how to write an application letter in bank

Sample Job Application Letter for the Post of Clerk in Bank

When applying for the post of a bank clerk, you must have a well-written job application letter. Your job application letter should highlight your relevant qualifications, experiences, and motivation for applying for the position. It is essential to follow the bank’s specific instructions on how to use it, which may include submitting your application letter in a particular format.

Your job application letter for bank clerk should be concise and to the point, highlighting why you are the perfect candidate for the role. Make sure to proofread your letter carefully before sending it off, and consider having someone else read it over to check for any errors.

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Bank Job Application Letter Format: A Guide to Crafting an Impressive Application

Applying for a job in the banking industry requires a well-crafted application letter that showcases your qualifications, experience, and enthusiasm for the role. A compelling bank job application letter not only grabs the attention of hiring managers but also sets you apart from other candidates vying for the same position. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the essential components of an optimized bank job application letter and provide sample formats to help you create a standout application that increases your chances of securing an interview.

1. Introduction

The introduction of your bank job application letter should be concise, engaging, and attention-grabbing. Start by addressing the hiring manager or relevant department using a professional salutation. State the position you are applying for and express your genuine interest in the job. For example:

“Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my keen interest in the [Bank Job Position] at [Bank Name]. As a dedicated and experienced professional in the banking industry, I am excited to contribute my skills and expertise to the esteemed institution.”

2. Personalize Your Letter

Research the bank and the specific job requirements to tailor your application letter accordingly. Showcase your knowledge and understanding of the bank’s mission, values, and goals. Highlight how your skills and experience align with their needs, emphasizing your suitability for the role. This personalization demonstrates your genuine interest and dedication to joining their team.

3. Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience

This section focuses on showcasing the skills, qualifications, and experience that make you a strong candidate for the bank job position. Provide specific examples of how your previous work experience and educational background align with the requirements outlined in the job description. Be sure to highlight any relevant certifications or training you have obtained. Use clear and concise language to communicate your strengths and capabilities.

4. Demonstrate Your Knowledge of the Banking Industry

Employers in the banking industry value candidates who have a deep understanding of the sector. Take this opportunity to showcase your knowledge and passion for banking. Discuss industry trends, regulations, or specific banking products and services you know. This demonstrates your commitment to staying informed and your ability to contribute to the bank’s success.

5. Showcase Your Soft Skills

Besides technical skills, banks also seek candidates with strong interpersonal and communication skills. Highlight your ability to work well in a team, handle client interactions, and solve problems efficiently. The banking industry highly values effective communication, attention to detail, and time management. Provide examples of situations where you have demonstrated these skills to strengthen your application.

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(Name of the Applicant)

(Residential Address)

(Phone Number)

The Branch/General/HR Manager

___________ Bank

_________ Branch

(Full Address)

Sub.: Application for the position of clerk in your bank

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for the bank clerk position at XYZ Bank. I am a highly motivated individual with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. I have a strong interest in working in the banking sector, and I am confident that I have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in this role.

In my current role as an administrative assistant at ABC Company, I have gained valuable experience in dealing with customers, processing transactions, and maintaining accurate records. I am confident that I can transfer these skills to the bank clerk role and be a valuable asset to your team.

I am eager to learn new things and am committed to providing excellent customer service. I believe I would be an ideal candidate for this position, and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further with you at an interview.

Please consider my application favorably for the clerical position in your bank. I shall be grateful.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

(Signature)

Encl.: As above

Dated _________

Place: _________

In conclusion, crafting an optimized bank job application letter is crucial to make a positive impression on potential employers in the banking industry. By following the guidelines provided in this comprehensive guide and utilizing the sample format, you can create a compelling application letter that highlights your qualifications, experience, and enthusiasm for the role.

Remember to personalize your letter, showcasing your knowledge of the specific bank and aligning your skills with their requirements. Highlight relevant skills, demonstrate your industry knowledge, and emphasize your soft skills, such as communication and problem-solving abilities.

A well-crafted bank job application letter increases your chances of securing an interview and ultimately landing your desired position. Good luck with your application!

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Banking cover letter examples

If you’re hoping to land your next banking role, then you need a cover letter that’s right on the money.

In our step-by-step guide, we’ll share our top tips and advice for writing an impressive application.

We’ve also created some banking cover letter examples to inspire your own. Check them out below.

CV templates 

Banking cover letter example 1

Build your CV now 

Banking cover letter example 2

Banking cover letter example 3

These 3 Banking cover letter example s should provide you with a good steer on how to write your own cover letter, and the general structure to follow.

Our simple step-by-step guide below provides some more detailed advice on how you can craft a winning cover letter for yourself, that will ensure your CV gets opened.

How to write a Banking cover letter

A simple step-by-step guide to writing your very own winning cover letter.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When writing your Banking cover letter, it’s best to type the content into the body of your email (or the job site messaging system) and not to attach the cover letter as a separate document.

This ensures that your cover letter gets seen as soon as a recruiter or employer opens your message.

If you attach the cover letter as a document, you’re making the reader go through an unnecessary step of opening the document before reading it.

If it’s in the body of the message itself, it will be seen instantly, which hugely increases the chances of it being read.

Start with a friendly greeting

To start building rapport with the recruiter or hiring manager right away, lead with a friendly greeting.

Try to strike a balance between professional and personable.

Go with something like…

• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Stay away from old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal companies – they can come across as cold and robotic.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try to uncover it via these methods.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Once you’ve opened up the cover letter with a warm greeting to start building a relationship, it is time to identify which role you want to apply for.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so you need to ensure you apply to the correct one.

Be very specific and use a reference number if you can find one.

• I am interested in applying for the position of *Banking role* with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 406f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for a junior project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The sole objective of your cover letter is to motivate recruiters into to opening your CV. And you achieve this by quickly explaining your suitability to the roles you are applying for.

Take a look at the job descriptions you are applying to, and make note of the most important skills and qualifications being asked for.

Then, when crafting your cover letter, make your suitability the central focus.

Explain why you are the best qualified candidate, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider you for the job.

Keep it short and sharp

A good cover letter is short and sharp, getting to the point quickly with just enough information to grab the attention of recruiters.

Ideally your cover letter should be around 4-8 sentences long – anything longer will risk losing the attention of time-strapped recruiters and hiring managers .

Essentially you need to include just enough information to persuade the reader to open up your CV, where the in-depth details will sit.

Sign off professionally

To round of your CV, you should sign off with a professional signature.

This will give your cover letter a slick appearance and also give the recruiter all of the necessary contact information they need to get in touch with you.

The information to add should include:

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Kindest regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network –  e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Jill North IT Project Manager 078837437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip: To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate documents that you could copy in.

What to include in your Banking cover letter

Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Banking cover letter…

The exact info will obviously depend on your industry and experience level, but these are the essentials.

• Your relevant experience – Where have you worked and what type of jobs have you held?
• Your qualifications – Let recruiters know about your highest level of qualification to show them you have the credentials for the job.
• The impact you have made – Show how your actions have made a positive impact on previous employers; perhaps you’ve saved them money or helped them to acquire new customers?
• Your reasons for moving – Hiring managers will want to know why you are leaving your current or previous role, so give them a brief explanation.
• Your availability – When can you start a new job ? Recruiters will want to know how soon they can get you on board.

Don’t forget to tailor these points to the requirements of the job advert for best results.

Banking cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Banking cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

Hello Harry

I am keen to showcase my interest in the Bank Manager position at Investec. With a distinguished career in the financial service industry spanning over 15 years, I am excited about the opportunity to lead a dynamic team, steer exceptional customer experiences, and contribute to the success of your company.

Throughout my career at Metro Bank, I have held progressively responsible roles, where I honed my expertise in optimising branch operations, client service, team management, and business development across all activities. Some of the significant contributions I have played throughout my time at Metro Bank include, increasing deposits by 30% through integrating targeted marketing campaigns and relationship-building strategies, developing training programs which enhanced branch staff’s cross-selling of bank products by 50%, and lessening annual expenses by £80K by negotiating favourable contracts with suitable vendors.

My passion for fostering a customer-centric culture has been the driving force behind my success, and I am confident that my collaborative approach and ability to build and maintain relationships will ensure continued growth for Investec as a whole. Thank you very much for considering my application and I hope to hear from you very soon regarding scheduling an interview.

Kind regards

Ellen Mount ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

I hope you’re well. I am thrilled to apply for the Private Banker role at Santander, as advertised on Indeed. With a successful track record in wealth management and a deep commitment to delivering personalised financial solutions to high-net-worth clients, I am eager to contribute my expertise to your institution.

I possess 7 years of experience as a Private Banker at CitiBank, where I increased AUM by 20% since 2016, successfully generated £3M in revenue and exceeded individual/team targets through cross-selling financial products to clients. I also boosted CSAT scores by 10% within 3-months due to promptly addressing any complaints.

I am eager to leverage my skills to enhance your establishment’s reputation and ensure to its continued success. As a highly analytical professional, I thrive in dynamic market environments and excel at navigating complex financial landscapes. My dedication to providing exceptional service is matched by my commitment to stay abreast of industry trends and guaranteeing my clients receive the most relevant advice.

