When applying to Harvard Business School (HBS), your application needs to stand out. A critical part of your application package is the cover letter. Crafting a compelling cover letter that highlights your unique skills, experiences, and motivations can set you apart from other applicants. In this guide, we’ll break down how to write a stellar HBS cover letter that will make a lasting impression on the admissions committee.
The HBS cover letter is not just a summary of your resume. It’s your opportunity to showcase your personality, motivations, and aspirations in a way that numbers and bullet points cannot. Harvard Business School values authenticity, clarity, and ambition, so your cover letter must reflect these qualities.
While it’s essential to cover the basics, such as your background, achievements, and career goals, it’s equally important to convey why you are a great fit for the HBS community and how their MBA program will help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
Your cover letter should be structured and concise, but also engaging. Below are the key elements that every strong HBS cover letter should contain:
Your introduction should immediately catch the reader’s attention. Start by explaining why you’re applying to Harvard Business School, and briefly mention your career aspirations. Be sure to include a compelling reason for your interest in HBS specifically, such as its academic culture, leadership opportunities, or global network.
The body of your cover letter should outline your professional achievements and experiences in a way that demonstrates your leadership potential, strategic thinking, and ability to contribute to the HBS community. Highlight specific accomplishments that align with HBS's values.
Wrap up your cover letter by reiterating your enthusiasm for the program. Mention how you believe the MBA will help you reach your career goals, and express your excitement about contributing to the HBS community.
| Section | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Introduction | To express your motivation and why you’re interested in HBS. |
| Body Paragraphs | To highlight your achievements and experiences. |
| Conclusion | To summarize your goals and reinforce your commitment to HBS. |
Even the best candidates can make mistakes that hurt their chances. Here are the most common mistakes applicants make when writing their HBS cover letters:
| Mistake | Why It Hurts |
|---|---|
| Too Generic | Fails to capture why you’re a great fit for HBS. |
| Over-Explaining Resume | Wastes space and doesn't add value to your application. |
| Lack of Enthusiasm | Shows you're not truly invested in the program. |
To make your cover letter truly stand out, here are some tips and tricks from expert admissions consultants:
Harvard values authenticity. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Be honest about your career path, motivations, and aspirations.
HBS looks for strong leadership potential. Be sure to highlight specific examples of leadership in your professional or personal life.
Don’t send a generic cover letter. Show that you’ve done your research on HBS and explain why it’s the best fit for your goals.
Highlight how HBS’s unique offerings—such as case studies and global immersions—will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in your career.
Include a compelling anecdote that demonstrates your leadership abilities and aligns with the values of HBS.
End your letter with a strong statement about how you envision your future after completing the program.
Keep your cover letter between 400-600 words. It should be long enough to convey your message but short enough to maintain the reader's interest.
Yes, including personal stories can make your cover letter more engaging and give the admissions committee insight into your character.
If you’ve already been invited for an interview, you can briefly mention it. However, the focus should remain on your qualifications and motivations for applying.
It’s best to tailor your cover letter to each school. Admissions committees can tell when a letter is generic.
Focus on your unique story, demonstrate your passion for the program, and show how you will contribute to the HBS community.
Our specialists can help you craft the perfect HBS cover letter. Register now on our website here and start working with our team today!