speculative application letter

Speculative cover letter examples

Speculative cover letters can be a proactive way to get your foot in the door and find jobs that haven’t even been advertised yet.

But with so much resting on this application, you need to use the space wisely to explain what type of role you’re looking for and what attracted you to their company.

Find out how to do that successfully with our expert advice and speculative cover letter examples in the guide below.

CV templates 

Speculative cover letter example 1

Speculative cover letter example 2

Speculative cover letter example 3

The example cover letters here should give you a good general idea on how your Speculative cover letter should be formatted and written.

The rest of this guide gives more specific guidance on how to create your own cover letter in this format, and even includes some templates you can copy and paste.

How to write a Speculative cover letter

A simple step-by-step guide to writing your very own winning cover letter.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When you send a cover letter with a job application, you should always write your message into the body of your email – or the body of the messaging system if you are sending via a job website.

Why do this?

Simply because you want to get your message seen as soon as the recruiter opens your application.

If you attach the cover letter as a separate item, this means the recipient will have to open it before they can read it – slowing down the process and potentially causing frustration along the way.

So, write your cover note in the body of your email/message to ensure you make an instant connection with the reader.

Start with a friendly greeting

To build an instant connection with the recruiter reading your cover letter, start with a warm greeting.

It should be friendly but not casual – keeping it professional at all times.

• Hi, hope you’re well
• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very traditional companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

After you have greeted the recruiter, it’s important to state the job you are applying to.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so they need to know exactly which job you are referring to.

Be as specific as possible and use a reference number if you can find one.

Here are some examples you can use;

• I am interested in applying for the role of admin assistant with your organisation.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 4057393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advertisement for a trainee project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The main purpose of your cover letter is to excite recruiters and make them eager to open your CV. And you achieve this by quickly demonstrating your suitability to the job you are applying for.

Take a look at the job adverts you are applying for, and make note of the most important skills being asked for.

Then, when you write your cover letter, make your suitability the focal point.

Explain how you meet the candidate requirements fully, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider your application.

Keep it short and sharp

It is best to keep your cover letter brief if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.

Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.

Sign off professionally

To finish off your cover note, add a professional signature to the bottom, stating your important contact details and information.

This not only provides recruiters with multiple means of contacting you, but it also adds a nice professional appearance to the cover letter, which shows that you know how to conduct yourself in the workplace.

Include the following points;

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Aaron Smith Customer service professional 075557437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Speculative cover letter

Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Speculative cover letter…

The exact info will obviously depend on your industry and experience level, but these are the essentials.

• Your relevant experience – Where have you worked and what type of jobs have you held?
• Your qualifications – Let recruiters know about your highest level of qualification to show them you have the credentials for the job.
• The impact you have made – Show how your actions have made a positive impact on previous employers; perhaps you’ve saved them money or helped them to acquire new customers?
• Your reasons for moving – Hiring managers will want to know why you are leaving your current or previous role, so give them a brief explanation.
• Your availability – When can you start a new job ? Recruiters will want to know how soon they can get you on board.

Don’t forget to tailor these points to the requirements of the job advert for best results.

Speculative cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Speculative cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

I am writing to express my strong interest in any upcoming data engineering and analytics opportunities available at Intuita. Over the course of my 17 years of experience in IT, I have diligently supervised cross-functional teams and delivered data-driven solutions that have transformed various businesses.

While there may not be a specific job opening advertised at this time, I believe my computer science qualifications align perfectly with your commitment to informed decision-making and technological advancements. In my current role as a Data Specialist at Sphere Digital Ltd, I use tools such as Python, SQL, and Tableau to extract valuable insights from complex datasets, and subsequently translate these into actionable recommendations that positively impact the company’s performance.

Within the last 3 years I have successfully reduced the time spent on analysis by 25% through creating interactive visualisations, and lowered procurement expenses by 15% due to identifying cost-saving opportunities. I also developed automated dashboards that decreased report generation time by 50%.

I welcome the chance to discuss how my skills and qualification align with your organisation and would be keen to attend an interview when a suitable position becomes available.

Kind regards

Felicity Wright

Hello Roger

I read through your website and noticed that WSP is recruiting for a number of transport planning vacancies throughout the UK, and I am keen to offer my CV for any positions that come available in Hull.

As a results-oriented professional with a passion for optimising transportation operations and a strong background in logistics, I am enthusiastic about contributing my skills to your world-renowned organisation. Throughout my 10 years of experience in the industry, I have demonstrated my ability to optimise routes and ensure timely and cost-effective delivery solutions.

In my current role at DPD Group, I have implemented freight consolidation strategies that cut transportation expenses by 15%, coordinated with carriers in increases in on-time delivery performance by 25%, as well as introduced training programmes which boosted driver productivity by 35%. I firmly believe that my qualifications and past achievements align perfectly with your commitment to excellence in transportation services and continuous improvement.

Thank you for considering my application and I look forward to the possibility of joining your dynamic team when a vacancy arises in the future.

Sable Fernandez

Good afternoon, Miles

I am writing to show my interest in your upcoming opportunities as a landscape architect and consultant at Tyler Grange. As a creative and detail-oriented professional with a passion for transforming outdoor spaces into beautiful landscapes, I am eager to contribute my expertise to your organisation.

Over the course of 15 years in landscape architecture, I have demonstrated my ability to conceptualise and execute innovative projects, including urban design, public parks, greenways, and school gardens which align with clients’ visions and environmental sustainability. I believe that my qualifications and skills resonate perfectly with your establishment’s commitment to excellence in landscape design.

Some key achievements I have played a significant role in while at Atkins include, attaining a 98% on-time project completion rate for 7 straight years, as well as incorporating design practices and native plant selections that led to a 20% reduction in landscape maintenance costs. Furthermore, I generated £4M+ annually through client referrals and repeat business.

I am eager to discuss any upcoming landscape architecture vacancies in greater detail. Please feel free to contact me via email or by phone to schedule an interview.

Vincent Cowell

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Speculative job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

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How To Write A Speculative Cover Letter With Template

Wondering how to write a speculative cover letter?

A speculative CV with an accompanying cover letter is a way of connecting with employers when they’re not advertising vacancies.

Speculative applications can have great results, and can also be an effective way of  getting internships or work placements .

Lots of positions are filled without ever being advertised, so a speculative letter could be your way in.

Here’s how to write a speculative cover letter that strikes the right tone and helps you get your foot in the door.

We’ve also written a speculative cover letter template to show how to format and write your letter – this can be found at the bottom of the blog.

Start by researching thoroughly

Once you’ve found an organisation you’d like to work for, the first thing to do is  research it thoroughly .

Find out everything you can about the organisation, its staff and the wider industry it operates in.

Most of the information you’ll need will be readily available from online sources, including:

• The organisation’s website
• Press releases published by the organisation
• Its LinkedIn page and social media profiles
• News articles relating to the organisation
• Industry-specific publications, newsletters or blogs
• Review sites like  Glassdoor

The more knowledge you can arm yourself with, the better you’ll be able to work out how your skills, experience and interests could benefit the organisation, and how you’ll be the perfect fit for the company.

And remember, when writing a speculative cover letter, accuracy is key.

Misspelling the name of the organisation, its products or services or the addressee (ultimately the decision maker) could spell disaster for your speculative letter.

Know who you’re talking to

Research the organisation’s staff list carefully to find out who to address your letter to. This may be:

• The managing director, if it’s a smaller firm
• A head of department
• The hiring manager
• A member of the HR department

It’s absolutely crucial that you address the letter to a specific person. ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ or ‘To whom it may concern’ won’t score you any points, especially if they have their name in their email address.