Thank you for considering my application and look forward to attending an interview at your convenience.

Simon Piles ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Good morning, Gary

I am excited to apply for the Junior Teller role at Fidelity Bank. I am eager to leverage my skills and commitment towards maintaining the high standards of service associated with your institution.

Throughout my academic journey and part-time experiences, I have developed a deep understanding of banking procedures, where I gained valuable insights into the importance of accuracy, confidentiality, and efficiency in handling transactions. As a recent HND Banking Graduate from Lincoln College, I possess theoretical knowledge in financial accounting and economics.

Additionally, I completed a one-year internship at TD Group where I was exposed to real-world cash handling, account management, and customer interactions. During this internship I assisted in the implementation of a new process for addressing inquiries that reduced wait times by 20%, as well as assuring a 100% record of compliance with bank policies which led to successful audits with no major findings.

Please feel free to reach out to me via email or by phone at your convenience to schedule an interview. Thank you for considering my application.

Lisa McKenzie ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Banking job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

Home » Letters » Job Letters » Application Letter for a Job Vacancy in a Bank – Sample Job Application for a Bank Position

Application Letter for a Job Vacancy in a Bank – Sample Job Application for a Bank Position

Table of Contents:

• Sample Letter

Live Editing Assistance

How to use live assistant, additional template options, download options, share via email, share via whatsapp, copy to clipboard, print letter, sample letter for a job vacancy in a bank.

To, The HR Manager, __________ (Bank Name), __________ (Bank Address)

Date: __/__/____ (Date)

Subject: Job application for _________ (Position name)

Respected Sir/ Madam,

I am writing to express my interest in the job opportunity at your esteemed bank for the position of _________ (mention position), as advertised in _________ (mention where you saw the advertisement – magazine/newspaper/any other). My name is __________ (Your Name), and I currently reside in __________ (Your Location).

I have recently learned about the opening through __________ (where you found the advertisement), and I am eager to apply for the mentioned position. I believe that my skills and experience align well with the requirements for _______ (Position Name).

I have had the privilege of working at __________ (Previous Bank Name) as a __________ (Previous Designation) for __________ (Duration). This experience has equipped me with valuable insights into the banking industry, and I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.

I shall be highly obliged if you could consider this letter as my formal application for the __________ (Position Name). I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my skills and dedication to your organization. Please find my resume attached along with this application.

You may reach me at __________ (Your Contact Details) to discuss my application further. Thank you for considering my application.

Thanking You, Sincerely, __________ (Your Signature) __________ (Your Name) __________ (Your Contact Number)

Live Preview

The Live Assistant feature is represented by a real-time preview functionality. Here’s how to use it:

• Start Typing: Enter your letter content in the "Letter Input" textarea.
• Live Preview: As you type, the content of your letter will be displayed in the "Live Preview" section below the textarea. This feature converts newline characters in the textarea into <br> tags in HTML for better readability.

The letter writing editor allows you to start with predefined templates for drafting your letters:

• Choose a Template: Click one of the template buttons ("Start with Sample Template 1", "Start with Sample Template 2", or "Start with Sample Template 3").
• Auto-Fill Textarea: The chosen template's content will automatically fill the textarea, which you can then modify or use as is.

Click the "Download Letter" button after composing your letter. This triggers a download of a file containing the content of your letter.

Click the "Share via Email" button after composing your letter. Your default email client will open a new message window with the subject "Sharing My Draft Letter" and the content of your letter in the body.

Click the "Share via WhatsApp" button after you've composed your letter. Your default browser will open a new tab prompting you to send the letter as a message to a contact on WhatsApp.

If you want to copy the text of your letter to the clipboard:

• Copy to Clipboard: Click the "Copy to Clipboard" button after composing your letter.
• Paste Anywhere: You can then paste the copied text anywhere you need, such as into another application or document.

For printing the letter directly from the browser:

• Print Letter: Click the "Print Letter" button after composing your letter.
• Print Preview: A new browser window will open showing your letter formatted for printing.
• Print: Use the print dialog in the browser to complete printing.
• A: Begin your letter with "Respected Sir/ Madam" or "Dear Sir/ Madam" to address the HR manager in a polite and respectful manner.
• A: Mention the position you are applying for, where you found the job advertisement, your name, current location, relevant skills and experience, and contact details for further communication.
• A: Yes, it's essential to attach your resume to provide additional information about your qualifications, skills, and experience to support your application.
• A: You can express your enthusiasm by stating that you are eager to contribute to the bank's team and that you believe your skills align well with the requirements of the position.
• A: Yes, it's beneficial to mention relevant previous work experience that demonstrates your skills and qualifications for the position you are applying for in the bank.

Incoming Search Terms:

• sample job application for bank
• job application for vacancy in bank

By letterskadmin

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Banking Cover Letter Guide With Templates & Examples

Learn how to write a banking cover letter with templates, samples, and important tips to make your job application stand out.

Pansy Thakuria

Read more posts by this author.

Banking jobs usually require you to submit a cover letter and a resume for a more detailed job application. Bankers are very professional and value paperwork.

As a banking candidate, you must know how to craft a perfect cover letter that your employer will assess. In your banking cover letter, you get to explain and highlight your skills, work experience, and how you can contribute to the company you’re applying to.

In this guide, we will learn how to create a cover letter to make you stand out from other candidates. We explore all the contents of a cover letter and what are the most important things to include in it.

What is a banking cover letter?

A banking cover letter is a short letter you write when you want to work in a bank. It's like a note introducing yourself to the bank and explaining why you want to work there. You mention your skills and experiences related to banking to show why you'd be a good fit for the job.

It's a way to get the bank's attention and interest them in hiring you.

Let’s look at some templates and examples.

Banking Cover Letter Template For Beginners With No Experience

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number] [Date]

[Hiring Manager's Name] [Bank Name] [Bank Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am reaching out to express my genuine interest in the [specific position] at [Bank Name], as mentioned in your recent posting.

A Bit About Me:

I recently graduated with a [Your Degree] from [Your University], where I delved into subjects like Finance and Accounting. It was an exciting journey that fueled my interest in the dynamic world of banking.

While I may not have direct banking experience, I've developed a solid understanding of financial principles during my studies. I'm also quite handy with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word.

Why [Bank Name]?

[Bank Name] caught my eye because of its stellar reputation and commitment to [mention something specific about the bank, e.g., community involvement innovative services].

I am genuinely eager to be a part of a team that values [mention a key value of the bank, e.g., customer satisfaction, integrity].

What I Bring:

I am a quick learner, ready to absorb new information and contribute my best to the fast-paced banking world.

Beyond my academic qualifications, I bring a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for learning. I am confident that my adaptability will be an asset in a dynamic banking environment.

Let's Chat:

I am genuinely excited about the prospect of contributing to [Bank Name]'s success. I would love the opportunity to discuss how my eagerness and skills align with the goals of [Bank Name]. I am available for an interview at your convenience.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to possibly joining the [Bank Name] family.

Warm regards, [Your Name]

A cover letter first-timer? Let’s help you with our easy-to-follow guide with customizable examples: Cover Letter Guide.

Banking Cover Letter Template For Experienced Professionals

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number]

As advertised, I am writing to express my interest in the [specific position] at [Bank Name]. With a robust background in banking and a proven track record of success, I am eager to bring my expertise to your esteemed institution.

Professional Snapshot:

Experience:

• Over [number] years of experience in various roles within the banking sector.
• [Briefly mention specific roles, e.g., Branch Manager, Financial Analyst].

Achievements:

• Successfully [mention a significant accomplishment, e.g., increased branch profitability by X%].
• Demonstrated proficiency in [mention relevant skills, e.g., risk management, portfolio analysis].
• I have been following [Bank Name]'s commitment to [mention a specific aspect, e.g., technological innovation, customer-centric services] and am eager to contribute to its continued success.

Key Strengths:

• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans to enhance overall branch performance.

Team Leadership:

• Successful track record of leading and motivating teams to achieve and exceed targets.

Customer Relationship Management:

• Adept at fostering strong relationships with clients, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty.

Let's Collaborate:

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and insights to [Bank Name]. I believe my experience aligns well with the goals of your institution.

I would welcome the chance to discuss further how my background and skills can benefit [Bank Name]. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining your dynamic team.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Banking Cover Letter Example And Sample For Experienced Professionals

Sarah Baker New town street Metropolis, MS 56789 [email protected] 999-000-222

Jess Anderson Prestige Bank 123 Financial Avenue Metropolis, MS 56789

I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Financial Analyst position at Prestige Bank, as advertised. With over 10 years of experience in the banking sector and a proven track record of success, I am eager to contribute my expertise to your esteemed institution.

• Over 10 years of experience in various roles within the banking sector.
• Worked as a Financial Analyst at Financial Excellence Inc. for five years, managing complex financial portfolios and conducting risk assessments.
• Successfully implemented a risk mitigation strategy that resulted in a 15% reduction in overall portfolio risk.
• Consistently exceeded quarterly revenue targets by 20%, contributing to the overall profitability of Financial Excellence Inc.

Why Prestige Bank?

I have followed Prestige Bank's commitment to technological innovation and its reputation for delivering customer-centric services. I am eager to bring my skills to an institution that values forward-thinking strategies and client satisfaction.

