Why 20 seconds? As a headhunter, I seldom spend more than 20 seconds reading a resume cover letter. I deal with a lot of hiring managers and understand that they have a similar practice.
My clients are investment bankers, and these are the busiest people under the sun. Actually all hiring managers are busy and have to read numerous resume cover letters daily. Therefore the longer you write, the less effective your letter is. A 20-second resume cover letter is sure to capture the most attention from any hiring manager.
Summarizing the most outstanding resume cover letters that I've read, I have come up with a formula that works for any industry and anybody.
A 20-second resume cover letter must answer all these questions precisely:
1. What are you doing?
2. What do you want to do?
3. What are you able to do?
4. What do you want the reader to do?
Here is a classic example of a 20-second resume cover letter. It attracts three replies in five minutes even without attaching a resume.
Trader Positions
Hello, my name is Anna Maria D'Souza and am currently trading live Asian markets for a $1 billion hedge fund in London. I am willing to relocate given the right fit and opportunity. In a nutshell, I have my own book as well as do some facilitation whenever I am needed. I have experience in a variety of products ranging from cash, options/derivatives, CB's, etc.
Please let me know who I should talk to in order to pursue opportunities.
Well if you have valuable experience like this candidate, you are sure that all hedge fund mangers want to see you. What if we are a beginner or have less experience? Can we do something similar? Yes. Just copy my formula and answer the four questions I have set.
Here is a draft, assuming I am a fresh graduate. As nowadays almost all cover letters and resumes come through email, I have therefore omitted the traditional letter format.
Entry Level Analyst Position
Hello, my name is Anna Maria D'Souza. I have just obtained my master's degree from the Yale University. My focus was on financial engineering and economics. I am looking for an entry level analyst position. I have been a quantitative analyst intern at Goldman Sachs and have a good understanding of the US and Asian markets.
I have attached my resume and would welcome an opportunity to meet you. Please contact me on 12345678 or email amd@email.comamd@email.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Remember, in a 20-second resume cover letter, every word counts. Every word should add value. Never write long sentences, such as 'I take the liberty to submit my resume' or 'I would most appreciate it if you would call me for an interview'.
What if I am replying to an ad? Well, easy, use the same formula and modify the headline like this.
Entry Level Analyst Position - Reply to Your Advertised Vacancy
Consider the busy level of hiring managers, your 20-second resume cover letter will certainly attract the most attention and is a guarantee that the hiring manager read your letter in full and wants to see you.
About the Author
Anna Maria D'Souza is a headhunter. In the past eight years, she has been recruiting senior investment bankers for bulge brackets. Read her blog of Investment Banking Resumes which she aims to help college graduates to build an investment banking career.
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