Speculative cover Letter hailed "best ever"

April O Neill

Wall Street Bosses Are Calling This 'The Best Cover Letter Ever' - But Not Everyone Agrees

Shocker. It seems that ‘humble’ could actually work on Wall Street.
Well, at least for the brutally honest and hilariously self-deprecating young student, whose cover letter publicized on Business Insider, has generated a ton of positive interest amongst investment banking bosses.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the recipient of the e-mail immediately forwarded it on to colleagues, adding, “This might be the best cover letter I’ve ever received. Second and third paragraphs especially.”
Another added to the e-mail chain, “I wouldn’t be surprised if this guy gets at least a call from every bank out there.”
For your reading pleasure, I’m including the letter in full and have taken the liberty to highlight the classic bits.

From: BLOCKED
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2013 1:14PM
To: BLOCKED
Subject: Summer Internship

Dear BLOCKED

My name is (BLOCKED) and I am an undergraduate finance student at (BLOCKED). I met you the summer before last at Smith & Wollensky’s in New York when I was touring the east coast with my uncle, (BLOCKED). I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to talk with me that night.

I am writing to inquire about a possible summer internship in your office. I am aware it is highly unusual for undergraduates from average universities like (BLOCKED) to intern at (BLOCKED), but nevertheless I was hoping you might make an exception. I am extremely interested in investment banking and would love nothing more than to learn under your tutelage. I have no qualms about fetching coffee, shining shoes or picking up laundry, and will work for next to nothing. In all honesty, I just want to be around professionals in the industry and gain as much knowledge as I can.

I won’t waste your time inflating my credentials, throwing around exaggerated job titles, or feeding you a line of crapp (sic) about how my past experiences and skill set align perfectly for an investment banking internship. The truth is I have no unbelievably special skills or genius eccentricities, but I do have a near perfect GPA and will work hard for you. I’ve interned for Merrill Lynch in the Wealth Management Division and taken an investment banking class at (BLOCKED), for whatever that is worth.

I am currently awaiting admission results for (BLOCKED) Masters of Science in Accountancy program, which I would begin this fall if admitted. I am also planning on attending law school after my master’s program, which we spoke about in New York. I apologize for the blunt nature of my letter, but I hope you seriously consider taking me under your wing this summer. I have attached my resume for your review. Feel free to call me at (BLOCKED) or email at (BLOCKED). Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
BLOCKED.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/crossingborders/2013/01/16/wall-street-bosses-are-calling-this-the-best-cover-letter-ever-but-not-everyone-agrees/

Sorry for my weird copy and paste job.
Has anyone heard about this? What do you reckon? I think it's quite a charming cover letter, but I kinda agree with the view in the article that it comes across a bit as charity.
On the other hand, the guy has a near-perfect GPA, so he's clearly a bright guy.
I wonder will other people try the self-deprecation tack now in light of this?

Note: There are less edited versions of the letter elsewhere.

Michael D Not Higgins

As it says lots of people have good grades and are hard working begging for jobs. In any case, I have a friend in investment banking and he's bored stiff with it. People only do it for the money.

RachaelVO

Got to admire his attitude, he had nothing to loose so just went for it.

Berdych

April O Neill wrote: »

http://www.forbes.com/sites/crossingborders/2013/01/16/wall-street-bosses-are-calling-this-the-best-cover-letter-ever-but-not-everyone-agrees/

Sorry for my weird copy and paste job.
Has anyone heard about this? What do you reckon? I think it's quite a charming cover letter, but I kinda agree with the view in the article that it comes across a bit as charity.
On the other hand, the guy has a near-perfect GPA, so he's clearly a bright guy.
I wonder will other people try the self-deprecation tack now in light of this?

Note: There are less edited versions of the letter elsewhere.

It's a well written genuine cover letter. If it's the best cover letter ever written I despair for humanity.

April O Neill

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

As it says lots of people have good grades and are hard working begging for jobs. In any case, I have a friend in investment banking and he's bored stiff with it. People only do it for the money.