Strategic Planning:

• Developed and executed strategic plans to enhance overall branch performance, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Successfully led and motivated cross-functional teams, achieving and exceeding financial targets.
• Established and maintained strong relationships with clients, ensuring their financial goals aligned with the bank's offerings.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and insights to Prestige Bank. I believe my experience aligns well with the goals of your institution.

I would welcome the chance to discuss further how my background and skills can benefit Prestige Bank. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely, Sarah Baker

How to write a banking cover letter?

Writing a banking cover letter involves conveying your interest in a specific banking position, showcasing your relevant skills and experiences, and explaining why you are a strong fit for the role. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Contact Information

• Include your full name, address, phone number, and email at the top of the letter.
• Include the current date.

Employer's Information

• Add the hiring manager's name, bank name, address, and other relevant details.
• If possible, address the hiring manager by name (e.g., "Dear Mr. Smith"). If you don't know the name, use a generic greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager."

Introduction

• Start with a clear and concise introduction expressing your interest in the specific banking position.

Why You Are a Good Fit

• Briefly mention your relevant skills, education, and any specific achievements. Tailor this section to the job description.

Why the Bank

• Explain why you want to work for this particular bank. Mention any unique aspects, values, or services that attracted you.

Key Skills and Experiences

• Highlight the key skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate. Use bullet points for clarity.
• Express your enthusiasm for the position and eagerness to contribute to the bank's success.

Closing Salutation

• Use a professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards."
• Sign your name if sending a hard copy.

Email/Phone Number

• Include contact information again.

Tips for Writing a Banking Cover Letter:

Tailor to the Job Customize your letter for each application by addressing the specific requirements in the job posting.

Be Specific Use concrete examples to demonstrate your achievements and skills.

Quantify Achievements Where possible, quantify your accomplishments (e.g., "Increased branch profitability by 20%").

Research the Bank Show that you've done your homework by mentioning details about the bank's operations, values, or recent achievements.

Be Concise Keep the cover letter concise and focused, typically one page in length.

Proofread Eliminate spelling and grammatical errors to present a polished and professional letter.

Show Enthusiasm Convey genuine excitement about the opportunity to work for the bank.

The goal is to make a strong and positive impression that encourages the hiring manager to consider you a potential candidate.

Join for job search assistance, workplace tips, career guidance, and much more

6 Professional Banking Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your banking cover letter must immediately highlight your understanding of financial trends and economic regulations. It should demonstrate familiarity with the specific banking institution to which you're applying. Be sure to showcase your previous banking experience and your ability to foster client relationships. Your cover letter needs to reflect both your analytical skills and your commitment to customer service excellence.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Commercial Banking

Corporate Banking

Loan Officer

Loan Processor

Phone Banking

Cover letter guide.

Banking Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Banking Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Crafting a banking cover letter can often feel daunting. You might have already dived into job applications, only to realize a punchy cover letter is a must-have. It's not about echoing your resume; it's about showcasing a key professional triumph and bringing your journey to that success to life. Remember, formality is key, but dodging clichés will make you stand out. And keeping it concise to one page is crucial. Let's guide you through writing a cover letter that opens doors.

• Create a banking cover letter to persuade the recruiters you're the best candidate for the role;
• Use industry-leading banking cover letter templates and examples to save time;
• Dedicate your banking cover letter space to your best achievement;
• Make sure your banking cover letter meets recruiters' expectations and standards.

Avoid starting at the blank page for hours by using Enhancv's AI - just upload your resume and your banking cover letter will be ready for you to (tweak and) submit for your dream job.

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

• Banking resume guide and example
• Financial Accountant cover letter example
• Public Accounting Auditor cover letter example
• Finance Coordinator cover letter example
• Corporate Accounting cover letter example
• Bank Manager cover letter example
• VP of Finance cover letter example
• Tax Manager cover letter example
• Cost Accounting cover letter example
• Finance Manager cover letter example
• Tax Director cover letter example

Banking cover letter example

Alex Johnson

New York, NY

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Explicitly stating relevant previous experience, such as managing relationships with over 500 customers at Chase Bank, provides concrete evidence of capability in the field and assures the hiring manager of the candidate's qualifications for the customer relationship role.
• Quantifying achievements, like citing a 95% customer satisfaction rate and a 30% reduction in customer complaints, helps to objectively demonstrate the candidate's impact and effectiveness in the previous position.
• Identifying a specific initiative, such as leading the integration of a new CRM system, exhibits the candidate’s ability to innovate and improve processes, which could translate into similar successes in the new role.
• Expressing eagerness to apply strategic vision and skills to the potential employer's institution, and aligning personal commitment with the company's core values, shows the hiring manager that the candidate is not only qualified but also genuinely interested in the company's mission.

What about your banking cover letter format: organizing and structuring your information

Here is one secret you should know about your banking cover letter assessment. The Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't analyze your cover letter.

You should thus focus on making an excellent impression on recruiters by writing consistent:

• Introduction
• Body paragraphs (and explanation)
• Promise or Call to action
• Signature (that's optional)

Now, let's talk about the design of your banking cover letter.

Ensure all of your paragraphs are single-spaced and have a one-inch margins on all sides (like in our cover letter templates ).

Also, our cover letter builder automatically takes care of the format and comes along with some of the most popular (and modern) fonts like Volkhov, Chivo, and Bitter.

Speaking of fonts, professionals advise you to keep your banking cover letter and resume in the same typography and avoid the over-used Arial or Times New Roman.

When wondering whether you should submit your banking cover letter in Doc or PDF, select the second, as PDF keeps all of your information and design consistent.

The top sections on a banking cover letter

• Header: This should include your contact information, the date, and the employer's contact details, providing a professional appearance and ensuring that the recruiter can easily identify and get in touch with you.
• Greeting: A personalized greeting addressing the hiring manager by name demonstrates that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the position at their banking institution.
• Introduction: In this section, you should clearly state the banking position you are applying for and give a brief overview of your relevant experience, capturing the recruiter's interest and showing immediate relevance.
• Body: Here, you elaborate on your previous banking experience, quantitative achievements, and understanding of financial principles, showing how your background makes you the right fit for the specific banking role you are pursuing.
• Closing: The closing should reiterate your enthusiasm for the role, include a call to action politely prompting an interview, and thank the hiring manager for considering your application, leaving a professional and courteous final impression.

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

Understanding of Financial Regulations: Banks must adhere strictly to financial regulations, and showing knowledge in this area indicates a candidate's readiness to operate within legal and ethical boundaries.

Attention to Detail: Handling financial transactions requires precision, and even small errors can have significant repercussions, making this trait critical in banking roles.

Customer Service Skills: Bankers often interact with customers, requiring the ability to manage relationships, address concerns effectively, and maintain customer satisfaction and trust.

Sales Experience: Many banking positions have sales components, such as promoting credit cards or loans, hence experience in sales reflects the potential for revenue generation.

Risk Management: The ability to identify and mitigate financial risks is crucial in banking to protect the institution's assets and maintain financial stability.

Numeracy and Analytical Skills: A strong aptitude for numbers and the ability to analyze financial data are essential for making informed decisions in a banking context.

What greeting should you use in your banking cover letter salutation

A simple "Hello" or "Hey" just won't work.

With your banking cover letter salutation , you set the tone of the whole communication.

You should thus address the hiring managers by using their first (or last name) in your greeting.

But how do you find out who's recruiting for the role?

The easiest way is to look up the role on LinkedIn or the corporate website.

Alternatively, you could also contact the organization via social media or email, for more information.

Unable to still obtain the recruiter's name?

Don't go down the "To whom it may concern path". Instead, start your cover letter with a "Dear HR team".

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Bank Name] Recruitment Team,
• Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
• Dear [Department Name] Team,
• Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
• Dear [Position Title] Hiring Committee,

Your banking cover letter intro: showing your interest in the role

On to the actual content of your banking cover letter and the introductory paragraph .

The intro should be no more than two sentences long and presents you in the best light possible.

Use your banking cover letter introduction to prove exactly what interests you in the role or organization. Is it the:

• Company culture;
• Growth opportunities;
• Projects and awards the team worked on/won in the past year;
• Specific technologies the department uses.

When writing your banking cover letter intro, be precise and sound enthusiastic about the role.

Your introduction should hint to recruiters that you're excited about the opportunity and that you possess an array of soft skills, e.g. motivation, determination, work ethic, etc.

Structuring your banking cover letter body to add more value

You've hinted at your value as a professional (this may be your passion for the job or interest in the company) in your introduction.

Next, it's time to pan out the body or middle of your banking cover letter .

When creating your resume, you've probably gone over the advert a million times to select the most relevant skills.

Well, it's time to repeat this activity. Or just copy and paste your previous list of job-crucial requirements.

Then, select one of your past accomplishments, which is relevant and would impress hiring managers.

Write between three and six paragraphs to focus on the value your professional achievement would bring to your potential, new organization.

Tell a story around your success that ultimately shows off your real value as a professional.

Finishing off your banking cover letter with what matters most

So far, you've done a fantastic job in tailoring your banking cover letter for the role and recruiter.

Your final opportunity to make a good impression is your closing paragraph.