Mention early on or at the end of the letter that you’ve attached your CV to the email, to encourage the reader to look at this after the cover letter.

Strike the right tone

It can be hard to judge how to write a speculative cover letter and what tone to use. In our opinion, it’s best to opt for a formal tone. You don’t know the person, so don’t be over-familiar.

Open with ‘Dear [person’s name]’, and avoid any informal chit-chat like ‘I hope you had a good weekend’. Keep your tone friendly but professional throughout, and close with ‘Yours sincerely’.

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Don’t apologise

You might think sending a speculative CV and cover letter will come across as pushy or presumptuous – but hiring managers are unlikely to see it that way.

Don’t be tempted to start with something apologetic like ‘I hope you don’t mind me contacting you unsolicited’.

There’s no need to apologise – a speculative application is evidence that you’re  enthusiastic and proactive , rather than arrogant.

Get straight to the point

If you’re wondering about how to start a speculative cover letter, our top tip would be: get to the point!

Hiring managers are busy – so don’t waste their time. Too many speculative cover letters suffer from long, repetitive introductions,  clichéd language  and wordy explanations that are unlikely to be read.

Cut to the chase straight away. Say why you’re writing, and demonstrate how you can benefit the organisation with a few  key highlights from your CV .

Get that cover letter written by us!

Cover letter, format your cover letter appropriately.

A formally laid out cover letter is likely to have a better chance of succeeding. Put your name, address and the date on the right at the top, and the addressee’s details on the left starting on the line below.

The purpose of a speculative job letter is to get the hiring manager to look at your CV – so give them a reason to read it with three or four solid points straight off the bat.

You could format these as bullet points to make them even easier to read.

Keep paragraphs short and snappy and try to keep your letter to around half a page, and definitely no more than one page.

Focus on the employer

When writing a speculative cover letter, you should say as much (if not more) about the organisation you’re writing to as you do about yourself.

Try not to start every paragraph with ‘I’. You want to communicate what you can do for the organisation and why you want to work there, so try to evidence the knowledge you gained through your research.

What challenges and opportunities is the organisation facing? Try to focus on the person reading the letter and their priorities, and give a few examples from your experience that show how you can meet them.

Avoid the hard sell. Some sources recommend ending with something like ‘I’ll be calling you next week to schedule an interview’, but this pushy approach may backfire.

End simply by expressing that you’d like the opportunity to continue the conversation. Specify how the hiring manager can contact you (by phone or at your email address, for example) followed by ‘I look forward to hearing from you’.

As always, check, check and check again for typos and grammatical errors. Get someone else to proofread it for you if you can.

If you don’t hear anything within a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to  follow up by email or phone . This will show perseverance and a real desire to work for the organisation.

It’s also an opportunity to ask for constructive feedback if you weren’t successful.

Speculative cover letter template

Below is an annotated speculative cover letter example to give you an idea of how to format and write the letter:

How to write a speculative cover letter: a summary

A speculative application can be a great way to engage with an organisation, and could get you one step closer to your dream job.

Even if the employer doesn’t have your perfect role open immediately, it could put you on their radar as someone to contact in the future.

We hope our guide has given you a better idea of how to write a speculative cover letter.

Remember, a cover letter acts as the bait to get hiring managers to read your CV – so make sure your accompanying CV is as good as it can be!

Need help crafting a kickass CV? Our tailor-made CVs showcase your best bits and set you head and shoulders above the job market competition.  Find out more .

Want to know more about how to write a good standard cover letter? Go back to basics with  these principles.  You can see some  examples of cover letters here , including a speculative cover letter example.

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• How to write a speculative...

How to write a speculative application for a job that isn't advertised

8 min read · Updated on October 25, 2022

A company may not be hiring, but you could still land yourself a job. Here's how.

The best-kept secret in finding a new role is the hidden job market . This means that while not all jobs are advertised, you can still apply for them by writing a speculative application.

In this article, learn all about the speculative job application - including what it is and how to write one.

What is a speculative application?

A speculative application, also known as a speculative CV, involves reaching out to a company and putting yourself forward for jobs that have not been advertised or do not exist right now. It usually involves sending a CV and cover letter via email or an online portal.

Applying “on spec” is the term used to describe sending a speculative job application. It's common practice for many industries too. If you're solely looking for job adverts to respond to, you could be missing out on opportunities in the charity, design, environmental, and media sectors, where applying on spec is commonplace.

Sending a speculative CV isn't limited to full-time roles either. Applying on spec can pave a direct route into a company that may reveal temporary or permanent work, contract work, internships, and graduate positions. 

Do speculative job applications work?

Speculative applications are worthwhile. They work particularly well for a variety of industries where applying on spec is commonplace, particularly in media, including journalism, broadcasting, publishing, TV, and film. However, they can be advantageous regardless of the field you wish to pursue. 

Sending speculative applications can grant you access to a wider pool of roles that you otherwise wouldn't have discovered. Taking a proactive approach can therefore increase your chances of job-hunt success.

And at the very least, you will have increased your business connections that may inform you of future work opportunities. 

How do you write a speculative application?

Writing a speculative job application takes a healthy pinch of creativity, logic, and determination. It's a little trickier than your usual application, as you have to assume the details of an imaginary job spec. However, it's not impossible. Here are five steps to follow:

1. Identify what your ideal job looks like

Before you start a speculative job application, reflect on what your current employment needs are and the type of job you are looking for. Remember, just because the job isn't advertised, it doesn't mean you can aim for a “dream job” you're not qualified to do. Consider a role that aligns with your experience, skill set, and career goals.

Once you have pulled together a vision of your ideal job, hunt for vacancies online and peruse the requirements. This will help to verify whether your abilities align with the type of job you're looking for.

2. Curate a shortlist of prospective employers

The next step involves drawing up a shortlist of employers to target. Start by considering the companies that interest you the most. This might be based on a bucket list of dream companies to work for, recommendations from friends or old colleagues, or even brand mentions in industry-related publications that have sparked your interest.

Then move on to look for companies based on their sector and location, to whittle down a shortlist of potential targets. While a simple Google search should reveal “marketing agencies in Bristol” and the like, you can also take to job boards, employer review sites, and professional bodies, which host company profiles to peruse with ease. 

3. Conduct background research

Once you've found the companies that meet your sector and location requirements, the next step is background research. This is to ensure that you're well informed about the company and get a feel for the type of work they do.

Start with the company's website. Look through the “About Us” pages, which will highlight the organisation's aims, employees, and values. Also, review the product and services pages and the blog to get a deeper understanding of how they make money, who their customers are, and the topics they care about. 

Most importantly, review the careers section of the website which should reveal details about life at the company and the current vacancies. This section should signal the areas where they are currently investing in headcount and at what level. Don't let it deter you if you can't find a vacancy for yourself. Instead, use them for inspiration. 

By reading through live job adverts, you'll pick up on keywords that are used in the company's recruitment drive, in addition to desirable traits they are looking for in applicants.

4. Find and establish a suitable contact at the company

It's essential that you find a personal contact at the company before making a speculative application. While an organisation may advertise on their website that they will welcome speculative applications, the email address will probably be related to a group inbox rather than a personal inbox, meaning it may be deprioritised. 

LinkedIn will likely be your best friend in this instance. Find out who the hiring manager is, or even the head of the relevant department. Browse their profile to gain an insight into their professional interests and position at work. If their work email isn't listed on their profile, send a short message to say you're looking to reach out and discuss potential work opportunities at the company and ask for the best email address.

Failing that, call the company to find out the name of the person in charge of recruiting and the best email address to reach them on.