Yeah, would not be my bag at all. And they work stupid hours, at least when starting out as it is so competitive, because of the spondoolies.

Actually, another topical story on the subject:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/10255199/Bank-intern-who-died-after-working-for-72-hours-felt-pressure-to-excel.html

Joe10000

I don't see what all the fuss is about, it's not an exceptional cover letter but it has got him noticed so it worked, more power to him.

Thanks for highlighting the classic bits.

razorblunt

There's alot of people from "average" colleges doing very well for themselves in Investment Banking. Still, must have been hard writing that letter whilst balancing that chip on his shoulder ;-)

April O Neill

Berdych wrote: »

It's a well written genuine cover letter. If it's the best cover letter ever written I despair for humanity.

I wouldn't if I were you, it was evil bankers that hailed it. :pac:

April O Neill

Joe10000 wrote: »

Thanks for highlighting the classic bits.

That wasn't me, twas the article.

DeanAustin

It's alright but hardly worthy of that sort of praise. I wouldn't employ him to be honest. Might have a chuckle at the letter but that'd be it.

April O Neill

razorblunt wrote: »

There's alot of people from "average" colleges doing very well for themselves in Investment Banking. Still, must have been hard writing that letter whilst balancing that chip on his shoulder ;-)

I think people probably assume that to get into a competitive field like investment banking, you need an Ivy league or public Ivy degree.

If you wondering, he attended San Diego State University.

Sofiztikated

To be honest, in the world of boloxology that is cover letters, and the ****eology of corporate banking, a truthful letter that says "I'll work, and I'll work hard" would be a breathe of fresh air.

Fair play to 'em.

But as always, and again this proves it, it's not what you know, it's who you know. By bypassing the HR department, who would have binned this, and writing to the important guy that he had met, they at least have a chance.

Esoteric_

I have to look at CVs and cover letters for work and tbh, I wouldn't recommend somebody be interviewed based on that type of cover letter.

That said, the guy obviously has absolutely no experience and decided 'fcuk it, I'll be honest,' so fair play.

I had to be completely honest about why my longest standing and most recent relevant job wouldn't give me a reference when I was going to an interview for my current position (I was attacked, bullied, harassed, hit, etc etc, and ended up in a legal battle against the company, so obviously no reference). I decided 'fcuk it,' and told my interviewer the full truth.

I got the job there and then, and am still working in it. So I suppose there's something to be said for blunt honesty!

Michael D Not Higgins

April O Neill wrote: »

Yeah, would not be my bag at all. And they work stupid hours, at least when starting out as it is so competitive, because of the spondoolies.

Actually, another topical story on the subject:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/10255199/Bank-intern-who-died-after-working-for-72-hours-felt-pressure-to-excel.html

My friend does regular 11 hour days and that's just regular work load. When something big is going down it's up to 14 hour days (7/8am - 9/10pm). They do get dinner in work and a taxi home at least when working so late, but I much prefer my more balanced workplace. In the end I'd prefer to have the time to actually spend my money.

gozunda

Ok the letter maybe be outside the norm for such letters but to be honest the personality behind this letter comes across is of someone that is literally willing to bend over (how are they going to learn about investment banking collecting laundery and shinning shoes?) but who who also holds derogatory views on others possible achievements

"I won’t waste your time inflating my credentials, throwing around exaggerated job titles, or feeding you a line of crapp (sic) about how my past experiences and skill set align perfectly for an investment banking"

I get what they are attempting to achieve not too sure 'd go for it ...

April O Neill

Sofiztikated wrote: »

But as always, and again this proves it, it's not what you know, it's who you know. By bypassing the HR department, who would have binned this, and writing to the important guy that he had met, they at least have a chance.

This is an excellent point. This would not have got past HR. He had a connection. The guy he met might have remembered and liked him, hence the application getting a second look.

Sofiztikated

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

My friend does regular 11 hour days and that's just regular work load. When something big is going down it's up to 14 hour days (7/8am - 9/10pm). They do get dinner in work and a taxi home at least when working so late, but I much prefer my more balanced workplace. In the end I'd prefer to have the time to actually spend my money.

