Getting a job in investment banking takes more than just good grades and skills. A great cover letter can make you stand out from hundreds of other candidates. The right words can catch a hiring manager’s attention and show why you belong at their bank.
Want to know what works and what doesn’t? This guide shares 15 real-world examples that have helped candidates get noticed. Each letter shows a different approach to catch attention, highlight strengths, and leave a lasting impression.
Sample Cover Letters for Investment Banking
These sample letters will help you craft your own winning cover letter for investment banking positions.
1. The Recent Graduate Letter
123 College Avenue
New York, NY 10001
(212) 555-0123
student@email.edu
May 15, 2025
Mr. James Williams
Head of Campus Recruiting
Goldman Sachs
200 West Street
New York, NY 10282
Subject: Application for Investment Banking Analyst Position
Dear Mr. Williams,
As a Finance major graduating with honors from Columbia University this month, I am excited to apply for the Investment Banking Analyst position at Goldman Sachs. Your presentation at our campus last fall showed how Goldman values analytical thinking and teamwork – qualities I have built through coursework and internships.
During my summer internship at JP Morgan, I worked on a team that analyzed data for a $500 million merger. This taught me to work under tight deadlines while keeping close attention to details. My finance professor also picked my market analysis project as an example for future classes because of its clear thinking and careful research.
My education and experiences have prepared me for the fast pace and high standards at Goldman Sachs:
- Bachelor of Science in Finance with 3.9 GPA
- Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and financial modeling
- Leadership role in Investment Banking Club
- Fluency in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish
I would like to discuss how my background makes me a good fit for your team. Thank you for looking at my application.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
2. The Career Changer Letter
450 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(212) 555-9876
michael.johnson@email.com
April 21, 2025
Ms. Sarah Chen
Recruiting Director
Morgan Stanley
1585 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
Subject: Application for Associate Position – Investment Banking Division
Dear Ms. Chen,
After five successful years as a corporate attorney specializing in M&A transactions, I am eager to transition to the Investment Banking Division at Morgan Stanley. My background gives me a unique view of deals from both legal and financial sides – something that could add value to your team.
While working at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, I helped close 12 deals worth over $8 billion total. This gave me deep knowledge of deal structures and how to spot potential issues before they become problems. My work often put me side-by-side with investment bankers, where I gained respect for their strategic thinking and client relationships.
My qualifications that match your needs include:
- JD from Harvard Law School and newly completed MBA from NYU Stern (evenings)
- Direct experience with M&A documentation and due diligence
- Strong relationships with legal teams at major corporations
- Advanced financial modeling skills developed during my MBA
- Deep understanding of regulatory concerns affecting deals
I would welcome the chance to explain how my background can benefit Morgan Stanley. Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Michael Johnson
3. The Networking Follow-Up Letter
789 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 555-4321
davidlee@email.com
April 18, 2025
Mr. Robert Thompson
Managing Director
JP Morgan Chase
270 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Subject: Investment Banking Associate Position – Follow Up from Boston Conference
Dear Mr. Thompson,
Thank you for taking time to speak with me yesterday at the Boston Financial Services Conference. Your insights about JP Morgan’s expansion plans in sustainable finance were fascinating, especially the part about how you evaluate green bonds.
As mentioned during our conversation, my three years at Deloitte have given me strong skills in financial analysis and client communication. The sustainable energy project we discussed – where I helped build a valuation model for a $2 billion renewable energy portfolio – shows my alignment with JP Morgan’s growing focus on ESG investments.
My background includes:
- MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management
- CFA Level III Candidate
- Experience managing client relationships with Fortune 500 companies
- Deep knowledge of renewable energy markets and ESG frameworks
- Advanced skills in building complex financial models
I have attached my resume as you suggested. I look forward to continuing our conversation about how I can contribute to your team’s success.
Best regards,
David Lee
4. The Experienced Professional Letter
567 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(212) 555-6789
rachel.brown@email.com
April 20, 2025
Ms. Jennifer Martinez
Head of Investment Banking
Bank of America
One Bryant Park
New York, NY 10036
Subject: Senior Vice President Position – Technology Investment Banking Group
Dear Ms. Martinez,
With eight years of progressive experience in technology investment banking at Credit Suisse, I am seeking to bring my expertise and client relationships to Bank of America’s Technology Group. Your bank’s recent leadership in AI and fintech deals makes this an exciting time to join your team.
At Credit Suisse, I led deal teams that closed 20+ transactions worth over $15 billion, including the $4.2 billion IPO for CloudSecure last year. My client list includes five unicorn startups and three Fortune 100 tech companies. Beyond the numbers, I have built a reputation for solving complex problems that threatened to derail deals.
