Bankers play a crucial role in New Zealand’s financial sector by providing essential services such as managing finances, facilitating loans, and advising clients on investment decisions. As a result, it’s no surprise that there’s over 30,000 bankers across Aotearoa helping everyday Kiwis with their financial decisions.
Before bankers can begin working, however, they’ll need to craft a convincing cover letter for banks and financial institutions. We'll help you craft a compelling banking cover letter that showcases your financial skills and helps you stand out from the crowd.
Banking job full text-only cover letter example
Dear Mrs. Brown,
With several years experience in the finance sector, I am writing to express my interest in the Banking Specialist role at Westpac Hamilton. I am a recent graduate from the University of Waikato, where I achieved a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accounting. I am eager to apply the skills and knowledge I have acquired to contribute to the success of Westpac Hamilton.
My strong foundation in accounting principles, coupled with my ability to analyse financial data, has prepared me to tackle the complex challenges of the finance industry with precision and proficiency. As illustrated in my CV, I have also completed internships with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and Heartland Bank. I believe that my professional experiences at these institutions would make me a great fit for a permanent position with Westpac.
One of my greatest strengths is my communication skill set. I understand that the banking sector thrives on the clarity of information and the strength of relationships. Whether I am explaining complex financial concepts to clients or collaborating with team members, I take pride in ensuring information is conveyed accurately and effectively, fostering trust and facilitating informed decision-making.
Adaptability and continuous improvement have been the cornerstones of my academic and professional journey. In an ever-evolving economic landscape, I believe my ability to quickly learn and apply new information will enable me to keep pace with the changes in the banking sector and contribute innovative solutions to your team.
I am excited about the prospect of bringing my analytical skills, strong attention to detail, and passion for the banking industry to a renowned organisation like Westpac.
I would love to discuss how my background, education, and skills would make me an excellent addition to your team. Thank you for considering my application for the Banking Specialist position, I hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
Jordan Lowe
Sections of a banking cover letter
Before we begin, it’s important to know what sections to include in your banking cover letter. These sections are as follows:
- Header: In the top section of your cover letter, list the current date and essential contact information, such as your email address and phone number.
- Greeting: Choose a warm and professional greeting and when possible, address the recipient by name to help build an immediate connection.
- Introduction: Begin your cover letter with a strong opening, indicating your interest in the banking sector. Briefly mention relevant experiences and qualifications that position you as an excellent candidate for the banking role.
- Body Paragraphs: Use the body paragraphs of your cover letter to detail your banking expertise, significant professional milestones, and how your background aligns with the job requirements. Elaborate on specific skills and experiences that may help you stand out from other candidates.
- Conclusion: Close your cover letter by reiterating your main strengths and notable achievements. Conclude with a persuasive call to action statement that highlights your eagerness to bring value to the financial institution you're applying to.
- Signature: End your cover letter with a polite sign-off followed by your full name.
When drafting your banking cover letter, it's best to keep it brief, fitting all content onto a single page. Keeping your content concise ensures that you offer a clear and concise overview of your most relevant professional experience.
If you need more inspiration, explore our cover letter templates or check out similar cover letter writing guides and examples below:
For more tips and advice on how to craft an engaging cover letter for banks, check out our guide on how to write a cover letter.
Introduction of a banking cover letter
When crafting the introduction for your cover letter, it's important to establish your professional persona and highlight your banking expertise and qualifications. An engaging and powerful opening is key to grabbing the attention of hiring managers, banks, and financial institutions within the financial sector.
Dear Mrs. Brown,
With several years experience in the finance sector, I am writing to express my interest in the Banking Specialist role at Westpac Hamilton. I am a recent graduate from the University of Waikato, where I achieved a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accounting. I am eager to apply the skills and knowledge I have acquired to contribute to the success of Westpac Hamilton.
Hey, I recently graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business and I think I’ve got what it takes to be a great banker at Westpac. I have some good accounting skills and I’m also pretty good with people, making me a decent fit for the role.
Before you begin your introduction, reflect upon your background as a banking professional and how your skills, experiences, and dedication to the financial industry make you an excellent fit for the role. Outline these strengths from the outset in your cover letter to make an impactful first impression on potential employers.
Dear Mrs. Brown,
With several years experience in the finance sector, I am writing to express my interest in the Banking Specialist role at Westpac Hamilton. I am a recent graduate from the University of Waikato, where I achieved a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accounting. I am eager to apply the skills and knowledge I have acquired to contribute to the success of Westpac Hamilton.
Banking cover letter body
Here is the main structure your banking cover letter should follow:
- Elaborate on any experience you've had in banking or similar financial roles
- Highlight skills that showcase your approach to financial operations
- Discuss your track record in achieving high levels of customer satisfaction and the valuable interpersonal skills you have acquired as a result
First thing’s first—-the body paragraph.