I'd love a balanced workplace. I'd also like to get paid better. I put in 10 + hours a day, morning, noon or night, for **** all.

Jester252

So does anybody know if blocked got the job?

Michael D Not Higgins

Sofiztikated wrote: »

I'd love a balanced workplace. I'd also like to get paid better. I put in 10 + hours a day, morning, noon or night, for **** all.

I suppose it depends on the type of work you do. I travel a lot for work (once every two weeks, sometimes more frequently) and do extra hours for no pay sometimes but my usual is 8.30-5.

April O Neill

Jester252 wrote: »

So does anybody know if blocked got the job?

I think he did.

Caliden

Mediocre cover letter, he doesn't even briefly describe what he did at his past jobs, he could've been making coffee all day. He says he won't use exaggerated job titles but at least say what you did and why he thinks he is a hard worker. i.e. You can't just say you're a hard worker and not have examples of it.

seamus

I agree with the guy they've quoted in the article; executives are amazed because this kind of letter is usually filtered out by HR people before it gets to them. So they usually see cover letters filled with buzzwords and hyped promises because that's what they've asked their HR people to look for.

It's "charming" because it's honest, but I wouldn't say it's "out there", I've seen loads of better ones floating about the web. At best it's slightly risky, but then banking executives also wouldn't be used to staff members talking to them bluntly, it's all yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir.

It says a lot about an industry when the guy basically says that he's willing to wipe your arse and suck your cock for free just to be around you, and executives think that this is a great young man who'll do really well in the industry.

vitani

It's not the cover letter itself that's impressive to me, but the approach he took is refreshing. He was able to use his initiative to write something quite personal and send it to the one particular person that might remember him, instead of playing the game the way most other prospective interns would. For any industry, it's useful to have people around who can go 'well, why don't we try it this way?' rather than continuing to do what's been done with minimal success before.

the keen edge

IMO it's a bit of a non-story.

He not only had the email address but had actually met/was introduced to the executive on a previous occasion.

I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out they're related!

Michael D Not Higgins

Caliden wrote: »

Mediocre cover letter, he doesn't even briefly describe what he did at his past jobs, he could've been making coffee all day. He says he won't use exaggerated job titles but at least say what you did and why he thinks he is a hard worker. i.e. You can't just say you're a hard worker and not have examples of it.

I'm sure the guy knows what an intern at another investment bank does (or if not, he at least interned at another investment bank).

Sofiztikated

Caliden wrote: »

Mediocre cover letter, he doesn't even briefly describe what he did at his past jobs, he could've been making coffee all day. He says he won't use exaggerated job titles but at least say what you did and why he thinks he is a hard worker. i.e. You can't just say you're a hard worker and not have examples of it.

That would be contained in your SV, which the cover is attached to.

Systemic Risk

Caliden wrote: »

Mediocre cover letter, he doesn't even briefly describe what he did at his past jobs, he could've been making coffee all day. He says he won't use exaggerated job titles but at least say what you did and why he thinks he is a hard worker. i.e. You can't just say you're a hard worker and not have examples of it.

Generally a cover letter does not go into large detail on past experience etc. There is an attached resume (c.v.) for that. Its sets out the the candidates motivations and is a chance to get your application noticed.

In my opinion Blocked did just that, got himself noticed. Of course the hype surrounding the letter is ridiculous. Remember he is looking for a lowly paid summer internship not a full time position. He previously did an internship in a relevant company, has a near perfect gpa, has applied for a masters in accounting and importantly had the savvy to write directly to someone high up in the company who he previously had met and probably discussed his career plans. To me he sounds like an ideal candidate; motivated, hardworking (spending summer hols from uni doing internships) and showing ability to use his network.

Wabbit Ears

Id say the letter was written by someone to fabricate a story around because, even after seeing a million of the exact same style letter on facebook etc, folk still cannot spot complete bollocks when its waved in front of their faces.

