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How to Write a Cover Letter for an Unadvertised Job

Cover Letter Sample and Writing Tips for a Job That's Not Advertised

cover letter spontaneous application

  • Tips for Writing Your Cover Letter

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

  • Cover Letter Example and Template

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Not all companies advertise job openings. Some companies get plenty of applicants without advertising. Other companies may not be in hiring mode but will consider applications from qualified candidates if they anticipate an opening in the near future.

Sending a resume and cover letter to an employer, even though you aren't sure if there are available jobs, is a way to get your candidacy noticed. It may also get you advance consideration for positions that have just opened up. If you have skills the company is in need of, it may even get you considered for a brand-new position.

When you know an employer has an opening, don't hesitate to apply.

If you have a company you'd love to work for , consider taking the time to reach out and connect regardless of whether the organization is currently hiring.

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for an Unadvertised Job

What's the best way to apply for unadvertised job openings? It depends on whether you know there is a position available, but the company hasn't listed it, or if there's a company you want to work for and you don't know if there are open jobs.

Kelly Miller / The Balance

When You Know There is a Job Opening

If you know the company is hiring but hasn't advertised the position, write a traditional   cover letter  expressing your interest in the open position at the company. Be sure to specifically relate your qualifications for the job.

When You Don't Know if the Company is Hiring

Writing a cover letter for an unadvertised opening (also known as a   cold contact cover letter  or  letter of interest ) is a little different than writing a cover letter for a job that you know is available.

With this type of letter, you will need to make a strong pitch for yourself and how you can help the company. Below are some tips on how to write a cover letter for an unadvertised opening.

  • Mention your contacts.  If you know someone at the organization, mention this at the beginning of the cover letter. Having a contact at the company is a great way to get your foot in the door, even if the company isn’t actively hiring.
  • Use paper or email.  You can send your letter via paper or  email . Sending an old-fashioned paper letter works well  for this type of letter , because it may have a better chance of being read than an email, which could be deleted without even being opened.
  • Include a resume.  Whether you send your cover letter via paper or email, be sure to include a copy of your resume. Make sure you  tailor your resume  to the company and the type of job you are looking for.

Below is detailed information on what to include in your cover letter, along with links to example cover letters.

Your Contact Information Name Address City, State Zip Code Phone Number Email Address

  • Cover Letter Contact Section Examples

Greeting If you can find a contact person at the company, direct your letter or email message to them. Here's how to find  contacts at companies .

If you can't locate a contact person, address your letter to "Dear Hiring Manager" or leave out this section and start with the first  paragraph  of your letter.

  • Cover Letter Greeting Examples

Body of Cover Letter The goal of your letter is to get noticed as a prospective employee even if the company isn't hiring immediately. Your letter should explain the reason for your interest in the organization, and identify your most relevant skills or experiences and explain why you would be an asset to the company.

First Paragraph: The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. If you know someone at the company, mention it now. Be specific as to why you are interested in this particular company.

Middle Paragraph(s): The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Again, be specific as to how you can help the organization.

Final Paragraph:  Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for employment.

  • What to Include in the Body Section of a Cover Letter

Closing Best Regards,  (or choose another closing from the examples below)

  • Cover Letter Closing Examples

Signature Handwritten Signature  (for a mailed letter)

Typed Signature When you are   sending an email letter,  be sure to include all your contact information in your signature.

  • Signature Examples

Cover Letter Example for a Job That's Not Advertised

You can use this sample as a model to write a cover letter. Download the template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or read the text version below.

Cover Letter for a Job That's Not Advertised (Text Version)

Your Name Your Address City, State Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Email Address

Contact Name Title Company Address City, State Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. LastName,

As an Information Technology professional with high-level management experience in the IT industry, I learned that the best way to achieve success was to motivate the resources I had with well-defined objectives and empowerment.

A management belief based on integrity, quality, and service, along with a positive attitude, an aptitude for strategic thought and planning, and the ability to adapt quickly to new ideas and situations allows me to achieve consistent and significant successes in multiple industries.

My personality profile says:

  • A confident, driven individual who reacts quickly to change.
  • A self-starter with a strong sense of urgency who responds positively to challenge and pressure.
  • A fast learner who is a practical and ingenious problem solver.
  • A fluent and articulate communicator, flexible and responsive. A self-directed, goal-oriented doer.

My former managers' say:

"…The Information Technology Analysis will serve as a guideline for making positive contributions …your management style provided a footprint for younger members of our organization… a very positive impression of the contributions you made to our business and its growth." Gregory Hines, President and CEO, Information Data Technology.

"…the most important source of growth in our data technology business …able to focus the team and manage the product to a successful introduction …due in large part to his own personal commitment ...excellent IT project management and operational management skills." Pauline Hallenback, CTO at Information Systems.

"…your strengths as a manager are many and varied …all issues are confronted in a timely manner …management by objectives comes as a second nature to you…" Jackson Brownell, Director of Operations, Denver Technologies.

ABC Company is a company that would provide me with the opportunity to put my personality, skills, and successes to work. At a personal meeting, I would like to discuss with you how I will contribute to the continued growth of your company.

Best regards,

Carefully proofread both your resume and cover letter before you send them. Here are proofreading tips for job seekers.

When sending your letter via email, write your letter in the email message and attach your resume to the message. In the subject line, put your name and the reason for writing (Your Name - Introduction).

  • Email Subject Lines

How to Send Your Resume With Your Cover Letter

Here's how to send your resume with your cover letter:

  • How to Email Your Resume
  • How to Send Your Resume as an Attachment
  • How to Mail a Resume and Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

TAKE INITIATIVE: Not all companies immediately advertise opening positions. Taking the initiative to send a cover letter of introduction “on spec” may garner you an interview for either an existing or a newly developed job role.

APPLY TO YOUR DREAM COMPANY: Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If there is a company you’ve always wanted to work for, reach out to their hiring department with a strategic letter that presents your qualifications and interest in their organization.

BUILD UPON YOUR CONTACTS: A good way to get your foot into the door at a company is to begin your letter of introduction by mentioning the contacts you know who work there. Take this to the next level by proactively asking these contacts – before you send your cover letter – if they would be willing to put in a good word on your behalf with their employer. 

cover letter spontaneous application

Spontaneous Application Cover Letter

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to express my interest in the [position] role at [company]. As a highly motivated and creative individual, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to your team.

In my previous role at [previous company], I gained valuable experience in [relevant experience/achievements]. I am confident that my skills in [skill 1], [skill 2], and [skill 3] would make me a valuable asset to your team.

I am particularly drawn to [company] because of your commitment to [company mission/values]. I believe that my passion for [relevant passion/interest] aligns with your company's values and goals.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to learn more about the position and how I can contribute to your team. Please find my resume attached for your review.

[Your Name]

cover letter spontaneous application

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How To Write A Speculative Cover Letter With Template

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Wondering how to write a speculative cover letter?

A speculative CV with an accompanying cover letter is a way of connecting with employers when they’re not advertising vacancies.

Speculative applications can have great results, and can also be an effective way of  getting internships or work placements .

Lots of positions are filled without ever being advertised, so a speculative letter could be your way in.

Here’s how to write a speculative cover letter that strikes the right tone and helps you get your foot in the door.

We’ve also written a speculative cover letter template to show how to format and write your letter – this can be found at the bottom of the blog.

Start by researching thoroughly

Once you’ve found an organisation you’d like to work for, the first thing to do is  research it thoroughly .

Find out everything you can about the organisation, its staff and the wider industry it operates in.

Most of the information you’ll need will be readily available from online sources, including:

  • The organisation’s website
  • Press releases published by the organisation
  • Its LinkedIn page and social media profiles
  • News articles relating to the organisation
  • Industry-specific publications, newsletters or blogs
  • Review sites like  Glassdoor

The more knowledge you can arm yourself with, the better you’ll be able to work out how your skills, experience and interests could benefit the organisation, and how you’ll be the perfect fit for the company.

