Speculative Applications

[mrflibbles]

Does sending your C.V. to companies on the off chance that they have a suitable position actually work?

Has anyone landed a job this way?

Any tips?

[steviebee]

We have a brilliant Account Executive who came to us in exactly this way. CV - out of the blue - perfect timing - perfect candidate.

But it is rare!

If you go this route, research the company in detail and present to them a rationnaile as to why they need you.

Start off by saying that (for example): "you have noticed they are moving into a new market and your experience suggests that you could make a serious contribution to their efforts, etc."

Approach it as a buisness proposition rather than simply "I'd really to work for you".

Go for it!

[JonRB]

On the whole I treat them like any other unsolicited mail - straight in the bin or straight in the "deleted" folder depending on whether they are paper or email.

[simpo two]

I've got two jobs in my life and both have been from speculative approaches.

Reply to an advert and you're automatically in a 5,000 long queue. Lob a letter in at the correct moment and you might just catch them before they place the advert. I suppose the best thing is to do both.

Now that I'm self-employed, if anyone contacts me about a job, I always reply promptly and, if possible, constructively. You never know who you might meet on the way down.

[Big_M]

My first job was from a speculative application and Mr Big's current job was also achived this way.

[mrflibbles]

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated!