
• Overusing Jargon- While it’s great to demonstrate your knowledge, avoid overloading your cover letter with industry jargon or technical terms. Explain complex concepts briefly and clearly to ensure your message is easily understood.

In this blog, we’ve covered some key points for writing a cover letter for an internship. By adding your own unique touch and showing your excitement for the role, you can set yourself apart from other applicants. So, take your time while writing a cover letter, and let your strengths shine on the page.

If you thought this blog was helpful, tell us in the comments section below. Also, check out these online interview tips before going for your next job interview.

Answer: To write a good cover letter for an internship, include keywords from the internship description, proofread to ensure content flow, highlight extracurriculars, format well, and customize each cover letter.

Answer: To write a letter asking for an internship, research the company to tailor your response accordingly. Write a meaningful subject line, add a greeting, and express your interest in the internship and the reason along with your skills and educational qualifications. 

Answer: Here is a sample for a basic cover letter: “My name is [your name], and I am writing to express my interest in the internship role [role title] at your company [company name]. I am excited to share that I believe I have the necessary skills and knowledge that make me the best candidate for the internship role. Kindly consider my application. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

Answer: Here is how you can write a cover letter for a legal internship, “Dear [recruiter’s name], As a recent law graduate, I am excited to hear about the internship role your company [name of the company] is offering. I have an additional certification course in corporate law and possess trial preparation skills. I am certain my skills and talent will be a great addition to your organization. Kindly consider my application in a positive light. I am excited to discuss this opportunity further with you. You can contact me at [email ID]. Thanks for your consideration.”

Answer: You should write a cover letter for an internship because it allows you to mention additional details you could not in the resume and provide background to some information like skills.

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Sandipta Banerjee has completed her Master's in English Literature and Language. She has been working in the field of editing and writing for the past five years. She started her writing journey at a very young age with her poems which have now evolved into a poetry blog. She was working as Editorial Head in a US-based publishing house before joining Internshala.

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5+ Trader Cover Letter Examples and Templates

Home » Cover Letter Examples » 5+ Trader Cover Letter Examples and Templates

Explore 5+ Trader Cover Letter Examples and Templates to craft the perfect application. Tailored to the trading industry, these templates guide you to express your skills and experiences efficiently.

Are you aspiring to become a trader in the financial industry? A well-written cover letter is a crucial tool to capture the attention of potential employers and highlight your qualifications and passion for the role. By effectively showcasing your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for trading, you can increase your chances of securing an interview.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with examples and templates for crafting a compelling cover letter tailored specifically for a trader position. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting in the field, our tips and techniques will help you create a persuasive cover letter that sets you apart from other applicants.

Trader Cover Letter Examples and Templates

1. Trader Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to apply for the Trader position at [Company Name]. With a strong background in finance and a proven track record in executing trades and analyzing market trends, I believe I am a perfect fit for this role.

During my previous role as a Trader at [Previous Company], I successfully executed trades across various financial instruments, including stocks, options, and futures. I consistently achieved positive returns and generated profits for my clients through diligent research, risk management, and strategic decision-making.

I am highly skilled in utilizing trading platforms and tools such as Bloomberg and E-Trade to gather and analyze market data and make informed trading decisions. Additionally, my strong analytical skills and attention to detail allow me to identify patterns and trends in market behavior, which drives my strategy and ensures profitability.

I am confident that my ability to execute trades effectively and my in-depth understanding of financial markets make me a valuable asset to [Company Name]. I am eager to leverage my expertise to identify lucrative trading opportunities, mitigate risks, and contribute to the company’s success.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss how my qualifications align with your needs further. Please find attached my resume for your review. I look forward to the opportunity to interview with you and further demonstrate my suitability for the Trader position.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

2. Short Trader Cover Letter Sample

I am writing to express my interest in the Trader position at [Company Name]. With a strong passion for financial markets and a proven ability to execute trades, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the success of [Company Name].

As a Trader at [Previous Company], I successfully executed trades across various financial instruments and consistently achieved above-average returns. I have experience utilizing trading platforms and tools to analyze market data and make informed investment decisions. My strong analytical skills and ability to identify market trends enable me to generate profitable trading strategies.

I am confident that my expertise in executing trades and my passion for financial markets make me a valuable addition to [Company Name]. Attached is my resume for your review. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with your needs in more detail.

Thank you for considering my application.

3. Trader Cover Letter for Job Application

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to apply for the Trader position at [Company Name] as advertised on [Job Board/Company Website]. With a strong background in finance and extensive experience in executing trades and analyzing market trends, I am confident in my ability to contribute to [Company Name]’s success.

In my previous role as a Trader at [Previous Company], I successfully executed trades across various financial instruments, including stocks, options, and futures. I consistently achieved positive returns and generated profits for my clients through diligent research, risk management, and strategic decision-making. Additionally, I have a deep understanding of trading platforms and tools such as Bloomberg and E-Trade to gather and analyze market data.

I am confident in my ability to execute trades effectively and my strong analytical mindset allows me to identify patterns and trends in market behavior. Furthermore, my excellent problem-solving skills enable me to adapt to changing market conditions and make informed trading decisions.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]’s success as a Trader. Attached is my resume for your consideration. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and qualifications align with your needs in more detail.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to interview with you.

4. Trader Cover Letter for a Candidate with no Experience

I am writing to express my interest in the Trader position at [Company Name]. Although I have recently graduated with a degree in Finance, I am eager to apply my knowledge and passion for financial markets to contribute to [Company Name]’s success.

During my academic studies, I developed a strong foundation in financial analysis, risk management, and trading strategies. My coursework and projects provided me with hands-on experience in using trading platforms and tools to analyze market data and make informed investment decisions.

I am a quick learner with a strong analytical mindset and attention to detail. I am confident that my ability to analyze market trends and my passion for financial markets make me a strong candidate for the Trader role. Additionally, my internship experience in a different field has equipped me with valuable transferable skills such as teamwork, time management, and effective communication.

I am eager to contribute to [Company Name]’s success as a Trader. Attached is my resume for your consideration. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and qualifications align with your needs in more detail.

5. Sample Application Letter for Trader with Experience

I am excited to apply for the Trader position at [Company Name]. With over [Number of Years] years of experience in executing trades and analyzing market trends, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to support [Company Name]’s growth.

In my current role as a Trader at [Current Company], I have successfully executed trades across various financial instruments and consistently achieved positive returns. I have a deep understanding of trading platforms and tools, including Bloomberg and E-Trade, and leverage them to gather and analyze market data to make informed investment decisions.

I am highly skilled in analyzing market trends and identifying lucrative trading opportunities. My strong analytical skills and attention to detail enable me to develop and execute profitable trading strategies. Additionally, my excellent problem-solving skills allow me to adapt to changing market conditions and mitigate risks effectively.

I am confident that my extensive experience and strong trading skills make me an ideal candidate for the Trader role. Attached is my resume for your review. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and qualifications align with your needs in more detail.

How to Write a Trader Cover Letter

To create an effective trader cover letter, you need to follow a clear structure and include relevant information that showcases your qualifications and demonstrates your potential as a trader. Let’s explore step-by-step guidelines to help you craft an compelling cover letter that impresses potential employers.

Objective of a Trader Cover Letter

• Introduce yourself and express your interest in the trader position.
• Highlight your relevant skills, experience, and academic background.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of financial markets and trading strategies.
• Showcase your analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Thank the employer for considering your application.

Key Components for Trader Cover Letters

• Contact Information: Begin your cover letter with your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top.
• Salutation: Address the reader by their name or use a professional greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager” if the name is unknown.
• Introduction Paragraph: State the position you are applying for and introduce yourself briefly. Clearly express your interest in the role and the company you are applying to.
• Body Paragraphs:
• Skills and Qualifications: Highlight your skills relevant to trading, such as analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, mathematical proficiency, and computer literacy.
• Experience and Achievements: Discuss your previous roles, internships, or academic projects related to trading or financial analysis. Mention any achievements or results you obtained in these positions.
• Knowledge of Financial Markets: Demonstrate your understanding of financial markets, trading strategies, and risk management practices. Mention any certifications or licenses you hold, such as series licenses or CFA designation.
• Passion for Trading: Explain your passion for the trading industry, why you find it exciting, and how you stay updated with current market trends and news.
• Fit for the Company: Connect your skills and experiences to attributes that align with the company culture, values, or investment philosophy. Show enthusiasm for the company and emphasize how you can contribute to its success.
• Closing Paragraph: Summarize your key qualifications and interest in the position. Express your availability for further discussion and provide your contact details. Thank the employer for considering your application.
• Formal Closing: End your letter with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best Regards,” followed by your full printed name.
• Signature: Sign your name between the closing and your printed name. If submitting electronically, you can type your name instead.

Formatting Tips for a Trader Cover Letter:

While writing your trader cover letter, you should pay attention to format and appearance. Consider the following tips:

• Limit the cover letter to one page.
• Use a professional font and size, such as Arial or Times New Roman in 11 or 12 points.
• Utilize spacing effectively by leaving a blank line between each of the sections.
• Align text to the left and justify it for clean and uniform appearance.
• Use bullet points or paragraphs to highlight crucial information and ensure readability.
• Proofread carefully for any spelling, grammar, or formatting errors to maintain a professional image.

Tips for Writing Your Trader Cover Letter

When crafting your cover letter for a trader position, consider the following tips to boost your chances of success:

• Customize your cover letter to the specific requirements of the trader position and the company you are applying to.
• Highlight your relevant quantitate and analytical skills such as proficiency in data analysis, mathematical modeling, and statistical techniques.
• Mention any experience or internships directly related to the industry, such as work with trading firms, investment banks, or financial institutions.
• Showcase your ability to handle pressure and make sound decisions under challenging market conditions.
• Demonstrate familiarity with trading platforms, analytics tools, and financial software.
• If you have a track record of successful trades or investments, mention any notable achievements that highlight your ability to generate positive results.
• Clearly communicate your passion for trading and enthusiasm for a career in the financial markets industry.
• Use dynamic and action-oriented language to convey your ideas and proactive approach to trading.
• Quantify your accomplishments wherever possible to provide context and validate your claims.

How Long Should a Trader Cover Letter Be?

A trader cover letter should generally be concise yet impactful, aiming for approximately three paragraphs. Focus on including your most relevant qualifications and achievements while ensuring that the letter remains easy to read. Remember, quality over quantity is vital when drafting your cover letter.

How Do I Write a Trader Cover Letter with No Experience?

If you are an aspiring or entry-level trader with limited experience, there are still ways to craft a compelling cover letter. Consider the following tips:

• Highlight relevant transferable skills from other industries, such as strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure.
• Emphasize your educational background and course projects related to trading or finance.
• Discuss any involvement in investment clubs, finance-related student organizations, or relevant coursework/competitions.
• Show a strong willingness to learn and develop your skills in the trading field.
• Mention any certifications, such as securities licensing exams or knowledge of trading software and platforms.

Competing in the job market as a trader with no experience can be challenging, but by demonstrating your passion, motivation, and transferable skill set, you can still make a strong impact with your cover letter.

Key Takeaways

Writing a well-crafted trader cover letter allows you to demonstrate your skills, passion, and potential as a successful trader. Remember the following key points:

• Tailor your cover letter to the trader position you’re applying for.
• Highlight your relevant skills, accomplishments, and quantitative abilities.
• Exhibit your industry knowledge and passion for financial markets.
• Maintain a professional tone throughout, using action-oriented language whenever possible.

In Conclusion

A professionally written trader cover letter is an essential component in a successful job application in the finance industry. Customize your letter to win the attention of potential employers, highlighting your best features, and demonstrating your qualifications. By following this guide, you’ll be equipped to create a winning cover letter that helps you stand out from the competition.

Now it’s time to put your skills to work and start crafting your tailored Trader cover letter. Good luck!

Career Expert Tips:

• If you're stepping into the professional world, understanding the basics is crucial. Learn What is a cover letter and its role in the job application process.
• How to start a cover letter can be a challenging task. Get a comprehensive guide on how to kickstart your cover letter and make a strong first impression.
• Looking for inspiration to draft your own cover letter? Browse through these Cover letter examples to find a style that fits your profession.
• Why start from scratch? Use these Cover Letter Templates tailored for various professions to simplify your job application process.
• How long should a cover letter be : The length of a cover letter is vital in conveying your message concisely. Discover the optimal length to make sure your cover letter is not too short nor too long.
• Ensure that you know how to write a resume in a way that highlights your competencies.
• Check the expert curated popular good CV and resume examples

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The Perfect Sales & Trading Resume Template?

If you're new here, please click here to get my FREE 57-page investment banking recruiting guide - plus, get weekly updates so that you can break into investment banking . Thanks for visiting!

I still remember the beginning of my freshman year and my first visit to the career office…

I was eager and determined to craft the perfect resume that would land me a summer internship in Sales & Trading at a bulge bracket bank.

After spending hours and days working with an advisor going back and forth, I sent it over to a buddy of mine who was a trader at Citi, who had promised to help me with it…

In less than 5 minutes, he emailed me back with his assessment: “This is sh*t.”

And that was my welcome to the world of trading – blunt, rude, and to the point.

Ultimately, I completely revamped my resume and used it to land an offer at a bulge bracket bank – coming from a non-target school with absolutely 0 on-campus recruiting.

Here’s how I did it, and how you can do the same:

The Template & Tutorial

Let’s jump right in:

Sales & Trading Resume Template [Download]

Downlaod Template – Word

Download Template – PDF

Note: You should always submit your resume in PDF format unless they tell you otherwise.

Here’s the tutorial video:

• View Large Version
• Download Large Version
• Download iPad Version
• Download iPhone Version
• Download iPod Version
• Download the MP3

Your Resume Template Starting Point

Let’s not waste time with the basics: you need to use the existing resume template on this site as your starting point.

Yes, it says “investment banking resume” but it works equally well for Sales & Trading, and you save time by eliminating the need to format everything.

Forget about multi-page resumes (unless you’re in Australia, maybe), and resist the urge to write a laundry list of halfhearted experiences: still focus on the top 3-4 work/leadership experiences you have.

You still use the same sections: Education, Work & Leadership Experience (or “Professional Experience”), and then the section at the bottom with your Skills, Activities and Interests.

And the same advice about quantifying experience and going into the details and results of what you did still applies.

What’s different with Sales & Trading is the input to this resume template.

Above all else, S&T recruiters look for these 3 characteristics on your resume:

Quantitative Ability

Analytical skills, passion for the financial markets.

Note the contrast between what they’re looking for in IB vs. S&T : in investment banking they care more about your ability to work long hours, leadership / teamwork skills, and general passion for business and finance rather than the markets specifically.

Those characteristics can still be important in S&T since it’s far from a 9-to-5 job, and since you do interact with salespeople / traders.

But the overall focus is more on quantitative / analytical ability and passion for the markets.

It’s trickier than it looks to convey these skills on your resume, but you must get them across if you want a good shot at winning interviews and landing offers.

This is one of the most important skills required to land a job in S&T. Whether you’re in fixed income or equity, you must be able to work quickly and efficiently with numbers.

You’re constantly calculating prices to quote to clients, and one tiny little error can end up costing your firm or your client millions of dollars…

…and in some cases even your job (I’m looking at you, fat finger traders).

