speculative cover letter examples uk

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Mastering the Art of Speculative Cover Letters in the UK Job Market

4 March 2024

Introduction

In today's competitive job market, both job seekers and employers face numerous challenges. Job seekers often find it challenging to stand out among a sea of applicants, while employers struggle to find the perfect candidate for their company. This is where speculative cover letters come into play, offering a unique way for job seekers to proactively reach out to potential employers.

Speculative cover letters, also known as cold cover letters, are unsolicited job applications sent to companies that may not have advertised available positions. While traditional cover letters are tailored to a specific job posting, speculative cover letters allow job seekers to showcase their skills and experience directly to companies they are interested in working for.

Understanding Speculative Cover Letters

In today's competitive job market, standing out from the crowd is essential for job seekers looking to catch the attention of potential employers. One effective way to do this is by crafting a compelling speculative cover letter. Unlike traditional cover letters that accompany job applications, speculative cover letters are unsolicited and sent to companies where you have an interest in working, even if they are not actively advertising any job vacancies.

What is a Speculative Cover Letter?

A speculative cover letter, also known as a cold contact cover letter, is a targeted letter used to inquire about possible job openings at a company. It allows you to introduce yourself, express your interest in working for the organization, and highlight what you can bring to the table. While it may seem daunting to reach out to a company that is not hiring, a well-crafted speculative cover letter can demonstrate your proactive approach and make a positive impression on hiring managers.

• Speculative cover letters are personalized and tailored to a specific company.
• They showcase your enthusiasm for the organization and your relevant skills.
• These letters emphasize how you can address the company's needs and add value.

By sending a speculative cover letter, you show initiative and motivation, which are qualities that many employers value in potential candidates.

When to Use a Speculative Cover Letter

Speculative cover letters are particularly useful when:

• You are interested in working for a specific company, even if they are not actively hiring.
• You want to explore potential opportunities before they are advertised.
• You believe you can contribute to the company's growth or address a specific need.

While speculative cover letters do not guarantee immediate job offers, they can help create a lasting impression and keep you on the radar for future openings within the company.

Next, we will delve into the importance of personalization in speculative cover letters and how it can significantly impact your chances of making a memorable impression on employers.

Importance of Personalization

Personalization is a key aspect of writing a successful speculative cover letter. When you tailor your application to a specific company and role, you demonstrate your genuine interest and show the employer that you've taken the time to understand their business needs. Here are some reasons why personalization is crucial:

Benefits for Job Seekers:

• Stand Out: Personalizing your cover letter helps you stand out from other candidates who may be using a generic template.
• Demonstrate Interest: By referencing specific details about the company, you showcase your enthusiasm and commitment.
• Highlight Relevance: Tailoring your skills and experiences to the job requirements makes it clear why you are a suitable candidate.

Advantages for Employers:

• Shows Initiative: A personalized cover letter indicates that you've proactively approached the company, which can be appealing to employers.
• Relevant Information: Employers appreciate candidates who have done their homework and can articulate how they align with the company's values and goals.
• Increased Engagement: Personalized applications are more likely to capture the attention of hiring managers and leave a lasting impression.

By customizing your speculative cover letter, you create a stronger connection with the hiring team and increase your chances of being noticed amidst a sea of applications. Remember, quality trumps quantity when it comes to job applications, and personalization is the key to making a memorable impression.

Crafting an Engaging Opening Paragraph

When it comes to speculative cover letters, the opening paragraph plays a crucial role in capturing the attention of the hiring manager. This is your first opportunity to make a strong impression and pique their interest in learning more about you as a potential candidate. Here are some key strategies to craft an engaging opening paragraph that sets the tone for the rest of your letter:

Personalize Your Introduction

Begin by addressing the hiring manager by name, if possible. This shows that you have taken the time to research the company and are genuinely interested in the opportunity. For example, instead of starting with a generic greeting like "To whom it may concern," try to find out the name of the hiring manager or relevant contact person.

Express Your Enthusiasm

Show enthusiasm for the company and the specific role you are interested in. You can mention what excites you about the company's mission, values, or recent projects. Demonstrating genuine interest and passion can help you stand out from other applicants who may simply be going through the motions.

Highlight Your Unique Selling Proposition

In the opening paragraph, briefly mention what makes you a unique and valuable candidate. Highlight a particular skill, experience, or achievement that is directly relevant to the role you are applying for. This is your chance to grab the reader's attention and make them curious to learn more about you.

Create a Hook

Craft a compelling opening line that draws the reader in and encourages them to continue reading. This could be a thought-provoking statement, a relevant anecdote, or a surprising fact related to the industry or company. The goal is to engage the reader from the very beginning and keep them interested throughout your cover letter.

Remember, the opening paragraph sets the tone for the rest of your speculative cover letter. By personalizing your introduction, expressing enthusiasm, highlighting your unique selling proposition, and creating a hook, you can increase the likelihood of grabbing the hiring manager's attention and compelling them to read on.

Showcasing Your Value Proposition

Once you've grabbed the employer's attention with a personalized opening and demonstrated your understanding of their company, it's time to showcase your unique value proposition. This is where you outline what sets you apart from other candidates and why you're the perfect fit for the role.

