Embarking on your job search, you've likely realized that a standout financial planning analyst cover letter can be the key to landing your dream role. Crafting the perfect one-page narrative can seem daunting, and it's tempting to rehash your resume. Yet, your cover letter is your chance to spotlight that one crowning achievement, weaving a professional tale without falling into the trap of overused clichés. Let's dive in and shape a letter that leaves a memorable impression.
- Some inspiration from other professionals' job-winning cover letters;
- The best structure and format for your financial planning analyst cover letter;
- Insights on how to write about your best achievement to stand out;
- A creative twist on your financial planning analyst cover letter intro.
Upload your financial planning analyst resume to Enhancv's AI, which will quickly scan and prepare a job-winning cover letter for you.
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Financial planning analyst cover letter example
Joshua Nelson
Fort Worth, Texas
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Emphasizing past experience at a prestigious firm like Goldman Sachs establishes credibility and instantly signals a high level of expertise and a background in a competitive, high-performing environment.
- Highlighting a specific quantifiable achievement (e.g., "resulted in a 20% return on investment") provides concrete proof of capability and success, which can be an effective way to demonstrate value to the prospective employer.
- Expressing a personal professional philosophy that aligns with the prospective employer's values (e.g., prioritizing strategic planning and client success) can help the candidate to stand out as being particularly well-suited culturally and ethically for the position.
- Mentioning a readiness to discuss how skills and experiences align with the organization's goals showcases eagerness to contribute meaningfully and suggests the candidate has done their research on what the organization is looking for.
Designing your financial planning analyst cover letter: what is the best format
Let's start with the basics, your financial planning analyst cover letter should include your:
- Header
- Greeting
- Introduction
- Body paragraph
- Closing statement
- Signature (that's not a must)
Next, we'll move to the spacing of your financial planning analyst cover letter, and yes, it should be single-spaced (automatically formatted for you in our cover letter templates).
Don't go for a old-school font (e.g. Arial or Times New Roman), but instead, pick an ATS-favorite like Chivo, Volkhov, or Raleway, to stand out.
Our cover letter builder is also set up for you with the standard one-inch margin, all around the text.
Finally, ensure your financial planning analyst resume and cover letter are in the same font and are submitted in PDF (to keep the formatting in place).
P.S. The Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your [job] cover letter, it's solely for the recruiters' eyes.
The top sections on a financial planning analyst cover letter
- Header: Include your contact information, the date, and the employer's details to ensure your cover letter appears professional and to make it easy for the recruiter to contact you for a financial planning analyst position.
- Greeting: Use a personalized salutation to address the hiring manager by name, showing that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the role at their financial institution.
- Introduction: Begin with a compelling opening statement that highlights your passion for financial analysis and planning, and mention the specific financial analyst role for which you're applying to grab the recruiter's attention.
- Body: Detail your relevant experience, quantitative skills, and understanding of financial markets, which are crucial for a financial planning analyst, and provide examples of how you've added value in previous roles.
- Closing: Reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity, your readiness to contribute to the financial planning team, and prompt the reader to take action, such as inviting you for an interview, making it clear that you are eagerly awaiting the next steps.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Expertise in Financial Modeling and Analysis: Recruiters look for candidates who can create complex financial models to forecast future financial performance and analyze investment opportunities.
- Proficiency with Financial Planning Software: Knowledge of software like Excel, QuickBooks, or industry-specific tools demonstrates technical proficiency in executing financial plans and analyses.
- Strong Analytical Skills: A financial planning analyst must have the ability to interpret financial data and provide insights, which requires keen analytical skills to make informed decisions.
- Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Credentials: These certifications show a commitment to the profession and ensure the analyst is well-versed in financial ethics and investment analysis.
- Attention to Detail: Accuracy is critical in financial planning, and recruiters prioritize candidates who demonstrate meticulousness in their work.
- Excellent Communication Skills: Being able to clearly convey complex financial concepts to clients or team members who may not have a financial background is essential for effective collaboration and decision making.
How to greet recruiters in your financial planning analyst cover letter salutation
As the saying goes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression."
Write your financial planning analyst cover letter salutation to be more personalized to the actual hiring manager, who is set to assess your profile by:
- greeting them on a first-name basis, if you have previously communicated with them (e.g. "Dear Sam,");
- using their last name, if you have more formal communication or haven't spoken to them (e.g. "Dear Mr. Harrows" or "Dear Ms. Marshall");
- writing "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager", if you have no clue about who's recruiting for the role.
Search on LinkedIn, Google, or the company website to find information as to the recruiter's name.
In any case, avoid the impersonal "Dear Sir or Madam".
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Company Name] Recruitment Team,
- Dear [Department Name] Team,
- Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name],
- Dear [Job Title] Search Committee,
- Dear [First Name] [Last Name],
How to start your financial planning analyst cover letter introduction
The opening paragraph of your financial planning analyst cover letter can seem like a real enigma.
Where do you start writing?
In your financial planning analyst cover letter introduction, focus on yourself by stating what:
- gets you motivated and excited about the role;
- you like best about the company, from culture to awards.
Write no more than two sentences, which are both authentic and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Choosing your best achievement for the middle or body of your financial planning analyst cover letter
Now that you have the recruiters' attention, it's time to write the chunkiest bit of your financial planning analyst cover letter.
The body consists of three to six paragraphs that focus on one of your achievements.
Use your past success to tell a story of how you obtained your most job-crucial skills and know-how (make sure to back these up with tangible metrics).
Another excellent idea for your financial planning analyst cover letter's middle paragraphs is to shine a light on your unique professional value.
Write consistently and make sure to present information that is relevant to the role.
Final words: writing your financial planning analyst cover letter closing paragraph
The final paragraph of your financial planning analyst cover letter allows you that one final chance to make a great first impression.
Instead of going straight to the "sincerely yours" ending, you can back up your skills with a promise of:
- how you see yourself growing into the role;
- the unique skills you'd bring to the organization.
Whatever you choose, always be specific (and remember to uphold your promise, once you land the role).
If this option doesn't seem that appealing to you, close off your financial planning analyst cover letter with a follow-up request.
You could even provide your availability for interviews so that the recruiters would be able to easily arrange your first meeting.
No experience financial planning analyst cover letter: making the most out of your profile
Candidates who happen to have no professional experience use their financial planning analyst 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 financial planning analyst cover letter has never been easier, so remember to:
- Select a financial planning analyst cover letter template that automatically meets industry formatting (e.g. has one-inch margins, is single-spaced, is in PDF, etc.);
- Make your financial planning analyst cover letter personal by mentioning the recruiters' first or last name;
- Within the introduction, describe what you like best about the company in no more than two sentences;
- Use your financial planning analyst cover letter body to tell a story of your greatest achievement, backed up by job-relevant skills and technologies;
- If you have no professional experience, be honest about it in your financial planning analyst cover letter, but also write about your unique talents.