And, no, a "Sincerely yours" just won't do, as it sounds too vague and impersonal.

End your banking cover letter with the future in mind.

So, if you get this opportunity, what do you plan to achieve? Be as specific, as possible, of what value you'd bring to the organization.

You could also thank recruiters for their interest in your profile and prompt for follow-up actions (and organizing your first interview).

No experience banking cover letter: making the most out of your profile

Candidates who happen to have no professional experience use their banking cover letter to stand out.

Instead of focusing on a professional achievement, aim to quantify all the relevant, transferrable skills from your life experience.

Once again, the best practice to do so would be to select an accomplishment - from your whole career history.

Another option would be to plan out your career goals and objectives: how do you see yourself growing, as a professional, in the next five years, thanks to this opportunity?

Be precise and concise about your dreams, and align them with the company vision.

Key takeaways

Writing your banking cover letter doesn't need to turn into an endless quest, but instead:

• Create an individual banking cover letter for each role you apply to, based on job criteria (use our builder to transform your resume into a cover letter, which you could edit to match the job);
• Stick with the same font you've used in your resume (e.g. Raleway) and ensure your banking cover letter is single-spaced and has a one-inch margin all around;
• Introduce your enthusiasm for the role or the company at the beginning of your banking cover letter to make a good first impression;
• Align what matters most to the company by selecting just one achievement from your experience, that has taught you valuable skills and knowledge for the job;
• End your banking cover letter like any good story - with a promise for greatness or follow-up for an interview.

Banking cover letter examples

Explore additional banking cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Cover letter examples by industry

AI cover letter writer, powered by ChatGPT

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
• ChatGPT model specifically trained by Enhancv
• Lightning-fast responses

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15+ Banking Cover Letters – Word, PDF

A banking cover letter is the Application Cover Letters that a candidate uses to provide additional information that can be helpful to his/her application for a job position in the banking industry. There are a lot of individuals waiting for a chance to prove themselves, their abilities, and their qualifications. One way of outshining your competitors is by providing a striking banking resumes and cover letter. This post can provide you with samples of banking cover letters in Doc and PDF. Make sure to select an  appropriate Job Cover Letter as a reference in creating this document based on the banking job position that you are applying for.

Free Cover Letter For Bank Job PDF

Job Letter For Bank

Cover Letter For Bank Job

Cover Letter Sample For Bank Job Application In Word Format

Cover Letter For Bank Job Fresher

Job Application Letter For Bank Manager

Sample Job Letter For Bank

Cover Letter For Banking Position

Cover Letter Banking

Cover Letter For Bank Job No Experience

Cover Letter For A Bank Job

Steps to Follow in Writing a Banking Cover Letter

• Browse through the job positions that are present in the banking industry.
• Identify the job position that you would like to be hired for.
• Assess whether your qualifications and competencies fit the requirements of the banking job position that you are targeting.
• Select a Job Cover Letter Templates that you will use as a reference in creating the format or structure of your cover letter. We have more Word Cover Letters in the provided link for additional document guides.
• Create the content of your cover letter and put it in your Cover Letter Templates by supplying all the items that can boost your job application. If you want to have a short but precise banking cover letter, refer to our downloadable samples of Short Cover Letter templates.
• Review your banking cover letter and make sure that it is free from grammatical errors and that the final document is comprehensive.

Letter Format For Bank

Bank Cover Letter Example

Banker Cover Letter

Cover Letter Bank

Short Cover Letter Sample For Bank Job

Write a Professional Cover Letter Usable in the Banking Industry

• Make sure that you will not repeat the items that are already present in your banking resume.
• Be precise in consistent in providing the reasons for which you are qualified for the banking position that you would like to have.
• Organize your flow of discussion to separate your qualifications and competencies and how these have been used in real life banking situations.
• Compare your banking cover letter to other Cover Letter Samples to initially assess whether it will stand out from those of your competitors’ or not.
• Identify the means of how you will submit your banking cover letter to ensure you use proper formatting. You may use our Email Cover Letter Templates as reference if you select to send your cover letter through email.

More in Letters

Private Banker Resume

Corporate banking executive resume, functional banker resume, bank project manager resume, bank teller resume, bank sales manager resume, investment banking associate resume, bank clerk resume, managing director investment banking resume, investment banking analyst resume.

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How to Write a Cover Letter for a Banking Job

Last Updated: July 11, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Kolby Goodman . Kolby Goodman is a Career & Job Search Coach and the Founder of The Job Huntr. With over eight years of experience, he specializes in resume edits, interview preparation, LinkedIn profile feedback, and professional interview coaching. Additionally, his career advice has been featured in publications such as The Huffington Post. Kolby holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from San Diego State University. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 133,183 times.

If you are seeking a job in the banking industry, a cover letter is an essential component of your application process. Banks usually skim through large volumes of applications for open positions, so you need to maximize every word of your cover letter to make it stand out. Fortunately, by researching the company and the position, explaining how precisely you would fit both, and organizing and formatting your letter properly, you can increase the odds of your cover letter landing you the banking job of your dreams.

Gathering Information for Your Letter

• Study the company’s website closely. Look for anything that makes it distinctive in relation to its peers. Research its business strategy and culture, as well as all of the services it provides.
• For example, if the bank’s website highlights the amount of international clients it has, make a point of mentioning this fact in your cover letter and state that you’re particularly interested in international banking.
• Gather all the details you can about the nature of the position itself. Read the advertisement carefully. Reach out to the contact person on the job ad for more information.
• Whether you’re looking to become a loan officer at your local branch or an investment banker at a national firm, you should expect stiff competition for the job. A generic, cookie-cutter cover letter is unlikely to make the cut.

• For example, you can easily find a template and sample cover letter for a loan officer position online that uses a 3-paragraph format and bullet points to emphasize the most critical information. But this should only provide inspiration for a letter tailored to the precise job you are seeking.
• If you're sending out several applications to different banks, you can use the same rough template. But the heart of your letter, the central paragraph(s), should be specifically tailored to each particular position.

• Your letter essentially has to answer several key questions, including: “Who am I?”, “Why do I want this (specific) job?”, “Why should you want me for this (specific) job?”, and “What do I have (attributes, skills, experiences, etc.) that you need?”
• For example, when applying for a banking job, some skills that would make you a particularly strong candidate include communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and cash handling skills.
• If you want to get a job as a bank teller, it can be really helpful to garner some experience in a position that involves customer service and cash handling, such as a salesperson or cashier.

• This may be your academic achievements in relevant coursework; your prior successful experience in the industry; a successful internship with a glowing recommendation; or your relevant experiences in another field.
• For example, if you’re applying for a job as a bank teller, a good factor to emphasize would be your ample work experience in a customer service position that involved handling large amounts of cash.

Writing Your Letter

• Aim for at most 2-3 sentences for your introduction. Sticking to 35 total words, especially if you must stick with a one-page letter, will also leave ample space for the central paragraph(s).
• “Greetings. My name is Casey Weinberg, and I am applying for a job as an assistant branch manager” is brief but dull. Allow your introduction to introduce not only you, but the central components of your case for being hired: “Greetings. My name is Casey Weinberg, and with my 15 successful years of serving client needs both inside and outside the financial sector, I am ready to bring my knowledge and experience to being an assistant branch manager at Sunbelt Community Bank.”
• If you have any contacts or character references within the company, mention these in your introductory paragraph as well.

• An example of describing a positive achievement in a previous job would be: “As a project manager, I managed to successfully 3 projects within 4 months without going over our unit’s budget.”
• Be sure you match your skills and experiences to the specific qualifications listed in the job description. Give the reader a concrete sense of how your past experiences can come to bear in specific ways in this job.

• For example, if this particular banking company is known for producing some of the most successful people in the financial industry, say that you want to work for what is evidently one of the best financial institutions in the business.
• A slight hint of flattery and a lot of research will go a long way in this paragraph. Don’t be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve when it comes to explaining why you’re seeking a job with this particular company.

• Make sure you include your contact information in this paragraph if it isn’t included at the top of your letter. If possible, include multiple different means of getting in touch with you.
• Thank the reader for their time and consideration before concluding the cover letter with “Sincerely, Casey Weinberg.”

Formatting and Editing Your Letter

• Use active phrases that focus on results and outcomes. Make it clear that you have gotten things done in the past and will continue to do so in this new position.
• For instance, consider the differing impact of the following 2 statements: “I’m a highly competent change management professional who has worked on a number of projects at major banks,” versus “I managed a team of 18 technology and business analyst staff who successfully switched to a major new payments system six weeks ahead of time and 8% under budget.”
• The more specific you can be in a limited number of words, the better.

• Some job postings may list word or page limits for cover letters. You can also ask the contact person if there are any.
• A cover letter is your opportunity to “personalize” your resume. They should complement each other to present a quick yet thorough portrait of you as a strong job candidate. Thus, place the most important information about you near the top of the letter, just as you would with a resume.

• Refrain from using bold fonts or colors; although these certainly will make your cover letter stand out, they may also make you seem unprofessional.
• With many letters to read and quick decisions to make, the people assessing applications want to be able to find what they need quickly and without distracting changes or errors. Nothing but the content of the text should occupy their attention.