Highlight Key Achievements:

Use this section to highlight your key achievements that are relevant to the company and the position you're interested in. Quantify your accomplishments where possible to provide concrete evidence of your capabilities. For example, instead of just stating that you increased sales, you could say: "Implemented a new sales strategy that resulted in a 30% revenue increase within six months."

Emphasize Unique Skills:

Focus on the unique skills you possess that align with the job requirements. Whether it's technical skills, soft skills, or specific certifications, make sure to emphasize how these skills will benefit the company. Avoid generic statements and instead, provide specific examples of how your skills have contributed to past successes.

Demonstrate Passion and Enthusiasm:

Showcasing your passion for the industry and the company can set you apart from other applicants. Employers are often looking for candidates who are not only qualified but also genuinely excited about the opportunity. Use this section to convey your enthusiasm and explain why you are drawn to the company's mission and values.

Address Pain Points:

Research the company thoroughly to identify any challenges or pain points they may be facing. Tailor your value proposition to show how you can address these specific issues and provide solutions. By demonstrating that you understand their challenges and have the skills to help overcome them, you position yourself as a valuable asset.

• Example: "Having worked in the renewable energy sector for over five years, I have a proven track record of implementing sustainable practices that reduce costs and carbon footprint. I am passionate about environmental conservation and am eager to leverage my expertise to help [Company Name] achieve its sustainability goals."

"When showcasing your value proposition in a speculative cover letter, focus on what you can bring to the table rather than what you expect to gain. Highlighting your unique strengths and aligning them with the company's needs can significantly increase your chances of standing out." - Emily Johnson , Hiring Manager at GreenTech Solutions Ltd.

Tailoring Your Skills to the Company's Needs

Once you have grabbed the employer's attention with a compelling opening and showcased your value proposition, it's crucial to tailor your skills to the specific needs of the company you're applying to. This is where you demonstrate that you have taken the time to research and understand their business, showing how your abilities align with what they are looking for.

Research the Company

Before crafting your speculative cover letter, delve into the company's website, social media profiles, press releases, and any other available information. Understand their products, services, values, and work culture. By gaining insights into the company, you can effectively highlight how your skills can contribute to their success.

Match Your Skills to Their Requirements

Identify the key skills, qualifications, and experiences the company is seeking in potential candidates. Align these with your own strengths and accomplishments. By clearly outlining how your skills meet their requirements, you show that you are a good fit for the organization.

• Example: If the company emphasizes strong teamwork skills and experience in project management, showcase instances where you successfully led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones.

Demonstrate Cultural Fit

Companies not only look for candidates with the right skills but also those who will integrate well into their team and uphold their values. Use your cover letter to demonstrate your alignment with the company's culture and mission. Show that you share their core beliefs and vision for the future.

Use Keywords

Integrate relevant keywords from the job description into your cover letter. This not only helps your application pass through applicant tracking systems but also demonstrates that you understand the industry-specific terminology and requirements.

By tailoring your skills to the company's needs, you personalize your application and increase your chances of standing out among other candidates. Remember, employers appreciate candidates who show a genuine interest in their organization and can bring value through their unique abilities.

Highlighting Your Achievements and Experience

Once you've crafted a compelling opening and demonstrated how your skills align with the company's requirements, it's time to highlight your achievements and experience. This section is crucial as it provides tangible evidence of your capabilities and successes. Here are some key tips on how to effectively showcase your accomplishments:

Quantify Your Achievements

Employers appreciate quantifiable results as they provide measurable proof of your contributions. Instead of stating, "I helped increase sales," try, "I successfully boosted sales by 30% in six months." Numbers make your achievements more impactful and showcase your ability to deliver results.

Use Action Words

When describing your accomplishments, use strong action verbs to convey a sense of proactivity and achievement. Words like "implemented," "achieved," "spearheaded," and "executed" demonstrate your active role in driving results. Avoid passive language and opt for dynamic verbs that reflect your initiative.

Focus on Relevance

While it's essential to showcase a range of achievements, prioritize those that are most relevant to the role you're seeking. Tailor your examples to demonstrate how your past experiences directly align with the requirements of the target position. This targeted approach makes your application more compelling and tailored to the employer's needs.

Showcase Transferable Skills

In addition to specific achievements, highlight transferable skills that can be applied across different roles and industries. Skills like problem-solving, leadership, communication, and adaptability are highly valued by employers. By showcasing these versatile abilities, you demonstrate your readiness to excel in a new environment.

Provide Context

Help recruiters understand the significance of your achievements by providing context around the challenges you faced and the actions you took. Describe the situation, the tasks involved, and the results achieved (known as the STAR technique: Situation, Task, Action, Result). This structured approach adds depth to your examples and showcases your ability to overcome obstacles.

By highlighting your achievements and experience effectively, you paint a vivid picture of your capabilities and potential value to the employer. Remember to tailor your examples, quantify your results, and use dynamic language to captivate recruiters' attention and stand out from other applicants.

