A business communication instructor would not likely advise a student to write "feed you a line of crapp [sic]" in a cover letter, but for one student, the approach seemed to get good results.

Calling your university "average," offering to "fetch coffee," and admitting to having no "special skills"- these are not compelling reasons to hire a job candidate. But the letter has been forwarded among colleages at financial firms, and the comments are positive. Some call it one of the best cover letters they have ever seen. Wow.

The email comments are surprising, with investment banking managers apparently chomping at the bit to interview the student. Still, I can't say that I'll encourage students to use phrases like "would love nothing more than to learn from your tutelage." Tutelage?

Discussion Starters:

• What's your reaction to the cover letter?
• Why would banks, as traditionally conservative companies, be interested in meeting this student?
• What risks are you willing to take with your own employment communications? What would you consider over-the-top?