April O Neill

Caliden wrote: »

Mediocre cover letter, he doesn't even briefly describe what he did at his past jobs, he could've been making coffee all day. He says he won't use exaggerated job titles but at least say what you did and why he thinks he is a hard worker. i.e. You can't just say you're a hard worker and not have examples of it.

Well, a near-perfect GPA is a good indicator of at least the ability to focus hard and put lots of effort in to what you're doing.

April O Neill

Wabbit Ears wrote: »

Id say the letter was written by someone to fabricate a story around because, even after seeing a million of the exact same style letter on facebook etc, folk still cannot spot complete bollocks when its waved in front of their faces.

In an article I read yesterday, his identity was revealed. Can't find it now though. But he is a person.

****UPDATE****

Named here: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/Jan/18/sdsu-cover-letter-wall-street-matthew-hall/
And here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2263606/EXCLUSIVE-Looks-like-hes-got-job-Student-sent-best-cover-letter-saying-average-university-special-skills-talks-Wall-Street-bosses.html

razorblunt

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

My friend does regular 11 hour days and that's just regular work load. When something big is going down it's up to 14 hour days (7/8am - 9/10pm). They do get dinner in work and a taxi home at least when working so late, but I much prefer my more balanced workplace. In the end I'd prefer to have the time to actually spend my money.

Could pretty much guess which firm that is, it's mostly the norm in Investment Banking but in truth it's a bunch of willy waving. Grads that have moved onto middle management force the new arriving grads to do the same hours they had to when they started. Most, if not all of those jobs can be done on a shift basis thereby ensuring the 37.5/40hr contract is adhered to.

--Kaiser--

Fairly unexceptional cover letter

Potatoeman

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

As it says lots of people have good grades and are hard working begging for jobs. In any case, I have a friend in investment banking and he's bored stiff with it. People only do it for the money.

People stacking shelves in Tescos only do it for the money too. :-D

April O Neill

--Kaiser-- wrote: »

Fairly unexceptional cover letter

Well, what strikes me is that he is going on about being average, but he's already done an internship in Merrill Lynch. That gives him an advantage straight away, as it's experience and demonstrates initiative. That in combination with a great GPA puts him above average. I understand that he probably hates over-inflating himself and his skills on application, like many of us. But that doesn't mean he has to play down the experience he has.

zl1whqvjs75cdy

So did he get the job?

anncoates

Offering to shine shoes is bit gimpy.

kowloon

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

My friend does regular 11 hour days and that's just regular work load. When something big is going down it's up to 14 hour days (7/8am - 9/10pm). They do get dinner in work and a taxi home at least when working so late, but I much prefer my more balanced workplace. In the end I'd prefer to have the time to actually spend my money.

From my experience most of the people with a family working a well paying job would prefer time off to more money. The single people I know are generally younger and go for the money.
Long and/or unsociable hours must be hell for anyone with children.

pauliebdub

It's a mediocre cover letter, too informal in my opinion and littered with spelling and grammatical errors. While it shows a bit of personality and stands out as different, i wouldn't call this person for interview or offer them a job.

April O Neill

Mia Tender Rabble wrote: »

So did he get the job?

I think he's "being considered" or some such shíte. So maybe not.

CrazyRabbit

The point of a cover letter is to get noticed so the employer gains an interest in actually reading the full C.V. He succeeded. But not only that, I think the contents of the letter would make many interviewers more friendly towards the candidate. Everyone likes to root for the underdog!

It's not the best ever cover letter, but it is a very effective one.

mitosis

His failure to spell-check would have warned me off employing him.

Kinzig

Hes looking to work in banking yet prepared to work for nothing...so where is the money gonna come from to fund his living and law classes and such:rolleyes:...maybe he will give himself a loan:pac::pac:

April O Neill

CrazyRabbit wrote: »

Everyone likes to root for the underdog

Thing is, he's not actually an underdog at all. Which makes the cover letter a bit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FucbvoFFy0