Did you know that only a very small percentage of jobs are actually advertised?
There are a few reasons for this. Many companies recruit from within their own business. Others gather potential candidates through word of mouth and networking sites like LinkedIn.
While it can be frustrating as a job hunter to know there are opportunities out there that you’re not aware of, a great way to tap into this hidden job market is to speculatively approach companies you’d like to work for.
A speculative approach just means contacting a company about job opportunities, even if they haven’t advertised vacancies. Impress them enough and they could create a role for you. At the very least, a good speculative approach means you’ll establish relationships with people who can keep you in mind for both current and future opportunities.
We’ve put together some pointers to help you make sure your approach is a targeted hit and not a shot in the dark.
Research the company
Don’t send the same generic cover letter to multiple companies. Research each business thoroughly. In your letter demonstrate your knowledge and explain why you would love to work for them.
Contact the right person
If you know which area of the business you would like to work in, try to track down someone senior in that department. You could do this by searching for company employees on sites like LinkedIn and Twitter or you could just call the company and ask to speak to the appropriate person. Go further than just speaking to the HR department – they will only deal with current vacancies – make sure you talk to key employees who may have influence.
Make an impact
Think about how you can make an impact on a busy employer who may not be considering hiring anyone at that moment. With an advertised vacancy you just need to tick the right boxes; with a speculative approach you need to wow the person. For that reason, put your whole personality into your cover letter. Be passionate about what you can offer the company in terms of your skills and strengths and don’t shy away from pointing out those areas of the business where you can fill a gap.
Be concise
Be passionate, but be passionate in a cover letter of one page or less. Your attached CV should also be no longer than two pages. Since the company is not officially recruiting, they’re under no obligation to read your letter so don’t bore them with lots of text.
Keep your options open
Discuss the types of roles you think you would be suited to, but let them know you’re open to other possibilities. If you’re willing to do work experience or an internship, mention this.
Vary your approach
Don’t just put speculative cover letters and CVs through the post – email, phone and try to contact the right people via social media sites like LinkedIn and Twitter. For more information, read Job hunting with social media.
Follow up
In your cover letter let them know you will follow up with a phone call in a week’s time. If they don’t have any openings in their department, ask them to forward your details to anyone else in the company who might be interested.
What next?
Ready to find an opportunity? Make sure your CV is up to scratch using My CV.
