The Art of the Speculative Application

If your speculative application begins with “Dear Sir/ Madam”, it may well have started with the words “Please ignore this email!”

Did you know that nearly 70 per cent of all openings aren’t advertised? Because of this, even in a downturn, employers may still be open to speculative applications. Either way, there’s a good chance that many employers won’t actually know what they need until they see what you have to offer them.

A speculative application is a quicker and more direct route. While submitting a speculative application (i.e. “applying on spec”) does require plenty of research beforehand, you will still most likely end up with some valuable insights!

Moreover, with more information under your belt, you’re more likely to have a better idea if you’ll be a good match for the organisation, which in turn will give you the confidence you need should you get the opportunity to meet the employer for an interview.

Here are some tips on breaking into the hidden market and how to apply on spec like a pro!

1

Draw up a shortlist of employers

When it comes to finding out more information about potential employers, good sources include:

• Online business directories

• Specialised business and trade publications

• Magazines and websites by professional associations

• Local publications that target your area of interest

• Newspapers

If you have access to your campus’s careers services centre, it’s worth looking through the information they have on local employers, including reports from alumni.

Remember, personal networks can be useful too! Friends, family members and their connections can all be good contacts to help you get that first foot in the door.

2

Prepare to apply speculatively

Once you have your list of employers, you need to do your research. Suss out details about the company and get a feel for the kind of work they do. This will help you show a genuine interest in the employer and make a convincing speculative application.

3

Make contact personal

Finding a named contact is the golden rule of making a speculative application, and those addressed to a “Sir/Madam” or “whom it may concern” have a high probability of being ignored.

Moreover, it’s easier to make a quick phone call to the company to ask for the name of the person who’s responsible for recruiting.

Be tactful about it, though. It’s bad form to just go, “Hi, what is the name of the person who is in charge of hiring?” at the one who answers your call. Try to soften the blow by being honest, yet polite, about your reason for calling. “Hello, I would like to apply for a position at your company, and was wondering who I should leave my resume with...”

4

Stay focused but open-minded

Be clear about what you’re looking for when getting into contact with employers. After all, it’s not just about selling yourself. Taking a speculative approach can also be a great way to: • Find permanent, temporary or parttime vacancies, work experience, or work shadowing opportunities.

• Arrange a time for a chat on the phone, a brief visit, or the opportunity to meet a recent graduate or employee of the organisation.

• Learn which other employers in a similar industry may be hiring, even if the one you’re contacting isn’t interested in having you on board.

5

Follow up

To improve your chances of success, follow up your speculative application with a phone call a few days after you send it in. Personal contact can create a good impression and make you more memorable.

Even if the employer can’t help with your main request, talking to them will be your chance to ask if there are any opportunities coming up, find out how the organisation typically recruits, and where and when you should look out for their job postings.

Other reasons why you should apply speculatively

• You’re trying to find work in a specialised or niche sector, such as publishing, pet care, or creative media.

• You’re looking to work with a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) or start-up.

Most smaller companies typically don’t allocate a lot of resources to recruitment and advertising, but may still need additional staff.

• You missed the standard recruitment window.