Get Creative

Most employers admire persistence and a can-do attitude. Here are some ways you can show a prospective employer you're interested in working for them, even if there's no current job vacancy available.

Speculative Applications

What is a Speculative Application?
A speculative application is when you send an employer your CV with a cover letter when a specific job has not been advertised. Speculative applications can be emailed or sent by post to an employer. A well thought out speculative application shows an employer that you are a proactive and motivated individual.

Why send a Speculative Application?
Some companies don’t always advertise when they have available jobs, so if it's somewhere you really want to work it's worth sending them your CV on the off-chance something comes up.

Or, if you're looking for seasonal work or an internship, you might need to send out your CV speculatively to a few employers to see if anything is available.

Now you know what a speculative letter is and have some top tips under your belt, here are some sample letters you can review to help you draft your own speculative letter to an employer.

The first is if you already have relevant experience, the second is if you have done a work experience placement, and the third is if you have no work experience but shows you how to demonstrate your skills and interests.

RELEVANT INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

Example Letter 1

WORK PLACEMENT EXPERIENCE ONLY

Example Letter 2

NO WORK EXPERIENCE

Example Letter 3

Cold Calling

What is Cold Calling?
Cold calling is when you call a business directly without knowing if there are any jobs available.

Why do it?
A well-prepared cold call to a business you have researched shows initiative. Even if there aren’t any current jobs available when you call, you may be offered work experience or given information about a forthcoming job opportunity.

Tips for Success

Before

Research the company
Obtain a named contact (or ask for the hiring manager)
Write a script highlighting your skills and including the following:
- This is who I am
- This is what I have to offer
- I am interested in working for you
- I wondered if you had any vacancies?

Remember:
Prepare for all eventualities – including the answering machine!

During

Stay focused (minimise background noise & disruptions)
Be polite and friendly to the receptionist who answers the call
Speak clearly
Sell yourself
Take brief notes of what the employer is saying

After

Follow up on any agreed actions (e.g. send CV)
Practice makes perfect
Be persistent! If the first session of cold calls doesn’t work, try and try again.

HOW TO HANDLE OBJECTIONS

When you call a prospective employer you might not get put through to the person you need to speak to straightaway. Here are some useful tips on handling different types of phone responses…

"I’M SORRY BUT MR SMITH IS NOT AVAILABLE."
"I understand he must be very busy. Is there a better time I could call back?"

"I WILL GET MR SMITH TO CALL YOU BACK LATER."
"Don’t worry, I don’t mind calling back at a more suitable time. Can I take a note of their direct number so I won’t disturb you?"

"I’M VERY BUSY, I JUST DON’T HAVE TIME TO SPEAK TO YOU."
"Don’t worry, I don’t mind calling back at a more suitable time. Can I take a note of their direct number so I won’t disturb you?"

"WE AREN’T HIRING."
"No problem. Might you have any vacancies coming up in the future? I am really interested in working for you – how do you normally advertise?"

JOB WALKS

What is a Job Walk?
A Job Walk is when you physically walk into an employer’s premises and give them your CV.

Smaller businesses and those from certain sectors, such as charities, may not have the resources – financial or human – required to process the volume of applications created by job ads. In this case they may place job adverts in their window as they can fill vacancies from direct approaches.

Why do it?
Approaching an employer when you have a genuine interest in their organisation, or skills that can add value, can be viewed very positively and may result in an interview or even a job.