5. Tailor your CV and cover letter to an assumed job spec

A tailored CV is a job-search essential. Even though you do not have a job description to reference, this shouldn't stop you from writing a bespoke CV. By using your research about the company, the sought-after traits listed in their live vacancies, and job specs from your earlier research related to your ideal job, you can craft a customised CV.

Pull out organisational values to subtly reference throughout your personal statement . Then, identify industry- and role-relevant keywords to add throughout your CV to highlight where your skill set lies and your relevant achievements. This will make it clear to the employer what you can do, the value you can bring to the company, and that you know what type of job you want.

Mirror the same level of personalisation and detail throughout your cover letter. The first paragraph of a speculative cover letter is slightly different to the standard cover letter for an advertised vacancy . In your introduction, instead of stating the role you're applying for, reference why you're approaching the employer. This is especially pertinent if you have an existing relationship with someone there. 

In addition, make it clear what type of role you're looking for by providing a concise and snappy description. If the employer believes you don't know what you're looking for, you may come across as disingenuous.

How do you send and follow up on a speculative job application?

When emailing your speculative application, use your cover letter as the body of the email and attach your CV. This is rather than writing a short email and attaching the cover letter and CV. Be sure to name the file of your CV with something descriptive, so that they can tie the file back to you. Your full name and ideal job title, followed by “speculative CV application” or similar should do the trick. 

Follow the same logic with the subject line, but note that you don't need to include your name as the recipient will see it in your email address.

Depending on the size of the company, it could take anywhere from a few days to a few months to respond. Some may not respond at all. As a rule of thumb, send a follow-up email no sooner than a week later to check in and see if they've had a chance to review your speculative application. Keep it light and friendly - after all, this could be your future employer. 

Speculative applications are tricky in comparison to applying to live vacancies, but you may hit the jackpot of jobs if it pays off. Be patient, open-minded, and proactive, and remember that, even if there isn't a role available right now, keep all doors open so you'll be in the front of their mind when there is.

Submit your CV for a free review to check that you've portrayed your abilities and achievements in the right way for a particular employer as part of your speculative application.

Recommended reading

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How to sell yourself on a CV without sounding arrogant

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See how your CV stacks up.

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Crafting a compelling cover letter for hidden job opportunities

Jan 07, 2020

Writer, editor and digital content specialist

The company is perfect. The team members are experienced and dynamic. You agree with the company mission and can see yourself sitting behind a desk in the office, putting your expertise to terrific use and helping the business to succeed. But there’s no job for you there. At least, not yet.

Unfortunately, this is often the reality of job hunting. But if you feel strongly drawn towards a particular company, and you believe that you could be a great employee there, don’t give up and move on. You can, and should get in touch to express your passion, your experience, and how you believe you can contribute. Submit a spontaneous application. While it’s unlikely to result in a job straight away, a spontaneous application is a strong way to make yourself known, either for positions that may be available but not advertised, or for any future openings.

When you’re sending a spontaneous application, how you present yourself is more important than ever. And that means customizing your cover letter and resume for the occasion. But before we get to that…

Why bother with a spontaneous application?

The odds that a perfect role for you is just an email away are slim but a spontaneous application can be well worth your while.

The number of job vacancies never publicly advertised makes up such a large percentage of openings that there is even a name for this sector: the hidden job market . Certain companies, and even entire industries, are more likely to lean on private networks or referrals to fill available roles quickly, rather than going through a public job posting process. So there’s a high likelihood that the perfect role for you is out there, but not advertised.

More significantly, a spontaneous application is useful for making a positive introduction to a hiring manager for potential roles in the future. It gets your foot in the door, so to speak. It may also be an opportunity for you to sell yourself, your experience, and your knowledge of the company and its vision by suggesting to an employer that they need a role they simply haven’t yet thought of.

When should you send one?

If you’re applying for a position that is unlikely to exist yet, consider sending a spontaneous application in the discovery phase of a job search . This is when you’re interested in a new position but not actively in need of one. This way, you’re not placing too much faith in the application, and have plenty of time to create a long-lead introduction to the company .

It can also be helpful to pay attention to tech and business news , noting startup companies that have recently completed fundraising rounds. This is likely to mean that they will be hiring very soon.

How to write an accompanying cover letter

When you’re writing a cover letter for a spontaneous application, you won’t have a specific job description to guide you. This can be frustrating because it’s more difficult to clearly explain how your experience and skills fit a particular set of requirements without a framework. However, it can also be liberating, allowing you to be broader in your personal pitch.

The main idea, as with any cover letter, is to sell your expertise, your knowledge of the company and your belief that you have what it takes to help their business succeed. While the body of your email should be crisp and digestible, your cover letter is where you can make the most compelling case for your candidacy.

Even though there is no bullet list of job duties that you can reference, you can infer from the company’s products and services what your work there might involve. After, you can elaborate on how you would excel by using specific examples from your past experience as a reference.

Here are a few tips specific to spontaneous cover letters:

Be as concise as possible while still clearly detailing your experience and ambitions. Because your application is spontaneous, a manager’s attention span when reviewing it will probably be even shorter than normal.

Be specific in describing how you could help the company, and what kind of position you would like. The narrower your goal, the more convincing it will be that you are a focused applicant, and not someone fishing for any available job.

Include examples of your past work , if relevant to your industry. Do this either in the form of a link to a professional portfolio website or as a separate attachment that you can reference in your email.

Email a specific person by searching through Welcome to the Jungle, or other recruitment websites and tools such as LinkedIn. This will make sure that your message reaches the right person and is (hopefully) read.

Ask for a recommendation , if you happen to have anyone in your social or professional networks who works, has worked, or knows anyone at the company to which you’re applying. Having a personal introduction can make all the difference, especially if said person is able to vouch for your abilities and your work ethic.

The waiting game

Next comes the hard part: being patient . It’s best not to expect any news, and certainly not straight away. You may not hear back after sending a spontaneous application at all. The company might simply not respond to unsolicited applications. Even if you made a good impression, it may be months before a role is open that fits your experience. In such cases, you can follow up with a friendly email.

Give it at least two weeks before following up on your first email, and then leave any subsequent unsolicited contact to once every few months . Any more than that, and you risk seeming less like an interested and passionate candidate, and more like a nuisance.

Despite the uncertainty, a spontaneous application is still an exercise well worth doing. Jobs, as with life, are uncertain—a unique combination of the right place, the right time, and more than a little bit of luck. Your application may not lead anywhere productive. But whereas the downside is nonexistent, the upside holds huge untold potential. Who knows? It might just end up with you landing your dream job.

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How to write a speculative job application

If you're not having any luck with jobs that are advertised then it might be time to consider those that aren't. Being proactive and sending a speculative application can increase your chance of success in a competitive job market

What is a speculative application?

Making a speculative application means getting in touch with an organisation to ask whether they have a suitable job for you, despite the fact they aren't advertising a particular vacancy. It usually involves sending a cover letter and a CV.

Of course, major graduate schemes and roles at large companies will usually be formally advertised and you can apply in the normal way - via their websites, more often than not through the submission of an application form.

However, if you rely solely on responding to job adverts you may miss out on a range of opportunities, especially in the charity , design , environmental and media sectors where applying 'on spec' is common practice.

Speculative applications provide a direct route into the company and making contact with recruiters can lead to:

• temporary or permanent work
• internships or work shadowing opportunities
• increased business connections.

Even if it turns out there isn't a job available, your positive approach may impress the employer and they'll bear you in mind for future vacancies.

How do I identify employers?

To be successful with a speculative application you need to be organised, so rushing off a standard CV without any context or explanation won't cut it.

Draw up a shortlist of employers to target by focusing on the sectors and companies that interest you. As a starting point, consider the organisations where you've carried out work experience and the companies you've always wanted to work for. Don't discount small, local businesses - it's usually small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are the most open to speculative applications.