So you should emphasize anything related to math on your resume:

• Math or math-related major or minor
• Quantitative coursework
• High math SAT scores (750+) or math A-Levels (if you’re in the UK)
• Math club / Math-related competitions
• Previous internship or experience where you did a lot of quantitative work – think number-crunching, engineering, anything with spreadsheets, and so on.

If a trader glances at your resume and sees that you’re an English major with no math-related coursework and no quantitative work experience, he’ll (rightfully) be skeptical of whether you can do the job.

So if that’s you, get relevant experience right now: take a more quantitative class and write about an extended project you worked on, or get a part-time internship doing something that involves numbers.

It doesn’t even have to be finance-related: it just needs to demonstrate that you’re comfortable working with numbers.

Wait, isn’t this the same as quantitative ability?

No, not quite.

“Quantitative ability” refers specifically to numbers, whereas “Analytical skills” refers to any type of analysis you do, whether it’s quantitative or qualitative.

If the central bank raises interest rates, what does that mean for your positions or your clients’ positions?

You may not be able to answer that with a number, but you can come up with qualitative guesses for what might happen and how you should react.

If you’re from a liberal arts or mixed background you might be tempted to demonstrate this one via your analysis of Moby Dick or Hamlet , but that would be a mistake: find something that’s more relevant to business, even if it’s qualitative.

The best way to demonstrate this is via coursework or previous work / internship experience:

• Write about how you analyzed a company’s strategic position vs. competitors as part of a case competition or a business class.
• Write about how you analyzed your firm’s marketing efforts and found ways to save money and improve the ROI of their spending.
• Write about how you analyzed a stock and decided to invest via your personal account based on valuation metrics and value investing criteria.

There’s no such thing as over-using the word “Analyze” when you write your bullet points for this one (Ok, maybe keep it to one mention per bullet point…).

If you don’t have some experience with the financial markets, don’t even bother applying for S&T roles .

You might be able to get into IB or PE without trading or following the markets very much, but it’s almost impossible to do that here.

Unlike bankers, most traders actually enjoy what they do – at least when they first start out – so they want to see that you will also enjoy it.

You could demonstrate this passion with:

• Your major – Being a finance major helps.
• Previous work experience – Anything where you traded or dealt with the markets.
• Clubs in school – Think of any type of finance or investment society where you present your ideas, talk about possible investments, and so on.

If you have absolutely nothing in these categories, you could list a mock trading account or personal trading account – but beware that many professionals don’t take these seriously, so doing so could hurt you.

Also, realistically, you will  not win S&T offers at large banks if all you have is mock trading experience. You need a sequence of previous finance internships to maximize your chances.

Got Education and Work Experience?

That covers the main points for your Education and Work & Leadership Experience sections on your resume.

But traders like to have a good time , too, so the last section of your resume is also important.

Skills, Activities & Interests

Not too much is different here from what you see on IB resumes: note any language skills you have, any organizations or activities beyond what you’ve already written about, and any certifications such as the CFA (no, it won’t help much for S&T, but it’s worth noting especially if you don’t have much experience).

The most common question here: should you list “Interests” like gambling and poker?

Short answer: yes , they can definitely help because sales & trading is all about risk management, probability, and keeping your emotions in-check… just like gambling.

I know an analyst who made a deal with his boss that he could use the boss’s money to play poker and take 25% of the profit…

Sounds crazy, but it’s true – anyone on the public markets side of a bank loves to take calculated risks, or they wouldn’t be working there.

Just make sure that you don’t come across as overly obsessed with gambling / poker – don’t devote huge portions of your resume to it, and don’t spend half your interview talking about your poker winnings.

No firm wants to hire a rogue trader that will lose them a billion dollars.

Putting It All Together

As I mentioned in the beginning, the same resume template still applies for S&T, so there’s nothing new there.

What’s different is how you write about your experiences and what you emphasize.

More Questions?

I know, you still have a few lingering questions so let’s go through them…

What’s the Difference Between a Sales Resume and a Trading Resume?

Nothing! Or at least, very little.

When you apply, you apply for S&T, not a specific group… during the interview you can stress your preference for one or the other.

So you still need to write about your quantitative and analytical abilities and your passion for the financial markets…

…but if you’re more interested in sales , you must also be a “people person,” a good communicator, and a team player.

Sales is all about making your client feel special and making sure that they are sending your bank business.

You take your clients out 3-5 times a week, and you’re on the phone with them all day.

So you should emphasize a few points more strongly if you’re planning to join the sales side:

• Social Clubs (fraternities/sororities).
• Sports Teams – S&T recruiters love athletes (it shows you are a team player, and that can handle stressful situations).
• General involvement in extracurricular activities / non-work-related activities.

What About High School / Secondary School Experience? Can I List It If It’s Really Impressive?

Normally it’s not a good idea to write about high school, especially if you’re already several years into university or you’ve already graduated.

If it’s something truly amazing – placing well at the International Math Olympiad, a national math competition where you placed well, etc. – you can make an exception and list that.

But if you’ve already been working full-time for several years, you should not devote much space to it unless you have absolutely nothing else to demonstrate your math skills.

No, Seriously, What About Certifications, Degrees, and Series Licenses?!!

Sure, list them if you want to but don’t kill yourself getting them.

It’s far better to spend that time 1) Networking or 2) Getting experience trading / investing on your own.

Series 7 and 63 and so on are more helpful for S&T than they would be for banking, but they still won’t make or break your chances of winning interviews.

What If I Really Have Nothing Related to the Financial Markets?

Then you have a problem. You need to get some experience ASAP, and the fastest way to do that is to join a student-run fund or professional organization, or to start trading your own personal account, whether simulated or real.

Of course, this begs another question: if you don’t have any markets-related experience, are you sure Sales & Trading is even right for you?

It’s like aspiring to become a novelist but having no writing experience.

What About S&T Resumes for Those with Full-Time Work Experience?

To be blunt, you don’t have much of a chance of getting into S&T at a large bank if you’ve already been working full-time in another field.

There are fewer spots available, and traders rarely even hire from the MBA pool, let alone experienced professionals elsewhere.

If you have your heart set on this, your best bet is to aim for a sale role instead (experience elsewhere is more transferable), or to go for prop trading or something else where results are valued more than pedigree.

Your actual resume will not be much different: focus on all the points above, but put your Education section at the bottom, keep your experience to work-related experience, and leave out student clubs and activities.

You should still list professional organizations and your own investing track record, but you can’t eliminate real work experience in favor of those.

Anything Else?

The floor is yours. Ask away.

This is a guest post from a reader who broke into Sales & Trading (S&T) coming from a non-target school. In the upcoming features in this series, we’ll continue to explore the sales & trading recruiting process with coverage of interviews and more.

• Sales & Trading Recruiting, Part 1 – Overview
• Sales & Trading Recruiting, Part 2 – Networking
• Sales & Trading Recruiting, Part 3 – Resumes
• Sales & Trading Recruiting, Part 4 – Interviews – Your Story and “Fit” Questions
• Sales & Trading Recruiting, Part 5 – Interviews – Markets, Brainteasers, and Mental Math

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• Detailed, line-by-line editing of your resume/CV – Everything that needs to be changed will be changed. No detail is ignored.
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• Optimal structuring – You’ll learn where everything from Education to Work Experience to Activities should go. Regional badminton champion? Stamp collector? You’ll find out where those should go, too.
• The 3-point structure to use for all your “Work Experience” entries: simple, but highly effective at getting the attention of bankers.
• How to spin non-finance experience into sounding like you’ve been investing your own portfolio since age 12.
• How to make business-related experience, such as consulting, law, and accounting, sounds like “deal work.”
• How to avoid the fatal resume mistake that gets you automatically rejected . Nothing hurts more than making a simple oversight that gets you an immediate “ding”.
• We only work with a limited number of clients each month. In fact, we purposely turn down potential clients in cases where we cannot add much value. We prefer quality over quantity, and we always want to ensure that we can work well together first.