Call to Action: Closing Strongly

As you wrap up your speculative cover letter, it's crucial to include a compelling call to action that prompts the recipient to take the next step. Your closing should leave a lasting impression and encourage the reader to consider your application seriously. Here are some key tips to craft a strong closing for your speculative cover letter:

Reiterate Your Interest

Restate your enthusiasm for the company and the role you are interested in. Emphasize your passion for contributing to their success and how your skills align with their needs.

Express Eagerness for Feedback

Show eagerness for feedback or the opportunity to discuss how you can add value to the organization further. This demonstrates your proactive approach and willingness to engage in a dialogue.

Provide Contact Information

Ensure that your contact information is clearly laid out in the closing section. Include your phone number and professional email address so that the employer can easily reach out to you for any follow-up discussions.

Suggest a Follow-Up Action

Politely suggest a follow-up action, such as stating that you will reach out to them in a week to inquire about any potential opportunities. This shows your initiative and determination to stay engaged in the job-seeking process.

Gratitude and Professional Sign-Off

Finally, express gratitude for the reader's time and consideration. End your cover letter with a professional sign-off, such as "Sincerely," or "Best regards," followed by your full name.

By incorporating these elements into your closing paragraph, you can leave a positive and memorable impression on the employer. Remember, the goal of your speculative cover letter is to initiate a conversation and stand out from the competition, so make sure your closing statement reflects your enthusiasm and professionalism.

Expert Insights on Writing Speculative Applications

When it comes to writing speculative cover letters, seeking advice from industry experts can provide valuable insights that can set your application apart. Let's delve into the expert tips and recommendations on crafting an effective speculative application:

1. Sarah Johnson, HR Manager at CareerBoost UK:

"Personalization is key when it comes to speculative applications. Take the time to research the company and tailor your cover letter to showcase how you can add value to their organization."

2. Michael O'Connor, Recruitment Specialist at TalentFinders:

"Crafting a compelling opening paragraph is crucial to grab the employer's attention. Highlight your unique selling points and why you are passionate about joining their team."

3. Dr. Emma Patel, Career Coach and Author:

"When tailoring your skills to the company's needs, focus on how your experiences align with the job requirements. Use specific examples to demonstrate your capabilities."

4. James Wong, Managing Director of CareerLeap Consultants:

"Don't shy away from showcasing your achievements and experience in a speculative cover letter. Quantify your successes and demonstrate the impact you have made in previous roles."

5. Professor Julia Masters, HR Expert and Speaker:

"Closing your speculative application with a strong call to action is essential. Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to discuss how you can contribute further in person."

These insights from industry experts emphasize the importance of tailoring your speculative application to make a lasting impression on potential employers and increase your chances of securing an interview.

Conclusion and Final Tips

As you have learned, writing a speculative cover letter can be a powerful tool in your job search arsenal. By proactively reaching out to companies, you not only demonstrate your proactive attitude but also showcase your unique value proposition. To sum up your understanding of speculative applications, here are some final tips to help you craft a compelling cover letter:

Final Tips for Writing Speculative Cover Letters:

• Research Thoroughly: Before sending a speculative application, ensure you have researched the company thoroughly to understand its values, culture, and current projects.
• Personalize Your Approach: Tailor each cover letter to the specific company and show how your skills align with their needs.
• Showcase Your Achievements: Highlight your accomplishments and experiences that make you a valuable asset to the company.
• Keep it Concise and Structured: Stick to a clear and concise format, focusing on key points that relate to the company's requirements.
• Follow Up: After sending your speculative application, consider following up with a polite email or phone call to express your continued interest.
• Seek Feedback: If possible, ask for feedback on your speculative cover letters to continually improve your approach.

Remember, a speculative cover letter should not only showcase your skills but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the company. Keep the tone professional, yet engaging, to capture the employer's attention from the opening paragraph to the closing remarks.

"Crafting a speculative cover letter requires a delicate balance of personalization and professionalism. By focusing on the company's needs and aligning your skills accordingly, you can increase your chances of standing out in a competitive job market." - Fiona Johnson , CEO of TalentConnect UK

By implementing the insights and tips shared in this guide, you can enhance your speculative application strategy and increase your chances of landing your dream job. Remember, persistence and continuous improvement are key when it comes to navigating the job market successfully. Good luck on your job search!

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Home » 11+ Best Speculative Cover Letter Examples

11+ Best Speculative Cover Letter Examples

When looking for a job, it’s important to stand out from the crowd. A great way to do this is by sending a speculative cover letter. This type of letter is not attached to any specific job opening, but rather sent to a company with the hopes of getting their attention. To make sure your letter stands out, be creative and use examples from the company’s work or website to show that you’ve done your research. Check out some of our favorite speculative cover letters below!

Table of Contents

How To Write a Speculative Cover Letter?

A speculative cover letter is an approach tofinding a job where you get in touch with an employer to enquire about any upcoming vacancies, rather than responding to a specific job advert.

The key with a speculative cover letter is to research the company you’re contacting, so that you can demonstrate why you would be a valuable asset to their team – even if they don’t have any current vacancies.

To write a speculative cover letter:

• Start by doing your research
• Find the name of the contact person
• Write a compelling opening paragraph
• Outline your skills and experience
• Explain why you want to work for this company in particular
• Finish with a call to action.

