I presumed it was a joke. In a recent Q&A an expert explained how their old boss thought covering letters were essentially a love letter to an organisation.
I suppose though, when you think about it, the similarities are there. You want to prove how much you like them? You want to explain why you’re perfect for them?
Signing off your application with kisses is probably not going to win you any brownie points but there’s no point being coy when it comes to boasting about what sets you apart from the rest in your applications.
Yet, our recent CV clinics show many of you feel rather uncomfortable doing this – you’ve explained how you don’t like “gushing” about your achievements, using cliches, plus, you feel by droning on about your “passionate love of Microsoft Office”, you’ll appear completely over the top.
And while we don’t recommend any of the above, it is important to promote yourself says journalist Eleanor Turney. She pointed out in a recent careers in the arts Q&A how important it is to get all your good points down in black and white, as this is all the employer has to go on.
So, if you could do with a hand discovering how to sell yourself on paper, join our panel of experts in a live CV and covering letter clinic. They’ll be taking your questions on everything from personal statements to how to avoid waffle on Thursday 5 May from 1pm.
You can keep up-to-date with our regular Q&A sessions via our newsletter – sign up here.
Our panel:
Clare Whitmell is a qualified business communication trainer who specialises in writing and presentation skills coaching. She also blogs CV writing and job hunting tips on JobMarketSuccess.com.
Elizabeth Bacchus is a career coach, change management consultant and founder of The Successful CV Company – a CV and cover letters provider.
Corinne Mills is managing director of Personal Career Management and author of You’re Hired! How to Write a Brilliant CV.
Rowena Simpson is business development manager for OilCareers.com, a global online job board for the oil and gas industry, and the recently-launched RenewablesCareers.com. Rowena offers experience and insight in successful CV writing and interview techniques, and how to succeed in the online job market.
Adam Lewis in one of the founders of Innovate CV, the online CV platform. Adam regularly writes columns for magazines and blogs, and tweets, on many issues related to career advice and putting together a polished CV.
Michael Monks is a careers adviser at Next Step, the free careers service available to every adult in England. Michael has more than eight years experience of supporting people with their CVs.
Dr Fiona Robson is a senior lecturer in Human Resources Management at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University. Prior to her academic career, Fiona was the HR manager for a public sector organisation.
Kath Houston is a careers adviser and career coach, a published career management author and senior fellow of employability and enterprise at the University of Central Lancashire.
