There is a legend that memories only last three months. I contacted you in the summer and am enclosing another copy of my CV to update your records. I would like to convert this piece of paper into a face and look forward to meeting you.

I came across this unusual cover letter sample once reading through a book on CV guidance. The letter was real, and the guy who wrote it did get an interview with the company and later a job. So said the book.

So I copied it down to my notebook and thought one day it might come in handy. And one day it did. Not for me though.

My boyfriend has been struggling to find a work placement all summer, and is still on the hunt at the moment. The problem is he already went through the yellow pages and now his contacts have run out, and he hasn’t got a yes for an interview.

So I said why don’t you try contacting the companies that already said no again, with a different approach?

I know it’s a bit cheeky stealing that guy’s cover letter, but hey that letter was put into the book for a purpose! Out of other choices, my boyfriend put almost exactly the same lines in the email and sent it to those companies again.

Sadly, the letter did not work wonder a second time. However, among those rejecting emails, there is one that’s surprisingly nice and encouraging.

‘Thanks for your e-mail I do recall your previous application…Unfortunately as you are well aware the current financial market is making life very difficult…We are having difficulty in supporting our current team at present. I will keep your CV and should the situation change then I would be happy to interview you…I was in the same situation in 1989 when I was looking for a Part 1 Placement so I know how difficult and frustrating this is. Don’t give up there will be work somewhere.’

We did not expect an employer would write back in such a kind and encouraging manner, especially that he even related himself to this difficult situation and became so personal towards the end.

Well, I guess the cover letter did help in a way. At least it brought back some confidence and hope, and made us realise that even employers who turn you down are not so cold-blooded. They do have emotions, sometimes more than you think.