First body paragraph: Your suitability for the role (skills & experience)
In the first body paragraph of your cover letter, we suggest the following:
- Highlight your financial training: If you've completed specialised banking courses, have a degree in finance or a similar industry, or have received on-the-job training, use the body paragraphs to detail the financial skills and knowledge you’ve received. Include any certifications that are relevant to the industry.
- Expand upon your interpersonal skills: In the banking sector, interpersonal skills are essential. Expand on your ability to communicate effectively, solve problems efficiently, and maintain strong client relationships, describing how these capabilities have played a part in your professional journey.
- Outline your technical skills: Banks often use complex financial software and systems. Make a point of mentioning your experience with banking software, data analysis tools, or other relevant technologies.
Tailor your cover letter to the job description
Tailoring your banking cover letter to the job description helps demonstrate to potential employers that you've carefully considered how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements. It also shows your attention to detail and your genuine interest in the role, helping you stand out from other candidates who may submit generic applications.
Second body paragraph(s): Alignment with the organisation
In the second body paragraph, discuss how your expertise and banking experience align with the bank's professional mission. It is crucial to research the institution to identify any company values that align with your professional values and goals.
For example, here are some of ANZ’s values:
- Integrity, speaking openly and transparently
- Accountability, taking ownership, and getting things done
- Excellence, challenging ourselves, and finding ways to work differently
- Collaboration, and working together for the customer
If you're applying for a role at ANZ, we suggest highlighting instances where you've demonstrated these values during your professional career. No matter where you are applying, share how your values align with those of the financial institution you’re applying for.
Don’t forget to customise your language to the role, demonstrating how your specific background and skills could support and reinforce the bank's ambitions and goals.
My strong foundation in accounting principles, coupled with my ability to analyse financial data, has prepared me to tackle the complex challenges of the finance industry with precision and proficiency. As illustrated in my CV, I have also completed internships with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and Heartland Bank. I believe that my professional experiences at these institutions would make me a great fit for a permanent position with Westpac.
One of my greatest strengths is my communication skill set. I understand that the banking sector thrives on the clarity of information and the strength of relationships. Whether I am explaining complex financial concepts to clients or collaborating with team members, I take pride in ensuring information is conveyed accurately and effectively, fostering trust and facilitating informed decision-making.
Adaptability and continuous improvement have been the cornerstones of my academic and professional journey. In an ever-evolving economic landscape, I believe my ability to quickly learn and apply new information will enable me to keep pace with the changes in the banking sector and contribute innovative solutions to your team.
I am excited about the prospect of bringing my analytical skills, strong attention to detail, and passion for the banking industry to a renowned organisation like Westpac.
Call to action & conclusion: A prosperous close
As you conclude your banking cover letter, remember that your ultimate goal is to convince the hiring manager that you’re a strong candidate for an interview. Express your keen interest in the banking role and convey your eagerness to elaborate on your qualifications in a detailed discussion.
Finish your cover letter on a formal and polite note, using professional farewells like "Yours sincerely" or "Ngā mihi nui,” then sign off with your full name. The purpose of the closing paragraph is to leave a lasting, positive impression that motivates employers to reach out at a later stage.
I would love to discuss how my background, education, and skills would make me an excellent addition to your team. Thank you for considering my application for the Banking Specialist position, I hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
Jordan Lowe
Crafting a banking cover letter with no experience
If you’re applying for a banking position but have limited experience in the sector, consider the following points:
- Begin by introducing yourself and expressing a strong desire to pivot into the banking world, emphasising your understanding of its impact and your aspiration to work in the banking industry. If the bank you are applying to has had a large impact on your community, discuss your understanding of this impact in your cover letter.
- Leverage any professional experiences or skills from previous roles or internships that are relevant to banking. Highlight your business acumen, project management success, or any other roles that required financial literacy.
- Focus on showcasing how your transferable skills—like effective communication, organisation, and strategic problem-solving—are directly transferable to a banking career.
Many job roles in New Zealand's finance industry, including financial advisors and investment bankers, require specific formal qualifications or certifications. Before applying, it's essential to diligently research the exact educational and professional certification requirements for the position you're interested in. This proactive approach will ensure that you are well-prepared and meet the prerequisites for a successful application.
Key takeaways:
When applying for banking positions, remember that your cover letter must be well-formatted, error-free, and customised to the job position. Be sure to outline your skills clearly, including any interpersonal, technical, or hard skills that are relevant to the role.
At cvapp.nz, we're committed to helping you build professional and impactful cover letters that get you noticed and hired faster. Take your banking cover letter to the next level by exploring our cover letter examples and checking out our impressive cover letter builder.