If you follow these steps, you’ll be sure to write a speculative cover letter that will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to landing your dream job.

Related: How To Write a Cover Letter (And Get Hired in 2022!)

Speculative Cover Letter Example

To Whom Is My Concern,

Writing in regards to any available positions that may be open at your company. I am very interested in obtaining a position and feel that I would be a perfect candidate.

Have experience in customer service, sales, and marketing. I am a people person and enjoy working with the public. I am also proficient in Microsoft Office programs and have basic knowledge of HTML.

It is a hard worker who is always willing to learn new things. I am also a team player and work well with others. I am available to start work immediately and can be reached at 555-555-1212 or by email at [email protected].

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Related: 5+ Attractive Prospects Cover Letter Samples

Speculative Cover Letter Template

I am writing to express my interest in joining your company. Based on what I know and have heard, I believe that your company is an excellent place to work, and I would be proud to be a part of it.

I am enclosing my resume for your review and would appreciate any opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you. I can be reached at ___________. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Related: 9+ Best Mechanic Cover Letter Samples & Templates

Speculative CV Cover Letter

The writing in regards to any upcoming opportunities that may be available your organisation. It keen to utilise my skills and experience in a new role and would welcome the chance to discuss my suitability for any positions that may arise.

Have attached my CV for your perusal and would be available for interview at a time convenient to you. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Yours Sincerely,

Related: Executive Assistant Cover Letter: 05 Samples & Examples

Speculative Cover Letter Sample

To Whom Is My Concern, writing in regards to any possible job openings that might be available your company. I am a recent graduate of ___________ and I am very interested in working in the ___________ field. I have attached my resume for your review and I would appreciate any opportunity to discuss my qualifications further with you.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Related: 7+ Professional Event Planner Cover Letter Samples

Speculative Cover Letter To Recruitment Agency

The writing to you in order to inquire about any job openings that might be available or will be available in the near future. It a recent graduate of ___________ and I have extremely interest in working in the field of ___________. I have enclosed my resume for your review and I would greatly appreciate if you could keep me in mind for any suitable positions. I am eager to start my career and I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications that would make me a valuable asset to your company.

Related: Generic Cover Letter: 09 Samples & Examples

5 Things To Include In a Speculative Cover Letter

When applying for a job, it’s important to stand out from the crowd. One way to do this is to write a speculative cover letter. A speculative cover letter is a letter that you send to an employer in the hope of being considered for a role, even if there isn’t a specific job advertised. Here are five things to include in a speculative cover letter:

• Start by doing your research. Find out as much as you can about the company and what they do. This will help you to customise your letter and show that you’re genuinely interested in working for them.
• In the opening paragraph, explain who you are and why you’re writing. Be sure to mention any shared connections or common interests.
• The next paragraph should detail your skills and experience, and how they could benefit the company. Again, be specific and try to evidence your claims with examples.
• In the final paragraph, thank the employer for their time and say how you can be contacted if they’re interested in learning more about you. You could also include a link to your online portfolio or CV at this point.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your speculative cover letter makes a positive impression on potential employers and increases your chances of securing an interview. Good luck!

Related: What is Cover Letter? Complete Guide To Get any Job.

I hope you found helpful this blog post on speculative cover letters. It can be a great way to introduce yourself to a company and land an interview. If you’re feeling inspired, be sure to check out our other blog posts for more tips on job searching, writing resumes, and interviewing. And as always, good luck!

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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.

To find out which jobs fit your personality best, visit our partner CareerFitter and take the Career Test for FREE .

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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.

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How to write a speculative cover letter

If you’ve just left school or college and you’ve decided to make a go of it in the working world, finding your way onto the first rung of the career ladder can be tough.

A speculative cover letter can be a good way to get your name in front of an employer and show them your enthusiasm. The main aim is to convince them that you would be an asset to their company and that they would reap the benefits if they took you on.

A speculative application is also about creating opportunities – even if you don’t know what those opportunities are yet. And while employers might not invite you in for interview  straight away, they might be able to recommend some training, offer you unpaid work experience , or at least give you some useful pointers.

1. Address it to the right person

This is crucial. Why? Partly, because it shows you care enough to do your homework. If your speculative cover letter is going to be taken seriously, you need to show your reader that you’re not just sending out the same letter to company after company in the hope that the numbers game will pay off. It’s about the impression you create.

It’s also important because you do actually need to get your cover letter in front of the person (or people) calling the shots. That means someone who cares about the future of the business, who wants to take on talented young people who might require some training, but who will excel and give back to the company in the long run.

This will depend on the company:

• If it’s a small company, find out the name of the CEO or founder.
• If it’s a big company, send it to the hiring manager.
• If you’re interested in working in a particular area of the company, find out who heads up that department and address it to them.

You might need to make a phone call to get this information. Nerve-wracking as this may seem, it can be a great way to get yourself noticed and remembered, especially if you’re able to speak to the person directly. You’ll also show that your determined and proactive, qualities that employers prize.

Finally, the employer will be more likely to give your application proper attention if they’ve talked to you, like you, and are expecting it.