Key strengths I would bring to Bank of America include:
- Extensive connections with tech executives and PE firms
- Track record of bringing in $10+ million in annual fees
- Expertise in SaaS, cybersecurity, and AI sectors
- Team leadership skills with proven ability to develop junior bankers
- Strong public speaking abilities for pitch meetings
I would appreciate discussing how my background matches your needs for a senior banker. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Rachel Brown
5. The Summer Analyst Internship Letter
234 University Drive
Princeton, NJ 08544
(609) 555-8765
alex.wong@princeton.edu
April 15, 2025
Mr. Thomas Garcia
Summer Analyst Program Director
Citigroup
388 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10013
Subject: Application for Summer Analyst Program 2026
Dear Mr. Garcia,
As a junior studying Economics at Princeton University with a passion for financial markets, I am applying for Citigroup’s Summer Analyst Program for 2026. Your bank’s global reach and leadership in emerging markets align perfectly with my career goals and academic focus.
My coursework in financial analysis and investment theory has given me strong quantitative skills, while my position as Treasurer of the Finance Club has built my leadership abilities. Last summer, I completed an internship at a local wealth management firm where I researched stocks and helped prepare client presentations.
What I can bring to Citigroup’s program:
- Strong academic record with 3.8 GPA in Economics
- Experience with Bloomberg Terminal and basic financial modeling
- Leadership role managing $50,000 student investment fund
- Fluency in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese
- High energy and willingness to work long hours to learn
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your summer program. Thank you for reviewing my application.
Sincerely,
Alexander Wong
6. The Boutique Banking Letter
890 Pine Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 555-2345
emma.patel@email.com
April 19, 2025
Mr. Daniel Robertson
Founding Partner
Redwood Capital
One Market Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94105
Subject: Vice President Position – Healthcare Banking Team
Dear Mr. Robertson,
Your recent interview in the Financial Times about Redwood Capital’s focus on mid-market healthcare deals caught my attention, as this aligns perfectly with my six years of healthcare banking experience at William Blair. I am writing to express my interest in joining your firm as a Vice President.
At William Blair, I specialized in medical technology and healthcare services, completing 15 deals ranging from $50 million to $800 million. My most notable transaction was the $375 million sale of MedTech Innovations to Johnson & Johnson, which required creative solutions to intellectual property challenges.
What I would bring to Redwood Capital:
- Deep knowledge of healthcare regulatory landscape
- Strong connections with healthcare executives and PE firms
- Experience working in a boutique environment valuing quality over quantity
- Ability to handle all aspects of deals from pitch to closing
- Track record of repeat business from satisfied clients
I value the focused approach of boutique firms and would welcome discussing how my background fits with your team. Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
Emma Patel
7. The PhD Candidate Letter
345 Science Boulevard
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 555-8901
thomas.schmidt@mit.edu
April 17, 2025
Dr. Lisa Blackwell
Head of Quantitative Strategies
UBS Investment Bank
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019
Subject: Application for Quantitative Investment Banking Associate
Dear Dr. Blackwell,
As a PhD candidate in Financial Engineering at MIT completing my dissertation next month, I am excited to apply for the Quantitative Investment Banking Associate position at UBS. Your team’s recent work applying machine learning to merger arbitrage strategies, which you presented at the Quantitative Finance Conference, shows the innovative approach that draws me to UBS.
My doctoral research focuses on using neural networks to predict market reactions to corporate actions, with results showing 23% better accuracy than traditional models. Before my PhD, I spent two years at Bloomberg developing pricing models for exotic derivatives, giving me both theoretical knowledge and practical coding skills.
My qualifications relevant to this position include:
- PhD in Financial Engineering from MIT (expected May 2025)
- Master’s in Applied Mathematics from ETH Zurich
- Proficiency in Python, R, and C++
- Published research in Journal of Computational Finance
- Experience with big data analysis and machine learning algorithms
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my research background could benefit your quantitative strategies team. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Thomas Schmidt, MSc
8. The Industry Expert Letter
678 Oak Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 555-4567
sophia.rodriguez@email.com
April 16, 2025
Mr. Kevin Chang
Group Head, Industrial Investment Banking
Deutsche Bank
60 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
Subject: Director Position – Industrials Coverage Group
Dear Mr. Chang,
After 12 years in operational and financial roles at General Electric, most recently as Finance Director for the Power Division, I am seeking to transition to investment banking with Deutsche Bank’s Industrials team. My industry knowledge and financial expertise would bring unique value to your clients in the industrial sector.