Visit your university careers service to get information on employers and to make connections through events and alumni networks. Social media is also a good way to network, make contacts and discover more about a business. Find out more about social media and job hunting . You could also attend networking events both face-to-face and online as having conversations with those in industry may help dig up employers that do not have a traditional graduate scheme.

For more ideas, browse employer profiles or attend careers fairs .

Once you've identified where you'd like to work, and have checked that they aren't advertising vacancies, you'll need to do some background research so you are knowledgeable and well-informed.

Look on company websites to find out how the organisation operates and get a feel for what it does. What projects is it working on? Are there any plans for growth or expansion?

Follow the organisation's social media channels to keep up to date with the company's current events and activities.

How do I tailor my approach?

Take some time to think about what you're trying to achieve and what you want to happen next. Are you going to ask for a permanent role or an internship? How are you going to sell yourself to the company? How can you persuade them that you're a good match for what they need?

You need to tailor your approach to each company. Your CV and cover letter need to explain what type of role you're looking for and why you have chosen that company. Do this by referring to any key projects they're working on, or their aims and values and why they resonate with you. Demonstrate that you really are interested in their organisation, and then highlight the relevant skills and experiences you have.

The emphasis should be on what you can bring to the company, not on what they can do for you, as the last thing you want is to sound like you're begging for work.

If you're applying for a graduate job you're essentially asking the organisation to create a role for you that doesn't currently exist. To stand a chance of success, you need to ensure that all the skills and experience highlighted in your application are directly relevant to the company - this can be tricky without a job description to work from so your research into the organisation really is invaluable.

Look at any current vacancies they have, the job or person specification can infer the skills used in the business, as well as their business make-up.

In order to reach somebody with hiring authority, make sure you send your application to a named contact. If you can't find the relevant contact information on the company website, try searching LinkedIn or make a phone call to ask who is in charge of recruitment. Always be polite in your dealings with the employer.

Discover how to put together a winning application with this example cover letter for a speculative job application .

Should I follow up my application?

About one or two weeks after sending, follow up your application with a phone call. This gives your contact time to read your email - while it's good to be persistent, pestering the company will not show you in a good light.

Should the employer decide they'd like to meet you, it's time to explore interview tips. Be aware that you may be offered something different to what you asked for - for example, a work placement or internship instead of a graduate job or a temporary role instead of a permanent position. At this stage you can be flexible, but don't automatically accept - make sure you think about whether the offer they put on the table is right for you.

You might get a few knock-backs, but making personal contact is so important. Even if they can't help you immediately you can find out more about how they normally advertise, and learn about opportunities that might be coming up in the future.

Even if an employer may not be able to offer you an opportunity, they could put you in touch with someone who could help.

Just because your application has been unsuccessful doesn't mean you can't use this opportunity to learn something. Ask for feedback on your application and how you can improve future speculative approaches.

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How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter

You may have spotted an employer that you’d love to work for, but they’re not currently hiring for any position that fits with your aspirations. Speculative applications can have great results, especially for those wanting to get an internship, work placement, apprenticeship or graduate job. You’ll need to be engaging, expressive and able to confidently discuss your skill to really have an effect.

Why Send a Speculative Cover Letter?

If you’re looking for a job within a competitive industry, you may need to be proactive with your job searches and job application as not all roles are formally advertised. Plus, if there’s a company that you think could provide you with your dream job, why not give it a shot? A speculative CV with an accompanying cover letter is a great way of connecting with recruiters or potential employers when they’re not advertising vacancies.

How to Start a Covering Letter

Before you think about sitting down and writing your covering letter, you’ll need to research the company. Even if you know a lot about the company, you’ll want to brush up on your knowledge in order to create a good cover letter.

Find out everything you can about the organisation, including its staff and also the wider industry they operate within.

Take a look through their website and also look for press releases as well as related news article to really find out what’s happening at their organisation. Make sure you look at their social media profiles and also look on websites such as Glassdoor for staff reviews on working there.

The more knowledge you have to start with, the easier it will be to write your covering letter. It’s this knowledge that will enable you to connect your skills, experience and interests to their company.

What to Include and what not to Include

The general formatting of a speculative letter will be relatively similar to a standard cover letter:

• Start with personal information such as your name, address and contact details. You should never include your national insurance number or bank details on your cover letter.
• Include information to your social media platforms such as Linkedin. There should be crucial information about your work experience on there and it will also enable them to get a better indication of your interests through shared articles and endorsed skills.
• Include the manager’s name if you have it, but if you don’t just use Dear Sir/Madam.
• Within the first paragraph, you should outline what type of role you’re looking for, and why you want to work for that particular company.
• The second paragraph should explain more about the skills you possess and any experience you have that could be of interest to them. There is no job description so you’ll have to be inventive on how your skill set may apply to their business.
• The closing paragraph is the last chance for you to make an impression. You need to tell them exactly why you’d be perfect for the company and what you could potentially contribute. If there isn’t an open job, why should they open one for you? what do you have that is different? this doesn’t always have to be your skills, genuine passion for the company and their values could be enough.
• To close the covering letter, thank them for their time and sign-off the cover letter with ‘Yours faithfully’)

The final thing to mention here is that you must ensure there are no spelling mistakes. This involves specific person names, product names and relations to the company especially. You can use a spell checker or Grammarly for the checking of punctuation and spelling, but they may not pick up branded names so you’ll need to double-check.

Get to the Point, Set your Tone & Don't Apologise

You might think that sending a speculative application and cover letter could come across as pushy or presumptuous by the receiver. In most cases this couldn’t be any further from the truth, HR teams are often impressed by this process as it shows passion, confidence and forthcomingness. It’s also worth mentioning that recruiting can be a timely and expensive process, so someone coming forth is a great way for them to avoid this.

What you absolutely shouldn’t do is open with anything apologetic such as ‘I hope you don’t mind me contacting you’. You need to be confident that you’re offering them something of value and apologising for contacting them doesn’t give that impression. A speculative application is verification that you’re an enthusiastic and proactive individual, rather than arrogant or presumptuous.

The best start to a speculative cover letter is one that gets straight to the point. HR teams and managers are busy people so avoid long-winded introductions and ones that are copied off the internet as they’ll have read it ten times already.

Quickly explain why you’re writing to them. Don’t just explain, demonstrate how you can benefit their company with key highlights from your CV. Keep to a formal layout and ensure all the points in the ‘What to Include and what not to Include’ section are covered. Make a mental note to keep the information condensed.

By now you’re likely wondering, how many words should a cover letter be? There really is no golden number, it’s about how many words it takes to really sell your worth to the company. The general guidelines are to stick to around half a page and definitely no more than one page.

We hope our guide has given you the knowledge you need to go and write an amazing speculative cover letter that lands you the position you desire. Remember the cover letter is the bait to get the HR team to read your CV, so make sure your CV is as good as your covering letter!

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How To Write A Speculative Cover Letter With Winning Examples

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In the current economic climate, being proactive in your job search is more important than ever. Don’t wait for a company to come to you with an offer. It might never happen! We’ll provide tips on writing a speculative cover letter and convince employers that you’re worth their time and consideration.

A speculative cover letter is when you write and send it to an employer before advertising any specific position. This type of cover letter can be used in many different situations, for example:

– Someone who is unemployed but wants to find work may choose to write a speculative cover letter and send it out

– A person who has been laid off may use this type of cover letter while they are looking for new employment

– A recent graduate might also use this type of application as their first job hunt step

The purpose of a speculative cover letter is to show an employer how you might fit into their organisation. In addition, you can use the cover letter to explain why your skills are transferable and what type of work you would be interested in doing for that company. Your goal should be to stand out from other applicants by showing them some unique things about yourself that they may not be able to see from your resume.