• Use someone knowledgeable in the banking field, if possible, so they can suggest industry-specific clarifications, additions, or excisions.
• Always look for ways to cut words from your letter. A cover letter that references all the necessary information can never really be too short.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://hbr.org/2014/02/how-to-write-a-cover-letter
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/cover-letter-template
• ↑ Kolby Goodman. Career & Job Search Coach. Expert Interview. 28 June 2022.
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/recruitment/job-description/banker
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/cover-letter-format/
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/assignments/coverletters/
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/powerful-ways-to-start-a-cover-letter
• ↑ https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/cover-letter-words/
• ↑ https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/cover-letters
• ↑ https://targetjobs.co.uk/career-sectors/investment-banking-and-investment/advice/412890-applying-for-an-investment-graduate-job-write-a-covering

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WTO / Letters and Emails / Banking Cover Letter (Guide and Examples)

Banking Cover Letter (Guide and Examples)

Over recent decades, there has been an increased rate of economic growth in most societies. In response to this, banks have also widened their horizons to meet the financial demands of such growing economies. This has made banking jobs popular, especially with extreme competition. Therefore, the following tips will help you write a job-winning cover letter .

How to Write a Cover Letter?

To write a cover letter effectively, follow the following basic steps:

Contact information

First and foremost, you need to include your contact details in the cover letter. You can start by listing your name, address, phone number, email address, and date.

Just below it, you need to mention the contact information of your recipient. If you don’t have the recipient’s contact details, you can simply write the company’s name and a greeting, just as explained below.

Global Bank Ltd.

Dear Sir/Madam,

If you are sending the cover letter via email, you will have to omit the recipient’s address. Instead, just include the greetings at the top.

Paragraph 1: Introduction

The first paragraph is all about explaining to your recruiter who you are and why you are writing. Always remember to keep this paragraph short and sweet. Also, ensure you are creative enough to grab the reader’s attention. Mention the post you are applying for and how you heard about the job.

Paragraph 2

This is one of the most extended paragraphs in your cover letter. Here, you need to start selling yourself. Make the recipient know why you are a hot catch. To achieve this better, express your personality, your relevant experiences, and skills related to banking such as financial modeling, analytical capability, leadership , and teamwork, among others. Always remember to concentrate more on the most recent internships or jobs. Also, refrain from using empty phrases such as “ I am a hardworking and self-motivated person. ” Instead, look at the critical skills related to the job you are applying for.

Paragraph 3

You need to inform the reader that you are fit for this job. Link your experience and skills directly to the job position and explain ways in which you can contribute to success.

Paragraph 4

This paragraph should be very brief, as it is your concluding paragraph. You can use this paragraph to cover any practical issues, such as your availability for the interview. It’s also important to appreciate them for their time. Once again, remind them of your attached or enclosed resume. Lastly, don’t forget to include your contacts. If you know the name of the recipient, you can end the letter with “ Yours sincerely. ” However, if you don’t get the recipient’s name, you can write “ Yours faithfully” before following with your name.

Free Template for a Banking Cover Letter

[Your Name]  

[Your Address]  

[City, State, ZIP Code]  

[Your Email Address]  

[Your Phone Number]  

[Employer’s Name]  

[Bank/Financial Institution Name]  

[Company Address]  

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Position Name] position at [Bank/Financial Institution Name], as advertised on [Job Board/Company Website]. With a strong background in banking and a proven track record in delivering exceptional customer service and driving operational efficiency, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the success of your team.

In my previous role as a [Your Previous Position] at [Your Previous Bank/Financial Institution], I successfully [mention an achievement or responsibility that demonstrates your skills]. This experience has honed my expertise in [mention a key skill relevant to the position, such as customer relationship management, risk assessment, or financial analysis].

I am particularly drawn to [Bank/Financial Institution Name] due to its reputation for [mention a specific aspect or value of the bank, such as customer-centric services, innovation, or community engagement]. I am eager to contribute my skills and knowledge to enhance your team’s success and uphold the high standards for which [Bank/Financial Institution Name] is renowned.

Key strengths that I bring to the role include:

• [List a key strength or skill, e.g., strong analytical skills, attention to detail, effective communication].
• [Another relevant strength or skill, e.g., proficiency in financial modeling, compliance expertise].
• [A third strength, e.g., dedication to maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction].

I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss how my skills align with the needs of [Bank/Financial Institution Name]. I am confident that my experience and enthusiasm make me a strong fit for the [Position Name] role.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences align with the goals of [Bank/Financial Institution Name].

[Your Full Name]

Teller Cover Letter Sample

Dear Mr. Johnson,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Teller position at CityScape Bank, as advertised on your website. With a solid foundation in banking operations and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the efficient and client-focused atmosphere at CityScape Bank.

I constantly showed accuracy and attention to detail when managing cash transactions in my previous position as a Teller at Downtown Bank. My ability to balance daily transactions efficiently and maintain a high level of accuracy contributed to the overall success of the branch. Additionally, I actively engaged with customers, addressing their inquiries, and providing assistance with various banking services.

I am impressed by CityScape Bank’s commitment to customer satisfaction and its reputation for fostering a positive banking experience. With my background in cash handling, customer service, and familiarity with banking software such as FinTech Pro, I believe I can make significant contributions to your team.

• My experience in accurately processing and balancing transactions ensures a reliable and trustworthy banking experience for customers.
• I take pride in building rapport with customers, addressing their needs, and providing guidance on banking services, contributing to a positive customer experience.
• I am proficient in utilizing various banking software and adapting to evolving industry trends, ensuring efficiency and compliance with banking regulations.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the success of CityScape Bank and uphold the standards of service excellence that your institution is known for. I am confident that my skills and enthusiasm make me an ideal candidate for the Teller position.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my experiences align with the goals of CityScape Bank.

Jason Moore

Experienced Banker Cover Letter Sample

I am writing to express my keen interest in the Senior Risk Analyst position at ABC Bank, as advertised on your company website. With an extensive background in risk assessment , a track record of implementing robust risk management frameworks, and a dedication to ensuring the financial integrity of organizations, I am eager to contribute my expertise to the success of ABC Bank.

In my previous role as the Head of Risk Management at XYZ Bank, I successfully implemented comprehensive risk assessment processes that resulted in a 30% reduction in potential financial exposures. I led a team of risk analysts in developing and executing strategies to mitigate operational, credit, and market risks, ensuring compliance with industry regulations. My hands-on experience in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks aligns well with the responsibilities of the Senior Risk Analyst position at ABC Bank.

I am particularly drawn to ABC Bank due to its reputation for innovative risk mitigation strategies and a forward-thinking approach to risk management. I am eager to bring my skills and knowledge to enhance your team’s capabilities in maintaining a resilient risk management framework.

• Strategic Risk Assessment: Proven ability to assess and prioritize risks, developing and implementing strategies to safeguard financial stability and minimize potential losses.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adept at navigating and ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements, keeping the organization in compliance with industry standards.
• Team Leadership: Experience in leading and motivating cross-functional teams to achieve common risk management objectives.

I am excited about the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with the specific needs of ABC Bank. I am confident that my experience and commitment to effective risk assessment make me an ideal candidate for the Senior Risk Analyst position.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my experiences align with the goals of ABC Bank.

Marie Cromwell

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How to Write an Application Letter to the Bank

by Emily Hunsaker

Published on 21 Nov 2018

Your application letter is the first chance for you to make a positive impression on a potential banking employer, so it is important to write a letter that makes an impact. Also known as a cover letter, a job application letter accompanies your resume when you're applying for a job. While your resume outlines work history and experience, an application (or covering) letter gives you the chance to explain your banking qualifications and describe your accomplishments in the banking industry in more detail. It also gives you the chance to show off your financial literacy. Most application letters are limited to one page of text, so making the most of the space allowed is especially important.

Getting Started on a Bank Job Application Letter 

To write a successful application letter for a bank job, begin by conducting research on both the position and the employer. Start by reading the job advertisement to understand the qualifications and skills the employer is looking for, then make a list of your skills and work experience that match those qualifications. Make sure you include specifics that show off the qualities banks may be looking for, such as problem-solving, analytic capabilities, communication skills and your passion for banking.

It is also important to personalize the application letter to the specific bank. If a contact name is not listed in the advertisement, conduct some research into the company to find the name and contact information of the person in charge of hiring for that position.

How to Format a Bank Job Application Letter

Job application letters typically use a formal letter format, which means they include the address block of the employer, your address block, a date line, a formal salutation, the letter’s text and a formal signature. Begin by including the name and contact information of the bank employee responsible for hiring for the position in the employer address block and salutation. The first paragraph of the letter’s body should also include information about the position you are applying for and where you found the job advertisement. For example: “I am writing in response to the bank teller position listed on Indeed on April 4.”

The rest of the letter’s body should detail your qualifications that specifically match those listed in the job ad. While the list you outlined in the research phase of the letter-writing process should serve as your foundation, it is important that you expand upon those qualifications with specific evidence or a personal story of achievement. For example, if the ad states the job candidate must have experience preparing loan packages for approval and closing, outline a time when you successfully tackled a particularly difficult loan application process.

