When I applied to BCG, I didn’t come from a “target” school. I didn’t have the traditional consulting background or a perfect resume. But what I did have was a strong story — and a clear way of telling it. After doing some strategic networking and taking time to understand what BCG is really looking for, I put together a focused, metrics-driven cover letter that helped me land an interview with the New York office. Now, I’m sharing the exact format and approach I used — and offering a free cover letter template to help you do the same.
Let’s be honest: most cover letter advice online is either too vague, too long, or too focused on checking boxes. But if you’re applying to BCG or another top firm, you need more than a generic letter — you need to craft a compelling narrative that shows your impact, highlights your fit for the firm, and gets you past the resume screen.
Yes, BCG does still require cover letters — even when it says they’re optional. Especially for undergrads and early-career professionals, the cover letter serves as an important filter. It gives you a chance to stand out from the thousands of other applicants who may have similar resumes. Even if it doesn’t weigh heavily in the final decision, it can be the difference between getting an interview or not.
What is BCG actually looking for in a cover letter? In short: impact, clarity, and structure. Recruiters and hiring managers want to understand your personal story and how that story aligns with consulting. They care less about buzzwords and more about results. You should highlight 2–3 specific examples that show how you solved a problem, led a team, launched something, or created measurable value. Your goal is to give them confidence that you can think and communicate like a consultant.
Your letter should follow a standard format — nothing flashy, nothing over-designed. Use four core paragraphs: an introduction where you state your interest and any BCG connections, two “hero stories” that showcase your experience and skills (with quantifiable outcomes), and a conclusion that expresses your enthusiasm and invites next steps. Stick to one page, keep margins clean, use a readable 10–12 point font, and save as a PDF. These formatting details may seem small, but they signal attention to detail — something BCG cares deeply about.
The biggest mistakes I see? Writing too much, being too vague, and failing to personalize. Consultants are busy, and if your letter is dense, generic, or lacks specifics, it’s easy to pass over. Always include numbers — even small ones. Rather than saying you “improved operations,” say you “cut onboarding time by 15% across 3 departments.” These small data points help bring your story to life and show your impact. And whenever possible, tailor your letter to BCG directly: mention the firm by name, include events you’ve attended, or reference people you’ve spoken to.
🟢 Want a shortcut? I’ve put together a free BCG cover letter template based on the structure that helped me land my interview. It’s editable, proven, and tailored for undergrads and early-career applicants trying to stand out — especially if you don’t come from a target school.
👉 Download the free BCG cover letter template here
If you’re serious about consulting, your cover letter is more than a formality — it’s your first chance to make a strong impression. You don’t need to be from a brand-name school or have a 4.0 to get noticed. But you do need to communicate your story in a way that shows initiative, results, and real potential. I hope this template helps you get there.
And if you want more support — whether it’s editing help, resume tips, or just some clarity on what to say — we’ve got plenty more free resources available. But this template is the best place to start.