The full letter
Dear Ms Patel,
I am writing to apply for your 2027 Graduate Analyst Scheme, advertised on your careers site on 3 September. I graduated this summer with a 2:1 in Economics from the University of Leeds, including a twelve-month placement in a mid-market accountancy practice.
Your advert asks for strong financial modelling and the ability to explain analysis to non-specialists. During my placement I rebuilt a client cash-flow model that cut monthly reporting time by roughly 40%, and I presented the results to two partners who had no modelling background. In my final year I also led a four-person consultancy project for a local manufacturer, delivering a pricing recommendation the owner adopted.
I am applying to your scheme in particular because of the rotation through the restructuring team. My placement exposed me to two distressed clients, and it was the part of the work I found most useful to be good at.
I am available to start from the beginning of October and can attend an assessment centre at any point. Thank you for considering my application.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]