And remember, when writing a speculative cover letter, accuracy is key.

Misspelling the name of the organisation, its products or services or the addressee (ultimately the decision maker) could spell disaster for your speculative letter.

Know who you’re talking to

Research the organisation’s staff list carefully to find out who to address your letter to. This may be:

  • The managing director, if it’s a smaller firm
  • A head of department
  • The hiring manager
  • A member of the HR department

It’s absolutely crucial that you address the letter to a specific person. ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ or ‘To whom it may concern’ won’t score you any points, especially if they have their name in their email address.

Mention early on or at the end of the letter that you’ve attached your CV to the email, to encourage the reader to look at this after the cover letter.

Strike the right tone

It can be hard to judge how to write a speculative cover letter and what tone to use. In our opinion, it’s best to opt for a formal tone. You don’t know the person, so don’t be over-familiar.

Open with ‘Dear [person’s name]’, and avoid any informal chit-chat like ‘I hope you had a good weekend’. Keep your tone friendly but professional throughout, and close with ‘Yours sincerely’.

cover letter spontaneous application

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Don’t apologise

You might think sending a speculative CV and cover letter will come across as pushy or presumptuous – but hiring managers are unlikely to see it that way.

Don’t be tempted to start with something apologetic like ‘I hope you don’t mind me contacting you unsolicited’.

There’s no need to apologise – a speculative application is evidence that you’re  enthusiastic and proactive , rather than arrogant.

Get straight to the point

If you’re wondering about how to start a speculative cover letter, our top tip would be: get to the point!

Hiring managers are busy – so don’t waste their time. Too many speculative cover letters suffer from long, repetitive introductions,  clichéd language  and wordy explanations that are unlikely to be read.

Cut to the chase straight away. Say why you’re writing, and demonstrate how you can benefit the organisation with a few  key highlights from your CV .

Get that cover letter written by us!

Cover letter, format your cover letter appropriately.

A formally laid out cover letter is likely to have a better chance of succeeding. Put your name, address and the date on the right at the top, and the addressee’s details on the left starting on the line below.

The purpose of a speculative job letter is to get the hiring manager to look at your CV – so give them a reason to read it with three or four solid points straight off the bat.

You could format these as bullet points to make them even easier to read.

Keep paragraphs short and snappy and try to keep your letter to around half a page, and definitely no more than one page.

Focus on the employer

When writing a speculative cover letter, you should say as much (if not more) about the organisation you’re writing to as you do about yourself.

Try not to start every paragraph with ‘I’. You want to communicate what you can do for the organisation and why you want to work there, so try to evidence the knowledge you gained through your research.

What challenges and opportunities is the organisation facing? Try to focus on the person reading the letter and their priorities, and give a few examples from your experience that show how you can meet them.

Avoid the hard sell. Some sources recommend ending with something like ‘I’ll be calling you next week to schedule an interview’, but this pushy approach may backfire.

End simply by expressing that you’d like the opportunity to continue the conversation. Specify how the hiring manager can contact you (by phone or at your email address, for example) followed by ‘I look forward to hearing from you’.

As always, check, check and check again for typos and grammatical errors. Get someone else to proofread it for you if you can.

If you don’t hear anything within a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to  follow up by email or phone . This will show perseverance and a real desire to work for the organisation.

It’s also an opportunity to ask for constructive feedback if you weren’t successful.

Speculative cover letter template

Below is an annotated speculative cover letter example to give you an idea of how to format and write the letter:

How to write a speculative cover letter: a summary

A speculative application can be a great way to engage with an organisation, and could get you one step closer to your dream job.

Even if the employer doesn’t have your perfect role open immediately, it could put you on their radar as someone to contact in the future.

We hope our guide has given you a better idea of how to write a speculative cover letter.

Remember, a cover letter acts as the bait to get hiring managers to read your CV – so make sure your accompanying CV is as good as it can be!

Need help crafting a kickass CV? Our tailor-made CVs showcase your best bits and set you head and shoulders above the job market competition.  Find out more .

Want to know more about how to write a good standard cover letter? Go back to basics with  these principles.  You can see some  examples of cover letters here , including a speculative cover letter example.

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cover letter spontaneous application

Letter Templates

spontaneous application cover letter example

spontaneous application cover letter example 1

If you are looking for a job or planning to switch careers, sending a spontaneous application cover letter can help you stand out from the crowd. In this article, we will provide you with several examples of spontaneous application cover letters that you can use as a guide to create your own.

A spontaneous application cover letter example is a letter that you send to a company without them asking for an application. This type of letter is also known as a cold cover letter or an unsolicited application. It is a great way to introduce yourself to the company and showcase your skills and experience.

You can find various examples of spontaneous application cover letters online and edit them as needed to fit your situation.

Example 1: Applying for a Marketing Role

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the marketing role that your company has available. As a marketing professional with five years of experience, I believe I would be an excellent fit for your team.

I have experience in creating successful marketing campaigns for various industries and have excellent communication and organizational skills. I am confident that my experience and skills align with your company’s needs, and I would love to discuss this opportunity further.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Tips for Writing a Spontaneous Application Cover Letter

Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing a spontaneous application cover letter:

  • Research the company and tailor your cover letter to fit their needs
  • Highlight your skills and experience that match the job requirements
  • Use a professional and friendly tone of voice
  • Keep your cover letter concise and to the point
  • Mention any mutual connections or referrals you may have
  • Include a clear call to action, such as requesting an interview or meeting

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i address a spontaneous application cover letter.

You should address the cover letter to the hiring manager or the person in charge of hiring for the position you are interested in. If you are not sure who to address the letter to, you can call or email the company to ask for their contact information.

What should I include in a spontaneous application cover letter?

You should include an introduction, a brief explanation of why you are interested in the company, a summary of your skills and experience, and a clear call to action. Your cover letter should also be tailored to fit the company’s needs, so make sure to research the company and the position you are applying for.

Should I attach my resume to a spontaneous application cover letter?

Yes, you should include your resume with your cover letter. This will give the hiring manager a better idea of your skills and experience and help them determine if you are a good fit for the position.

How long should a spontaneous application cover letter be?

Your cover letter should be concise and to the point, so it should be no more than one page long. Keep in mind that the hiring manager may be reading many cover letters, so you want to make sure that yours stands out.

What should I do if I don’t hear back from the company?

If you don’t hear back from the company after a week or two, you can follow up with an email or phone call to check on the status of your application. Make sure to be polite and professional in your communication.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple companies?

You should tailor your cover letter to fit each company’s needs, so it is not recommended to use the same cover letter for multiple companies. However, you can use similar templates and adjust them as needed for each application.

Writing a spontaneous application cover letter can be a great way to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can create a compelling cover letter that will help you stand out from the crowd. Remember to keep your tone professional and friendly, and tailor your cover letter to fit the company’s needs. Good luck with your job search!

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Speculative Job Applications by Email

What Is a Speculative Email?

Who should i send my speculative email to, how to write a speculative email, composing your speculative email, speculative job application email example, following up, speculative job applications by email.

Updated March 6, 2023

Edward Melett

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Many job vacancies are never advertised publicly. That means that taking the initiative to approach a potential employer with a carefully thought-out email can be the ideal way to get your foot in the door.

This article will outline the planning and method behind sending a speculative application, including who to send your email to, what to include and leave out, and how to follow up.

Speculative Job Applications by Email

A speculative email is an unsolicited job application sent to an organisation to introduce yourself as a potential candidate for any relevant job openings they may have.

This approach is perfect for when you find a company with brand values you agree with, a solid portfolio and a skilled team you’d love to work with – but with no advertised job vacancies.

You could wait for a position to be advertised but, as many companies are generally open to recruiting on an ongoing basis, using a speculative application means that you can get a head start on the competition.

If successful, your email can:

  • Build relationships with hiring managers
  • Get you the opportunity to intern or shadow staff
  • Gain paid employment

If your speculative email is not fruitful, there is every chance that your contact will keep you in mind for when a vacancy does open up – especially if you make a strong impression.

This is an important step in the process, so getting it right is crucial. You can spend time crafting the perfect email but if it lands in the wrong inbox, chances are the recipient will disregard it entirely. It also gives the impression that you haven’t done your homework.

You need to be sure that your intended recipient has hiring authority. There is no point in sending your email to a junior staff member or someone in the wrong team.

So, who exactly do you send it to, and how do you find them?

You need to make sure that you send your application to a named contact . Sending to a ‘hello@’ or ‘enquiries@’ email address increases the chance of your email going unanswered, so take the time to do your research.

  • Scour the company website for details of employees. The ‘Meet the Team’ page or the ‘About’ page are usually the best places to start.
  • Try LinkedIn . Search for the name of the company and follow the links to find ‘Staff Who Work Here’. This can be a good way to familiarise yourself with the range of departments and the hierarchy of staff. Staff will often be listed that wouldn’t necessarily be featured on the official company website.
  • Telephone the company directly and ask for a named contact of someone who deals with recruitment.

In a smaller company, it may be appropriate to contact the managing director with your speculative application. In a larger organisation, the head of the relevant department is more likely to be the hiring authority.

During the research phase, maintain a polite and friendly manner at every interaction. You may be speaking with someone who doesn’t have the power to hire you, but word spreads fast. Making a good impression at every stage will help you build a professional reputation.

As well as researching the individual responsible for hiring, you can also use this phase to find out all you can about the company itself . Having a good knowledge of its work and a genuine interest in company achievements will help you stand out.

To find out which jobs fit your personality best, visit our partner CareerFitter and take the Career Test for FREE .

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You must use formal and correct structure and format for your speculative email. Remember that this is a professional letter and a chance to make a good impression.

If you have the name of your contact, start your email with ‘ Dear [name] ’. If your attempts to find the right person were unsuccessful, it is acceptable to start with ‘ Dear Sir or Madam ’ (be sure that you can’t identify a named person before resorting to this general greeting).

When addressing your recipient, be careful to maintain professional boundaries and not to be overfamiliar. This person is not a friend, so ‘Hi’ is not appropriate in this instance.

Your speculative job application email subject line is another crucial factor in whether your email gets opened at all. If your subject line is uninspiring or vague, there is every chance it will be overlooked as just another generic email in your contact’s inbox.

A desktop screen will show around 60 characters of a subject line, whereas a smartphone will show only 30, so being concise is key.

The subject line is your first chance to clearly articulate your intentions . It needs to be short and snappy, while containing all the relevant information at a glance.

It is advisable to include both your full name and your professional qualification or title. For example, ‘ John Doe, Freelance Graphic Designer for hire’, or ‘Nicola Fox, Chemical Engineer, M.Eng ’.

Filler words or pleasantries are not necessary for a subject line, so there is no need to start with ‘Hello’ or ‘Please look at…’.

It is acceptable (and advisable) to name a mutual acquaintance in the subject line if you have been referred by them.

Speculative Job Applications by Email

As you move on to compose the main body of your email, be mindful that your contact is likely to be busy and needs to see the relevant information at a glance.

Format your email into short paragraphs – and make sure sentences are readable, not too long and wordy.

  • Paragraph One – Start strongly with your opening sentence. Outline your knowledge of the company and how you came to be aware of it. Did you see it at a convention? Did you read about it in the local press? Explain your interest.
  • Paragraph Two – Go on to summarise who you are and why you’re emailing.
  • Paragraph Three – Explain what you can offer, and how and why you are a valuable addition to their team. If you have relevant experience, be sure to explain how your transferable skills can be of use. If you have any standout achievements or qualifications, don’t be shy in listing them and pointing out how they can be of benefit.
  • Paragraph Four – Summarise why you’re interested in working with the company and draw attention to your attached CV. Consider briefly listing some of the main skills you have.
  • Closing Sentence – Think about a call to action; detail here what you’d like to happen next.

You have one short opportunity to capture the attention of your contact enough for them to move you on to the next stage. Ensure that all-important and relevant information is included.

If you’re wondering whether to attach your CV , doing so means it is there if your contact wants to find out more about you. It provides that extra information to make it easier for them to make a quick assessment of your potential.

Make sure your CV is up to date and is tailored specifically for the company and role.

Here is an example of how your speculative application email should look, following the guidelines above:

Subject Line: Claire Roberts, MA. Fashion Designer available for work Dear Ms Taylor, I had the pleasure of attending your show at London Fashion Week and I found it inspiring to see how your new collection works to empower women with luxury statement workwear. I’m very excited to read about your plans to launch at Paris Fashion Week with a view to moving into the European market. I hold an MA in Fashion Design, awarded by Central Saint Martins, and have been working for a well-known high street clothing designer for three years. I am looking for a move into the luxury fashion field and feel that I have skills that would support your business as you grow. An internship at a luxury French fashion house as part of my master’s degree gave me valuable insight into the French market and helped me gain fluency in the French language. Having covered fashion illustration, design, sewing and garment construction as part of my studies, I understand the clothing manufacture process from design to completion. In my current role, I am a leading part of the design team, researching upcoming trends to create new lines. My designs are regularly featured in the ‘Top 10 Must Buy’ lists. As a move away from fast fashion, I would love to bring my creative flair to your company as part of your design team, helping create high-end looks for your clients. I have attached my CV, which outlines my qualifications and experience in more detail. If you are interested in meeting to discuss further, I could come to your office next week. Yours sincerely, Claire Roberts

If you don’t receive a reply to your email, don’t take it as an automatic rejection. Your recipient may have put it aside to come back to later, or may have genuine reasons why they haven’t been able to reply.

There are different ways you can follow up on your speculative application, depending on what you feel comfortable with.

If you don’t hear from your contact after a week or two, you can resend the same email , giving a gentle nudge for your contact to read and reply.

Alternatively, and often with quicker results, it’s acceptable to make a phone call to check they received your email. This gives you the chance to open a conversation and brings a more personal element to your speculative application.

If you are unsuccessful in your application, react graciously and politely ask if they can keep your records on file for any future opportunities that may be suitable.

  • Do your research – Know the company and the correct contact before reaching out.
  • Focus on a killer subject line – Keep it concise and to the point.
  • Mention a mutual acquaintance if you’ve been referred by someone – This may just be what prompts your contact to open your email.
  • Act professionally – From the first point of contact to conclusion, even if your attempt is unsuccessful, your contact will remember the way you conducted yourself and this will influence whether they keep you in mind for the future.
  • Do not use fluff in your writing – Your recipient is likely to be busy. Help them quickly find the information that they need to assess whether you are a potential candidate.
  • Check, check and check again – Make sure you have used correct grammar and that your email has no spelling mistakes. This is your one chance to make a good first impression.

You might also be interested in these other Wikijob articles:

How to Write a Cover Letter? (Examples & Cover Letter Tips)

Or explore the Application Advice / Job Applications sections.

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Three excellent cover letter examples

Cover letters are the first chance you have to impress an employer – they’re not just a protective jacket for your CV. Here’s our guide on what to include and how to format them

  • More CV and cover letter templates
  • Looking for a job? Explore the range of vacancies on Guardian Jobs and find the perfect role for you

The first thing a potential employer sees in your job application is the cover letter. This doesn’t just support your CV – it’s an opportunity for you to stand out from the crowd and persuade the recruiter to put you through to the next round.

