TIG #43: Unlocking the Secrets of Winning Cover Letters: What Top Consulting, Law, and Tech Firms Want in 2025
Discover the anatomy of cover letters that landed offers at McKinsey, IBM, and more. Learn actionable principles, see real examples, and get expert advice for your next application.
Hey future intern!
Every year, thousands of ambitious students and professionals apply to the world’s most competitive consulting, law, and tech firms. Most applications never make it past the first screen. What sets apart those few cover letters that actually get interviews—and offers—from the rest? In this in-depth newsletter, we’ll analyze four real cover letters that scored interviews and jobs at McKinsey, IBM, and leading law firms. We’ll break down what works, what doesn’t, and how you can apply these principles to your own applications.
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Why Cover Letters Still Matter in 2025
Despite the rise of AI resume screeners and automated job portals, the cover letter remains a critical tool for differentiating yourself—especially at elite firms. According to a recent survey by ResumeLab, 83% of hiring managers say a strong cover letter can secure you an interview even if your resume isn’t perfect. Top firms use cover letters to assess communication skills, motivation, and cultural fit—qualities that can’t be gleaned from a resume alone.
Principles of Effective Cover Letters
Before diving into the real examples, let’s outline the universal principles that make a cover letter stand out:
1. Personalization:
Address the letter to a real person whenever possible. Reference specific conversations, events, or aspects of the firm that resonate with you.
2. Storytelling:
Go beyond your resume. Use narrative to demonstrate your passion, problem-solving skills, and impact.
3. Evidence of Fit:
Show you understand the firm’s values, culture, and what makes it unique. Make it clear why you belong there.
4. Quantifiable Achievements:
Use numbers and specifics to highlight your accomplishments and the results you’ve delivered.
5. Conciseness and Clarity:
Keep it to one page. Every sentence should add value.
6. Professional Tone and Formatting:
Proofread meticulously. Use a clean, business-like structure.
Deep Dive: Four Winning Cover Letters
Below, we analyze four real cover letters—one each for consulting (McKinsey), law (corporate/litigation), and tech (IBM). Each was sourced from reputable, consented online repositories and anonymized as needed.
1. Consulting: McKinsey & Company
Source: Management Consulted
As a junior majoring in [Major] at [College], I am excited to apply for a Summer Associate role in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, or New York offices. I am confident my previous internship experience, analytical skills, and problem-solving ability will enable me to add quick value to the firm’s teams and clients.
My overwhelmingly positive experiences with McKinsey moved me to apply. From attending the McKinsey info session and speaking with several consultants including John Smith and Kate Doe, I learned about the distinguishing qualities that make McKinsey an ideal place to start a career. But beyond the obvious credentials of a top-notch client base, unmatched global network, and a platform to effect deep, large-scale change on business and society, it is the passion for business and true culture of collaboration I have seen exhibited in McKinsey consultants that sets the firm apart for me.
I have had an interest in consulting ever since middle school, when I first made recommendations to my parents on adjustments to make at the restaurant they owned. Seeing how my subtle suggestions delighted customers had me hooked, and problem-solving within a business context has been my aim ever since.
Since then, I have pursued this goal via multiple internship and project experiences. As a student consultant for a nonprofit organization, I led a team of four on a cost-reduction project. My research and analysis led to a successful recommendation of how our client could reduce costs by 15% while increasing payroll. Through a workstream I led as a Business Analyst at Dropbox, I led 10 focus groups and conducted a nationwide survey with 3,000+ responses to identify the top 5 millennial technology trends. These trends were then compiled in a report presented to senior leadership to inform decision-making.
Thank you for your time and consideration; I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Analysis:
Personalization: References specific McKinsey events and consultants.
Storytelling: Shares a personal story (restaurant recommendations) to illustrate early passion.
Evidence of Fit: Connects McKinsey’s culture to personal values.
Quantifiable Achievements: 15% cost reduction, 3,000+ survey responses.
Clarity: Each paragraph has a clear focus and purpose.
Why It Worked:
This cover letter demonstrates genuine interest, a track record of impact, and a nuanced understanding of McKinsey’s culture. The applicant’s narrative is memorable and substantiated by real achievements.
2. Law: Senior Lawyer Cover Letter
Source: Enhancv
JAMES JOHNSON
Houston, TX
Senior Lawyer
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Senior Lawyer position at [Firm]. With a 95% success rate in court outcomes and a 40% increase in client satisfaction at my previous firm, I am confident in my ability to deliver exceptional results for your clients.
One of my proudest achievements was leading a team to develop a mentorship program that improved junior associate retention by 30%. This experience honed my leadership and mentoring skills, and I am eager to bring this same dedication to your team.
I have always balanced tradition and innovation in my legal practice, ensuring rigorous adherence to best practices while embracing new technologies and approaches to case management. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to [Firm]’s reputation for excellence and forward-thinking legal strategy.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background can benefit your firm.
