Quips'n'Quirks

Quick tip - do NOT make quirky quips in your cover letter!  I was contacted recently by a rather senior executive who had not been receiving any attention from her job applications.  Upon reviewing her cover letter, I uncovered the possible reason for her buzz-free blackberry.  Her cover letter was replete with quirks'n'quips - here's a modified example to give you an idea;

"I am a senior executive (with a sense of humour;) and 30 years experience (yikes!) of operating at the highest level.  I would very much appreciate an opportunity (begging bowl extended) to meet with you to discuss my suitability!  Despite my age (i feel 25!), I am a technocrat and regularly tweet on the twitter.." and so it went on - all 2 pages of it.  Although this letter is guaranteed to get passed around the department, this bears no relevance to the likelihood of being hired!

On the face of it there will be some who will think that this is refreshing - injecting a bit of personality into proceedings (the twitter bit was my favourite) and if i weren't a hiring manager I may see their point.  However, attempting to layer a cover letter with "personality" is like tap dancing on a landmine.  More often than not it will blow up in your face.  Remember - her blackberry wasn't singing.  Her strategy wasn't working.

It may seem obvious but, when you don't know the intended audience keep the "personality" for the interview.  The cover letter should focus on forming a narrative around your skills, abilities and achievements.