The steps for writing a speculative cover letter are as follows:

– Find the name of an employer you want to work with and contact them directly

– Send in your best application materials, such as a CV or resume and any other supporting documents that demonstrate why you would make a great candidate for the company

– Use a cover letter to introduce yourself and show why you are interested in that particular employer

– Include your contact information on both the CV and resume as well as in the cover letter, so they can reach out if necessary

– Be willing to go above and beyond what other applicants may do

– Be enthusiastic about the company or position you are applying for

– Make sure your cover letter is well written with clear sentences that clearly state what type of job you are interested in doing

A typical speculative letter needs to follow the following steps

1. Introduce yourself

2. Explain the position you are applying for

3. Outline your skills and experience that relate to the position

4. State why you would be a good fit for the company

5. Give an example of how you have demonstrated these qualities in previous jobs or volunteer positions

6a) If there is any specific information they want, include it here

6b) If not, end with “I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

7) Thank them for their time and consideration

What is the difference between a cover letter and a speculative letter?

A cover letter is typically written to accompany an application or resume and provides information about the applicant. A speculative letter is a type of cover letter that may be sent before any position has been advertised — this can often help someone who does not have a job find work faster.

How do you start a speculative cover letter?

First, keep your letter concise. Most hiring managers don’t have time to read a lot of content on an unproven candidate. So start with the basics and avoid being too wordy or flowery in your writing. The goal is not to win over a company you know nothing about but to impress them enough so they’ll want to learn more.

Second, you need a strong opening. Many speculative cover letters open with the standard “I am writing in regards to your job posting for X.” This is good but not great. Suppose you are applying to multiple jobs or even one specific organisational role. In that case, it’s better to point out why they should hire you specifically and how your skills and experience will benefit the company.

Third, don’t forget to highlight your enthusiasm for the role. Why are you writing this letter? What do you hope to achieve by sending it? Would you mind demonstrating that you’re excited about their organisation and why? Lastly, make sure it is personalised! This may require research, but having an extensive company profile shouldn’t be too hard. If you don’t know much about the organisation, try to dig on LinkedIn or do a simple Google search.

Of course, other things make up a tremendous speculative cover letter, but these three are good places to start!

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Are speculative job applications worthwhile?

There’s no doubt that they can be a bit of a gamble. You’ve got to put your faith in the company you are applying for and hope that it matches what their needs are at this time. However, I would say that if you have used it before (and haven’t heard back), then why not give it another go? Every company is different, so it’s always worth taking a punt.

Using speculative applications is an excellent way to determine what the company does and how you can fit in. However, it’s also crucial that your CV reflects this because you need to show them why they should be interested in hiring you. So, for example, you could include links to work samples or contact details for people who have worked with you before.

Speculative applications are an excellent way to get your foot in the door and allow you to find out more about what they do. Still, you must ensure your CV reflects this so they know why they should hire you. It might be worth including links to work samples or contact details for people who have worked with you.

An example speculative cover letter:

Dear Mr Smith,

I am writing to introduce myself and tell you about my qualifications as a potential candidate for the Marketing Manager position at Acme Corp. I understand that this is not an advertised opening. Still, I wanted to take the time to apply anyway because your organisation has always been one in which I have taken great interest.

My background includes 11 years of experience in marketing and advertising with a large company and my work on entrepreneurship projects. I am confident that my skill set would be an asset to your organisation given the requirements outlined in this position description, such as:

-Strong understanding of digital media, including social media channels and blogs

-Experience with managing external agencies and creative teams

-Ability to oversee campaigns in various languages

I have attached my resume for your review. I hope you will consider me a candidate, even if this is an unadvertised opening. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this letter.

Some Examples addressed for specific roles

An example speculative cover letter for entry level software engineer:.

Dear Hiring Manager,

My name is _____, and I am currently looking for entry-level opportunities in software engineering. After reading about your company on __________, I was excited to learn more about how my skill set could be a good fit within this environment. In addition to learning more about your open position as a software engineer, I am also interested in learning more about the company itself. Would you be willing to answer a few questions for me?

Are there any other positions within __________ that may be appropriate for someone with my skill set looking for their first position?

What is the company culture like at __________, and how does it support its employees to be successful in a professional environment?

The software engineering positions you are currently hiring for sound very interesting. Is there anything else about these roles that may make them more appealing than other entry-level opportunities I have seen on job boards?

Name ___________

Contact info: email address and phone number. GitHub username if you have one.

The hiring manager will then decide whether or not to respond with an interview opportunity! If they get back to you, go ahead and send them a follow-up thank you an email that is much briefer than this.

An example speculative cover letter for an accountant:

While doing some research, I came across your listing for an accountant on the Careers section of the company’s website. I am very interested in this position because it perfectly fits my background, skillset, and career path. With over three years of experience in finance at another company, I am confident that my skills and qualifications would make me an excellent fit for this job.

I believe the key to success in any position is doing your best at all times, learning as much as possible about your role, and taking pride in everything you do. With strong attention to detail, willingness to learn new things quickly, and ability to multitask, I am confident that my background as an accountant would make me a great candidate for this role.

It would be a pleasure to learn more about this opportunity and demonstrate how my skills make me the best candidate. I have attached my resume for your review as well. Thank you very much in advance, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

John Smith (123) 456789101

An example speculative cover letter for the mechanical engineer:

Dear Hiring Manager, I’m excited to express my interest in the Mechanical Engineer position at your company. After scanning your website and learning more about IVALA Robotics, it’s clear that you have a very dynamic team that complements my skill set and career goals perfectly. This intersection of interests is precisely why I’m writing to you today.

The skills I’ve acquired as a mechanical engineering student at [university name] will allow me to hit the ground running in my new role. In particular, I have strong technical and communication abilities — an ability your job posting highlights as one of the essential qualities for this position. Additionally, I would prove a solid asset to the Mechanical team at IVALA Robotics if hired.

I would very much appreciate an opportunity for a conversation. Please be assured that you will find me both confident in my abilities and humble enough to learn new skills as needed . Thank you again for reading my application — I hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely yours_

An example speculative cover letter for a nurse:

Dear Nurse Manager, My name is X, and I am an RN with __________ experience.

My skills in clinical care management combine the most critical aspects of nursing: patient assessment, planning and evaluation for treatment outcomes, implementation of care plan through delegation to healthcare team members, and coordination and communication between various caregivers. Furthermore, my leadership skills were honed by my active participation in _________, and I am a member of the American Nurses Association.

My goal is to work as a nurse manager at your hospital. This position aligns with my career goals, including working for an organisation that shares my commitment to excellence, professional development, collaboration across disciplines, and teamwork — qualities I have developed and demonstrated throughout my career.

I am confident that I can add value to the nurse manager team at your hospital, and I look forward to speaking with you further about this opportunity. Best, X

This is a speculative cover letter for an unadvertised job position in healthcare management. This cover letter example should be customised based on your skills and experiences.

An example speculative cover letter for a chef:

Dear Chef, I would love to work as a sous chef at X. My passion for food and cooking had driven me into this industry since my early teens when I began working in the kitchens of family friends’ restaurants after school. Now that I am graduating from college, I will take things more seriously with a full-time job. I love X’s menu and feel that my experience in the past few years as a sous chef at Y perfectly prepares me to make positive contributions immediately.

An example speculative cover letter for a teacher:

I am a recent graduate from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in education. While I was still working on finishing up my major, I began looking for teaching opportunities. As a result, I landed an internship with extensive classroom experience — it’s been great!

Now that I’m getting ready to enter the job market full-time, I’m eager to explore the possibility of working at your company.

