The Most Brutally Honest Cover Letter Sent To Wall Street Is Going Viral

By Wyatt January 16, 2013 10:00 am Posted in News-ish Wyatt g+ page

Honesty isn’t always the best policy, but in the case of one student looking for an internship at a boutique Wall Street investment firm, it looks like it’s working so far.

BusinessInsider reported yesterday that they received a cover letter in their tipster mailbox. At first it seemed like the kid was going to get shelled (because that’s usually the case when people start sending around cover letters), but it looks like the kid’s honesty is helping him out. There are reports that numerous banks are interested in him. Ironic, considering everyone’s assumption of how banks operate. [lead image via Shutterstock]

Anyways, here’s the cover letter. Kids, take note that not every company wants a well-written humble brag.

BTW, WE ARE ALSO ACCEPTING INTERNSHIP APPLICATIONS. SEND YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTERS TO NED.SWAIN@TEAMCOED.COM

From: *******

Sent: Monday, January 14, 2013 1:14PM

To: ******

Subject: Summer Internship

Dear ***

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

I am writing you to inquire about a possible summer internship in your office. I am aware it is highly unusual for undergraduates from average universities like ***** to intern at ******, 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 crap 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 *** for whatever that is worth.

I am currently awaiting admission for *** Masters of Science in Accountability 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 ****** or email at ******. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

**** ********

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