Help with Cover Letter Please

[hsm23]

Hello I am just after some help on how to word a cover letter. I am applying for within within admin and marketing for a renowned basketball team. Coincidentally my Uncle has been long time close friends with the star player from this team (now retired but still considered the greatest player in the team's history) for over 15 years. I have only met with him twice as a child so have no connection personally but because he is my Uncle's friend I was a big team supporter in my younger years. My Uncle is o/s at the moment and I am unable to contact him. I can guarantee they will be inundated with cover letters and resumes so I am trying to somehow tactfully word (name drop) this connection into my cover letter to the recruitment company. I believe by having the players name visible in the opening of my cover letter that my resume will be thoroughly considered, hopefully resulting in an interview.

Any tips on how to write this will be much appreciated! The closing date for applications for this role is tomorrow and I don't want to risk my chances!

Thank you!!

[CleeIB]

hsm23,

HR recruiters have seen every trick in the book, so they'll see through any flimsy pretext. So just state the truth - what you said here. Of course, you can phrase it to your advantage. So, you can say that your uncle's friendship with the player started you in childhood on a path of team fandom that led to your current job application.

Then, move on to what *really* makes you qualified for the job. A name drop may raise an eyebrow, but unless you have a direct networking connection, your own qualifications are what will get you the job.

Good luck!

[Brent Jones]

hsm23,

HR recruiters have seen every trick in the book, so they'll see through any flimsy pretext. So just state the truth - what you said here. Of course, you can phrase it to your advantage. So, you can say that your uncle's friendship with the player started you in childhood on a path of team fandom that led to your current job application.

Then, move on to what *really* makes you qualified for the job. A name drop may raise an eyebrow, but unless you have a direct networking connection, your own qualifications are what will get you the job.

Good luck!

I agree with CleeIB about recruiters (such as myself!) - we are good at seeing through smoke and mirrors.

I do however think that you should have name dropped this on a cover letter. Obviously, it shouldn't be on your resume. A cover letter is generally three paragraphs and follows this format:

1) State your intention to be hired for the job.
2) Refer to your resume and provide three key reasons why you are the right fit.
3) Re-state your intention and demonstrate positive expectancy.

Perhaps you could start paragraph two with something like, "Aside from my personal acquaintance with xx, there are a series of additional reasons why I am the right fit this role. As you will see on my resume,..."

Replace xx with the player name and BOLD IT. It couldn't possibly hurt. In my experience, cover letters get a look for less than 5 seconds anyway. Might as well catch their eye.

[BeJoblessNoMore]

Smoooooth...

[Brent Jones]

Hello I am just after some help on how to word a cover letter. I am applying for within within admin and marketing for a renowned basketball team. Coincidentally my Uncle has been long time close friends with the star player from this team (now retired but still considered the greatest player in the team's history) for over 15 years. I have only met with him twice as a child so have no connection personally but because he is my Uncle's friend I was a big team supporter in my younger years. My Uncle is o/s at the moment and I am unable to contact him. I can guarantee they will be inundated with cover letters and resumes so I am trying to somehow tactfully word (name drop) this connection into my cover letter to the recruitment company. I believe by having the players name visible in the opening of my cover letter that my resume will be thoroughly considered, hopefully resulting in an interview.

Any tips on how to write this will be much appreciated! The closing date for applications for this role is tomorrow and I don't want to risk my chances!

Thank you!!

Any update on this situation? What happened?