I know from my research that you’re looking for someone enthusiastic about education. I can help students learn by incorporating technology into their learning environment. For example, I found it challenging in school to combine a love of teaching with an understanding of how technology could make those lessons more interactive.

That’s why I chose to pursue my education degree — to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to provide students with an engaging learning environment that incorporates technology in a way they can easily understand while also helping them develop the skills needed for success in future careers.

I’m confident you’ll find me a great candidate for this position because of my education and experience. Still, I’m also excited about the opportunity to learn from veterans in the field.

I look forward to hearing back from you regarding the next steps. Please get in touch with me at [email protected] or (555) 555–5555 if you have any questions.

An example speculative cover letter for an administrative assistant:

Dear Hiring Manager, I recently came across your job listing for a secretary role. Naturally, I am interested in this position and excited to submit my application materials today! While searching online, it appeared that we might have some interests in common — namely, the desire to work with an organisation with outstanding leadership and dedication to making all its employees feel valued and included. I believe this is a mission statement you can stand behind, as it aligns with your organisation’s core values of inclusivity, teamwork, accountability and transparency.

I am an enthusiastic administrative assistant with over five years of experience working across many industries, including finance, retail, travel, and hospitality. I am a skilled communicator who can adapt my language style to suit different audiences; I also have extensive experience managing projects and meeting deadlines for large-scale projects from start to finish. Finally, as an experienced secretary, I know how important it is for your team to rely on each other’s discretion and confidentiality. I take this responsibility very seriously, as it is essential to any business’s success!

In my current role at a large tech company, I have been tasked with coordinating travel plans for our executives across the country. This position has given me extensive experience in time management and multitasking efficiently under tight deadlines. In addition, since my role as the secretary to our CEO is quite demanding, I have also been able to develop new skills in managing multiple projects and prioritising tasks accordingly.

In addition to all of these experiences, I am looking for a career path that satisfies me professionally — something which I believe you will be able to provide! My resume and reference list are attached; please get in touch with me anytime. I look forward to hearing back from you soon!

Sincerely, John Smith

Notes: This is an example of a speculative cover letter for an administrative assistant position in the finance industry. It demonstrates the ability to communicate professionally and experience working on multiple projects.

An example speculative cover letter asking for any administrative job:

Dear Sir, or Madam, I am writing to you as a speculative applicant with no prior experience for the role advertised. My name is [your name], and I would be very interested in any job that suits my skill set of handling paperwork. While searching for jobs online tonight, this position caught my eye because of my skill set.

I can handle paperwork well and would be happy to help you in that work area if given a chance. I also enjoy working with computers and typing documents and emails because it gives me more time for other tasks. If you expect any correspondence from this letter or need anything else done, I would be happy to do that for you.

I look forward to hearing back from you shortly and hope I can start this job soon! Sincerely, [your name]

In conclusion, you can write a speculative cover letter tailored to the company’s needs and strengths. You can present yourself in an honest but confident way. It will also show how much time and effort you put into your application process, which may help land you an interview with this company!

Written by mrafeeq

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The art of making an effective speculative job application

Speculative job applications can be a more direct route into employment. Here Clare Whitmell shares her advice on how to ensure your letter doesn’t just end up in the recycling

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If your job search consists only of applying to advertised vacancies, you're likely to be missing out on many other opportunities – as well as unnecessarily lengthening the process.

This type of job seeking – though it might make you feel you're being proactive – can only get your application into the same pile as everyone else. Instead, writing a speculative application directly to an organisation can be a quicker and more direct route into a job. Researching the company (to understand how your interests and skills meet their needs) takes time, but the result is that you're more likely to know if you'd be a good match. This means that you'll come across more confidently at a meeting with a decision-maker.

There's always the risk that your letter goes unanswered or you receive a rejection, and it's perhaps the fear of this that puts people off. But it's also a strategy that puts you more in charge of your job search, and allows you to uncover opportunities that might not have previously existed.

Understand what you have to offer

You need to be clear about why someone would want to meet you. What can you bring to the company? Write down your key strengths and skills, and find examples where you add value. Don't oversell yourself (this can backfire and damage your credibility), but try to answer these questions:

What is your expertise? What have you achieved for other companies using your key strengths?

Do your research

Find out everything you can about the company. You'll need to know how it's performing, who the competitors are, and plans for expansion or growth. You can then work out how your background and expertise might be valuable.

Research who is the best person to write to. Ideally you want to reach someone with hiring authority – and that's unlikely to be HR. Find the name of the head of department, or the managing director if it's a smaller company. You can find names on LinkedIn (follow the company there), from your network, or in industry publications, which often have an 'on the move' type section.

Write your application around the company and their needs

Bear in mind the 'what's in it for me?' principle. Link your strengths (and career interests) to the company's requirements. Use your research to do this effectively.

Show, don't tell. Rather than just saying you're effective or goal-oriented, give examples of how what you did in the past has brought results and solved problems. Your aim at this stage is to pique someone's interest so that they invite you in for a meeting. In most cases you won't need to include your CV (although you can include links to your personal site or LinkedIn profile).

Delivery is important

Letters are almost always opened, making them perhaps a better choice than an email. Alternatively, get inside help. If you already know someone within the company, you can ask them to hand-deliver your letter.

Example of a speculative application

First line – introduction and why you are writing. For example: "I visited your stand at the Expo fair and was very interested to hear of your plans to expand into the Chinese market."

What you offer (include a relevant achievement if possible): "Following my graduation, I spent a couple of years in Beijing and Shanghai with the British-Chinese Chamber of Commerce helping to market a range of products. I learned first-hand the particular challenges of this market, but also the strategies that were successful. For example, through one campaign involving trade-fair participation and sponsorship, I helped secure a multi-million pound deal for a medical equipment manufacturer. "

Why you are interested: "Since that time, I have maintained many links within China, and I'm eager to explore opportunities that would combine my marketing expertise and knowledge of the region."

Call to action: "I would be interested to discuss ways in which my skills could help drive your expansion into the Chinese market, and I look forward to hearing from you."

Yours sincerely (name)

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What Is a Speculative Email?

Who should i send my speculative email to, how to write a speculative email, composing your speculative email, speculative job application email example, following up, speculative job applications by email.

Updated March 6, 2023

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Many job vacancies are never advertised publicly. That means that taking the initiative to approach a potential employer with a carefully thought-out email can be the ideal way to get your foot in the door.

This article will outline the planning and method behind sending a speculative application, including who to send your email to, what to include and leave out, and how to follow up.

A speculative email is an unsolicited job application sent to an organisation to introduce yourself as a potential candidate for any relevant job openings they may have.

This approach is perfect for when you find a company with brand values you agree with, a solid portfolio and a skilled team you’d love to work with – but with no advertised job vacancies.

You could wait for a position to be advertised but, as many companies are generally open to recruiting on an ongoing basis, using a speculative application means that you can get a head start on the competition.

If successful, your email can:

• Build relationships with hiring managers
• Get you the opportunity to intern or shadow staff
• Gain paid employment

If your speculative email is not fruitful, there is every chance that your contact will keep you in mind for when a vacancy does open up – especially if you make a strong impression.

This is an important step in the process, so getting it right is crucial. You can spend time crafting the perfect email but if it lands in the wrong inbox, chances are the recipient will disregard it entirely. It also gives the impression that you haven’t done your homework.

You need to be sure that your intended recipient has hiring authority. There is no point in sending your email to a junior staff member or someone in the wrong team.

So, who exactly do you send it to, and how do you find them?

You need to make sure that you send your application to a named contact . Sending to a ‘hello@’ or ‘enquiries@’ email address increases the chance of your email going unanswered, so take the time to do your research.

