Careers Advice

As one ages, it is sometimes difficult to imagine the difficulties of young people embarking upon their chosen career.  But I found, by chance, a clear reminder as I cleared the rubbish left by the previous occupant of my reserved seat on the train to Newcastle the other day.  A screwed-up letter was addressed to the Agony Aunt in the Spectator.  I’m not sure whether Mary received it but I think the least I could do is publish it on my Blog in case anyone important should take notice.  Here it is (and by the way, good luck with your career JJ):

“Dear Mary

I expect you receive a great number of requests for careers advice about this time of year.  However, I am writing to you specifically because of your connections to popular media in the hope that you will be able to help the direction of my career quest.  Specifically, I want to be a top news reader on the BBC and I have sent them my CV.  They are obviously very busy because they have not yet replied. So, I think I will try again, this time with a more targeted approach.  I would appreciate your advice on which of my qualities to promote and which to like shade a bit.  I am 22 years old with a second-class degree in social media and the performing arts.  I speak with a pronounced regional accent and have (some say) an engaging speech impediment.  I did not excel at anything at school but this was because I was sent to a minor public boarding establishment whilst my single-parent mother was serving overseas in the Parachute Regiment.  I would appreciate your advice on how to shape my CV?

JJ North Yorkshire”