Consultant cover letter example & writing guide

Similar to engaging cross-functional teams during consultancy projects, you’ll also need to attract a hiring manager or client's attention when you’re applying for your next consultancy job. Demand for consultancy services has grown in recent years, but so has the number of business consultants offering specialized services. One way to set yourself apart in the consultancy field is by creating a compelling cover letter, which serves as a smooth introduction to your resume.

In this cover letter guide, along with the corresponding consultant cover letter example, we’ll look at exactly how to draft a cover letter that can get you interviews, including: 

• What should your consultant cover letter include? 

• What can you write in the introduction of the cover letter

• What information can you give in the body of the cover letter

• How to write a cover letter closing 

What should your consultant cover letter include?   

When you’re analyzing company performance, you need to ensure the feedback you provide is clear, concise, and of course relevant. Your consultant cover letter should also tick all these boxes. This brief (usually one page) letter should outline your skills, experience, and achievements tailored to the role you are applying for. It should present you as the best consultant for the job.

Your cover letter should include your contact information, details of the company you are applying to, the date, and a formal greeting. Following this you’ll need a compelling introduction to hook the reader, main body of information, and convincing closing paragraph. We’ll go over these elements in detail in the following paragraphs. 

What can you write in the introduction of your cover letter?

Hiring managers typically spend mere seconds when initially reviewing a cover letter, so your introduction needs to quickly hook them and compel them to read on. The most common problem with a cover letter introduction is that it can be very generic. Once the recruiter has read one or two, they’re likely to all blend into one and become pretty forgettable. 

Start your introduction with an impactful statement that tells the company you are the solution to their problems. If their business is underperforming, your commitment to delivering immediate and long-lasting results, combined with a background in similar settings will be music to their ears. Conduct some background research and review the job description so you have a good sense of what the company is looking to achieve. You can then reference this in your introduction. Perhaps they are focused on enhancing business architecture, process transformation, or driving improvements in service standards. Whatever the reason, making reference to this will show your strong interest and commitment to the role.

What should be mentioned in the cover letter body for a teaching role?  

The body of the consultant cover letter is where you expand on your skills, experience, and talents as a consultant and convince the hiring manager that you’re the perfect person for the job.

An effective approach is to break into it 3 different sections:

1. Why you. Demonstrate that your skills and experience directly align with the consulting role that you are applying for. Focus on highlighting your successes as a consultant. This could include optimizing processes to significantly improve operational performance. Perhaps you collaborated with diverse stakeholders on a recent project and delivered positive change. Wherever possible, try to include metrics as this will really boost your credibility. Companies are looking for consultants who can deliver tangible results, and your cover letter is your opportunity to let them know you can do this!

2. Why here. Why do you want to work for this particular company? Are you passionate about the employer’s product/service/mission? Do you admire the organization's strong reputation? Have you connected with company culture? Whatever the reason, communicating this via your cover letter and describing how you can see yourself succeeding in the role will position you as a serious candidate.

3. Why now. Perhaps you’ve risen through the ranks via promotions or in your most recent consultancy job you were successful in achieving goals that relate directly to the job opening. Communicating your backstory as to how you’ve arrived at this point in your career and the wins you have achieved along the way will allow your personality and strengths to shine through in your cover letter.

Get more in-depth advice in our blog: How to show personality in a cover letter

How to write a consultant cover letter closing

The closing section of your consultant cover letter needs to thank the hiring manager for their time and also encourage them to get in touch with you. This is also a golden opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the role. This doesn’t need to be a long paragraph (1-2 sentences is fine). Here’s some inspiration:

• Reiterate why you’re the best consultant for the job. This statement should demonstrate the impact you will have. “In summary, my extensive experience providing consultancy in the FMCG industry, combined with proven success in the delivery of optimal business architecture, makes me an ideal candidate for the consulting role at (Company Name)” 

• Include a Call to Action. Encourage the hiring manager to take that next step. “I look forward to speaking with you and learning more about the (Position Title) position and (Company Name). Until then, thank you for your time and consideration.”

Tick all the boxes via our cover letter checklist. Learn more here: Cover letter checklist

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