A 6-year old's kick-butt cover letter
SteveYesterday the always entertaining and informative Letters of Note site ran the following letter - essentially a job application cover letter for the position of Director of the National Railway Museum in York, England.
Why this letter was deemed 'notable', is that is was written by a 6-year old. Check the image of the letter, with the full text (with my commentary in parentheses) reprinted below:
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26 July
Dear Mr. Tucker (kid is networked or informed enough to directly address the hiring manager, nice)
Application for director (hiring manager gets what this letter is about)
I am writing to apply to be the new Director of the National Railway Museum. I am only 6 but I think I can do this job. (Acknowledge surface limitation, but immediately discount it, and boldly assert competence and confidence)
I have an electrick train track. I am good on my train track. I can control 2 trains at once. (Demonstrable and relevant skills. Indicates passion for the work as well. Two trains at once in not easy)
[PHOTO]
I have been on lots of trains including Eurostar and some trains in France. (Interest and expertise in the field) I have visited the museum before. (Familiarity with the business) I loved watching the trains go round on the turntable. (Humanizes and connects at an emotional level)
On the other side is a picture of me.
Hopefully I can come and meet you for an interview. (Asks for the interview)
From
Sam Pointon
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To me, this letter is money all the way around. I will be more than happy to give the 6-year old the interview based on this letter alone. And additionally, the pattern that young Sam followed to describe himself, assert what we was capable of doing, offer some insight to his passion for the work, and to plainly state his case is one that really anyone out there trying to make a similar pitch could do well to learn from.
Sure, you can drop two or three bills with your local resume writer/cover letter coach/career guru to help you wordsmith that just right message, and it might be worth your time.
Or you could take a lesson from a 6-year old that just made a pitch that quite frankly is better than 3/4 of the bilge that crosses most recruiter's desks every day.
Oh and by the way, young Sam did not actually land the job as Director of the Museum. But, he was named 'Director of Fun', a post that sounds in some ways, way cooler that Director could ever be.
Reader Comments (15)
Love it! Would have liked to have see something like.
My Aunt Sally told me she went to school with you and you were very smart like me. (Makes Networking and Affinity referral connections)
What a gem! Thanks Steve for discovering this piece and making it an educational experience, as well!
@Gerry - Thanks! Excellent point - maybe when he gets to 8 or 9 he will know to add that touch!
@Jonathan - Thanks so much for the kind words.
I particularly enjoyed this piece - thanks for sharing. Kudos to the Railway Museum for recognizing him with an honorary title - they certainly didn't have to give him any attention but they did. Savvy.
wow- had he typed this letter I am sure I would have brought him in for an interview hahaha. Seriously I would have liked to submit a resume for the "Director of Fun" myself! (-:
Oh, this little boy really eager to be a Director! He is just perfect for this job because he really likes trains! I think we should all learn how to be goal-oriented and do not stop in front of difficulties! I think this boy can be my adviser on doing my essay writing because his cover letter is well structured and written with almost no mistakes!)
Thanks for the informative writing. Would mind updating some good tips about it. I still wait your next place. ;)
I am very happy to get this post and comment here:)
Acknowledge surface limitation, but immediately discount it, and boldly
ndicates passion for the work as well. Two trains at once in not easy
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Very good and usable post. Thank's to share your experience with us.
nice works. thanks for sharing..
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