Speculative approaches
Speculative applications involve sending a CV and covering letter to an organisation, even though they have not specifically advertised a position.
Speculative applications are a common way for people to find graduate positions and gain work experience. In a survey of how students found their work experience at The University of Manchester, over 50% of students responding had used speculative applications.
Disadvantages
- The organisation may not be looking to hire anyone at that time and may discard your application.
Advantages
- Your application could arrive at exactly the right time and convince them that they would benefit from hiring someone.
- You will not have to face the competition of as many applicants to compete with, compared to if the job had been widely advertised.
Top tips for speculative applications
Write to a named individual
This has more impact and suggests you are motivated. You could telephone the company's central telephone number and request a name.
Don't just apply to the well-known largest organisations
Some of the smaller firms can have the most challenging opportunities. A large organisation may simply encourage you to apply for their internship scheme, whereas a smaller firm may have the flexibility to hire you. Information about smaller organisations can be found in online business directories.
If you have a part-time job, your current employer may suggest organisations too.
Do your research
What does the company do? Why are you interested in working for them? Put the same level of preparation into a speculative letter as for a formal application. Standard letters just look standard!
Be flexible
Even though you would like to be paid and work a specific number of hours, try to be flexible in your approach. Some people start off by making contacts and researching careers, and build up to requesting a period of work experience.
Our networking section has more information.
Make the connection
What do you have to offer this organisation, and how could they benefit from hiring you? Think about what you have to offer. Is it your knowledge of the Chinese IT industry, your fluent French or your interest in marketing strategies, or urban regeneration?
Follow up
Don't send your letter and just forget about it. If you don't hear anything from the company within three weeks, you could follow up your letter with a phone call or email. Remain polite in all your correspondence.