Be wary of spending hours on perfecting your CV at the expense of your cover letter. If you need some inspiration on what to include and what format to use, here are our helpful guides – just remember not to copy them as exact templates.

1. Standard, conservative style

This is ideal for sectors such as business, law, accountancy and retail. For more creative sectors, a letter like this might be less appealing, and could work against you.

Dear Mr Black, Please find enclosed my CV in application for the post advertised in the Guardian on 30 November. The nature of my degree course has prepared me for this position. It involved a great deal of independent research, requiring initiative, self-motivation and a wide range of skills. For one course, [insert course], an understanding of the [insert sector] industry was essential. I found this subject very stimulating. I am a fast and accurate writer, with a keen eye for detail and I should be very grateful for the opportunity to progress to market reporting. I am able to take on the responsibility of this position immediately, and have the enthusiasm and determination to ensure that I make a success of it. Thank you for taking the time to consider this application and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Yours sincerely

2. Standard speculative letter

This may vary according to the nature of the organisation and the industry you’re applying to.

Dear Mr Brown, I am writing to enquire if you have any vacancies in your company. I enclose my CV for your information. As you can see, I have had extensive vacation work experience in office environments, the retail sector and service industries, giving me varied skills and the ability to work with many different types of people. I believe I could fit easily into your team. I am a conscientious person who works hard and pays attention to detail. I’m flexible, quick to pick up new skills and eager to learn from others. I also have lots of ideas and enthusiasm. I’m keen to work for a company with a great reputation and high profile like [insert company name]. I have excellent references and would be delighted to discuss any possible vacancy with you at your convenience. In case you do not have any suitable openings at the moment, I would be grateful if you would keep my CV on file for any future possibilities. Yours sincerely

3. Letter for creative jobs

We’ve used the example of a copywriter but you can adapt it for your profession. The aim of a creative letter is to be original and show you have imagination, but understand what the job entails. Balance is essential: don’t be too wacky, or it will turn off the reader.

Dear Ms Green, · Confused by commas? · Puzzled by parenthesis? · Stumped by spelling? · Perturbed by punctuation? · Annoyed at the apostrophe? (And alliteration?) Well, you’re not alone. It seems that fewer and fewer people can write. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of people who can read. So they’ll spot a gaffe from a mile off. And that means it’s a false economy, unless you’re 100% sure of yourself, to write your own materials. (Or to let clients do it for themselves.) To have materials properly copywritten is, when one considers the whole process of publishing materials and the impact that the client wishes to make, a minor expense. Sloppiness loses clients, loses customers. There is an answer. Me. Firm quotes are free. You can see some of what I do on my multilingual website at [insert web address]. If you’d like, I can get some samples out to you within 24 hours. And, if you use me, you’ll have some sort of guarantee that you can sleep soundly as those tens of thousands of copies are rolling off the presses. Luck shouldn’t come into it! With kindest regards

Other helpful resources

How to write a perfect CV and cover letter

Applying for jobs without experience? How to build and sell your skills

Five steps to the perfect graduate CV

School-leavers and graduates: how to write your first CV

How to write a personal statement for your CV

CV templates to fit every stage of your career

Looking for a job? Browse Guardian Jobs for your next career step.

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Spontaneous applications: how to apply for a job that isn't advertised

Sep 07, 2020

Spontaneous applications: how to apply for a job that isn't advertised

With the world in a state of upheaval and many companies letting staff go, the idea of looking for a new job can be intimidating. Knowing that many people are in the same boat isn’t encouraging when you are sending out your resume. So how do you take control of the process and look for a job proactively?

This is not an easy time to be looking for work. Some industries, such as travel, have been decimated. With the unemployment rate at 3.9% and Britain in a recession, there simply aren’t so many positions being advertised. So what can you do? The answer is to take control of the process.

There are many ways to begin, but one of the most underused is the direct approach , according to John Lees , a career strategist and author of bestseller How to Get a Job You Love . “It [the direct approach] is surprisingly effective statistically . . . but it has to be tailored, focused, and based on the needs of the organization,” he said.

The classic mistake is to send what is essentially a begging letter, said Lees, who is a former chief executive of the Institute of Employment Consultants. “Don’t write in saying, ‘I’m looking for a job, and here’s my resume.’ That will probably be ignored.” Another mistake is to adopt a scattergun approach and apply for every opening you see. You are more likely to be rejected and this will affect your confidence. “If you apply for 100 jobs and you only get one answer, then that becomes your internal statistic, but it’s junk data,” he said. Too many rejections can leave you feeling down and sounding negative when you do land an interview.

In his books, Lees encourages jobseekers to think and act differently so they can open new doors. That sounds exciting, but where do you begin? To find out, we asked Lees to give us his best tips on how to take action.

1. Work out your offering

Start by assessing what you can offer any employer—and what you want to offer. “ People think they have to adapt to the marketplace and do whatever comes along, but you are far more likely to be taken seriously as a candidate if you are offering something the company needs,” said Lees. To do this, you can ask yourself a few questions or enlist the help of a trusted friend. Lees said: “If you ask a friend, ‘Why would you recommend me for a job?’ They don’t say, ‘Well you have x qualifications.’ They will tell you about things that are useful to an employer about your skills or your working style.”

You want to know the answers to these questions:

  • What am I good at?
  • What is my best evidence?
  • Why would somebody recommend me?

2. Do some mapping

This is the early information-gathering part of your mission. You want to find out what opportunities are in your sector, where they are, and what organizations are looking for. You can do this by reading up on the companies and the sector, but you also need to talk to people. Yes, the travel industry is faltering , but some online retail businesses are continuing to flourish despite physical shops reopening after lockdown.

Don’t hide behind your computer , says Lees. “Do half an hour of desk research followed by talking to people. They can give you information about what’s out there—and they will remember you and can make introductions. It is networking, but also mapping.”

You can work out who to contact by asking yourself:

  • Who is the best person I can ring right now?
  • Who really understands this industry?

That person is probably someone you know well: a colleague , fellow student, a friend of a friend or a member of your family. “There is usually someone who is close enough to your target sector to give you the information you need––and that’s the first phone call you should make,” said Lees. “It’s about choosing to get to know people.”

If you have just finished university, you will have access to a good potential network of students, lecturers, and visiting speakers that you can contact, for example. Once you make contact, remember that initially you are just gathering information . “The big mistake people make is in thinking it’s all about ringing up and saying, ‘Can you help me find a job?’ That’s the least productive thing to do.”

Instead, initiate a real conversation . You can begin like this:

  • I’d love to hear your story.
  • Can you tell me about your industry?
  • Who else should I be talking to out there?
  • Who are the key players?
  • Who is in my region?
  • You gave a talk at my college and I really liked it. Can I ask you a couple of questions about the industry?

People say they find it difficult to approach others, but that’s because they are approaching them the wrong way, according to Lees. “If you say, ‘Can you help me get a job in your organization?’ The answer will almost certainly be no, because that’s not what the process is about. Simply ask for a few minutes of their time. This is about exploring, which is much more open-ended and much more likely to get a yes.”

3. Stay on target

If your conversation goes well, you may be asked to send in something in writing. Or you may decide to send something in cold . Either way, it should be really focused. Write a short message saying that you are interested in the organization along with five bullet points about you that are relevant to the business. “Busy people like things they can decide on quickly. That can be read in 20 seconds. The decision could be no, but it could be, ‘Yes, give me a call.’ That’s easily done and their inbox is cleared,” said Lees.

To decide what should go in the bullet points, you need to review what you have learned about the company from your contacts, its website, news articles, and any other sources. “If you’ve done your homework, you know roughly what the job you want is called and what problems the organization is trying to solve. Then note down six things the organization wants to hear —it’s not six great things about me.”

There is no room for generalities. So rather than telling them you are a team player, give the example of a time you led a team to success. Be specific and relevant.