Ask for a direct email address but don’t push too hard if the person you speak to is unwilling to give it out. Just put “FAO [name]” at the top of the message body when you email in your speculative application.

2. Get the basics right

Treat your speculative cover letter as a piece of work – the first the employer will be receiving from you. Getting the basics right shows professionalism and pride in your work, and makes an impression about the kind of employee you would be. The content might be great, but if it’s sloppily presented, you’ll turn people off.

Crossing the Ts and dotting the Is is crucial, so take a look at our guide to what makes a good cover letter . Here are some key reminders:

• Sign your letter off “Yours sincerely” if you include the addressee’s name. If you’re unable to get it, sign off “Yours faithfully”.
• More is less! Keep it as short and snappy as possible. Go through your first draft with a fine-tooth comb and chop any repetition or waffle.
• Use our template  to make sure your cover letter looks professional.

3. Find the right tone

This is a tough one, especially in a speculative cover letter. You should aim to be professional and formal, but not stuffy or pompous.

It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills , which isn’t the same thing as showing off the breadth of your vocabulary. While your writing shouldn’t be patronising, it should be possible for a 14-year-old to understand.

Finally, you should check the company website to see what their own tone is like. If they’re a fresh, youthful-sounding start-up, you could maybe drop the formality a notch, without lapsing into chattiness. If they’re a fairly traditional company, however, stick with the usual formal style.

4. Decide what you’re applying for

Although a speculative application should keep your options open by being broad, you need to tailor it to the kind of work you’re interested in and capable of.

If you’re applying for a small company which specialises in one particular area of work – such as running social media platforms  for other companies or making mobile apps – this will be relatively straightforward.

However, if you want (say) an engineering  job and are applying to a large engineering company with lots of departments, you need to make clear what specific line of work you’re applying for. Don’t make your application wishy-washy by trying to encompass everything. If the reason you’re applying is because they’re a civil engineering company and you want to be a civil engineer, you don’t need to appeal to the HR team, the communications department and the finance team as well.

On the other hand, don’t be unrealistically specific either. Many paths lead in the same direction, so don’t give the impression that you’ll only settle for your ideal job description.

5. Show them what you have to offer

It’s really important not to make your speculative cover letter too much about you. Remember, they haven’t asked for it, and what they really need to know if they’re going to take you seriously is what you have to offer them. Having already spent time reading your cover letter, why should they invest even more in speaking to you?

You’re making a speculative application because you want to work in the area of work they specialise in. Don’t just list your skills, experience and qualifications, relate them to the company’s activities and demonstrate how you can help them achieve their goals for the future.

6. Do your research

Closely related to the last point, make sure you know who you’re contacting.

Find out about the company’s ethos, values and what they are trying to achieve. Do they have any ethical objectives?

If “a spirit of excellence” is a core value, don’t just say “I also believe in excellence”. Try to be more subtle, and use evidence to back up your claim. Give a brief example which shows how you always go the extra mile to achieve the best you possibly can.

Don’t refer to the company’s values for the sake of it. They won’t believe you if you try to convince them you're made in the mould of the company, but they do need to see that you want to work with them because you share the same broad principles, not because you’re after any old job.

Make sure you’re accurate. The worst thing you can do is make a silly mistake like spelling the company’s or addressee’s name wrong, or missing out their key value while mentioning all the others.

7. Don’t be pushy

Don’t sign off “I expect to hear from you by the end of the week”. This kind of approach comes across as rude, sends all the wrong signals and will just ruffle people’s feathers.

Be polite and gentle while showing your enthusiasm – “I very much look forward to hearing from you” should suffice.

8. Follow up

Although pushiness is to be avoided, you should make sure your application is being looked at. When you email it off, ask for confirmation that it has been received.

If you don’t hear back within a week, make a polite phone call and ask again if your application was received. If so, ask whether you can expect a reply and when that is likely to be so you’re not waiting on tenterhooks.

No speculative application is complete without an outstanding CV – check out our guide and make sure yours is top notch .

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Sample speculative cover letter

5 Hemming Way Somers Town London, NW1 5PE

Tel: +44(0)7443151465

www.linkedin.com/in/veronicajackson

Ms Aubrey Fortain Editor Looking Good Magazine 1 Northumberland Street London, WC1A 3BE

30th September 2011

Dear Ms Fortain,

Re: Application for Work Experience

I am a second year History student at The University of Manchester seeking work experience and enclose my CV and samples of my writing.

I have been an avid reader of every edition of Looking Good Magazine since it was first published nine months ago. I would love to make a contribution to a magazine and business which I enjoy reading and admire so much. I particularly like the ‘Diva on a Budget’ section, which is both witty and informative and, as I’ve discovered to my benefit, well researched! I also learn a lot from ‘Catwalk Talk’ with views from models on what’s in and what’s out. I follow you on social media, something I enjoy doing as I am confident in using Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

I love writing about fashion and regularly write fashion items for the student newspaper, The Mancunion. I’ve also started writing a fashion blog www.missjacksonloves.com and keep up-to-date with fashion news by reading a range of magazines and newspapers and visiting fashion shows and exhibitions whenever I can. I work part-time as a Sales Assistant for Zara and this gives me an insight into the latest trends and styles that different age groups are drawn to, something I think could be relevant to your magazine as I’ve noticed you appeal to both teenagers and women in their twenties.