At GE, I led financial planning for a $3 billion division and played key roles in divesting two business units valued at $1.2 billion total. This gave me firsthand experience with the seller’s perspective in M&A transactions. My regular interaction with investment bankers also taught me what makes banking relationships successful from the client’s viewpoint.
The strengths I would bring to Deutsche Bank include:
- Deep understanding of industrial business models and valuation drivers
- Experience preparing board materials for major corporate transactions
- Extensive network of contacts across the industrial sector
- Advanced financial modeling and forecasting skills
- MBA from University of Chicago Booth School of Business
I would welcome a conversation about how my industry background would complement your banking team’s expertise. Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Sophia Rodriguez
9. The International Candidate Letter
42 Rue de la Paix
75002 Paris, France
+33 6 12 34 56 78
pierre.dupont@email.com
April 14, 2025
Ms. Victoria Adams
Global Recruiting Head
Barclays Investment Bank
745 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Subject: Application for Associate Position – Cross-Border M&A Team
Dear Ms. Adams,
As a financial analyst at BNP Paribas in Paris with experience on cross-border transactions, I am excited to apply for the Associate position on Barclays’ Cross-Border M&A team. Your bank’s strong presence in both European and North American markets makes it an ideal place for someone with my international background.
During my three years at BNP Paribas, I have worked on five cross-border deals between European and North American companies, including the €2.3 billion acquisition of a French tech company by a US buyer. This experience has taught me to bridge different business cultures and regulatory systems – skills that would be valuable in your global team.
My qualifications that match your requirements include:
- Master in Finance from HEC Paris
- Three years of investment banking experience
- Fluency in English, French, and German
- Experience with international accounting standards
- Work authorization for both EU and US (dual citizenship)
I will be in New York next month and would appreciate the opportunity to meet with your team. Thank you for considering my application.
Cordialement,
Pierre Dupont
10. The Return from Career Break Letter
123 Maple Drive
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 555-6789
michelle.taylor@email.com
April 12, 2025
Mr. Andrew Wilson
Recruiting Director
Credit Suisse
11 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Subject: Vice President Position – Financial Sponsors Group
Dear Mr. Wilson,
After a planned three-year career break to care for my young children, I am eager to return to investment banking and contribute my skills to Credit Suisse’s Financial Sponsors Group. Before my break, I spent seven years at Evercore as an Associate and then VP, specializing in private equity transactions.
During my career pause, I kept my skills current by consulting on two PE deals, completing an executive education program in digital finance at Columbia Business School, and serving as treasurer for a nonprofit with a $5 million annual budget. These activities have added new dimensions to my pre-existing banking expertise.
My qualifications relevant to your team include:
- Seven years of PE-focused banking experience at a top firm
- Relationships with numerous mid-market private equity funds
- Deal experience across multiple sectors including healthcare and tech
- MBA from Wharton with concentration in Finance
- Fresh perspective and high energy from returning to the field
I would welcome a conversation about rejoining the banking world with Credit Suisse. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Michelle Taylor
11. The Campus Ambassador Letter
456 University Place
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 555-7890
tyler.jackson@wharton.upenn.edu
April 10, 2025
Ms. Rebecca Lee
Campus Recruiting Manager
Wells Fargo Securities
550 South Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
Subject: Application for Investment Banking Summer Analyst and Campus Ambassador
Dear Ms. Lee,
As the President of the Wharton Finance Club who has helped organize your bank’s campus events for the past year, I am applying for both the Summer Analyst position and the Campus Ambassador role at Wells Fargo Securities. My passion for banking and connection with the student body make me well-suited for representing Wells Fargo at Penn.
Through my finance coursework and leadership roles, I have gained strong analytical skills and public speaking abilities. The investment case competition sponsored by Wells Fargo last fall, where my team placed second among 30 teams, showed me how your bank values both technical knowledge and communication skills.
My qualifications for these roles include:
- Junior at Wharton with 3.85 GPA in Finance
- Leadership of 200-member Finance Club
- Experience organizing banking recruitment events
- Strong network across business school student organizations
- Previous summer internship at a regional investment bank
I would appreciate discussing how I can represent Wells Fargo both as an analyst and as your campus face at Penn. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Tyler Jackson
12. The Referral Letter
789 Lakeshore Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 555-2468
samantha.nguyen@email.com
April 8, 2025
Mr. Eric Johnson
Managing Director
Lazard Frères
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112
Subject: Associate Position – Referral from William Chen
Dear Mr. Johnson,
Your colleague William Chen suggested I contact you about the Associate position in Lazard’s Healthcare group. After discussing my background and Lazard’s culture during our meeting at the Healthcare Investment Conference last month, Will thought my experience at Centerview Partners would make me a strong fit for your team.