Once you have made initial contact, it is up to you to shine at the interview and convince them that you can add value to the company. Taking a targeted approach means that you are more likely to be called to interview and more likely to get a job that you want—with a company that wants you, too.

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Speculative application a proactive approach to your dream job

You dream of a job in your dream company but a suitable job advertisement has just not been published? Then take your luck into your own hands and offer your services and qualifications for a specific area to your dream employer. There is no guarantee that your application will be successful, but it is definitely worth taking the time to write a well-prepared speculative application and get a foot in the door of your dream company.

Be faster and more successful than your competitors. If you decide to send a speculative application, make sure that you find out information about the company and that your application is tailored to the needs of the company. In other words: Don't just send a general curriculum vitae, but adapt your documents to the company to which you are applying. We will show you what is important in your spontaneous application.

What is a speculative application?

A speculative application is an application that you submit to an employer without the employer having advertised a particular job. Essentially, you are speculating that this company may have a need for someone with your skills, qualifications and experience and would be interested in considering you for current or future job opportunities. In colloquial terms it is also referred to as spontaneous or blind application.

 Benefits of a speculative application

Whether moving to a new town or city, a desired change of industry or pure interest in a particular company – there are plenty of reasons for a speculative application. We will show you what the benefits of a spontaneous application are:

  • You will stand out from other applicants through your proactive approach and personal initiative.
  • You will specifically address your dream company and show them your motivation and interest in the company.
  • You will increase your chances of getting an interview because you specifically target the company with your application.
  • You will get a foot in the door and therefore have the opportunity to get a job that was previously not planned.

When is the right time for a speculative application?

The right time for a speculative application depends on the company and its recruitment needs. For example, if you know that the company is growing and expanding, it might be a good time to submit a blind application as the company may be looking for new talent. However, if you find out that your dream company has recently cut jobs or is undergoing restructuring measures, this may not be the best time for a spontaneous application.

computer

How do you research a company before submitting a speculative application?

There are several ways to find out information about an organisation before submitting a speculative application:

Look at the company's website: Most companies have an "About us" page that contains information about their history, services and values. This will give you a good feeling as to whether the company is right for you.

Search for news articles about the company: With a simple Google search, you can find all the latest news about your potential employer. This can give you an insight into the current situation of the company and how it might change in the future.

Ask someone in your private circle who works there: If you have friends or family members who work at the company, they may be able to give you insider information about what it is like to work there.

Look at the company's social media profiles: Most companies have a certain presence on social media, such as Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. This can be a good way to get to know the company from another side.

Visit industry events: If you are looking for a job in a particular industry, attending industry events can be a great way to make contacts and learn more about specific companies.

Get the following information about your dream company:

  • Size of the company
  • Economic situation
  • Values and mission statement
  • Case studies
  • Current job advertisements
  • Weaknesses that you could improve

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How should a speculative application be structured in Switzerland?

If you have decided to send a spontaneous application, there are a few things to keep in mind. Although a speculative application is not fundamentally different from a classic application , it requires much more precision in order to make the company aware of you and your qualifications and the need to employ you.

The cover letter for your speculative application

First of all, make sure that your cover letter is clear and precise. Avoid making general statements or repeating information that is already on your curriculum vitae. Instead, you should use your cover letter to tell the company more about your motivation for the job and your qualifications. Similar to a letter of motivation.

Describe your interest immediately in the subject line . Phrases such as "Speculative application as Key Account Manager …" shows the person in charge at first glance that you are applying spontaneously. If there is no indication that you are making a speculative application, you run the risk that your application will end up in the bin – after all, an appropriate job has not been advertised.

In the introduction of your cover letter, show what you have found out about the company, that you have identified gaps in personnel and why you would be the perfect fit.

The main part of the cover letter for your spontaneous application will then focus on your skills and qualifications and on how these could benefit your dream company. Be sure to indicate your motivations for working in the company and make it clear that you will fit into the team.

The curriculum vitae for your spontaneous application

The curriculum vitae for your speculative application does not differ from a standard application in terms of form and content. However, make sure that you adapt your curriculum vitae to the company – it is important to highlight important qualifications, experience, and successes that are relevant to your desired role.

Send a speculative application correctly

You send your spontaneous application just like your classic application documents by e-mail , through an existing online portal or in very rare cases by post. Make sure that you address this to the right person, especially when sending a speculative application. If you are unsure who the relevant contact is, briefly call the company or HR department and ask for their name, e-mail address and phone number if necessary.

Then check once more that all your details are correct and send your complete application documents.

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5 Cover Letter Examples That Absolutely Crush It

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Cover Letter Examples: 5 That Absolutely Crush It

Looking for a great job you need a great cover letter, and we’re sharing 5 cover letter examples that will put you ahead of the pack. read on for more..

You’ve spent hours, days, even weeks perfecting your CV . Your entire academic and work life is laid out on the page. Every great thing you’ve ever done is there to tell a story – a story about you. CV done and dusted, you spot an advertisement for a great job . This is it. This is the one. No turning back.

5 cover letter examples

5 cover letter examples

You’re about to send the CV off and hope for the best – but first, you’ve got to write a cover letter.

Can’t be that hard, can it? A few lines maybe? Isn’t my CV the most important thing after all?

It’s not. That’s why we’re sharing 5 cover letters examples that will show you how to absolutely crush your next job application.

Importance of a Cover Letter

Your CV is important. There is no doubt about that.

But, your cover letter is equally so. In fact, it might be even more important given that it is the first impression a potential employer will ever get of you. And we all know how important first impressions are.

Your cover letter supports your CV but it does so much more than that, depending on how good or bad it is. If it’s good, it can lead you to the mountaintop. If it’s bad?

Well, a bad cover letter is like a bad date. Don’t expect them to call you ever again.

Now before you start to despair, hang in there! We’re going to help get you noticed.

Cover Letter Examples

For any cover letter, you will always pay close attention to two things: The industry you’re writing it for and the specific job within that industry.

Cover letters vary from job to job. Some will have to be conservative and formal, others can be more relaxed. The cover letter you write will always be specific to your skills and the skills needed for the job you’re applying for.

Here are some samples that you can adapt to suit your needs.

1. Standard Cover Letter

This cover letter is suited towards professional jobs, where there’s a need to be conservative. Think of jobs like business, law, accountancy, and teaching when you’re writing one of these cover letters.

Dear Ms. Jones,

Please find enclosed my CV in application for the post advertised in the Manchester Evening News on the 5th October.

My degree course has prepared me well for this position. It involved a great deal of self-motivation and provided me with a wide range of skills. As part of my course, I completed a work experience role [insert details]. This benefited me hugely and it served to increase my love of accounting.

I am a fast learner, with an enthusiasm to learn on the job. I am a deeply committed individual and I am sure that if given the opportunity, I would have the determination to make a success of it.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this application and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Yours sincerely,

Josephine Bloggs

Sample Two 

Dear Mr. Jones,

I am writing with regards to the graduate vacancy advertised in The Sunday Times, on 5th October. I am enclosing my CV for your information.

Having recently graduated with a [Qualificiation] from [University, college] I am now seeking to apply the knowledge and skills I have acquired into the workplace. The [name of position] is an excellent opportunity to do this.

I believe I meet all of the requirements of this position. During my studies, I developed an array of different skills and experiences and these have served to enhance my abilities. I undertook a number of team projects as part of my course and I worked confidently and competently with others.

Having gone through a degree course, I am experienced in working to deadlines and I have taken on added responsibilities at every opportunity. During each year of my time in [University, college] I lead [various teams] in a [variety of different roles] and I found this to be very rewarding.

I am a person who believes in giving commitment and dedication to any task I am given. I have a passion for [the job] and I would relish the opportunity to work alongside, and to learn from, the great leaders in this field.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

2. Speculative Cover Letter

A speculative cover letter is exactly that – speculative. No job has been advertised, you are just testing the waters.