My ambition is to work as a fashion journalist and I am eager to gain relevant experience to help me achieve this goal. I would be delighted if there were an opportunity to spend time at your magazine, for a day a week over a period of time, or full time for one or two weeks during the university breaks. If this is not possible, I would be keen to hear about any other opportunities you could offer. I am flexible and hardworking and eager to add value to your magazine.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Veronica Jackson

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• The Successful Interview Guide
• Successful CV Writing
• 1. The basics
• 2. The letterhead
• 3. Making a good first impression
• 4. Creating a winning cover letter
• 5. Cover letters responding to adverts
• 6. The speculative cover letter
• 7. Letters of application
• 8. Ten Top Tips for a good cover letter
• 9. Examples of cover letters

Further reading

6. The speculative letter

Speculative letters can be a very effective way to broaden your job-seeking horizons and apply to companies who you may never see advertising.  Even a company is not currently hiring, there could be an opportunity in the future where they are looking for someone with your skills and if they have your CV on file with a good cover letter, they may need to look no further!

Although it may seem as though there are fewer opportunities in sending out a speculative letter, it is, in fact, more common than many realise as it is far cheaper for recruiters to employ someone without additional costs for advertising or recruitment agency fees. It can also be useful if you have a niche skill or specialised experience that you think might interest a company who may not necessarily recruit for that role but could lead them to think about a potential growth opportunity in their business. 

Many people take quite a passive approach to job-hunting, relying only on advertised posts which may be quite limiting and for which they then have to compete against a vast number of applicants. If you are serious about job-hunting, you should also consider sending out speculative letters to companies whom you have researched – that way, you can read about a company and make an informed choice about whether or not you would like to work for them and increase your potential chances of employment success.  In particular, if you find there are not many good roles in your field being advertised, you may feel more pressurised to accept a position that you might think was not the perfect role/company for you but obliged to take the job because there is nothing better available in the current marketplace.

With speculative letters, it is really worth thinking about the type of industry you are suited for and the environment that best suits your personality, e.g. a global advertising company with scope for international travel or a smaller, niche advertising firm where you feel you have a specialised skill that could be unique to that organisation. Researching organisations you would like to work for and sending them a targeted cover letter is a proactive approach and there is nothing to stop you from aiming high and applying to organisations you aspire to work for rather than an adopting an attitude of ‘everyone wants to work for them, there’s no point in trying!’  Of course, you should keep an open mind in your job search and look at all possibilities for recruitment but sending speculative letters allows you to increase your chances of getting your ideal job.

If you are a freelancer, sending speculative letters is more likely to be the most effective way in of finding work in order to build up a network of contacts and businesses whom you may work for at different times. Whilst some freelancing jobs will be advertised, again, competition tends to be high so a proactive job search is essential if you want to get regular work. As with all speculative letters, think about your USP so that you can approach companies with a unique skill or talent – there are websites where freelancers can post their details so it could be worth having a look at some in your field, and then coming up with an edge that allows you to offer something slightly different.

6.1 - Research

There is variety of sources to use to help in your search but the simplest would be to use local newspapers, trade magazines and the Internet. Certainly, online material would allow you to undertake indepth relevant research about an organisation which you could use when writing to them. Some websites will have a page entitled ‘About Us’ or ‘Careers’ which you should read carefully to get a good picture about the type of person they employ and the skills they require for particular roles.

You need to do as much research as possible to try to understand what is expected from the role for which you are applying (in general) – use the internet to look at job sites to get a variation of what the role could entail but also to understand the essential criteria that most employers would expect from the position. It might also be worth talking to recruitment agencies to find out what the competition is like in your field, particularly if there is a general shortage of a specific skill which you could offer or how you can enhance your current skills to be more attractive to an employer. There is no doubt this will take time and effort on your behalf but there is every possibility that the fruits of your labour will pay off.

Once you have ascertained this information, you should have a good basis to start writing your letter – it should be a combination of highlighting your strengths coupled with how you feel you could be an asset to their organisation.

6.2 - The first paragraph

Do not waste the opportunity of this opening paragraph by making the obvious statement that you are sending them your CV as many job-seekers do.  Think about your USP, and specifically, what will make you stand out from others. It is essential that your first paragraph sparks the employer's interest and provides a brief summary of the benefits the employer will receive from you.

With regards to speculative letters, you need to justify why you are applying to them to grab the reader’s attention – if they are not currently recruiting, why should they look? Here is where your research will provide an opportunity to do just that. A few examples might be:

• The company is expanding into other parts of the country, or internationally
• They have just won a new contract or industry award which you have read about in the media
• They are relocating their premises out of the city to a more suburban area
• They are in the process of launching a new service
• You have heard through networking that there may be job openings in your line of work

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How to write a cover letter

Find out how to write a cover letter to accompany your CV.