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About the Author

Brian DeChesare is the Founder of Mergers & Inquisitions and Breaking Into Wall Street . In his spare time, he enjoys lifting weights, running, traveling, obsessively watching TV shows, and defeating Sauron.

Free Exclusive Report: 57-page guide with the action plan you need to break into investment banking - how to tell your story, network, craft a winning resume, and dominate your interviews

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90 thoughts on “ The Perfect Sales & Trading Resume Template? ”

Hi! I am just wondering whether I could get help from resume screen for prop shops (like JS, Optiver, etc.)? Has been devastating to keep getting rejected :(

Are you asking if we can review your resume and offer feedback? If so, no, not for free, though we do offer it as a paid service (detailed edit) and also if you’re a customer of one of our courses (quick review and comments).

Hey Brian, I got a question. I had two trading internship, but my bosses in these two companies didn’t let me do things besides operation. I could only try to look at the P&L to see how the trading room profit. My question is that is there any project that I can put on the resume to fill the blank and convincing my future employee I got passion in trading office. The FX project.

I don’t know. Maybe try to spin your work into saying that you improved the firm’s efficiency or profitability or something like that, and you initially started in operations but became interested in trading after observing the traders there and tracking their records.

For both ibanking and s&t resumes, would you include the company name of whatever company you invest in or not?

For example, Apple Inc. or $100 billion Technology Company

Yes, I’d include the company name.

I am almost an aerospace engineer and I have to complete to more years to get a degree in business administration. I have just taken an internship in a small company similar to Bloomberg but quite smaller.

After the exams, I thought that it would be a good idea to take another internship. What do you think about a mutual fund, or something related to wealth management or similar??

Thank you in advanced

I made a mistake: ” I have to complete *two* years more”

Sure, an internship in asset management can be useful.

I’ve been working for a short while now. I had a solid CV when I was a student thanks to you guys. i’ struggling now though to build a CV that I think would be strong for a mildly experienced sales person. Do you have any advice on the kinds of things I can include under my work experience to reflect everything that I’ve learnt in my current job?

I’d focus on the impact you’ve made i.e. how much sales you generated. If you’ve done any analytical work I’d include that too.

There’s a typo on the text on the template download button, it says downlaod. Feel free to delete this comment later!

Hello Brian, thank you very much for this interesting topic and thank you to the entire team for this great website with which I learned a lot of things.

My situation is a little bit complicated. I’ve ended a Management School this year (4 months ago) with a Master in Financial Engineering with decent grades in a good school in my country (Belgium), and I am looking actively for a job now. I am 25 years old and passionate about financial markets and quantitaive analysis/macroeconomics. I have some interesting staff from an academic point of view on my resume (like my quantitative classes, my master Thesis or the fact that I speak 5 languages). I am also a self learner, trying now while I am looking for a job to improve my math,finance, programming skills .

I would like to work in the trading area/research/quantitaive analysis in London, but unfortunately I lack the essentials on my resume for this kind of position. The extracurricular activities (I don’t think that Tai Chi Chuan would be relevant for a trading position), the work experience (only 3 months of internship), or the trading account ( I’ve found some little funds now and I am in touch with a broker to do it as quickly as possible). I demonstrated my leadership during our group works at the university, but doubt that it will be relevant.

My questions are as follow:

1. How in those circumstances try to show my dedication and passion (through my self learning), but without appearing as a nerd, and to try to obtain an internship this year?

2. While I am aware that getting an internship this year in S&T investment banks and/or funds would be difficult, there are 2 opportunities at one of the Big 4 firms (they come often in my School to recruit and 3 of my finance teachers work for them), 1 opportunity is at an advisory department for corporate finance and the other is for risk management (with a lot of quantitative staff to do , but it is not a junior job rather a trainership). Would this be viewed as a negative work experience on a trading floor for a big investment bank or hedge funds/prop trading ? And with addition of a trading record?

3. The idea would also be to work for the Big 4 company 1-3 years, spare money and go for an econometric master in London School of Economics, but then wouldn’t my age (28-30) be a problem?

4. I completely agree that network is essential, nevertheless it is quiet a problem knowing that I want to go to London but will be working on continental Europe, do you have some tricks for this kind of situation?

Of course if I don’t get a position that I really want this year, my projects will be to work, spare money, have a trading account, network as hard as I can and maybe do some certifications (if time allows).

And as to “how bad do I want to get in this area”, my answer is… bad…really bad.

Thank you very much for your help !

Can i use the same advice for summer internship in asset management?

Which advice were you referring to?

First of all, i would like to say a big Thanks for creating this website, it really benefits me so much! You have kept my worrisome aside! My name is Chew,22, I come from Malaysia, studying in last semester of my undergraduate finance local University, my current CGPA is around 3.65/4, and I’m fighting to get First Class honor in this semester which it must be 3.75 or above. It was a big regret that my parents coudnt afford to send me to University of Queensland to finalize my last year degree. I really don’t know how to depict how passion am i to financial market, i started to trade stock when i was 18 and move to forex 2 years ago, proper risk management, mindset and psychology is applied at trading. And i have read some books about option trading, unfortunately due to my busy school work, i do not have extra time to practice it. In addition, Im very interested in trading any financial instrument, i found them very interesting. Actually i have spent most of my university time on learning how to become a professional trader and building my track record since i know Im not coming from famous business school(my university is quite famous in Malaysia though). My ambition is to join hedge fund as junior trader then target to become a portfolio manager, or to become an investment bank trader. I plan to start my career in Singapore since there are lot of companies doing fund management, so the opportunities are much more and the future is brighter there, then i may move to Hongkong or Sydney if there are better opportunities. If i cant get into Singapore, i may start with local investment bank for 2-3 years. Besides, there are some experience i got for my past 3 years – i have joined several stock trading competitions in past 3 years(no awards), i was give a month trial by a private company to manage a pool of funds but fail to get it and i have actually started my own small MAM account(Manage account) last year to help few of my friends and my family to trade/invest, my objective is to gain responsibility and get the experience to work under stress condition during my earlier age, because i know im eager to work in fund management next time. In the meantime, I have deep understanding about the global microeconomics, i understand what drive the current market and those factors that may affect the market, i am also have the agility to react to sudden news events or making big decision, and i have strong investment gut feeling which able to predict the movement accurately most of the time. In my trading experience, i have suffered time of up and down and eventually know how to become a professional trader. Last but not least, I was previous a state swimmer during age of 12-15, i understood how having playing in sport have affected my attitudes(high self-confidence, competitiveness and wanting to win) and also i plan to do CFA lvl 1 in December, would you suggest me to do so? Since im going to graduate in 2 months time, and i should be ready to write my resume and apply for trading job. There are few questions before i start writing the resume, should I mention those trading competitions under working experience? Should i mention i was a sportsman? Base on my information given above, could you suggest me which part should i focus more when writing resume? How do you think about my experience?

I really appreciate! Thank you very much. Hope to hear from you soon. My email [email protected]

In response to your questions: – should I mention those trading competitions under working experience? Yes, under trading experience – Should i mention i was a sportsman? Yes – this would help – Base on my information given above, could you suggest me which part should i focus more when writing resume? I think the article gives you quite detailed guidelines to follow. If you follow that this would help you

Hi M&I I’ve put down mock trading under interests, how does that sound? Should I also perhaps specify what platform I am using? Also I have four university degrees, one which I am currently doing while I work, must I list all my degrees? For instance my undegrad was a BA in politics which seems like just a waste of space right?

