the magic that is words.

I've had a number of requests from friends wondering what the hell I write that is so captivating that employers actually take the time to write me back and thank me for getting in touch.

Here's one of my infamous (?) cover letters, sent to Edinburgh based advertising agency Whitespace:

"Hi there Phillip,

I'm not writing to you in reference to your current vacancies, but I'm a MSc Design & Digital Media at University of Edinburgh wondering if you offer any internships? On my quest for an internship I stumbled across (I didn't stumble actually, I googled) your website and after spending possibly inappropriate amounts of time scrutinizing its content and figuring out the company personality, I've come to the great realisation that it's so much my cup of tea that it couldn't be more of my cup of tea. And I don't even drink tea. Your "hard work and be nice to people" way of doing things was very pleasing to read as it's my personal opinion that people nowadays tend to forget the basics (of life) and turn into pretentious brats or make the most simple things unnecessary complicated.

So. Moving on. The advertising age that I’ve been waiting for is currently evolving (not necessarily referring to the unsustainable markets and lack of customer loyalty), the one where the costumers actually are kings (social media yeah!). The age I’ve been waiting for since I was a 11-year-old papergirl poisoning households with mailshots silently apologising and thinking “no one will ever read this”. Since then I’ve had innumerable jobs (many which I’d rather forget) but I’ve also acquired innumerable skills, hopefully enough to break into the advertising industry. Now, at the age of 24 I believe myself to possess a lot of qualities that would make up a successful Whitespace intern. In the work environment I’m enthusiastic, driven and always willing to learn. What I always bring to the work place are my 4Ps: personality, passion, professionalism and performance (it’s as cheesy as it’s true). Bad sides then? Well, I'm loud, challenging, brutally honest and not in any situation afraid to speak my mind. Exactly what I think good advertising should be like. Out with the conventional and in with the quirky! Finally, I believe that communication, creativity and curiosity will always give you a head start whatever you set out to do.

If I sound interesting at all, please do read my CV. (If not.. well, bummer for me.)"

Yeah. That's what it might sound like. One of my tutors back at Greenwich once called me "appropriately informal". And I'm trying (really, REALLY hard) to keep the "in" away from "appropriately". There's a fine line you know. And writing is truly an art form. I'm no Pollock or Picasso when it comes to writing but hey, I'm doing alright.

(Also, if anyone reading this is also looking for an internship would you please not apply to the same agencies as me. It would obviously reduce my chances of getting in. Thanks.)

(The above plead is not a joke by the way. No. Seriously. Not kidding.)