Cover Letter McKinsey Example & Writing Tips

Be sure you use the proper cover letter format to make your cover letter readable and professional.

Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a cover letter in a way that makes you seem like the best candidate for the job.

Landing an interview with McKinsey, one of the world’s leading consulting firms, starts with a standout cover letter.

But how do you craft a message that conveys your unique strengths while aligning with McKinsey’s high standards? In this guide, we’ll break down how to write a cover letter that commands attention and gets you closer to your consulting career goals.

1. Tailor your cover letter to the role at McKinsey

Tailoring the cover letter to McKinsey & Company involves connecting your skills, experience, and aspirations to the company’s mission and culture.

McKinsey is renowned for driving transformative change and fostering leadership, so referencing these aspects in your application demonstrates alignment with their values.

In this cover letter, the applicant shows an understanding of McKinsey’s emphasis on mentorship, teamwork, and impact-driven results. The specific mention of working with ‘exceptional teams’ and contributing to ‘measurable outcomes’ highlights the applicant’s commitment to McKinsey’s mission.

This focus creates a compelling narrative that shows the applicant has researched the firm and is genuinely enthusiastic about a career at McKinsey. Tailoring your letter in this way demonstrates you’re not only qualified but also a cultural fit — a key consideration in competitive hiring processes.

Example paragraph

Joining McKinsey represents an opportunity to work with exceptional teams and tackle critical issues. I’m enthusiastic about contributing my expertise to drive measurable outcomes for clients while further developing as a leader under McKinsey’s unparalleled mentorship programmes.

Takeaways for your McKinsey cover letter

• Research McKinsey’s values, projects, and culture, and integrate them into your application
• Use language that resonates with its mission, such as ‘impact,’ ‘leadership development,’ and ‘collaboration’
• Highlight why McKinsey’s specific opportunities appeal to your goals, showing a clear connection to the role

2. Highlight your achievements with metrics

Including metrics in your cover letter provides concrete evidence of your achievements and demonstrates your ability to deliver results.

In this letter, the applicant highlights achievements such as leading teams to deliver a £10 million revenue uplift and redesigning an operational strategy. These metrics make the applicant’s contributions tangible, showcasing their capacity to tackle large-scale challenges and produce measurable outcomes.

For instance, the mention of leading teams of up to five consultants illustrates leadership and team management skills. The inclusion of specific sectors, such as retail, adds context and relevance to the experience. Metrics not only quantify success but also show the applicant’s ability to handle high-pressure situations and deliver value, which are essential traits for an Associate at McKinsey.

Example paragraph

In my previous role at a leading global consultancy, I led teams of up to five consultants to tackle complex challenges across the private and public sectors. A notable project involved delivering a £10 million revenue uplift for a retail client by redesigning their operational strategy and embedding sustainable practices.

Takeaways for your McKinsey cover letter

• Quantify your achievements with metrics, such as financial improvements, success rates, or project scope
• Provide context to your results, like industries or specific challenges tackled
• Use numbers to highlight leadership, problem-solving, or technical expertise relevant to McKinsey’s expectations

3. State how McKinsey is an integral part of your career goals

Career goals are an integral part of a cover letter, especially for a role at McKinsey, where leadership development and long-term growth are key priorities.

This cover letter effectively conveys the applicant’s aspirations to tackle transformative projects and grow as a leader. Linking personal goals to McKinsey’s renowned mentorship opportunities strengthens the narrative, showcasing a mutual investment in professional development.

The letter positions the applicant as someone who seeks not only to contribute but also to grow within McKinsey.

This dual focus demonstrates foresight and ambition, which are valued traits for a McKinsey employee.

By mentioning leadership growth and tackling critical issues, the applicant also conveys a clear understanding of McKinsey’s mission and what the role entails.

Example paragraph

My goal is to develop as a leader while working on transformative projects that tackle complex client challenges. McKinsey’s commitment to mentorship and creating lasting impact aligns perfectly with my aspirations to grow both personally and professionally in a dynamic and challenging environment.

Takeaways for your McKinsey cover letter

• Clearly state your long-term professional aspirations and connect them to McKinsey’s mission
• Show how the role aligns with your career development goals
• Highlight leadership and growth opportunities as key motivators for your application

4. Conclude with a strong call to action

A compelling cover letter conclusion leaves a lasting impression and motivates the hiring manager to take action.

This cover letter achieves this by confidently inviting further discussion and providing clear contact details. The applicant also demonstrates initiative by stating their intention to follow up, which conveys enthusiasm and professionalism.

The proactive tone of the conclusion reflects McKinsey’s expectation for Associates to be self-starters who take ownership of their work. Ending with a well-crafted call to action reinforces the applicant’s suitability for the role and ensures the letter concludes on a positive and engaging note.

Example paragraph

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss in greater detail how my experiences align with McKinsey’s mission and the Associate role. Please feel free to contact me at 07123 456 789 or email@email.com at your convenience. I will follow up next week to ensure my application has been received.

Takeaways for your McKinsey cover letter

• End with a polite yet confident invitation for further discussion
• Provide appropriate contact details to facilitate communication
• Demonstrate initiative by offering to follow up, maintaining a professional tone

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