Dear Mrs. Johnson,

I am writing to enquire if you have any vacancies in your company. I enclose my CV for your consideration.

As you can see, I have gained extensive work experience in shop floor environments. I have worked for five years in the retail and services industries and I have acquired a wide variety of skills. As a result, I believe I could fit easily into your team.

I am a conscientious person who works hard and pays very close attention to detail. I’m flexible, and I’m eager to learn, and I would love the opportunity to work for a company with such a great reputation like [insert company name].

I would be delighted to discuss any possible vacancy with you at your convenience.

Dear Mr. Johnson,

I am writing to express my interest in working for [Company Name] as a trainee manager. I believe that I have the skills and the experience that could benefit your organisation. I enclose my CV for your information.

I am dedicated, hard working and enthusiastic, with a deep passion for sales. Over the past few years, I have worked in [similar company] on a part-time basis and this has greatly added to my sales capabilities. I believe that with my enthusiasm and my work ethic, I could be an effective member of your team.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this speculative application. I would welcome the opportunity to meet you and discuss the many ways I feel I can contribute to your continued success.

Should there be no current vacancies, I would be grateful if you would keep my CV on file for any future possibilities.

3. Non-Standard Cover Letter

If the job you are applying for is for a more creative role, you can be more inventive in your approach. As you are trying to display your suitability for the position, originality in your cover letter will allow you to stand out from the crowd.

Dear Ms. Clarke,

When I was growing up, all I wanted to be was a ballerina. Thankfully, my career goals have become a little more aspirational over the years, but I have never lost my love of entertaining a crowd.

Simply put, if entertaining people is wrong, I don’t want to be right! It seems like the rest of [Company Name] feel the same way, which is one of the reasons why I think I would fit in perfectly.

Having grown up attending theatrical performances whenever I could, I understand firsthand how you’ve earned your reputation as one of the best performing arts schools in the country. For 22 years, I have been impressed as an audience member. Now I want to impress as a team member.

I would love the opportunity to speak with you about the many things I have to offer.

I look forward to your reply,

With kindest regards,

Cover Letter

These 5 cover letter examples will stand you in good stead, but whichever job you’re applying for , always remember to tailor your letter for each specific position. It’s also very important to keep it short, concise and to the point .

After all, brevity is the soul of wit.

Now, onward – and good luck on your search!

cover letter spontaneous application

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Best Cover Letter Examples To Nail Your Next Job Application

Create personalized cover letters for every job in minutes, not hours. 

Skillcrush

A cover letter is overrated….said no HR person ever.

On the contrary, most treat a cover letter as a powerful add-on to a resume. Yes, even if it’s marked as *optional*.

Candidates who bother to write a cover letter (vs those who don’t) instantly appear more motivated and professional. Moreover, they establish a better rapport with the hiring authorities before even walking through the door.

Why? Because a cover letter gives you an opportunity to contextualize the qualifications and competencies you’re bringing up on your resume. Remember: You’re competing against other qualified people with very similar skill sets. A cover letter gives you an opportunity to show how you’re using your expertise in real-world settings, plus talk a bit further about your soft skills and passion for the selected profession.

When combined with a resume, your cover letter helps the employer get a wholesome picture of you as a candidate — and ring you up for a job interview.

Cover Letter Examples by Profession and Industry

If you’re tired of browsing generic cover letters which are clearly out of touch with the modern reality of work, you’ve landed at the right place. Freesumes runs an up-to-date database of sample cover letters, created and vetted by certified writers and HR experts.

Sample Cover Letters for Entry-Level Jobs

A compelling cover letter for a first job is as important as your resume. Learn how to talk your way into getting that job when you lack extensive work experience.

Entry-Level

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Academia and education favor good writing. Use our samples as prompts to build a strong case of why you’d make a strong addition to the faculty.

Substitute Teacher

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Retail & Sales Cover Letter Examples

Show your abilities to persuade in writing by following our expert-level cover letter writing strategies for positions in sales and retail.

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Put your emotional intelligence and well-rounded people skills upfront. Healthcare is a sector where hard and soft skills are equally valued.

Social Worker

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Administrative & Management Cover Letter Examples

Orchestrate a memorable first impression with a cover letter that shows how perfectly you’d fit into any position requiring strong organizational and (self)-management skills.

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Use real-life cover letter examples to showcase your technical skills and a bit of personality to impress potential employers and score some of the highest-paid jobs.

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Hospitality & Customer Service Cover Letter Examples

Make your personality stand out through writing by applying the tips we share alongside every sample cover letter for people-facing jobs.

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Event Manager

Cover Letter Examples for Marketing & Creative Roles

Be a standout applicant by giving yourself the best promo. Our cover letter examples teach you how to present your creative abilities in the best light.

Publishing Industry

Graphic Designer

Assistant Producer

Project Manager

Marketing Assistant

Cover Letter Layout To Follow

Compelling cover letters – the one HR folks exchange with one another – have one thing in common: they follow the same structure and layout. That’s something you can easily do with our free cover letter creator .

That’s the first thing you need to master. You have just one shot to impress the same employer and you don’t want to lower your chance by making some basic mistakes in formatting.  So let’s take a closer look at the anatomy of successful cover letters.

cover letter outline

Header section:  This one should take approximately 1/5 th  of your page and include your name and current position, e.g. Jane Smith, Chief Accountant. You can also add your headshot at the top left corner if you prefer (as an example above) to make your letter more personal. List your contact information just under your name and title.

Opening section:  This one should be formal. Add a date and type the full address of your employer in the following format:

To Name Title Company Address City, State Zip Code

This should be single-spaced and left justified. If you don’t know the full employer’s information, you can skip this. Though it’s advised to research those details in advance – this will show that you did your “homework” and didn’t just file some generic letters to a dozen companies in your industry.

Salutation:  As a rule of thumb, you should use the formal “Dear, [Mr/Ms Surname]”. Though if you are applying to some hip, modern company you can replace the old-fashioned “dear”, with a simple “Good day” or “Hello” or just “[Name Surname]” combo.

Opening paragraph:  This one’s pretty standard as well: state what position you are applying for, how you heard about the opening and why you are a solid candidate. You can make the last statement more attention-grabbing to entice the recipient to read on.

Body  of your letter:  This can take up to 2-3 paragraphs. Use the space to explain what makes you the perfect match for the announced position:

  • Recap your work experience;
  • Throw in some bragging rights: results achieved, big gun clients you worked for;
  • Briefly summarize your education.

The second body paragraph should speak about why the company is the perfect match for you:

  • State how and why this opportunity is a perfect match for your  career goals and expectations ;
  • Mention how you can relate to the company’s mission and corporate values;
  • Highlight that you are a good cultural fit for reasons X, Y, Z.

“Remember CPR (CHALLENGE – PROCESS – RESULTS)! In your cover letter, it is important to demonstrate your exponential value by incorporating strong examples of opportunities where you were presented with a challenge, your process to implement a solution, and the overall results.”

Claire

Career Consultant, CPCC, CPRW Colorado, United States

Closing paragraph:  Wrap up your pitch, thank the employer for considering you and include a call-to-action. Check our previous post for more  tips on how to close a cover letter  with a bang.

Formal closure:  Bade your goodbyes with a “Kind regards, [Your Name Surname] ”. If you are sending your cover letter the old-fashioned way by mail, you should also add a handwritten signature after that.

“Use a cover letter to introduce yourself, tell the hiring manager who you are, what you are looking for in your next career opportunity, how this job fits in with your career goals and explain why or how you can bring value to the company by highlighting your key skills which are aligned to the job description.”

Melony

HR Consultant London, United Kingdom

Top 3 Cover Letter Writing Styles

Sample classic cover letter.