Conclude the letter in an optimistic and open-ended tone that entices the hiring manager to contact you for an interview. Emphasize the fact that you would be an asset to the bank’s employee pool and mention your excitement over the prospect of an interview.

Check and Double-Check

Editing your bank application letter is a very important step that should not be ignored. In addition to proofreading the body of the letter to avoid grammatical errors, also be sure that all the basic factual information is correct throughout the letter. Double-check that the hiring manager’s name, the position title and the company name are all correct. Also, make sure your contact information is accurate.

Follow the instructions in the job advertisement to submit your application letter and resume. If the ad asks you to email information to the hiring manager, include a brief message in the body of the email noting that your resume and cover letter are attached, in addition to mentioning the position for which you are applying.

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• Bank Teller

Bank Teller cover letter example

Primary purpose of the Bank Teller cover letter

Secondary purpose of the bank teller cover letter, how to land a bank teller job with no experience.

IfIf you love working with others and you happen to be a whiz with numbers, a job as a Bank Teller might be your perfect next career step. Half financial, half customer service, an entry-level job as a Bank Teller can lead to limitless opportunities in finance and banking.

Bank Tellers rely on a unique mix of technical and interpersonal skills to help customers with all types of financial transactions plus investment and loan services. To land this position, you’ll need to prove your knack for money handling, upselling bank products, and accurate records keeping, all while offering a helpful disposition that draws customers back in the door.

So how do you express the dynamic personality needed to succeed as a Bank Teller? 

A great cover letter is the first step to introducing your strengths, experiences and the unique qualities that make you a perfect fit for the Bank Teller position. Our Accounting & Finance cover letter examples plus Resume.io’s collection of resources are designed to help you land the job – hassle free.

This Bank Teller cover letter example along with our adaptable sample sentences will:

• Explore the reasons why a cover letter is your secret weapon in landing a bank teller job
• Provide free cover letter examples, samples and templates to simplify the writing process
• Explain how you can create a cover letter for a Bank Teller even with no experience
• Help you create attractive formatting that stands out and impresses your potential employer

Bank Teller cover letter sample and general info

There are some things to keep in mind when writing a Bank Teller cover letter. You can find a cover letter sample below, but knowing the nuances of the job is also important. Unlike many other entry-level positions, Bank Tellers candidates must possess a specific set of traits that qualify them for the role. Great mental math skills, ability to learn new computer programs and a strong sense of ethics are combined with a helpful personality and a great sense of customer service standards.

With such unique needs, hiring managers often rely on cover letters to help them gain more insight into the candidate behind the resume. A Bank Teller cover letter is a one-page document (about 200-400 words) that expresses your goals, experiences and skills to convince a branch manager that you’re the right choice for their bank.

In a nutshell, a cover letter (including one for a Bank Teller) has one primary purpose: increase your chances of getting the position compared to other candidates. It usually does so by expanding on your personality, impressing hiring managers with your personal qualities, and explaining anything your resume couldn’t.

Your cover letter should expand on the relevant experience from your resume and offer brief examples of how you’ve handled situations similar to those you might face in the bank. It also gives a taste of your professional demeanor in order to encourage the hiring manager to contact you. We’ll dig deeper into the structure of the document later in the guide, but the Bank Teller cover letter sample below already shows the basic elements. See if you can guess them.

What if the job application DOESN’T require a cover letter?

A cover letter is one of the most commonly requested application materials, but sometimes online applications mark them as optional. So does this mean you don’t really need to write a cover letter?

Unless an application or hiring manager specifically asks you NOT to submit a cover letter, we recommend writing and sending one anyways. This document is one of the most important tools you have to convince a hiring manager that you’re the right candidate for their opening. It allows you to say anything you didn’t have space for on your resume while highlighting the right achievements and skills – a cover letter is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss!

A great cover letter isn’t just about good writing. Formatting also plays an important role in how a hiring manager perceives your application. To stand out from other candidates without overdoing it, you’ll want to follow general guidelines on fonts, sizes and colors, as well as making sure your design is appropriate for the exact bank you’re applying to. You can find all our formatting tips, tricks, and advice right in our comprehensive cover letter writing example.

Now let’s take a look at an actual Bank Teller cover letter example that can be adapted to your exact experience and the job opening:

Dear Mrs. Flight,

Combining my love for numbers with my passion for helping others makes working in a customer-facing banking role an ideal start to a financial services career.

I worked at the Fayetteville branch of Crawford bank as a bank teller for two years after graduating with a BABS in 2018. I am proficient in all manner of banking transactions: verifying loan and mortgage payments, preparing cashier’s checks, exchanging foreign currency, and checking transactions. It is one thing handling complex duties, but another entirely when you have a customer who may have other needs. My product upselling rate was the best in the branch (out of seven tellers).

I am a trusted and reliable handler of cash – balancing drawers, handling night deposits, and correcting branch discrepancies. My eagle eye spotted many a mistake, and my accuracy level won me five Employee of the Month awards.

In terms of my ability to handle a large volume of work accurately:

• Dealt with an average of 200+ customer accounts a week
• Sold 170% more new products than the branch average
• Beat team cash register average by 30% each quarter
• 28% of my customers purchased another service with us.

I am interested in a role at Mandrill Bank because your social responsibility agenda fits in with my beliefs. Many of my friends bank with you for exactly this reason, and I would be proud to become an employee/advocate for your broader agenda.

I have more than 50 customer references from my previous role and I would welcome an interview to take you through how I received a 98% customer satisfaction rating.

Ian Michaels

If you want a broader look at cover letters, check out our related accounting and finance cover letter samples: 

• Accounting cover letter sample
• Finance cover letter sample
• Banking cover letter sample
• Administration cover letter sample
• Bookkeeper cover letter sample
• Finance Assistant cover letter sample
• Finance Manager cover letter sample
• Auditor cover letter sample
• Private Equity cover letter sample
• Accounting and finance cover letter sample
• Bank Manager cover letter sample
• Loan Processor cover letter sample
• Accounting Internship cover letter sample
• Financial Advisor cover letter sample
• CFO cover letter sample

The second purpose of a cover letter is to cover/explain any gaps in experience, skills or qualifications that you might have — to smooth them over and provide context. This is especially important if you are transferring from another field or just starting your career fresh out of college.

As you might have gathered from the previous section, a cover letter is really about one thing: maximizing your chances of success in landing the position. For entry-level jobs, this becomes even more important since many candidates will be applying without previous experience.

If you’ve never worked as a Bank Teller before, your goal should be to highlight the transferable qualities and personality traits that you believe make you an excellent candidate to learn the field.

If you already possess some banking experience, you may be able to leverage that for a more experienced Bank Teller role. As ATMs and online banking allow customers to complete more and more transactions from the comfort of their homes, Bank Tellers are being asked to take on more complex duties. Knowledge of banking systems and the most frequent customers’ needs can give you an advantage when it comes to securing your next Bank Teller position.

Although writing a cover letter is an important part of the application process, there’s one more step you’ll need to complete before your letter is ready for submission. Customizing your cover letter can be done right from the very start – or – if you’re applying to many Teller positions, you may choose to create a general letter and then customize it with more specific skills and situations for each job opening.

Whichever method you choose, the most important element is making sure a hiring manager sees your interest in their bank – not just your desire for any Bank Teller position. The extra time it takes to tailor your cover letter will pay off big when your application checks all the boxes the branch manager was looking for.

Application letter for Bank Teller structure, writing examples

Some applicants fear the cover letter writing process because they think it lacks structure. While it may be more free-form than a resume, in this section we’ll walk you through the sections that make up a complete cover letter. And what’s more – this cover letter format can be applied to any field or job title so you’ll be prepared no matter where your career takes you.

Here are the key components:

• The cover letter header
• The cover letter greeting
• The introduction
• The letter body
• The cover letter conclusion and call to action
• The sign-off.

You can find even more tips on writing each of these parts, plus sample sentences and formatting advice in our overall guide on cover letters.

Cover letter header

As a hiring manager begins to scan your cover letter, the first thing they’ll likely notice is the cover letter header. This section sits at the top of the page and serves two main purposes. The first is to identify your document with your name and contact information so a hiring manager can quickly get in touch with you should they want to schedule an interview. 

Your header is also likely the only place on your cover letter where you’ll get to add some creative design elements and maybe even a touch of color. Therefore, this section also serves to capture a hiring manager’s attention, distinguish you from other applicants and express a bit of your personality.

The goal of the cover letter header: Label your document with your personal information so a hiring manager is never wondering whose cover letter they are reading, add attractive formatting to differentiate your application.

If you’re looking for a quick way to increase your application’s chances of getting noticed, one of the easiest things to do is align the document styles of your cover letter and resume. This means choosing a matching visual format to create a cohesive look and feel across all your application materials.

You can achieve this in a few clicks by choosing corresponding cover letter and resume templates. For Bank Tellers, we recommend Resume.io’s collection of professional cover letter templates – perfect for formal industries like accounting and finance. Choose a design as your starting point, then make sure to customize it to align with the branding and tone of your prospective employer.