• Scour the company website for details of employees. The ‘Meet the Team’ page or the ‘About’ page are usually the best places to start.
• Try LinkedIn . Search for the name of the company and follow the links to find ‘Staff Who Work Here’. This can be a good way to familiarise yourself with the range of departments and the hierarchy of staff. Staff will often be listed that wouldn’t necessarily be featured on the official company website.
• Telephone the company directly and ask for a named contact of someone who deals with recruitment.

In a smaller company, it may be appropriate to contact the managing director with your speculative application. In a larger organisation, the head of the relevant department is more likely to be the hiring authority.

During the research phase, maintain a polite and friendly manner at every interaction. You may be speaking with someone who doesn’t have the power to hire you, but word spreads fast. Making a good impression at every stage will help you build a professional reputation.

As well as researching the individual responsible for hiring, you can also use this phase to find out all you can about the company itself . Having a good knowledge of its work and a genuine interest in company achievements will help you stand out.

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You must use formal and correct structure and format for your speculative email. Remember that this is a professional letter and a chance to make a good impression.

If you have the name of your contact, start your email with ‘ Dear [name] ’. If your attempts to find the right person were unsuccessful, it is acceptable to start with ‘ Dear Sir or Madam ’ (be sure that you can’t identify a named person before resorting to this general greeting).

When addressing your recipient, be careful to maintain professional boundaries and not to be overfamiliar. This person is not a friend, so ‘Hi’ is not appropriate in this instance.

Your speculative job application email subject line is another crucial factor in whether your email gets opened at all. If your subject line is uninspiring or vague, there is every chance it will be overlooked as just another generic email in your contact’s inbox.

A desktop screen will show around 60 characters of a subject line, whereas a smartphone will show only 30, so being concise is key.

The subject line is your first chance to clearly articulate your intentions . It needs to be short and snappy, while containing all the relevant information at a glance.

It is advisable to include both your full name and your professional qualification or title. For example, ‘ John Doe, Freelance Graphic Designer for hire’, or ‘Nicola Fox, Chemical Engineer, M.Eng ’.

Filler words or pleasantries are not necessary for a subject line, so there is no need to start with ‘Hello’ or ‘Please look at…’.

It is acceptable (and advisable) to name a mutual acquaintance in the subject line if you have been referred by them.

As you move on to compose the main body of your email, be mindful that your contact is likely to be busy and needs to see the relevant information at a glance.

Format your email into short paragraphs – and make sure sentences are readable, not too long and wordy.

• Paragraph One – Start strongly with your opening sentence. Outline your knowledge of the company and how you came to be aware of it. Did you see it at a convention? Did you read about it in the local press? Explain your interest.
• Paragraph Two – Go on to summarise who you are and why you’re emailing.
• Paragraph Three – Explain what you can offer, and how and why you are a valuable addition to their team. If you have relevant experience, be sure to explain how your transferable skills can be of use. If you have any standout achievements or qualifications, don’t be shy in listing them and pointing out how they can be of benefit.
• Paragraph Four – Summarise why you’re interested in working with the company and draw attention to your attached CV. Consider briefly listing some of the main skills you have.
• Closing Sentence – Think about a call to action; detail here what you’d like to happen next.

You have one short opportunity to capture the attention of your contact enough for them to move you on to the next stage. Ensure that all-important and relevant information is included.

If you’re wondering whether to attach your CV , doing so means it is there if your contact wants to find out more about you. It provides that extra information to make it easier for them to make a quick assessment of your potential.

Make sure your CV is up to date and is tailored specifically for the company and role.

Here is an example of how your speculative application email should look, following the guidelines above:

Subject Line: Claire Roberts, MA. Fashion Designer available for work Dear Ms Taylor, I had the pleasure of attending your show at London Fashion Week and I found it inspiring to see how your new collection works to empower women with luxury statement workwear. I’m very excited to read about your plans to launch at Paris Fashion Week with a view to moving into the European market. I hold an MA in Fashion Design, awarded by Central Saint Martins, and have been working for a well-known high street clothing designer for three years. I am looking for a move into the luxury fashion field and feel that I have skills that would support your business as you grow. An internship at a luxury French fashion house as part of my master’s degree gave me valuable insight into the French market and helped me gain fluency in the French language. Having covered fashion illustration, design, sewing and garment construction as part of my studies, I understand the clothing manufacture process from design to completion. In my current role, I am a leading part of the design team, researching upcoming trends to create new lines. My designs are regularly featured in the ‘Top 10 Must Buy’ lists. As a move away from fast fashion, I would love to bring my creative flair to your company as part of your design team, helping create high-end looks for your clients. I have attached my CV, which outlines my qualifications and experience in more detail. If you are interested in meeting to discuss further, I could come to your office next week. Yours sincerely, Claire Roberts

If you don’t receive a reply to your email, don’t take it as an automatic rejection. Your recipient may have put it aside to come back to later, or may have genuine reasons why they haven’t been able to reply.

There are different ways you can follow up on your speculative application, depending on what you feel comfortable with.

If you don’t hear from your contact after a week or two, you can resend the same email , giving a gentle nudge for your contact to read and reply.

Alternatively, and often with quicker results, it’s acceptable to make a phone call to check they received your email. This gives you the chance to open a conversation and brings a more personal element to your speculative application.

If you are unsuccessful in your application, react graciously and politely ask if they can keep your records on file for any future opportunities that may be suitable.

• Do your research – Know the company and the correct contact before reaching out.
• Focus on a killer subject line – Keep it concise and to the point.
• Mention a mutual acquaintance if you’ve been referred by someone – This may just be what prompts your contact to open your email.
• Act professionally – From the first point of contact to conclusion, even if your attempt is unsuccessful, your contact will remember the way you conducted yourself and this will influence whether they keep you in mind for the future.
• Do not use fluff in your writing – Your recipient is likely to be busy. Help them quickly find the information that they need to assess whether you are a potential candidate.
• Check, check and check again – Make sure you have used correct grammar and that your email has no spelling mistakes. This is your one chance to make a good first impression.

You might also be interested in these other Wikijob articles:

Or explore the Application Advice / Job Applications sections.

Making Speculative Applications

A speculative application involves proactively approaching an employer to seek out opportunities that have not been advertised.

These may be necessary for:

• Work in sectors where not all vacancies are advertised (eg: journalism, broadcasting, publishing, television and film)
• Contacting an organisation you are interested in but are not currently recruiting
• Vacation work
• Unpaid work experience or work shadowing

Who to Contact

Think about who you know – friends, family, tutors – that might help you get in touch with someone in the organisation or sector of interest.

At Oxford you also have access to alumni contacts that can be very helpful in this regard. For example, you can contact people through the university and/or your college alumni office and LinkedIn. For more ideas about how to develop your network and find contacts, see our webpage on  Networking .

Some sectors and organisations may have different recruitment timelines from the traditional “milkround” (which is typically from September – December), so ensure that you do some research on the ideal time to apply.  eg: contact the organisation or try to find out which time of year is best to submit your application.

If you are looking for work experience or internships, it might also be worth contacting the recruiting or HR team of the company you are interested in to find out whether they offer this.