During my three years at Centerview, I have focused on healthcare transactions, including the $6.8 billion sale of a biotech company and a $2.3 billion hospital system merger. These deals taught me to manage complex stakeholder dynamics while maintaining analytical rigor – skills that align with Lazard’s reputation for sophisticated client service.
My background includes:
- Three years of healthcare banking experience at a top boutique
- MBA from Kellogg School of Management
- Prior clinical experience as a registered pharmacist
- Strong technical skills in modeling and valuation
- Experience managing analyst teams on multiple deals
I would welcome the chance to discuss how my healthcare background and banking experience could benefit your team. Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
Samantha Nguyen, PharmD, MBA
13. The Internal Transfer Letter
234 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
(212) 555-1357
ryan.patel@gs.com
April 5, 2025
Ms. Julia Martinez
Head of Technology Investment Banking
Goldman Sachs
200 West Street
New York, NY 10282
Subject: Internal Transfer Application – Technology Investment Banking Group
Dear Ms. Martinez,
As a second-year analyst in Goldman’s Financial Institutions Group with a background in computer science, I am writing to express my interest in transferring to the Technology Investment Banking Group. The intersection of finance and technology has always been my passion, and I believe my combined experience would bring unique value to your team.
During my two years in FIG, I have worked on bank mergers and fintech partnerships, developing strong modeling skills and client interaction abilities. My most recent project involved valuing a banking software provider for a potential acquisition, which sparked my interest in focusing more directly on technology clients.
Why I believe this transfer would benefit both your group and my career:
- Strong performance reviews (top quartile) in current role
- Computer Science degree from Stanford with focus on AI
- Technical understanding of software business models
- Existing relationships with cross-over fintech clients
- Ability to hit the ground running with Goldman culture and processes
I would appreciate discussing how my background might fit your team’s needs. Thank you for considering my application for an internal transfer.
Sincerely,
Ryan Patel
14. The Recent MBA Graduate Letter
567 Business School Lane
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 555-8642
jordan.kim@email.com
April 3, 2025
Mr. David Thompson
MBA Recruiting Director
Evercore
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
Subject: Application for Post-MBA Associate Position
Dear Mr. Thompson,
As a Baker Scholar graduating from Harvard Business School next month, I am excited to apply for the Associate position at Evercore. After our conversation at your firm’s presentation last semester, I was impressed by Evercore’s focus on providing independent advice and its strong culture of mentorship.
Before business school, I spent three years in corporate strategy at Microsoft, where I evaluated potential acquisitions and partnerships. This summer, I interned in J.P. Morgan’s TMT group, working on a $5 billion software company IPO. These experiences gave me both the strategic thinking of a corporate insider and the execution skills of a banker.
My qualifications that match your needs include:
- MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School
- Summer associate experience in technology banking
- Corporate strategy background with M&A focus
- Leadership of HBS Investment Banking Club
- Strong technical and communication skills
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with Evercore’s needs. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Jordan Kim
15. The Diversity Candidate Letter
890 Parkway Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 555-9753
zoe.washington@email.com
April 1, 2025
Ms. Nicole Rodriguez
Diversity Recruiting Lead
Bank of America
One Bryant Park
New York, NY 10036
Subject: Application for Investment Banking Associate Through Diversity Program
Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
As a first-generation college graduate with an MBA from Howard University and four years of corporate finance experience, I am applying for the Associate position through Bank of America’s Diversity in Banking program. Your bank’s commitment to building a workforce that reflects its global client base resonates with my own values.
At Coca-Cola’s corporate treasury department, I managed relationships with banking partners and worked on two international bond issuances totaling $2.5 billion. This client-side view of banking has given me insight into what makes banking relationships successful, while my MBA program has added technical valuation and modeling skills.
What I would bring to Bank of America:
- MBA with honors from Howard University
- Treasury experience at Fortune 100 company
- Leadership in National Black MBA Association
- Spanish fluency from study abroad in Barcelona
- Different perspective based on varied background
I would appreciate discussing how my experience and perspective could add value to your team. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Zoe Washington
Wrapping Up
Writing an effective investment banking cover letter takes careful thought and attention to detail. The 15 examples above show different ways to highlight your strengths based on your background and the specific role you want.
The best cover letters are clear, focused, and honest. They show why you stand out while matching what the bank needs. Take ideas from these samples but make your letter personal to your own story and goals.
With the right cover letter, you can open doors to interviews and opportunities in the competitive world of investment banking. Good luck with your application.