For when your goal is to get that coveted position in a Fortune-500 corporate company or it’s smaller sized counterpart with equally big love for formalities, stick with a very formal, utterly professional cover letter.

This style works best for positions in big business, finance, law, government, retail, and education.

Dear Mr Thompson, I’m writing in response to the position of a Senior Associate Attorney in Divorce Law Firm, advertised on LawCrossing.com.  Enclosed you will find my CV.

As an Associate Attorney at FirmX, I was effectively handling probate administration, estate planning and guardianship cases for the past five years. I successfully won 90% of trials for my clients and negotiated favorable settlement agreements on behalf of my clients.

As a former Court Facilitator, Guardian Ad Litem in the state of Colorado, I also possess deep knowledge in family, juvenile and criminal law. My background in court has prepared me for serving to the clients with great compassion and integrity. My colleagues and bosses have noted on my exceptional negotiation skills, as well as great attention to details, discretion and analytical skills.

In 2015, I have re-joined by former alma mater (the University of Northern Colorado) as a part-time Adjunct Professor. I know that your Big Law Firm is well vested in promoting intellectual vigor among younger staff and future employees through mentorship programs, and I would be honored to join in as a mentor if given a chance.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my candidacy and I would welcome the chance to have an in-person discussion with you concerning my application.

Yours sincerely,

Daniela Baker

Speculative Cover Letter Example

Did you know that around  80% of jobs  are never advertised publicly? And yet, they are still getting filled in by the savvy candidates. The “Hidden Job Market” isn’t as mythical as Atlántida – it has been effectively thriving since the 1990s.

“Hidden job market” encompasses all the opportunities filled in through employee referral programs, networking and speculative applications.  Tapping into this cloaked area of job search means that you won’t rub with as many elbows as when applying for publicly advertised openings.

And here are your tips for finding those hidden opportunities:

  • Just ask your friends and family first.  Yes, this is deadpan simple. But a lot of people don’t want to come forward about their job search to the close ones. And it’s a shame because your personal network – and the extended personal network – can probably help you land a few solid referrals.
  • Ramp up your LinkedIn game.  Because LinkedIn is the biggest networking platform out there, where you can effectively connect with the key decision makers in your industry or a bunch of prolific headhunters, who can also send great opportunities your way. So please,  get your LinkedIn profile up-to-date  and  optimize it for relevant keywords .
  • Direct applications.  The vast majority of company websites now have these “We are hiring” pages with all the listed openings. Most will also have a separate “general inquiry” section where you can file your cover letter and your CV.

cover letter spontaneous application

Here’s a sample speculative cover letter you can file along with your application. Depending on the company/industry, such letters can vary in the degree of formality. This sample cover letter is modeled for a modern tech company.

Dear ‘Company Name’ IT Team,

I’ve read on your corporate blog that you have recently completed your migration to a microservices architecture (congrats!).

I believe that you may be now in need of experienced DevOps engineers to help you orchestrate your systems and fine-tune the continuous deployment pipeline. That’s why I am reaching out to propose my candidacy.

In my current role as Remote DevOps Engineer in e-commerce company XXX, I have managed to accomplish the following:

  • Reduced deployment time for key infrastructure by a factor of 13.
  • Directly managed AWS for the [project name], including configuration and deployment of all required infrastructure, administrative tasks, and budgeting.

I have a strong familiarity with the following tools and technologies:

  • Programming skills: Java, JavaScript and C#
  • Orchestration & container tools: Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, Puppet.
  • AWS-certified in 2017.

I’m also flexible to pick up new skills and eager to collaborate with others on your teams. I’m deeply impressed with how you managed remote work at your organization and foster collaboration within a globally distributed team.

Enclosing my CV for your consideration as well.

Regards, Dan Bloome

Creative Cover Letter Example

In some industries, being incredibly formal can work against you. Most startups or creative agencies will find the standard cover letter a tad bit too snotty and personality-less. Even the traditional companies have a soft spot for unusual applications.

The  viral cover letter example   below has recently  landed a great internship  with a very prestigious Wall Street firm:

real-life honest cover letter for summer internship

The applicant was brutally honest instead of being painfully polite and superficially flattering.

Want to pull a similar stunt? Here’s a less non-conformist, but equally engaging and creative cover letter example. But do proceed with caution! Such letters may not work every time, with every employer.

Dear [Name Surname],

I think words are boring.

Puzzled to hear that from a copywriter?Well, words  alone  are boring.

When you just paste some random words to your landing page – no one’s buying from you. No one’s even  listening  to you. And that’s a bad thing for business (#obvious).

I know how to find the words that will stop your customers right there on the spot, make them scroll back, rub their eye…and reach for their credit card.

So hi, I’m James, a conversion copywriter.

I might have spoken to you earlier. If you browsed SaaS Company website or read CoolCompany blog the other day, that was all me, watching you from the other side of the screen.

I also did some okay writing for the following companies:

  • AwesomeApp Landing Page – average conversion rate 12% and over 10,000 sign-ups in the first 24-hours after the launch.
  • New Homepage for Brand Z – a 2X lift in conversions within 3 months.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

I don’t just write. I also talk – to your customers, your team and (sometimes in my sleep) – to capture that “special something” that makes everyone tick about your product. I also have a deep love for numbers and get way too excited by heatmaps (my girlfriend’s not thrilled, so please don’t tell her I mentioned this!).

So what do you say? Shall we talk about how I can help your brand develop that new unique voice and drive more sales through data-backed copy?

Regards, James Knight

P.S. I noticed one major gap on your Service Page Name. Doing a few quick improvements (copy- and design-wise) can increase your conversions by 10-15%.

No matter which format you choose to use, it’s alright to be flexible. Don’t follow the same structure or layout to the last T. Remove paragraphs as needed, experiment with different degrees of formality and don’t forget to customize each letter for each job you are applying for. Hiring managers can sense a generic cover letter a mile away. So you definitely do not want to eschew your chance for landing a job by forgetting to change something as basic as the company name or address!

Jobs, Info, and News

Spontaneous application cover letter without specific position

cover letter spontaneous application without specific position

Example cover letter spontaneous application without specific position. FYI, sending a spontaneous cover letter without specifying the profession you are looking for is the same as saying that you are looking for a job. Indeed, a job is work that is certainly paid, but which is not considered a profession. If you have 1 or more professions, it is preferable to write cover letters specifying the position or profession sought.

In the case of a spontaneous application cover letter without a specific position, is it wise to put a title on the CV? That is to say, put your profession on the CV, if you have one of course? For my part, I would say no, because you are planning to write a cover letter without a specific position. On the other hand, you must consider using appropriate adjectives on your CV hook.

  • cover letter teleadvisor unsolicited application
  • Garbage collector cover letter spontaneous application…

Your first name last name Your complete address Phone / Email…

Subject: spontaneous application

COMPANY NAME Address of the company

Monday 13 May 2024

Madame, Monsieur,

Young dynamic with a desire to work and available immediately. I have good interpersonal skills with customers and master office tools.

I have training in sales but I am interested in any type of position because I want to take advantage of this transition year to work and obtain relative financial autonomy.

Serious, organized and motivated, I carry out multiple tasks in a given time.

Madam, Sir, As you can see on my CV, I have several experiences, notably in sales, event management, harvesting, and shelving. In short, I have several years of experience in different fields.

Holder of a Bac Pro Commerce, I am considering a career change.

Hoping for a meeting, please accept, Madam, Sir, my distinguished greetings

  • Spontaneous application cover letter…

What you need to understand about spontaneous applications without a specific position

  • You should know that many spontaneous application CVs are not read. But they can nevertheless be kept and consulted if necessary, for example if there is a particular need within the company. In other words, if the company decides not to post a job offer. He will therefore indeed look towards spontaneous applications. Therefore, it is a good way to increase opportunities to find work.
  • Send your CV and cover letter directly to the email address of the recruiting department of the company you are interested in. If there is no "work with us" section on the site that indicates your preferences on how to apply spontaneously, you can contact the company by phone and ask which email address to send the curriculum to.
  • 150 Spontaneous Application Cover Letter Phrases
  • spontaneous application cover letter

Disadvantages of applying spontaneously

The other side of the coin is the risk of not not receive immediate feedback , because the company to which you send your resume does not always take care to respond to it.

Cover letter: Offer n° 170YWTS Bartender Versatile barmaid Housed position SUMMER JOB (M/F)

About the Author

cover letter spontaneous application

I am a web entrepreneur. Webmaster and website editor, I specialize in information search techniques on the Internet with the aim of making information much more accessible to Internet users. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, we cannot offer any guarantees or be held responsible for any errors made. If you notice an error on this site, we would be grateful if you would notify us using the contact: jmandii{}yahoo.fr (replace {} with @) and we will endeavor to correct it as soon as possible. THANKS

IMAGES

  1. Sample Cover Letter for a Job Application

    cover letter spontaneous application

  2. FREE 14+ Application Cover Letter Templates in MS Word

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  3. Opening Letter For Job Application Sample

    cover letter spontaneous application

  4. Spontaneous Job Application Cover Letter Sample

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  5. Job Application Letter Examples

    cover letter spontaneous application

  6. 20+ Cover Letter Examples: Samples for Any Job In 2023

    cover letter spontaneous application

VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. How to write a speculative application (with example)

    Here are a few key steps on how to write a speculative application: 1. Identify suitable employers. Begin by considering the employers you wish to contact and identifying your career aims and goals. Think about what industry you want to work in, research relevant organisations, and consider exploring their organisational culture and purpose to ...

  2. How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter

    Step 2. Keep Your Speculative Cover Letter Short and Professional. It is important to keep your speculative cover letter short and to the point. Keep the content succinct and focused - doing so will help to ensure the recipient reads it and digests the information it contains.

  3. How to write a cover letter for an unadvertised job

    Here are a few tips specific to spontaneous cover letters: ...

  4. Speculative Cover Letter: Examples and Writing Tips

    When writing a speculative cover letter you need to follow the same formatting rules as a standard cover letter. Here's what to do. Set one-inch margins on all sides of the page. Use single or 1.15 line spacing, and put a space between each paragraph. Choose an easily readable font in 11pt to 12pt size.

  5. How to Write a Cover Letter for an Unadvertised Job

    Cover Letter Sample and Writing Tips for a Job That's Not Advertised. Mention your contacts. If you know someone at the organization, mention this at the beginning of the cover letter. Having a contact at the company is a great way to get your foot in the door, even if the company isn't actively hiring. Use paper or email.

  6. How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter (With Examples)

    A brief but professional self-introduction. One or two sentences showing your interest in the company. A clear statement of why you're writing to the employer. Here's an example of a strong speculative cover letter opening statement: Using the department manager's name personalises your speculative cover letter.

  7. Speculative Cover Letter Examples & Expert Tips · Resume.io

    The comprehensive cover letter guide offers more detail in terms of the other cover letter writing advice. Our speculative cover letter example will hopefully offer some inspiration: Adaptable cover letter example. Dear Mr. Potts, I am an experienced customer service manager with five years of experience.

  8. Spontaneous Application Cover Letter

    Spontaneous Application Cover Letter. Dear [Hiring Manager], I am writing to express my interest in the [position] role at [company]. As a highly motivated and creative individual, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to your team. In my previous role at [previous company], I gained valuable experience in ...

  9. How To Write A Speculative Cover Letter With Template

    Strike the right tone. It can be hard to judge how to write a speculative cover letter and what tone to use. In our opinion, it's best to opt for a formal tone. You don't know the person, so don't be over-familiar. Open with 'Dear [person's name]', and avoid any informal chit-chat like 'I hope you had a good weekend'.

  10. How to Write Effective Speculative Cover Letter (+ Example)

    Here is how to write a speculative cover letter: 1. Make sure your speculative cover letter header is set out right. Your unsolicited cover letter had better look the part when it's first opened. Align to the right your full name, postal address, email, and phone number. Leave a line and add the date of writing.

  11. How to Write Speculative Cover Letters and Email Applications

    Step 4. Proofread. When making speculative job applications, your cover letter or email is the one opportunity you have to make a good impression. If the text is littered with spelling and grammar errors, this is unlikely to make the manager want to call you to discuss a potential job opening.

  12. spontaneous application cover letter example

    A spontaneous application cover letter example is a letter that you send to a company without them asking for an application. This type of letter is also known as a cold cover letter or an unsolicited application. It is a great way to introduce yourself to the company and showcase your skills and experience.

  13. Four tips to make your spontaneous applications shine

    1. Adapt your application/cover letter to address the company's needs and how you envision your skillset adding value. Before you submit a spontaneous application, you need to determine if the company's mission and goals matches your aspirations and skills at this stage in your career.Be aware that precise objectives will differ between companies.

  14. How to Write a Speculative Job Application by Email

    Explain your interest. Paragraph Two - Go on to summarise who you are and why you're emailing. Paragraph Three - Explain what you can offer, and how and why you are a valuable addition to their team. If you have relevant experience, be sure to explain how your transferable skills can be of use.

  15. Three excellent cover letter examples

    Yours sincerely. 3. Letter for creative jobs. We've used the example of a copywriter but you can adapt it for your profession. The aim of a creative letter is to be original and show you have ...

  16. Spontaneous applications: how to apply for a job not posted

    Simply ask for a few minutes of their time. This is about exploring, ...

  17. 150 Spontaneous Application Cover Letter Phrases

    I thank you very much for your attention to my application. Section 3: replacement sentences third paragraph of the spontaneous application cover letter. Pending your response, I remain at your entire disposal for an interview. Please accept, Madam, Sir, the expression of my distinguished greetings. While awaiting your response, please accept ...

  18. Example of writing spontaneous application cover letter models

    Example of writing spontaneous application cover letter models. Writing a cover letter for an unsolicited application can be a tricky exercise. It is essential to stand out from other candidates and attract the recruiter's interest from the first lines. Here is a writing example to guide you in creating your cover letter.

  19. Speculative application

    The cover letter for your speculative application. First of all, make sure that your cover letter is clear and precise. Avoid making general statements or repeating information that is already on your curriculum vitae. ... The main part of the cover letter for your spontaneous application will then focus on your skills and qualifications and on ...

  20. 5 Cover Letter Examples That Absolutely Crush It

    Yours sincerely, Joe Bloggs. 3. Non-Standard Cover Letter. If the job you are applying for is for a more creative role, you can be more inventive in your approach. As you are trying to display your suitability for the position, originality in your cover letter will allow you to stand out from the crowd.

  21. Best Cover Letter Examples To Nail Your Next Job Application

    Colorado, United States. Closing paragraph: Wrap up your pitch, thank the employer for considering you and include a call-to-action. Check our previous post for more tips on how to close a cover letter with a bang. Formal closure: Bade your goodbyes with a "Kind regards, [Your Name Surname] ".

  22. Spontaneous application cover letter "innovation and technology"

    Introduction cover letter unsolicited application: leading companies in the field of innovation and technology. To succeed in a spontaneous job application in French and European companies that have a reputation as a leader in innovation and technology, it is important to achieve two things: . 1. the introduction of the spontaneous cover letter which must explain why you chose this company.

  23. Spontaneous application cover letter without specific position

    Example cover letter spontaneous application without specific position. FYI, sending a spontaneous cover letter without specifying the profession you are looking for is the same as saying that you are looking for a job. Indeed, a job is work that is certainly paid, but which is not considered a profession. If you have 1 or more professions, it is preferable to write letters of…