Cover letter greeting

Your Bank Teller cover letter greeting is your first chance to speak directly to the hiring manager so it’s worth getting right. Here’s the golden rule: whenever possible, try to address the hiring manager by name. Since banks are professional institutions, you’ll want to opt for a formal greeting. “Dear” followed by the correct salutation and last name of the branch or hiring manager is generally the right choice. It may be helpful to inquire about the name of the hiring manager to personalize your salutation (but be careful to respect barriers if you encounter any, as you don’t want to come off as prying or unethical). 

The goal of the cover letter greeting: Set a friendly and respectful tone for the rest of the letter by using the hiring manager’s name in your greeting or addressing the hiring team/department as a whole.

The importance of names and addressed greetings.

Why is it so important to use the hiring manager or letter recipient’s name in the greeting of your cover letter? Names make us feel good and they help to establish a personal connection when the speaker shows they care about the person on the receiving end. That’s why anyone who works in customer service, sales and even banks make it a point to use customer’s names. And the evidence is more than anecdotal – studies have shown that humans have a positive neurological response upon hearing their own names.

When applying directly to a local branch, the branch manager’s name is generally a safe bet to address your letter. For large institutions, however, it can be much trickier to discern who the right letter recipient is. If you can’t say for sure, you still have options. Try a collective greeting like “Dear (Bank Name) Hiring Team” or even “Branch Family” for local institutions with more sentimental branding. These are also great alternatives to the cold and outdated “To Whom It May Concern.”

Cover letter introduction

Many hiring managers are inundated with applications for each opening they post. That means your Bank Teller cover letter introduction – even just the first sentence – can be the deciding factor as to whether they continue to read your cover letter. There’s no reason to stress, though. By avoiding dull, generic openings and opting instead for a relevant anecdote, statistic, or skill, you can surpass dozens of candidates and pique a reader’s interest.

The goal of the cover letter introduction: Encourage a hiring manager to keep reading your cover letter by offering them an interesting statement, fact, anecdote or statistic that gets to the point and flows into the rest of the letter.

Dear Mrs. Flight, Combining my love for numbers with my passion for helping others makes working in a customer-facing banking role an ideal start to a financial services career.

Cover letter body 

Your Bank Teller cover letter body takes up the bulk of your page because it’s the place best suited for all your most relevant experiences, traits, and skills. In the first body paragraph, you can use the STAR method to offer examples of times you dealt with difficult customers, went above and beyond to meet someone’s needs, or otherwise accomplished something relevant and noteworthy relating to the Bank Teller position. First list a Situation, then the Task, your Action and the positive Result you achieved.

In the next body paragraph of your cover letter, you can more directly point out the appropriate skills and traits you possess based on the job description and answer the questions Why me? and Why this position in this bank?

The goal of the cover letter body: Use the STAR method to highlight examples of your strengths in action, offer your potential contributions and make your case as the right choice for the bank’s opening.

I worked at the Fayetteville branch of Crawford bank as a bank teller for two years after graduating with a BABS in 2018. I am proficient in all manner of banking transactions: verifying loan and mortgage payments, preparing cashier’s cheques, exchanging foreign currency, and checking transactions. It is one thing handling complex duties, but another entirely when you have a customer who may have other needs. My product upselling rate was the best in the branch (out of seven tellers).

• 28% of my customers purchased another service with us

How to end a Bank Teller cover letter (conclusion & and sign-off)

Once you’ve made it to the conclusion of your Bank Teller cover letter, you’ll want to wrap things up with a Call to Action. This line expresses your interest in the position and invites a hiring manager to contact you without sounding demanding or entitled to an interview. You can then finish your letter with a professional and formal signature. “Best regards,” and “Sincerely” can work well.

The goal of the cover letter conclusion (and call to action): End your letter with an effective Call to Action that encourages a hiring manager to get in touch, sign off with a polite and professional “Best regards” or “Respectfully”.

Ian Michaels 

Writing psychology – cover letter tools and strategies

When applying for a bank teller position, there are a few key qualities you’ll want to convey in your cover letter.

• Integrity: It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that a job like a bank teller (that involves handling money all day) requires a healthy dose of integrity and a strong moral code. Your future employer will likely check your credit score and other financial indicators but a tone of professionalism and trustworthiness in your cover letter can go far.
• Interpersonal skills: Customer service is at the heart of what bank tellers do. You can convey great communication and a knack for helping others not only through the examples on your cover letter but also with error-free writing and an upbeat tone.
• Willingness to learn: While you should already know your way around a computer, you’ll likely be learning the banking software and other key programs on the job. An eagerness to learn and a teachable spirit are a must.
• Attention to detail: Accuracy is key when it comes to handling deposits, withdrawals and transfers. You can demonstrate attention to detail through previous positions you’ve held – even as a volunteer – that involved accurate bookkeeping or records keeping.

Today’s Bank Tellers aren’t just rote money counters. They are helpful, friendly assistants who are growing increasingly involved in more complex transactions and a variety of bank services and products. And what’s more, you don’t even need a college degree to get started as a Bank Teller. This role can serve as a jumping off point for career moves in the financial industry all with just a high school diploma.

So how do you land a Bank Teller job with no experience? The secret is to leverage your transferable skills and highlight qualities like interpersonal skills and a strong moral code that are hard to train in others if they don’t already possess it.

If you’re a fresh graduate looking to work as a bank teller, you might be well-served to first try your hand at another customer service role. From there you can paint yourself as the right person to be the face of your local branch.

Here are some related roles that may help you find qualities to highlight on your bank teller cover letter.

• Customer service representative
• Sales associate

Even work as a restaurant server or a medical receptionist can be used to make the case for your people skills, attention to detail and professionalism. Make sure to choose examples of tasks or accomplishments that have a clear connection to the bank teller role, such as closing out the cash drawer, upselling products or services or handling many transactions efficiently.

Bank Teller cover letter format and common mistakes

You can instantly put yourself ahead of a large percentage of candidates applying for the same Bank Teller position by avoiding these common pitfalls:

• Grammar and spelling errors: Not only do these types of mistakes call your attention to detail into question, too many of them can also make your cover letter unreadable. Show a hiring manager you care about hearing back by asking a friend to proofread and make sure your cover letter is free of typos before you submit.
• Poor tone: Banks are formal, financial institutions, yet the Bank Teller role is all about friendly customer service. Striking that balance is one of the most critical aspects of your cover letter. You should strive to come across as approachable without sacrificing your professionalism.
• Formatting mistakes: Too many bright colors, not enough white space, and other poor formatting choices can leave a hiring manager with a bad impression right from the start. Make sure your Bank Teller cover letter is highly readable with just a touch of style. When in doubt, less is more.
• Generic letters: Even though many Bank Teller roles require similar duties, a one-size-fits-all cover letter is not the right approach. While you don’t have to change every word, make sure you customize each letter to explain why you’re drawn to the particular bank or branch and what you can offer them based on the job description.

According to a survey by the U.S. Federal Reserve more than 80 percent of Americans say they’ve visited a physical bank branch and interacted with a teller in the past year. Although some teller jobs are being lost to automation, contact with a teller remains the preferred banking method for both elderly folks and younger people who encounter tech issues with online banking, according to USA Today .

Key takeaways

• Your cover letter is the perfect place to expand on key accomplishments, skills or traits from your resume – don’t pass up the opportunity!
• Each cover letter you submit should be customized for the specific bank and branch you’re applying to. Use the job description to make sure you present yourself as the right candidate.
• Follow the trusted cover letter structure to make sure your document includes all the necessary components, in the right order and strung together with the right tone.
• If you don’t have any experience as a Bank Teller, use other work experiences to draw out similar skills, tasks or qualities that would help you quickly adjust to the banking industry.
• Your formatting plays a big role in how hiring managers perceive your application. When in doubt, use a neutral and professional cover letter template that blends with the bank’s branding.

Free professionally designed templates

The cover letter that will get you a job in a bank

Do you really need to write a cover letter when you're applying for a job in an investment bank? These days, it's surely all about the skills in your CV - who's got the time to read that extra blurb saying how perfect you are for the role?

Recruiters working with experienced hires certaintly don't have the time. Most of the banking recruiters we speak to treat the cover letters (or 'cover emails') they receive from experienced candidates as an irrelevance. "For experienced roles, we rarely look at cover letters," says the CEO of one London-based financial services recruitment firm. I just go for the CV," agrees another. "I look at the CV and then I phone them. - If the CV is relevant, I'll get everything that would have been in the cover letter from that call." 

This doesn't mean you should just attach a CV/resume with no introductory email. It does mean that the introductory email might not be read - but you still need to make sure you don't make common mistakes like referencing the wrong bank, or forgetting to attach your CV altogether.

However, there some situations in which cover letters can make all the difference.  

These include:

• When you're applying for graduate jobs in banking.
• When you're applying to banks directly (without going through external recruiters),
• And... when you happen to be using a recruiter who simply likes cover letters (hard to tell!).

"For graduate hires, cover letters are very important," says one headhunter. Just how important is reflected by the fact that some banks specify them as a must-have in the ir graduate recruitment process .   Banks like Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, Barclays, Morgan Stanley and Macquarie typically all demand that their would-be analysts in Europe write cover letters or something very similar, says Victoria McLean, a former Goldman Sachs recruiter and founder of banking CV specialists, City CV.   "Some banks still ask for specific questions to be answered around motivation, strengths and key behaviours/competencies (these are of varying word counts depending on the bank)," she says.

