You lie awake at night, tossing and turning, unable to think of anything else. You try to do some work during the day to take your mind off it all, but it's no use. You can't concentrate, so instead you end up exploring the area around your would-be office on Google Streetview.

The new school year is only a few weeks old, and it's started already: the awkward moment when a final year student shuffles over after class, shamefaced, a piece of paper or a memory stick in their hand, and asks me whether I would read the Personal Statement for their UCAS form.

A covering letter is a chance for you to emphasise why you are perfect for the position, to show that you've gone that extra mile; and it does so in a far more personal way than a CV. It may be the first impression your potential employer gets of you, so use it wisely; not only to reiterate your relevant skills and knowledge, but to demonstrate the enthusiasm you have for the post.