Everything you need to write a cover letter that clears the EY application screen, including a real template used by candidates who received first-round invitations.
~15 min readFreeTemplate included
Why EY cover letters matter
EY recruits at high volume, which means the cover letter functions primarily as a filter rather than a differentiator at the top of the funnel. That said, it still matters. A weak letter is an easy reason to reject an otherwise decent profile, and a strong one can tip the balance for candidates whose GPA or school is not an automatic pass.
EY's graduate and experienced hire applications both ask for a cover letter, and the firm's interviewers frequently reference it during the fit portion of the interview. Writing something generic means your interviewer has nothing to work with, and the conversation defaults to your resume alone.
The practical goal of the EY cover letter is narrow: demonstrate that you can communicate clearly, that you understand what EY does (not just that it is a Big Four firm), and that you have at least one compelling reason for applying to consulting specifically.
EY evaluates cover letters against a small set of practical criteria. These map to what the firm's interviewers will probe during the fit portion of your interview, so addressing them in the letter also helps you prepare for that conversation.
Service line clarity
EY has several advisory and consulting practices. Naming the specific service line you are applying to, and why, signals that you have done real research rather than submitting a generic application.
Commercial curiosity
A brief indication that you follow business news, understand how organisations face challenges, and think about problems through a commercial lens. No finance background required.
Relevant experience
At least one example of analytical thinking, problem-solving under pressure, or client-facing work. The experience does not have to be from consulting.
Written clarity
EY client teams produce a lot of written work. A letter that is concise, well-structured, and free of filler phrases demonstrates that skill directly.
A EY cover letter follows a predictable four-paragraph structure. Recruiters scan quickly, so each paragraph should do exactly one job. Deviating from this structure is rarely worth the risk.
1Opening paragraphRole, source, one-line hook
2Why consultingEvidence from your background
3Why EYSpecific and non-transferable
4ClosingBrief, confident, action-oriented
Beyond structure, format signals professionalism. Recruiters notice a crowded page or an unusual font before they read a single sentence.
Length
One page, 3 to 4 paragraphs
Font size
10 to 11pt with comfortable margins
Header
Your name and contact details at the top
Salutation
Address by name if known; "Dear Recruiting Team" if not
File format
PDF, named FirstLast_EY_CoverLetter.pdf
Section-by-section breakdown
The four-paragraph structure gives you a clear brief for each section. Below is what each paragraph needs to accomplish, along with concrete examples of the gap between a weak version and a strong one.
1. Opening paragraph
State the role and office you are applying to, where you found the position, and one sentence that frames why consulting makes sense for your background. Do not open with "I am writing to express my interest in." It is the most common opening line in consulting applications and signals nothing distinctive about you.
What not to say
What to say instead
"I am writing to express my strong interest in the Associate position at EY."
"After two years leading operations projects at a logistics startup, I am applying for the Associate role in EY's London office."
2. Why consulting
This paragraph answers the question every recruiter asks when reading a cover letter: why would someone with your background want to become a consultant? The cover letter is not the place to summarise your resume. The recruiter has already read it. What they want to know is what those experiences meant to you, and what they reveal about why consulting is the right next step. A two-sentence reflection on a specific project will always outperform a paragraph that simply lists what you have already done.
What not to say
What to say instead
"During my time at [Company], I led a cross-functional team of six and delivered a cost reduction project ahead of schedule, which is detailed further in my resume."
"Leading that cost reduction project showed me how much I enjoy working through problems that have no obvious answer. It made me want to do that kind of work across industries, not just one company."
3. Why EY
This is the paragraph where most EY applications fall flat. Writing that you chose EY because of its 'global presence and culture of learning' tells the recruiter nothing. EY is one of the largest professional services firms in the world and that description applies to all of its peers. Your reason for choosing EY, and the specific service line within it, needs to be grounded in something real.
What not to say
What to say instead
"EY's reputation for innovation and its collaborative culture make it the ideal place for me to grow as a consultant."
"EY's Climate and Sustainability practice, and specifically the work on green hydrogen economics I read in the 2024 report, aligns directly with the infrastructure projects I have been working on."
4. Closing paragraph
Keep it short. Thank the reader for their time, note that you have attached your resume, and say that you look forward to discussing the role. Three sentences is enough. EY interviewers appreciate directness, and a brief, confident closing is more effective than an effusive one.
Do's and don'ts
Do
✓Name the specific EY service line and explain why it fits your background
✓Use one concrete example to support each claim you make
✓Read the letter out loud before submitting
✓Keep it to one page with comfortable margins and font size
✓Tailor the "why EY" paragraph per office or practice area
✓Add something new that is not already visible on your resume
Don't
–Use words like "passionate," "dynamic," or "team player"
–Write a reason for EY that could apply to any MBB firm
–Repeat bullet points or experience already on your resume
–Open with "I am writing to express my interest in"
–Submit as a .docx file or use an unconventional font
–Confuse EY consulting with EY-Parthenon, which is a separate practice
The template below reflects the structure used by candidates who received EY first-round invitations. It is annotated with notes on what each paragraph needs to accomplish.
EY Cover Letter Template
A real cover letter structure used by candidates who received EY first-round interviews. Annotated with coaching notes.
