Job applications: Speculative job applications

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Making speculative approaches can be an effective way of gaining entry to work and in some industries it is the norm.

• Identify employers who recruit graduates with your degree; who might be interested in your dissertation; or who you feel suit your skills.
• Research is the key to speculative applications and the internet is a good place to start. Learn about the company, their organisational structure, trends in your field, competitors, and any areas of growth or change.
• Find out the name of the person you need to send your CV to and address it for their attention.

Ensure that your letter states clearly what you are looking for - a job, work experience, work shadowing, project work - along with what skills and experience you have to offer. Include the dates when you are available and whether you require payment or are primarily looking for an opportunity to gain experience. Joining a company as an intern, summer temp or for work experience can be a useful way to open doors, network and gain references.

• Follow up your letter with a telephone call to show your genuine interest and see if you can arrange a meeting to discuss job possibilities, review your application, or gain further contacts.
• Create a network of influential people. To be most effective, combine contacts from all sources, such as your personal and professional networks. Ask people, including lecturers or past students, for contacts who may know of opportunities in a particular sector.

Have a look at Covering letter for a speculative application for an example.

	Written by higher education careers professionals	Date:  Spring 2009
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