Goldman Sachs historically demanded that recruits write a 300 word personal statement as a cover letter. A former recruiter at the firm told us it was  very important. "Some students were excellent until they got to the cover letter," - those 300 words let them down.

What makes a good banking cover letter? Mai Le, a former Goldman Sachs investment banking associate who ran  CoverLetterLibrary , a community which houses a collection of cover letters that have enabled juniors to get jobs at banks in the past. Le says the best cover letters have two things in common: narrative structure (they emphasize your story and show the choices that brought you here) and facts and figures that underscore your background and achievements. By comparison, Le says the worst banking cover letters suffer from key-word stuffing, irrelevant information and spelling and grammatical mistakes.

It can help to follow a general template... 

You need to tailor your cover letters for each job you apply to. But this doesn't mean that you can't write a cover letter that follows a template. It does mean that each time you apply for a new job, you will need to fill in the template all over again.

McLean suggests your template follows the following format: Introduction. Why me? Why you? Why this job? In total, the text within the template should be no more than 750 words, or one A4 page, long. Le says some candidates also use a format that's ordered as, Why this job? Why this bank? Why me?  "It's a matter of personal preference," she says. Ultimately, you want all these elements in the cover letter and should go with which ever you feel comfortable with.

Either way, here's what to include.

The easy introductory paragraph

The first paragraph is all about explaining why you're writing. If you're applying for a graduate job in a bank, keep it short and sweet.

"The first paragraph is just to say who you are and why you're writing the letter," says McLean.

This paragraph might read something like. "I am an X with X year history of X at global banking firms including X as well as X. I have been working for X for the past X years."

If you're writing a Goldman Sachs cover letter that's 300 words or less, you can ditch this style of opening paragraph. - There's just no space for it.

If you're writing to a recruiter, there's less need to be quite so brief with your introduction. Say who you are, and explain why you've approached that recruiter in particular: "If someone says they've been referred to me by someone I know and respect, I will sit up and pay attention," says one U.S. recruiter. "The same applies if they say they've learned that I mentor women and that this is something they're interested in too."

In other words, when you're writing a cover letter to a recruiter, you need to know who you're writing to. Use this introductory paragraph to address them in person. Flattery will get you everywhere.

The selling yourself paragraph. 'Why you?'

The second paragraph is usually harder. This is where you need to start selling yourself, expressing your personality, and explaining why you're such a hot catch. It's here that you can add in some of the narrative explaining how you came to apply for this role, plus some of the substantiating figures that Le says make successful cover letters so effective.  Don't  use bland and empty phrases like, "I am a determined, motivated person." Do look at the key words and skills used to describe the job you're applying for and (without too obviously reiterating the ad) explain how you match them. Focus on the results and on  outcomes you've achieved in similar situations in the past.  You need to be specific and you need to bring yourself to life.

If you're writing a cover letter to accompany a graduate application, McLean says you can use the second paragraph to talk about what you've studied and how it's relevant. If you've studied finance and know how to do a DCF, now's the time to mention that. If you haven't studied finance but have good relationship management skills and you want to work i n M&A (a relationship-focused business), say that here. Provide EVIDENCE for the skills you're claiming to have.- List any awards you've won. Never, ever, make empty statements. "Many successful trading cover letters feature the candidate's trading return profile and their rationales for their success or failure," says Le. " - Cover letters for sales positions highlight the candidate's track record that evident their ability as a natural salesperson."

The motivational paragraph. 'Why this job (in this sector?)'

If you're an experienced hire applying through a recruiter or applying directly to a bank, this is where you explain why you want the job you're applying for. If you're a student applying for a first job, this is why you need to explain why you want this job and why you want to work in this sector. Be specific -  you'll need to know about the job and the sector before you start this section.

As a student, you'll need to link your skills back to your motivation for working in that area of banking above others, says McLean. Why M&A? Why not sales and trading? Why not compliance?  - If you want to work in operations , for example, explain how you have a passion for building systems and improving efficiency, as evidenced by your system for serving customers in your weekend job...

"You should include what you love about the industry to which you are applying," says McLean. "Why is it important to YOU? Why does it matter to YOU? How does it make a difference to YOU? and why is it interesting to YOU? Especially valid for Graduates: Why finance? Why investment banking / asset management?  before addressing the specifics of the division or programme to which you are applying. The key is to make this personal…. This is where most grads go wrong in their cover letters, they sound too generic and impersonal."

The connection paragraph. 'Why this bank ?'

The fourth paragraph is all about explaining why you want to work for that particular bank. Again, you need to be specific. McLean says graduates often copy and paste from banks' own websites. For example, it's not unheard of for them to write, "I want to work for Goldman Sachs because you have 170 locations across 90 cities in over 30 countries."  This will get you nowhere.

"The idea is not to flatter your potential employer but to identify what makes them a good choice for you and you a good fit," says McLean. "Telling Goldman or Citi you want to work for them because they are the best is not going to impress anyone. However, writing that it’s an opportunity to work with some of the best minds on the street and that you want to be held to those same exacting standards is a bit more engaging." But you need to put this in your own words: you need to make it personal and say what the banks strengths mean to YOU.

The other ex-Goldman Sachs recruiter we spoke to said she particularly looked for, "creativity and effort and writing about Goldman Sachs," when running through students' cover letters. People were expected to say exactly why they wanted to work for Goldman rather than, say, J.P. Morgan.

Instead of just reiterating what you've read on banks' websites, therefore, you need to cite some unusual reasons for choosing that bank that will make you stand out. If you're a student, it helps to say that you've met some of the banks' staff and were impressed by them.  Citigroup, for example, suggests that  student cover letters  reference encounters with the bank's staff at recruitment events. - Make a note of the staff you meet and explain what they said or did that impressed you, and what made you think you'd like to work with them.

Mark Hatz, a former M&A associate at Goldman Sachs and Perella Weinberg Partners who now helps people get jobs in banking , says stressing your rapport with people you've met from the firm is particularly important when you're applying for a job in M&A or capital markets: "These are advisory businesses and they want to see that you can build a rapport and work in a team. If you get the job, you'll also be spending a lot of hours in the office with these people, so showing you like them is very important."

It also helps to reference the bank's strategy, to mention any awards the bank won, and to cite any conversations you've had with or comments you've read from other industry professionals and analysts who've given concrete reasons why it's good place to work. Everything in this section needs to be positive. - You need to explain why you want to work for Deutsche Bank specifically without writing anything that denigrates its rivals. The more senior you are, the more you will need to reference solid strategy points at this stage.

"Show a grasp of where they are going, what the plan is and why this appeals to you," says McLean. Show that you know their strategy and that you agree with the way they're addressing challenges. "You should also write about the future of the firm. You should be planning to be there for a few years and hoping to share that future with them," McLean adds. Look at the shareholder letter in the last annual report for information on a bank's strategy.

The call to action

Finally, you need to end the cover letter with a call to action. McLean suggests completing the letter with the following sentence: "I really look forward to hearing from you. I am available for interview and contactable by X.'

Simple. Except all of this has to be written in 750 words - or just 300 if you're a student applying to Goldman Sachs. It's not so easy after all.

Click here to create a profile on eFinancialCareers. Make yourself visible to recruiters hiring for top jobs in technology and finance. 

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Reference letters.

Some types of programs, such as fellowships and some career development awards, require the submission of reference letters by the referee. Referees must submit these letters by the application deadline in order to be considered with the application. Applications that have fewer than the required numbers of reference letters will not be reviewed.

Each funding opportunity will indicate whether Reference Letters are required.

Selecting a Referee

• At least three, but no more than five, reference letters are required unless otherwise specified in the funding opportunity.
• The letters should be from individuals not directly involved in the application, but who are familiar with the fellow/candidate's qualifications, training, and interests. Note that for postdoctoral grant applications that require submission of reference letters, a letter from the fellow/candidate's predoctoral thesis advisor is not required.
• The sponsor/co-sponsor(s) of the application cannot be counted toward the three required references.
• Resubmission applications do not need to use the same list of referees but do require new reference letters from all referees chosen.
• Make sure you include a list of referees (including name, departmental affiliation, and institution) in the cover letter of the application so NIH staff is aware of planned reference letter submissions.

Instructions to Provide to Referees

Fellows/candidates should provide their referees with the appropriate instructions. Remember to include your name as it is shown in your Commons account, your eRA Commons username, and the number of the funding opportunity (e.g., PA-21-048) to which you are applying.

Referees must submit letters directly to the eRA Commons

• Instructions for Fellowship Applicant Referees (16 KB)
• Instructions for Career Development Applicant Referees (17 KB)

Reference Letter Submission Process

• Referees must submit reference letters through the eRA Commons by the application due date. Note Referees DO NOT need need to login to eRA Commons to submit their letters.
• PI’s (fellow/candidate’s) eRA Commons username.
• PI’s first and last name as they appear on the PI’s eRA Commons account.
• Number of the funding opportunity (e.g., PA-21-048) to which you are applying.
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Contact the eRA Service Desk if you need assistance submitting your reference letter.