A speculative application usually consists of a CV and Cover Letter, but could be preceded or followed up with a telephone call. A few pointers:

• Write to a named individual if possible.
• Review an  Example Speculative Cover Letter  for ideas.
• Match the tone of the letter to the organisation. For example, a media company may appreciate a less formal approach than perhaps a law firm, which is more likely to appreciate a more traditional approach.
• Careful targeting is far more likely to lead to success than sending out numerous near-identical applications.
• Research the role, organisation and sector and demonstrate your understanding in your letter. Allow your motivation and interest to come through and you will stand out as a knowledgeable applicant.
• Clearly and quickly establish what you want and why. If your goal is work experience, try to be open to the type of work experience (work shadowing, internship, visiting the organisation) you are willing to do. Be clear about what you would be interested in, but don’t close any doors!
• Make it clear what you have to offer them. You are making a business proposition, and must prepare your case carefully and research the organisation.
• Follow our standard advice for writing  CVs  and  Cover Letters . For example, tailor each speculative application to the organisation, and demonstrate how your experience and achievements are relevant.
• The more research you do about the person you are sending the email or letter to, about the organisation and their competitors and the sector overall, the better you will tailor the cv and cover letter into their language and to resonate with their values and traditions. To understand how much research is possible, please  watch Edward Druce’s TED Talk: “How to land your dream job with one email”
• You may wish to follow up with a phone call (1-2 weeks after you have sent it) to check that it was received and if there is any feedback.

Our Resources

For more information, see our briefings on: 

Cover Letters

External Resources

• Prospects: Succeed with a Speculative Application
• TARGETjobs: Making a Speculative Job Application
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Discover hidden internships: the art of speculative applications

Abigail Lewis

Last updated: 19 Feb 2024, 12:01

Here is how to find work experience and internship vacancies that aren't advertised and how to apply for them. We even include an example email for a speculative work experience covering letter.

Not all work experience opportunities are advertised on platforms such as targetjobs. Many smaller or local employers do not have the budget to advertise internships or take on large numbers of students. However, they may be able to take on one intern for a short period or have students in for work shadowing (where they observe professionals in their work). Professionals at any organisation may be willing to have you work shadow them. In addition, employers may offer alternatives to formal internships that can boost your CV and employability.

This means that you can essentially create your own internship, but you will need to be proactive and write a speculative application, which you can do either by emailing a CV and covering letter or via LinkedIn. This article will take you through this process step by step, but you can also click across to our ‘What is an internship?’ article to discover more about securing an internship.

Jump to: Identifying employers | Applying via CV and letter (with example) | Applying via LinkedIn (with case study) | Following up

First identify employers to apply to

Create a shortlist of employers in the sector or sectors that interest you, making sure that they are based in a suitable location. Search engines and LinkedIn are probably your best friends here. You can also go old school by checking out the employers featuring in local newspapers. Ask friends, family and lecturers whether they know of organisations that might welcome speculative applications. It’s worth looking through the information your careers service has on local employers and through your university’s alumni database – your careers service or department will give you access.

Be prepared to talk about your career plans with anyone – after all, you never know who will be able to help or put you into contact with someone who can. Tori Shepherd, an assistant design manager at Kier Group, got work experience from a man she went to buy a puppy from – who, unknown to her, owned an architectural practice. ‘I got chatting to him about my course [in interior architecture],’ she told targetjobs’ sister publication, the UK 300 . ‘He said that I should email him if I wanted any work experience. I did and he offered me two weeks.’

Generally speaking, don’t bother applying speculatively to a company that offers formal opportunities, as its recruiters will expect you to apply through established channels – unless you have a personal contact there. If the employer specifically states on its website or elsewhere that speculative applications are welcomed, make sure you follow any guidelines given about how to do this.

Making a speculative application via CV and covering letter

You can apply directly to employers, usually by emailing a covering letter and CV or by dropping in your application in person.

An example covering letter for a work experience speculative application

Dear Ms Smith,

I am a second-year English literature student at Abingdon University and I am writing to see whether your organisation is able to offer me any work experience or work shadowing at any point over the next three months – whether that would be a few hours shadowing one of your team (in person or virtually, social distancing allowing) or a week’s full work experience.

I would like to explore different career paths within publishing and I’d be particularly interested in gaining experience with your organisation because I admire how, as an independent publisher, you champion new writers across the fiction and non-fiction markets and how you have built up a cult social media following to help get your brand known. I’ve been impressed by the quality of your portfolio, as the success of A N Others in the recent Children’s Lit Awards indicates. I would learn a lot about how you approach the decisions behind selecting, editing and promoting fiction if I could observe or work alongside your teams. It would also help me decide whether I am best suited for an editorial or commercial role.

I’ve attached my CV for your reference. You can see that I have worked on my student newspaper during university, editing the book review section and writing two pieces a week. I think I could bring the creative skills I’ve developed there, along with good organisational skills, to your business.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Alison Thorpe

Example speculative application explained

You’ll see that we haven’t dashed off a generic covering letter. Instead, you’ll see that we’ve followed the tips below. Make sure that you:

• Apply to a name, not ‘Dear Sir/Madam’, if you can. Ring the organisation's reception and ask who is the best person to apply to. It will usually be the HR manager or, for smaller organisations, the managing directors.
• Are clear about what you want, how long for and when you are available – for example is it a day's work shadowing that you're looking for or a longer period of work experience? – but be as flexible as you can.
• Show you’ve done some research on the employer and why you’d find it valuable working for this organisation in particular. Make it clear that you know what the organisation does in its specific market and say why that is of particular interest to you.
• Say what you can offer them in terms of your skills, knowledge and general attitude.
• Finish your email with a ‘Yours sincerely’ if you have applied to a named individual. If you have to apply to ‘Dead Sir/Madam, finish with ‘Yours faithfully’.
• Attach your CV.

Get the insights and skills you need to shape your career journey with Pathways. Not all internships are advertised on conventional career platforms. You just need to know where to look – and that’s where we can help.

How to make a speculative application via LinkedIn

If you have found professionals – both recruiters and industry practitioners – working for the employers you are interested in on LinkedIn, you might want to ask if you can connect with them on LinkedIn as a way in to asking about any work experience.

However, you need to write a personalised message, not just send the standard one. It might be a bit presumptuous to ask straight out for work experience on the first message, but instead you could introduce yourself, explain that you are interested in working in their sector and that you’d love to hear any careers advice that they have and any tips they have for getting work experience.

If they reply to your message, you can then build on the conversation to ask whether their employer would be able to give you some work experience. If they don’t reply, move on to the next person.

Tip: If you are going to connect with people, make sure your LinkedIn profile is as good as it can be and reflects your current circumstances. Get our advice on how to write the best LinkedIn profile.

An example of how one graduate found work experience via LinkedIn

‘To get my work experience placements, I spent a lot of time on LinkedIn,’ Ashley Dunsmore, a quantity surveyor at Kier, told a previous edition of targetjobs’ sister publication, the UK 300 . ‘I searched for “surveyors”, “commercial directors”, “construction in Dundee and Glasgow” and for anyone connected with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Then I would message them to ask for their advice and whether they knew of anybody offering work experience. I contacted a lot of people and I wondered if I came across as a pest, but no one minded. Everyone was very helpful and, if they couldn’t assist me, they put me in touch with someone who could. Using this approach, I got a place at three RICS conferences, which developed my surveying knowledge and widened my network.’

She also got her main internship out of her newly formed network. A recruiter at the company asked one of her contacts whether they knew of any students seeking work experience and her contact put her forward. Head over to our article on how to use LinkedIn effectively and gain more advice from Ashley.

Follow up your application

If you have applied directly to an employer rather than through LinkedIn, contact them a week or so after submitting your application (by phone, if possible). You can start by introducing yourself and asking whether they have received your application. This will bring it to the recruiter’s attention if it has slipped down their ‘to do’ list. If they can’t offer you work experience, still ask them for feedback on your application. You may get some useful hints for the next time you apply.

targetjobs editorial advice

This describes editorially independent and impartial content, which has been written and edited by the targetjobs content team. Any external contributors featuring in the article are in line with our non-advertorial policy, by which we mean that we do not promote one organisation over another.

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