Yes I may include more details re. your mock trading experience

Yes it is best to list all your degrees assuming you have space. You can perhaps spend less space on the degrees that are less recent and may not matter as much

Hey all ! I have a question about career strategy planning here. I am currently finishing my master’s degree in France but couldn’t land any interview for Sales&Trading so far. I’ve done internships in a big bank but not related to trading (energy & commodity financing loans). I might have a chance to land a trading job/internship in Colombia (my second homecountry); but I wonder whether it would be possible afterwards to go back to europe for a real sales/trader job in a big firm. Would an experience in an emerging country be as valuable ? Many thanks for your prompt reply!

It might help, but they would still discount the experience since it’s in an emerging market. But if that is the best option you have for doing S&T, I would take it because it will still be better than doing something unrelated in Europe.

Brian, thank you for your sharing. May I ask why did you hide the names of those stocks being pitched in the resume template? Should we do in that descriptive way or just give the ticker/name?

Thanks, Lorraine

If the information isn’t sensitive (most likely isn’t), you can list the name of the stock.

if i want be an Wall Stree Investment Banking Sales & Trading what can I do now

Hey – First of all great article as usual, keep up the good work!

I have a question: one of my main hobbies is Urban Exploration (which is, according to Wikipedia, “the exploration of man-made structures, usually abandoned ruins or not usually seen components of the man-made environment”) The thing is that this “sport” has a sketchy reputation, so do you think I should include it on my resume?

Thanks in advance!

No it is fine, you can include it on your resume.

But should I?

I think it may be a good idea to list it. I don’t see anything wrong with it.

Hi I’ve been working at a prop trading firm in NY for several years, but looking to transition into big bank, then hedge fund. Strangely, I may have better leads in U.K. or Singapore than NY. If there’s an opportunity abroad, can traders easily transfer to NY after a couple years? Not sure how that works. I wouldn’t mind learning/trading a new product to get into a bank, but would prefer to live in NY over long run. Thanks.

It depends on your market knowledge (and visa – but I presume you have the work permit since you’ve worked in NY for several years.) I think it is doable to transfer locations though you’ll have to demonstrate your track record as well as your market knowledge

What would be an appropriate heading for the blurb in my resume under experience about my personal trading? Just graduated from college and have been actively trading daily for 3 years using technical analysis and calculated entries and exits.

I’d put it under Personal Trading Experience, under Professional Experience

Your website is unbelievably helpful and encouraging! I really appreciate you guys’ detailed hard work. Hopefully one day I can contribute to this website!

I have 2 questions:

1) I have been managing 3 real money online stock accounts. One of them was opened in 2009, and the other two were started this year. I was investing for two years since 2009, and have been swing trading since this year (But getting really serious only since June).

My question is, do I list this in Work & Leadership Experience section or as an Activity on my resume? I have a lot experience and thinking to list, but I wonder this may not qualify for a “Work Experience”.

2) For this recent quarter, my accounts are making losses right now. The reason was mainly because I’m also a full time college student, which I cannot monitor the stock market and find news in time everyday (But I have tried my best whenever I have time).

I read above in a similar comment where you said “avoid listing the results of your trades and instead explain your thinking behind them in detail” and “say they were fairly recent so it’s too soon to tell since you plan to hold for the long-term”. But my question is, is it good to list (or say when asked) that I have been “swing trading” (since this is more focused on short-term results than investing)? How do I answer? I do have a lot of experience to talk about, but I can only see a profit later this year or early next year.

1. You can list it under Trading Experience 2. Yes you can still list it – just talk about your strategy, your reasoning, what you’ve done etc

Thanks a lot!

Thanks for the article above. My resume is highly IBD focused but still shows very a strong ‘quantitative ability’ and solid ‘analytical skills’… but I don’t have a passion for the financial markets (FTSE etc)… but do like reading up about M&A deals etc. However, because I study at LSE, and because of my quantitative degree/background, recruiters/people in the industry automatically categorise me as a ‘quant hedge fund analyst/trader’… even though I have IBD experience and present my resume in the ‘IBD’ way. BBs have called me requesting I apply for a S&T internship, not IBD, but I am not interested in S&T (i have shadowed traders and didn’t see myself do that for even 3 months!) so there is a problem. Do you know what I can do?

I’m not quite sure what your resume is like so it is hard for me to advise you on this forum

My apologies for the ignorance and grammatical errors. I’m on lunch break right now.

M&I: I’m going to be a senior in high school next year and I’m interested in finance. I know it sounds cliche because everyone thinks they want to be an investment banker when their in highschool-but I want to be an investment banker. I plan to get an MBA after 2-3 years of working after college. I’d like to start out at as an associate at a decent firm. What can I do to start preparing now? What should I major in for my undergraduate studies? I’m going to Washington and Lee (hopefully) and they don’t exactly have a straight finance major, just economics, accounting, etc. I’ve had a mock-portfolio for two years and I plan on setting up an account when I get home from this internship I’m doing right now at a mutual fund. The buy side is pretty interesting and pleasant, so why would I ever want to be an i-banker? This group hasn’t hired anyone in 11 years and they rarely take interns. Also, I have many connections to some bigwigs at well known firms, so networking won’t be as hard for me. You blog is remarkably interesting, by the way.

Try to major in business preferably finance and accounting if you can. Otherwise, try economics. Yes if you are interested in investing the buy side would be interesting for you

Hey Brian, I agree with this article very much. I just finished my internship with Standard Chartered Global Markets (Manila, Philippines) and got to sit with the different trading desks (not to mention 1 month with Debt Cap. Mkts). More than anything they appreciated my hunger to trade and passion for the market (and never-stressed nature). They like the fact that I trade with simulation accounts and when I’ve got downtime, they see me reading newspapers or money.cnn.com, WSJ etc. Traders don’t find it weird that you’re so enthusiastic and trade with simulator accounts – they think you’re genuinely hungry enough to do this. They don’t teach trading in school, so they want you to want really bad it because they’re taking time away from watching the market to teach you, some random college kid.

(Got invites to work with them when I graduate btw, from multiple desks, DCM and the MD, thank you for all the advice you post on this site, I read it religiously.)

“Traders don’t find it weird that you’re so enthusiastic and trade with simulator accounts – they think you’re genuinely hungry enough to do this” : Yes, because the above shows that you have a genuine passion for the markets. Your work is a major part of your life, esp if you work in trading/IB! I believe one needs to have a passion for the markets (and interviewers can tell whether you have a genuine passion in it or not), a strong EQ and ability to manage one’s emotions, and a strong drive to succeed in order to excel in trading

Congratulations!

Love the template and advice given. Just got a question about the work and leadership section. Would it be better to put in the experience in order of time or by relevance? I did a corporate finance internship last year, but currently doing some less relevant work such as mentoring and tutoring.

In order of time is best because interviewers usually value your most recent (and most relevant) experience. Are you working FT as a mentor/tutor? If its not a full time role, I’d highlight put your corp fin experience as the 1st work entry under your work experience and put your mentor/tutor experience at the bottom of your resume or below your corp fin entry depending on what you do as a mentor/tutor

well, im tutoring high school maths and english, part time. So i guess this is less relevant and should be below the corp finance experience

I loved this article, will you guys be doing any “day in the life” articles for S&T? I read the intern one but I’d like a good idea of what a full-time S&T employee does on a daily basis. Thanks!

Thanks! And yes, we hope to do more day in the life features on S&T soon. There is the intern one right now but I want to cover different desks and what full-timers do as well.

I am a Software Engineer with 7 years software engineering experience and have a BEng degree and nothing else related to finance. I play Poker in small club and I am an endurance cyclist with a couple of my old friends. I have my own mock account I trade on but it only picks stocks from the London Stock Exchange. What sort of layout in brief do I need to get into Sales and Trading. My experience at work saved hours and money and we resurrected few customers on our account at work because of the changes I advised on.

You can list your mock account, stocks you invested in and the returns you generated.

OK. So in this case my resume will be education, experience (here I will put any achievements and advices I made which is basically software development but will make it business oriented and how much I have saved the company), skills, activities and interest (I will put I am fluent in arabic, oracle certified, have my own mock account in trading, I will also add in the CV I won 3 times in a row the investment competition when I was in school 18 years ago). Is that good ? Or is there a better layout.

Sure. Education, Experience, Skills, Activities & Interests …

One last point. Under which section do I list the mock account ? is it under professional experience and it should it be before my current job ? Please let me know. Also in the article it says if you are in full time education you put the experience before the education and leave out Skills, Activities & Interests … Is this all still true ?

Under Professional Experience works. If your current job isn’t finance related, yes I’d list your mock account above your current job Yes I’d follow the article’s guidelines

In London, fantasy trading accounts are not viewed positively. I have spoken to people at all levels (analyst up to a CEO of one of the most prestigious boutiques in the city).

The logic is, ‘I do not want you on the floor if you’ve got a punting account,’ It is unfortunately as simple as that.

You are far better off making sure you have very very strong opinions (developed by reading/following the markets) and knowing your stuff than having a fantasy account. Even if you’re using real money, it isn’t viewed in a positive light.

One caveat I’ve seen is some traders preferring to hire people (this is for the UK only) kids with an A in A level mathematics + a liberal arts degree (french, history, politics, economics etc) just b/c these kids tend to be “more interesting”

I find that hard to believe, especially if you’re using real money. How else could you possibly know if you are good at trading without trading yourself first? And if it comes down to 2 people with similar profiles, would the non-trader really win out?

Still, there may be regional differences and it could be the case that trading accounts are not viewed positively in the UK.

From discussions with traders at bulge bracket banks in New York, I know that most of them would much prefer someone who’s passionate about trading and who has done it before vs. someone who just thinks it sounds cool but doesn’t have any experience.

For the Fall recruiting season, when do first-round interviews for S&T Analyst positions typically start? Prior to the first-round interviews beginning, will they inform you of their decision to advance you to the first round by messaging you via e-mail or through phone?

If you are asked to come for a real interview in an office in NY or London, say, would they mail you the airplane tickets several days or weeks in advance? (I’m not sure how the logistics of this works out.)

FT Analysts roles – usually quite early in the US, maybe August or September. But it varies a bit by bank and region.

If you make resume cutoff they will usually just email you, would take a long time to call everyone.

They will either book the tickets for you online or tell you to do it and reimburse you.

Hi, would you please release the general accepted fees (introduction, success) wages and expenses scheme, I’m negotiating and don’t want to be pretentious neither be lower nor out of bounds. Thanks & regards

Sorry but I don’t understand your question. I think you’ve asked something like this on Facebook before and I didn’t understand it then either.

If you’re asking about the fees you pay to a bank when they advise you on selling a business, it varies widely based on deal size, circumstances etc. so impossible to say from what you’ve said there.

How much do boutiques pay on average.? What are the hours like? Is the actual work difficult? How much knowledge do I actually need to know about valuation?

https://mergersandinquisitions.com/top-investment-banks/

I’m a junior at University of Michigan. I’m studying Nuclear Engineering. And I’m also considering adding either Finance (Ross school of business) as second major, or Financial mathematics. I’m leaning more towards financial mathematics. I’m highly interested in financial market, and I trade daily on the virtual portfolio.

What are you opinions on financial math degree in relation to Finance? Is it worth adding either of those as second degree?

I don’t think you’ll see a huge difference between the two. I also don’t know if you should necessarily take on a 2nd major – it might be too much work and simply adding a minor in one of those would give you a similar boost. Financial math would probably be better for public markets roles and anything more quantitative, finance would be better for transactional roles (IB/PE).

Dear M&I,

How would the above S&T Template change from someone from a non-target school but with relevant financial experience i.e. interned at Research and GCM in bulge bracket now trying to join S&T.

Should more emphasis be made on extra curricular activities of a quantitative and analytical nature since I am from a non-traditional background?

If you already have that kind of experience then you can list it as is – you definitely don’t want to focus on activities if you have 2 highly relevant internships already.

Do focus on the more quantitative / analytical tasks in the internships though. You can still list activities but I wouldn’t go beyond 1 or 2 since you have the internships already.

Hi Brian, what do u do if ur mock trading account is making losses? How can u spin that into something positive?

I am not Brian but coming from a personal experience I would strongly recommend to start learning how to trade and understand whether you like fundamental or technical analysis. Then you need to learn and master your strategies and then understand market psychology. Also, trading journal helps a lot. You need to be able to reflect from your trades.

You can just avoid listing the results of your trades and instead explain your thinking behind them in detail. If they ask you how the trades have performed so far, just say they were fairly recent so it’s too soon to tell since you plan to hold for the long-term.

Thanks Anton and Brian, good stuff there and nice response =)

One more question-

Saying that I do choose finance as my major, can you name any good public schools (for business) off the top of your head?

UC Berkeley, UCLA, Michigan, UVA, UNC all come to mind. More banking recruiting at the first 3.

Hello! Since you don’t email anymore, I’ll try to get in touch by these comments.

I’m currently an upperclassman in high school, and I had a couple of questions for you.

1. I’m interning at a wealth management firm next year (networked my way into that (: ). Do you have any advice on what to do when I’m there? My goal is to go into IB after college, but I’m quite happy to work there.

2. Is an Ivy League education completely necessary to get into investment banking? I want to go to the University of Western Ontario, which has a great reputation for its business school, but I hope that the banks don’t just focus on the Ivy League grads.

3. Any other advice on what to do when in high school? I downloaded your free program (modeling, etc) and I was surprised that I understood most of it! I want to just practice interview skills, network and get a good knowledge of the job. Any other tips?

Thank you for your time!

1. Network, get to know the markets, get referrals from other people, figure out if you like the work.

2. No but it makes it a lot easier. In Canada I think they mostly recruit at 5 schools – see: https://mergersandinquisitions.com/investment-banking-canada/

3. Not really, keep your options open and remember there is life outside of finance as well. You shouldn’t be dead-set on pursuing a certain path at this point.

Your guest suggested emphasising mock/simulator trading. If you don’t have actual experience to point to, is it still a good idea to list this as a work experience entry? e.g. Choose companies that have actually been profitable in share price terms over the past 5 months or so, and expand showing that the investment would have been profitable in a real-life portfolio?

Sure, but I would still try to list some type of student activity / volunteer / other leadership experience as well just to show that you can work in teams and in formal roles in addition to trading on your own.

How would you rate the travel opportunities associated with Sales & Trading? Are there many opportunities, or are you primarily based in the one place?

For trading you are basically just in one place. Sales may involve more travel depending on what’s going on at the moment (e.g. a roadshow). Overall consulting is by far the most travel, followed by IB, then sales/trading.

There is actually a fair amount of traveling when it comes to the busy season (springtime). BB Research Analysts are going to meet clients in various parts of the US and depending on where you are based you could be out 2-5 days a week.

Actually Brian, just to follow up:

In markets outside of the US, would you still imagine there to be a similar trend around those times too? While it is not the main focus for sales & trading, would you deem it of value to emphasise any international experience/language capability on the CV>

There may be, but generally for trading languages / international experiences don’t matter as much because everything is in English… for sales or research it can be more of an advantage (see the podcast we did on S&T). Not sure how frequent travel would be outside the US but perhaps someone else can answer.

Great article!