Analysis:
Personalization: Tailors skills and achievements to the firm’s needs.
Quantifiable Achievements: 95% court success, 40% client satisfaction boost, 30% retention increase.
Leadership: Mentions developing a mentorship program.
Balance of Tradition and Innovation: Shows adaptability.
Professional Tone: Clear, concise, and confident.
Why It Worked:
The letter quickly establishes credibility with numbers, demonstrates leadership, and aligns the applicant’s values with those of the firm. It’s results-oriented and forward-looking.
3. Tech: IBM Junior Product Manager
Source: Kickresume
Why me?
I have a proven track record of translating user needs into actionable product features, as demonstrated during my internship at [Startup], where I led a team to launch a new mobile app feature that increased user engagement by 30% within three months.
Why IBM-Client Innovation Centre?
IBM’s commitment to innovation and client-centric solutions resonates deeply with me. Through my participation in the IBM Hackathon, I experienced first-hand the collaborative culture and cutting-edge projects that define your team. I am especially drawn to your focus on AI-driven solutions, which aligns with my ongoing coursework in machine learning.
Why this role?
The Junior Product Manager position is the perfect next step for me to apply my skills in a global, impact-driven environment. My extracurricular involvement in product management competitions and continuous learning through online courses (Coursera, Udemy) have prepared me to contribute from day one.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining IBM and making a meaningful impact.
Analysis:
Attention-Grabbing Opener: “Why me?” is bold and direct.
Clear Structure: Organized into “Why me?”, “Why IBM?”, “Why this role?”
Evidence of Fit: References IBM Hackathon and alignment with AI initiatives.
Quantifiable Achievements: 30% increase in engagement.
Continuous Learning: Mentions ongoing coursework and competitions.
Why It Worked:
This letter is highly tailored, clearly structured, and demonstrates both technical and soft skills. The applicant connects personal achievements to the company’s mission and values.
4. Consulting: Altman Solon
Source: Business Insider
Dear Heather,
I am a first-year MBA student at [Name of School] writing to express my strong interest in the Summer Associate position at Altman Solon. Through conversations with [Names of Individuals at Altman Solon] I have learned that Altman Solon's small size, narrow focus and analytical approach have led to its preeminence in TMT strategy consulting.
I am confident that my substantial relationship development experience, quantitative skills and passion for the media industry will position me to contribute immediately to your team.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss further.
Analysis:
Personalization: Addresses the recruiter by name and references specific conversations.
Company Knowledge: Demonstrates understanding of Altman Solon’s niche and strengths.
Relevant Skills: Highlights relationship development and quantitative skills.
Conciseness: Short and to the point.
Why It Worked:
This letter is brief but highly targeted. The applicant’s research and networking are evident, and the skills mentioned are directly relevant to the firm’s needs.
Key Takeaways and Best Practices
1. Personalize Every Letter
Address the recruiter or hiring manager by name.
Reference specific events, conversations, or features of the firm.
Avoid generic templates—customization shows genuine interest.
2. Tell Your Story
Use anecdotes that reveal your motivation and problem-solving skills.
Show, don’t just tell, why you’re passionate about the field and the company.
3. Highlight Quantifiable Achievements
Use numbers to demonstrate your impact (e.g., “increased engagement by 30%”).
Be specific about your contributions and results.
4. Connect Your Skills to the Firm’s Needs
Research the company’s mission, culture, and current projects.
Show how your background and goals align with what the firm values.
5. Be Concise and Professional
Keep it to one page.
Use clear, direct language.
Proofread carefully—typos can be fatal.
6. Structure Matters
Use logical paragraphs: introduction, body (why you, why the firm, why the role), conclusion.
Consider using subheadings or bolded phrases for clarity (as seen in the IBM example).
7. Show Continuous Learning and Adaptability
Mention relevant courses, certifications, or competitions.
Demonstrate a growth mindset and willingness to learn.
8. Close Strong
End with a confident, forward-looking statement.
Express enthusiasm for the next steps.
Additional Resources
Conclusion: Your Cover Letter Checklist for 2025
Do you address the right person and reference the right firm?
Have you told a compelling story about your motivation and impact?
Did you use numbers and specifics to back up your claims?
Is your letter tailored to the firm’s culture and needs?
Is it concise, well-structured, and free of errors?
Did you close with confidence and enthusiasm?
If you can answer “yes” to all the above, you’re on the right track. Remember, your cover letter is your first—and sometimes only—chance to make a human connection with your future employer. Make it count.
What’s your biggest challenge with cover letters? Reply to this newsletter or comment below. If you want more real-world examples, templates, or a personal review, subscribe or reach out to The Internship Guy.
Stay bold, stay authentic, and land that interview!
— The Internship Guy
P.S. Share this guide with a friend or colleague who’s applying to top firms this season. Let’s help everyone put their best foot forward!