
                                 
 
 
  Box 00001 
    Furman University 
    3300 Poinsett Highway 
    Greenville, SC  29613 
    June 1, 20xx 
 
Mr. John Doe 
Vice President 
McKinsey & Company 
P.O. Box 2222 
Greenville, SC  12345 
 
Dear Mr. Doe: 
 
Would a team-oriented, analytical, creative individual with well developed problem-solving 
skills and professionalism be a welcome addition to McKinsey & Company? I feel 
confident that my diverse work experience and strong academic performance match the 
needs of the business analyst position advertised on McKinsey & Company’s Careers 
website. 
 
Both in an academic and professional work environment, I have demonstrated research, 
strategic planning, and project execution abilities.  Data collection, analysis, and 
interpretation were crucial to my Summer Scholar team research project and my 
independent research as a Magill Scholar.  While I worked as a project analyst for Service 
Resources, Inc., development of the multi-client service model required me to interact with 
internal and external clients, conduct cost-benefit analysis, and meet strict deliverabilities.  
This position required that I learn to operate ArcView GIS and a complete line of software 
extension, which demonstrates my ability to master technology quickly and learn on the job. 
 
My teamwork and leadership skills are best demonstrated through my experiences with the 
Leadership Development Programs and the Peak Performance Ropes Course at Furman 
University.  After learning many aspects of personal and professional leadership as a 
participant in the Leadership Programs, I was asked to return to teach underclassmen 
participants.  In my roles as a Ropes Course facilitator and coordinator, I led initiatives and 
activities for corporate, student, and community groups.  The facilitator’s role is to observe 
group interaction and debrief activities in such a way that encourages team building, 
initiates teamwork, and improves group dynamics.  These experiences have shaped my 
approach to team interactions and leadership responsibilities. 
 
I hope this description of my qualifications and the attached resume convey my interest in 
putting my skills and experience to work for McKinsey & Company.  Please call me at 
(864) 555-5555 after 1 p.m. to arrange an interview. 
 
    Sincerely, 
 
 
    Sue Furman 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Box 00001 
    Furman University 
    3300 Poinsett Highway 
    Greenville, SC  29613 
    June 1, 20xx 
 
Mr. John Doe 
Vice President 
Bank of America 
P.O. Box 2222 
Greenville, SC  12345 
 
Dear Mr. Doe: 
 
I am writing to apply for the financial analyst position that I discovered on 
www.monstertrak.com.  I am eager to build on the analytical skills that I have acquired at Furman 
University and Merrill Lynch. The extensive training program at Bank of America will provide 
excellent tools to begin a career in finance.  I have obtained analytical, communications, and time 
management skills, along with a strong sense of dedication, that will make me an asset to Bank of 
America. 
 
During the course of my liberal arts education at Furman University, I have worked on different 
projects from examining annual reports to creating a new company and devising a strategic 
marketing plan.  These projects helped me sharpen my analytical and writing skills.  Throughout 
my Furman career I have given several PowerPoint presentations to students, professors, and 
upper-level administrators at Furman University.  These presentations have helped me hone my 
verbal communication skills.  Track and field has played a huge part in shaping my time 
management and communication skills. I have been committed to track for the past ten years.  As 
a student athlete, I have juggled classes, practices, rehabilitation, and other extra curricular 
activities.  By sticking to a strict schedule, I have been able to accomplish my daily tasks along 
with ongoing projects.  Track also has provided me with another chance to sharpen my verbal 
communication skills. I have conducted numerous team meetings, and I often act as a liaison 
between Coach Mullin and the sprint team. 
 
Working at Merrill Lynch has given me another opportunity to develop my time management and 
analytical skills, and has required keen attention to detail.  As an intern, I have been assigned 
several tasks simultaneously; it has been my responsibility to prioritize and complete these tasks 
in a timely fashion.  Paying close attention to detail has been a key part of my job when I am 
depositing checks or when I am analyzing financial statements.  Occasionally, I have been 
responsible for proofreading letters for my boss before they were sent to current clients or 
reviewing a presentation before it was given to prospective clients.  Working for Merrill Lynch 
has taught me that hard work inside and outside of the office is essential to success in the 
financial field. 
 
I look forward to hearing from you.  Please contact me at 864-555-5555 or 
consideration. 
 
    Sincerely, 
 
 
    Sue Furman