Book a place at a CV and applications workshop where you will be guided through what to include.

go to careerhub

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document that you send to an employer alongside your CV. It is your chance to show an employer how you meet the criteria for the role you are applying for. Your cover letter should be tailored to the role and organisation you are applying to. 

It should be presented as a formal letter and be no longer than one page. 

What to include

Your cover letter should include four main paragraphs, which details: 

• an introduction – who you are and why you are writing, with some background about whether you are a student or a graduate
• why you have applied for this job and are interested in the organisation – demonstrate that you have done some research on their website and know what they do, giving an example of an aspect of their work that particularly impresses you
• how you meet their requirements – use the job advert to structure your bullet points and show how you fulfil them. Start your bullet point with a positive word and then the skill before giving an example to demonstrate it
• what you want to happen next – reaffirm your enthusiasm for the role and organisation, and say when you are available for interview.

You should address your letter to a named person or use Dear Sir/Madam or Dear Recruiter, if you don ’ t have a name.  

Close your letter with Yours sincerely if you are writing to a named person or Yours faithfully if you are writing to Dear Sir/Madam.

Download an example  cover letter  to help guide you. 

If you are applying for an academic or non-academic role following a PhD,  see our example of a cover letter . 

Sending a speculative cover letter 

If the industry you want to get into is highly competitive, roles may not be formally advertised. In this case, you may decide to send a cover letter and CV to the them in advance, this is called a speculative cover letter.

Like a standard cover letter, your letter should be persuasive and outline why you are interested in the organisation and what you can offer them. 

Example 

Download a   speculative covering letter .

Telling an employer about a disability

You may choose to tell the employer about your disability on your cover letter, or you may decide to tell them later in the application process e.g. at interview. See an  example cover letter  from Prospects. 

Find out more about your disability rights .

More support

We have partnered with  EmployAbility  to provide students with disabilities and long-term health conditions with individualised advice and support. The EmployAbility team will also advocate for you with an employer to ensure you receive the adjustments you need.

Further help and advice

If you need futher help and advice while writing your cover letter,  Ask a Question  in CareerHub.  

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Sample cover letter

Cover letters add context to your CV and when used correctly are a great way to convince employers that you're right for the job. This sample cover letter should help you get started

A cover letter demonstrates to recruiters how well you express yourself, so you need to make sure that you don't just repeat your CV or give rambling explanations. Instead, use this opportunity to focus on your skills and experience, saving your qualifications for your CV.

The basic cover letter structure covers:

• why you're writing the letter
• why you think you're suitable for the job (with examples)
• relevant skills and experience
• summary of your interest in the role.

Double check what you've written as spelling mistakes or lack of attention to detail will put your cover letter straight on the no pile.

Please be aware that this is an example. Use this cover letter template to help generate ideas and structure your own document but avoid copying and pasting. Your cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for.

Avril Lee 115 My Street Mytown WX55 1CQ [email protected] 07777999888

Harry Smith Graduate HR director Big Company Ltd Woodcotes Business Park The Midlands MX9 6PQ

5th May 2023

Dear Mr Smith

Re: Logistics graduate scheme

I would like to apply for the logistics track of your graduate training scheme, advertised on the Prospects.ac.uk website. As requested, I am enclosing my CV.

I am in the final year of my geography degree, expecting a 2:1. Always intending to have a career in business, I have taken modules on the geography of business and GIS modelling. My final-year dissertation is on changing patterns in retail. During my degree, I have developed my analytical skills and ability to read, manage and present data. I have also become familiar with a range of business intelligence sources.

As you can see from my CV I have experience in:

• Retail - moving from shelf stacker to checkout operator to team leader in my two years with Fresh Foods. I contributed to the store consistently being in the top five for the region by providing excellent customer service.
• Warehouse operations - picking and packing to meet targets over the busy Christmas period.

I have also:

• Worked in and led teams at Fresh Foods, on course projects and in sports.
• Communicated with colleagues at all levels in retail and warehousing.
• Solved problems as a team leader, ensuring staff cover and dealing with customer complaints.
• Worked flexibly doing both early and late shifts and covering for absence, sometimes at short notice.
• Managed my time when combining study with work and sport.

My semester in Germany exposed me to a different culture and improved my language skills. In addition, my voluntary work with young people has increased my resilience and ability to mix with people from all walks of life.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

(Sign your name here)

Find out more

• Get more information on cover letters .
• If you're applying for a job that's not advertised take a look at an example speculative cover letter .
• Learn more about the 5 things to avoid when writing a cover letter .

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How to write a cover letter.

A cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to think about your application. 

It’s a short letter, usually 3 to 5 paragraphs long.

When to include a cover letter

You should always include a cover letter when you apply for a job using a CV. 

You can write it as an email if you’re applying online or print a copy to go with a paper application.

When writing a cover letter, let the employer know you’re keen by showing that you’ve researched the company. Learn more about what they do through:

• their website
• recent news articles
• talking to people you know who work there

Send it to the right person

It's important to try to address your cover letter to someone by name. Check you have the details of the person you need to send it to. 

You'll need their name and preferred title. For example, ‘Dr’, ‘Mr’, ‘Mrs’, ‘Ms’, and their job title. You should also make sure you have the right company name and address, including postcode.

