A cover letter isn’t just an add-on to your job application. It effectively highlights and sells your skills and experiences as a financial advisor. Your cover letter is your first opportunity to demonstrate how you can be a good fit for a job. Here are the key components and and tips that could help your cover letter stand out for likely firms.
After you become a financial advisor, SmartAsset’s SmartAdvisor platform can help you connect with potential clients.
Why You Should Include a Financial Advisor Cover Letter
Working with a professional to craft your cover letter can prove beneficial. In the same way you, as a financial advisor, would guide your clients through their financial decisions, a career coach or consultant can guide you through the job application process.
When it comes to financial advisor roles, a cover letter will not only showcase your skills, knowledge and experience, but also help you present a compelling argument for why you are the best candidate for the job.
A cover letter, for example, can focus on your approach with clients and how you help them reach different financial milestones or get through economic downturns.
You should note that a cover letter may be the first thing that an employer sees from you. And many employers consider cover letters an important part of the job search process. So crafting a well-strategized letter is a key component for getting hired.
How to Create a Result-Oriented Financial Advisor Cover Letter
Your cover letter is a tactical introduction that is engineered to put your best foot forward. And as such, it should deliver a personalized introduction that offers additional insight to the skills, experiences and interests that you have already included in your resume.
Depending on the job, there are many types of cover letters. However, all cover letters generally have these five sections:
- Header: This typically includes your contact information, such as your address, phone number and email, as well as social media and portfolio links when applicable.
- Greeting or salutation: This is the equivalent of looking at someone in the eyes for the first time. Stand out by researching and including the hiring manager’s name. This personalized approach can beat out a generic one by demonstrating your level of commitment to the job and the firm.
- Introduction: Don’t bury the lede! This first paragraph should call attention to who you are and why you want the job. Make sure you explain clearly what draws you to the firm, and set up what are your core strengths and how these will fit into the position (you will go deeper into this in the body).
- Body: Here you’ll have more real estate, typically two paragraphs, to state your case. First, explain how your professional experiences apply specifically to the position and the firm. Then, connect how that background as a financial advisor and your career goals align with the firm’s culture.
- Call-to-action or closing: This is the final paragraph! Seal the deal by restating your interest in the role and propose next steps (like a conversation or potential interview).
Take note: As with any introduction, paying attention to details goes a long way. Make sure your cover letter is edited and formatted correctly. Avoid repetition and cliches. And lastly, make each sentence count. The purpose of the cover letter is to support this clear idea: You are a strong candidate for the position, and you are genuinely excited about working at the firm.
Refining Your Skills as a Future Financial Advisor
Soft skills like adaptability, communication and time management can be valuable for financial advisors. You will also need to combine these with hard skills like accounting, data analysis or marketing, among others, to prove yourself a valuable asset to a firm.
Of course, these skills are not based on natural talents alone. You can develop them by setting goals, finding a mentor, seeking constructive criticism and enrolling for additional certifications or degrees (more on this in the next section). You can also take advantage of training offered at a firm and even shadow other financial advisors.
Keep in mind that when you draft your resume and cover letter, you should put a spotlight on the skills that best fit the job description. So if a firm has a type of client base, and offers specific services, show your potential employer that you have the necessary hard and soft skills to excel at the job.
Tips for Aspiring Financial Advisors
As you build up your career as a financial advisor, here are four key tips to consider:
- Continue your professional education: Sign up for courses and keep up with proposed legislation or changes in rules and laws. Educate yourself on different financial trends and strategies. Your ability to keep learning will show your commitment to the field and make you an essential resource for clients.
- Earn important certifications: Financial advisors, while not required, often carry certain certifications to demonstrate specific knowledge and abilities. Common certifications include certified financial planner (CFP), chartered financial analyst (CFA), chartered financial consultant (ChFC) and certified public accountant (CPA), among other designations.
- Maintain your LinkedIn: An updated profile highlighting your skills on professional platforms like LinkedIn can help you make valuable connections with other peers in the industry and connect with potential clients as well.
- Be persistent: Most professionals do not find a rewarding career by accident. Instead, you will need to be persistent, mentalize yourself to get back on your feet when an opportunity passes, and perhaps more importantly–keep trying.
Bottom Line
An effective cover letter can capture the attention of recruiters. But that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Financial advisors are continuously evolving with their clients. So staying ahead of the curve will help you drive your career forward. Regular updates on financial markets and active participation in financial advisor conferences can also keep you connected.
Tips for Becoming a Financial Advisor
- If you’re just getting started on your financial career path, consider our guide on how to become a financial advisor in six steps. The sooner you start, the sooner you can work toward a rewarding career.
- Once you become a financial advisor, one of the most important things you’ll do is find as many clients as you can. SmartAsset’s SmartAdvisor platform can help you connect with potential clients.
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