Finally, some good news for first-time jobseekers: employers' sentiments towards hiring young people are becoming more positive, according to a recent report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Youth unemployment rates may still tower above the UK's average jobless rate, but UK employers are also planning to take on more work experiencers, apprentices and expand graduate schemes.
But with all these new and exciting opportunities, how are you going to grab an employer's attention and secure yourself a lucrative role?
You cover letter isn't just a formality to accompany your CV. It's your chance to sell yourself and really stand out from the hundreds of other applicants. While perfect spelling and grammar is essential, what else do you need to write to make sure you get invited to an interview?
Our panel of experts will be online on Thursday 31 July from 2pm to 4pm to answer all of your cover letter questions and share their tips.
We'll be discussing:
• How to start and end your cover letter
• What to include and how to address lack of experience
• How to really stand out
The Q&A takes place in the comments section below this article. Taking part is easier than ever: you can create a free Guardian account, or log in using your Twitter or Facebook profiles to comment. Alternatively, you can tweet us @GuardianCareers or email your questions to Hannah Friend who can post them for you.
Our panel
Kylie Rogers is the project co-ordinator at Gradconsult, a Sheffield based consultancy who have recruited for some of the biggest corporations and some of the smallest SMEs across the UK. Kylie has spent the last six months assessing graduate applications for RISE Sheffield, a city wide internship scheme.
Andrew Shanahan works for the UK's leading apprenticeship and alternative to university website Not going to uni. He is also the author of the Guide to Not Going to University (Pearson). You can follow @notgoingtouni for all the latest opportunities relevant to 16-24-year-olds.
Sonia Hendy-Isaac is a senior lecturer in curriculum design and employer engagement at Birmingham City University. Her research interests include: employability, reflective practice and professional development.
Cary Curtis is the founder and managing director of London-based graduate recruitment agency, Give A Grad A Go. It specialises in placing talented graduates into their first or second jobs in some of the UK's most exciting businesses, from global brands to thriving start-ups. You can follow @giveagradago.
Dan Evans is the marketing manager at the Graduate Recruitment Bureau, the UK's leading independent recruitment consultancy for students, recent graduates and experienced graduates. You can follow @thegrbteam
David Press is chief executive of Proceed UK, a graduate recruitment specialist that assists candidates looking to secure their first legal, company secretarial, governance, compliance or risk role. He has more than 15 years recruitment experience.
Luke Windeatt-Dickens is client development director at ReThink Recruitment and has extensive experience in the recruitment industry in the UK and abroad.
Jon Gregory is a job search, application and interview coach who has helped many students and graduates to increase their chances of selection. He edits the website Win that job, a site he uses to provide free individual help and general advice.
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