I did an internship in a high-frequency trading firm. Since HFTs are normally quite secretive, the name is not know. I want to emphasize on my resume that it’s a HFT firm, how can I do this?

You can just add a 1-line description next to it or after the company name, or put the description in your summary sentence.

Hey Brian, I read that there is a slim chance for people who already have a full-time job to get in S&T. Is this a dead-end for me or I still have a shot? What would be the best approach for someone like me who graduated 6 months ago in accountancy and is currently working in the backoffice in the pension industry. Is going back to school for a master in finance, MBA or something in a quantitative discipline a good way to revamp myself? Or the best approach would be to network heavily? Or is there another way out of this?

If it’s just 6 months of full-time work experience you still have a shot but less so at large banks. I would try:

1) Focusing on prop trading firms or other small places that don’t care as much about your current status.

2) Thinking about a Master’s in Finance program.

3) Still try networking and maybe even focus on something like sales roles and see if you can work your way into trading from there.

4) Think about back/middle office roles at banks – it’s more do-able to get into sales & trading from those than it is to get into IB.

Few quick questions:

1) For “Quantitative Ability”, are we looking for only arithmetic/statistics-related stuff, or should I put down “Multivariable Calculus” in the Relevant Coursework section?

2) Is sports betting a good thing to put under interests, in the same vein as poker etc. Also, what happens if somebody asks how good you are at betting/poker. Is it okay to say “I’d rather not say”, or should you reveal your strategies etc. What if you’re too successful (not saying I personally am) – will the interviewer question your motivations as to why you want an S&T job when you’re making a nice income off poker/betting?

3) I’m in a frat, but I don’t have a leadership position. In that case, where do I list this in my resume?

4) How intense does your mock trading account have to be? I have a real trading account (which I’ve had for a year), but I’ve only held positions in 5 stocks, and never more than 3 at a time – I’ve also only sold/bought/fiddled with the allocation only 3 or 4 times. Is that enough?

5) Is knowing just the front page of the WSJ, MarketWatch etc. enough – how detailed are people expecting your market knowledge to be? I’d love to spend all my time looking at it, but I also have homework to contend with.

Okay, so it’s a bit more than a few quick questions, sorry! And thanks in advance, guys!

1) Anything math-related is good, so Calculus certainly counts.

2) Yes, it could be if you can explain your strategies properly. If asked, just say that you have some experience doing it and consider it a hobby to divert away questions of why you don’t do it full-time.

3) You should still list it at the bottom, either by itself or note one of your accomplishments.

4) Sure. Doesn’t have to be that intense, just be able to describe a couple of trades and investment ideas quite well.

5) We’re going to cover this in the next few parts of this series – there’s a specific list of indicators you should be familiar with. Not that many to know, but they will expect basic knowledge like interest rates, oil/gold prices, GDP growth, unemployment, etc.

Thanks so much for your reply! I think my resume’s solid now, and I’m on my way to be prepared for the interviews.

Glad to hear!

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Dear Sir/Madam,

I am very excited to apply to the Sales & Trading summer analyst role at [Bank name] because I am extremely passionate about the financial markets and actively follow the latest trends in the currency markets with profound interest. The rotational aspect of the program is particularly appealing as I am keen to extend my knowledge about the different asset classes especially Foreign Exchange and commodities whilst experience in the Sales and Trading roles will give me great exposure to the markets.

I am currently a penultimate year student, studying [My subject] at [Harvard Business school (I wish :)]. My rigorous academic training at university has provided me with a very strong background in the mathematical techniques required to successfully synthesise and analyse complex financial data. I believe my leverage in these areas coupled my exceptional analytical, problem solving and technical skills will allow me to make a significant positive contribution as a summer intern.

Additionally my experience in a demanding retail environment has developed my communication and interpersonal skills through successful customer dealings and also taught me how to deal with challenging clients and thrive in a fast paced, high-pressured environment of the trading floor. Furthermore I was a committee member of abc charity weeks and as a result of my creative ideas and strategic decisions abc charity week was able to raise $20,000 on campus and placed ABC 4th nationally. This experience proves my ability to work in a team whilst leading other committee members demonstrates my commitment and leadership skills that are essential to succeed in a rapidly changing environment of the financial markets.

My motivation to apply to bank arises due to its outstanding global reputation and its commitment to developing talent that will be instrumental in shaping my personal development. I am further impressed by Morgan Stanley ’s recent initiative to buy MSSB from Citigroup which highlights the firm’s commitment to increase its client base whilst also strengthening its competitive advantage in the industry. I believe my hunger for the financial markets and the opportunity to learn from highly intellectual employees at bank will enable me to thrive on its meritocratic and collaborative culture and allow me to successfully serve its global clients.

Thank you for your time and interest, I have attached my CV and hope to hear from you soon.

Yours faithfully [My name]

Any advice on how to improve this piece of sh*t

*Less about you, more about the skills you bring to the table. People don't care about your passions, they want to know what they get out of you

*Don't explain what something shows...don't be so blunt...talk about work/leadership experience that demonstrates a characteristic without stating it.

very generic

This is advice from a current student so take it with a pinch of salt.

If you've been to any MS networking events / OCR / any contacts within Morgan Stanley S&T add their name. "After speaking with (insert name here), an analyst on your Delta One desk"...whatever..you get my drift..I've gotten more bites by mentioning a contact.

I would not mention MSSB & Citi issue, your applying for S&T not MSSB brokerage, you will not be rotating in MSSB . Find an interesting story that didn't happen last month and that Sales or Trading were involved in. Check the journal and the FT .

[quote]"My motivation to apply to bank arises due to its outstanding global reputation and its commitment to developing talent that will be instrumental in shaping my personal development. I am further impressed by Morgan Stanley ’s recent initiative to buy MSSB from Citigroup which highlights the firm’s commitment to increase its client base whilst also strengthening its competitive advantage in the industry. I believe my hunger for the financial markets and the opportunity to learn from highly intellectual employees at bank will enable me to thrive on its meritocratic and collaborative culture and allow me to successfully serve its global clients."[quote]

This in general needs an overhaul.

Sentences are too long. Its "thrive in" not "thrive on" unless your planning on eating the "meritocratic and collaborative culture"...by the way that also sounds forced.

In general learn to use commas and put down the thesaurus, some of it sounds Shakespearean.

I did talk about work experience and leadership experience in a charity event, isn't that the correct way and then said what skills I used or demonstarted..

Thanks for your comments by the way it hurts but hopefully worth it!

Needs a lot of work but I would definitely not use "whilst" more than once in a cover letter

Having carefully researched your business and its growing dominance in the global markets industry, I am very excited to apply to the Sales & Trading summer analyst role at Morgan Stanley . I hope to utilise my strong quantitative skills obtained whilst studying [subject] to extend my knowledge about the different assets classes. Moreover, experience in sales & trading roles will give me invaluable exposure to the financial markets and allow me to make a very significant contribution to your firm.

A repost of mine to give you an idea of how to frame it:

"In college, I majored in Economics, the 'science' of making choices in a constrained environment to help me figure out what motivates people. I minored in Philosophy to hone my art of bullshitting. Combining these two fields with my natural proclivities has allowed me to separate very large sums of money from untold quantities of people in my 14 year career on Wall Street. Knowing the ins and outs of several large product areas has given me the knowledge of where to best hide fees. This way, the client thinks they are getting a great deal while I am ripping their fucking face off. This has allowed me to garner repeat business from said targets giving me a recurring, high margin revenue base that is portable to your firm."

The point is: You need to show why they should hire you, not what interests you. Nobody cares much about your interests when hiring. In my example, I show that my expertise and relationship translate into high and recurring revenue...and I can bring it to their firm, if they hire me.

SirTradesaLot: A repost of mine to give you an idea of how to frame it: "In college, I majored in Economics , the 'science' of making choices in a constrained environment to help me figure out what motivates people. I minored in Philosophy to hone my art of bullshitting. Combining these two fields with my natural proclivities has allowed me to separate very large sums of money from untold quantities of people in my 14 year career on Wall Street. Knowing the ins and outs of several large product areas has given me the knowledge of where to best hide fees. This way, the client thinks they are getting a great deal while I am ripping their fucking face off. This has allowed me to garner repeat business from said targets giving me a recurring, high margin revenue base that is portable to your firm." The point is: You need to show why they should hire you, not what interests you. Nobody cares much about your interests when hiring. In my example, I show that my expertise and relationship translate into high and recurring revenue...and I can bring it to their firm, if they hire me.

My above paragarph was an intro to cover letter, let me post more

Just came across this for the first time in many years, this is easily one of the finest posts on this website.

Having carefully researched your business and its growing dominance in the global markets industry, I am very excited to apply to the Sales & Trading summer analyst role at Morgan Stanley . I hope to utilise my strong quantitative skills obtained whilst studying [Subject] to extend my knowledge about the different assets classes. Moreover experience in sales & trading roles will give me invaluable exposure to the financial markets and allow me to make a very significant contribution to your firm.

I am currently a penultimate year student, studying [subject] at University. My rigorous academic training at university has provided me with a very strong background in the mathematical techniques required to successfully synthesise and analyse complex financial data. I believe my leverage in these areas coupled my exceptional analytical, problem solving and technical skills will enable me to add value at Morgan Stanley and positively serve its global clients.

Additionally my experience in a demanding retail environment has developed my communication and interpersonal skills through successful customer dealings and also taught me how to deal with challenging clients and thrive in a fast paced, high-pressured environment of the trading floor. As a result of my leadership skills I organised a thoroughly successful charity event at university and helped raise $20,000 for ABC charity on campus. Furthermore my mentoring and teaching experience has given me great exposure on how to build a strong relationship with new clients and successfully serve their investment objectives. I believe the skills I posses will enable me to effectively carry Morgan Stanley 's strong brand name in the industry and allow me to consistently make profits for the firm.

I think it improved a lot! I will use a couple of your ideas to polish mine! Thanks. By the way, how did it go? Did your cover letter proved to be effective?

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Equity Sales Trader Cover Letter Sample

Increase your chances of scoring a job & find ideas for your own cover letter with this modifiable Equity Sales Trader cover letter sample. Copy and paste this cover letter example at no cost or alter it with ease in our easy-to-use cover letter builder.

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Equity Sales Trader Cover Letter Sample (Full Text Version)

Eric Nielsen

Dear Hiring Team,

I am writing to express my interest in the Equity Sales Trader position at FWQ Financial, Ltd. in New York City, NY as advertised on LinkedIn.com. I am confident that my qualifications align well with the requirements of the role and that I can be a valuable asset to your team and organization.

With a background as a Certified Equity Professional, I bring a strong attention to detail, a track record of achieving exceptional financial results, and experience in developing and implementing trading strategies. During my tenure at Maven Securities, Ltd., I was recognized for my analytical skills, ability to perform under pressure, and success in managing client accounts. I have also been honored with the Trader of the Year Award twice for exceeding targets.

In addition to my professional experience, I hold a master's degree in Finance and Capital Markets from the University of Michigan, where I graduated in the top 2% of my class with a 4.0 GPA. As a former President of the FinTech Society, I have honed my leadership and teamwork skills. I am proficient in all necessary software programs and believe that my qualifications make me a strong fit for your organization.

I have enclosed my updated CV for your review and am available for any further questions. Please feel free to contact me at 555-555-5555 or via email at [email protected]. Thank you for considering my application.

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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Trading Analyst Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Use these Trading Analyst cover letter examples and writing tips to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Table Of Contents

• Trading Analyst Example 1
• Trading Analyst Example 2
• Trading Analyst Example 3
• Cover Letter Writing Tips

Trading analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data to make informed investment decisions. They must be able to work with large data sets and identify trends in the market.

When you’re applying for a trading analyst position, you need to show that you have the skills and experience to do the job. Use these examples and tips to write a cover letter that will impress hiring managers.

Trading Analyst Cover Letter Example 1

I am excited to be applying for the Trading Analyst position at Topdown Trading. I believe that my skills and experience would be a valuable addition to your team.

I have more than five years of experience working in the financial industry. In my previous role as a Trading Analyst at ABC Trading, I was responsible for analyzing and forecasting market trends, developing trading strategies, and managing risk. I have a proven track record of success in this field, and I am confident that I can bring value to Topdown Trading.

I am a strategic thinker with a strong quantitative background. I have a deep understanding of financial markets and the ability to analyze data to identify opportunities and trends. I am also experienced in developing and implementing trading strategies.

I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to Topdown Trading. I am eager to learn more about the Trading Analyst position and to discuss how my skills and experience can contribute to your organization. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Trading Analyst Cover Letter Example 2

I am writing in regards to the Trading Analyst opening that I saw on your website. I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications that you are looking for.

I have been working in the trading industry for the past three years and have a wealth of experience and knowledge that I can bring to your company. I have a proven track record of success and have consistently exceeded expectations. I am a strategic thinker and have a knack for finding innovative solutions to complex problems.

I am also an excellent communicator and have a strong ability to build relationships with clients and colleagues. I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team and am eager to contribute to your company’s success.

If you would like to discuss this position further, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.

Trading Analyst Cover Letter Example 3

I am writing to express my interest in the Trading Analyst position that you have posted. I believe that my experience as a trader and my education in finance make me an ideal candidate for this position.

I began my career as a trader at XYZ Bank, where I was responsible for managing a portfolio of equities and options. My responsibilities included analyzing market trends, identifying opportunities for profit and risk reduction, and executing trades based on these analyses. I also worked closely with traders from other banks to develop strategies for trading in different markets.

In addition to my work as a trader, I also served as a mentor to junior traders. I taught them how to analyze market data and how to identify profitable trades. I also helped them develop their own strategies for trading in different markets.

I left XYZ Bank after two years to pursue a Master’s degree in Finance at NYU. While there, I focused on financial modeling and quantitative analysis. I also took several courses in corporate finance and macroeconomics. I believe that these skills will be valuable in my new role as a trading analyst.

I am confident that my experience as a trader and my education in finance will allow me to contribute positively to your company. I am also confident that my experience working with traders will help me quickly integrate into your team. Finally, I am confident that my ability to work independently will allow me to succeed in this position even if it requires long hours or unusual working conditions.

Thank you for considering me for this position. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Trading Analyst Cover Letter Writing Tips

1. showcase your skills.

When writing a cover letter for a trading analyst position, it’s important to showcase your skills and experience. Some of the best ways to do this include:

• Listing the financial products you’re familiar with and have experience trading.
• Detailing the analysis methods you use to identify profitable trading opportunities.
• Mentioning the trading strategies you’re comfortable using (e.g., technical analysis, fundamental analysis, swing trading).

2. Customize your cover letter

Just as you would for any other job application, it’s important to customize your cover letter to fit the specific trading analyst role you’re applying for. Highlight your skills and experience that are the best match for the job requirements, and make sure to mention how you can contribute to the company’s success.

3. Show your passion for trading

In order to stand out from the other applicants, it’s important to show your passion for trading. This can be done by describing your trading journey, including the highs and lows you’ve experienced. It’s also a good idea to talk about your trading goals and how you plan to achieve them.

4. Proofread your cover letter

One of the most important things to do when applying for any job is to proofread your resume and cover letter. This will help ensure there are no errors that could potentially disqualify you from the hiring process.

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