If you do not know their name

If the job advert does not include a name you can check the company website. Try to find details of the head of the department, head of human resources or a recruitment manager.

If you still cannot find a name, you can start your letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’.

Introduction

Introduce yourself and explain how you found the advertised job. You can mention the job title, and reference number if there is one. 

If you’re asking about any job openings and not applying to a vacancy, tell them what sort of job you’re looking for. Let the employer see how keen you are to work for them.

Show you're right for the job

Highlight the skills and experience you have that match what the employer is looking for. 

Convince them that you're enthusiastic about working for them. Let them know you share their work values, culture and style.

Give extra information

If you have gaps in your employment history, you could talk about the skills you gained while you were out of work.

If you’ve mentioned on your CV that you have a disability, you might want to talk more about this in your cover letter. Organisations like Disability UK can give you advice on how to do this. You do not have to mention your disability at this stage if you prefer not to.

You can get more help with specialist advice on finding work if you have a disability.

Ending your cover letter

Thank the employer for considering your application. Let them know that they can get more details from your CV, and tell them you're looking forward to hearing from them.

Let them know how they can best contact you. Make sure your contact details are correct on both your cover letter and CV.

Yours sincerely or yours faithfully

If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, you should end the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’.

If you’ve addressed the letter ‘Dear Sir or Madam’, you should end the letter with ‘Yours faithfully’.

Tips for writing a cover letter

When writing your cover letter, remember to:

• write a new one for every job you apply for and make sure it’s tailored to the company and the specific role
• use the same font and size as you do for your CV, so it looks consistent
• make sure the company name and recruiter’s details are correct
• use the right language and tone: keep it professional and match the keywords used by the employer in their job advert
• show you’ve done your research into the job and the company
• highlight your most relevant skills and experience to stand out from other applicants
• back up any statements you make with facts and use the STAR method
• double check spelling and grammar before you send it
• keep a copy of your cover letter as they may ask you about it in an interview

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John Oliver on UFOs: ‘There needs to be room for honest inquiry’

The Last Week Tonight host looks into speculation, study and cover-ups about unidentified flying objects in the US

J ohn Oliver took on the tricky, potentially fun topic of Unidentified Flying Objects ( UFOs ) on Sunday evening – a “difficult subject to talk about”, the Last Week Tonight host noted, “because UFOs tend to get discussed in one of two ways”. The first is “wildly speculative”, such as claiming Renaissance painters depicted alien invaders. And the second way is outright dismissal “with borderline contempt”.

But the topic has been back in serious headlines in recent years thanks to secret UFO files released by the government in 2017, the beginning of “a cascade of revelations”, said Oliver, including the DoD revealing that it had 11 reports of documented instances in which pilots had near misses with Unidentified Flying Objects.

“So if a subject is this ubiquitous with such major questions being asked, now might be a good time to – and I cannot believe I’m about to say this – talk about UFOs: what we know, what we don’t know, and some of the problems with how we’ve gone about finding out more,” Oliver explained.

He started with a disclaimer: that talking about UFOs doesn’t necessarily mean talking about aliens, just unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP). “While you can believe aliens exist or not, when it comes to UFOs, belief doesn’t really come into it,” he said. “Whatever they are, people are seeing them.”

And people have been seeing things in the sky for millennia. “For as long as people have been around, they’ve been seeing weird things they can’t explain,” Oliver noted. But the modern obsession with UFOs dates to a highly publicized sighting of “flying saucers” by a pilot in 1947.

“From the very beginning of our modern obsession with UFOs, there’s been a belief that our government is keeping something from us,” Oliver explained. “And that mistrust has been well-earned. The history of the US government’s study of UFOs is one ranging from the unsatisfying to the actively misleading.” The first “flying saucer sighting” prompted years of ridicule about the study of UFOs, with the government commissioning reports from scientists who entered investigations already convinced of their non-existence.

Yet the government “actively engaged in cover-ups about them”, said Oliver, “though not necessarily in the ways or for the reasons that the History Channel might have you believe”.

Oliver cited the famous alleged UFO crash in Roswell in 1947, which the government claimed was a weather balloon, leading to rampant speculation. In 1997, after efforts by a congressman from New Mexico to yield more answers, the government admitted that it lied to conceal that the “weather balloon” was actually debris from a top-secret US army air force research project called Mogul, designed to detect Soviet nuclear tests.

“That does make more sense, though it is hard to take the government’s word for it given that they just admitted they’d been lying for 50 years,” said Oliver. “It’s frankly no wonder that people still speculate about Roswell to this day. It’s basically the Boy Who Cried Wolf, if the boy was the Pentagon, the Wolf was a 600ft spy balloon, and the moral of the story is ‘we got up to a lot of stupid shit during the cold war.’”

Furthermore, a CIA study found that more than half of the UFO sightings from the late 1950s through the 1960s were accounted for by manned reconnaissance flights, leading to obfuscating public statements by the military.

In recent years, the Pentagon confirmed the existence of the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) to study UFOs. “For many, it seemed like finally, after years of dead-end, bad-faith government inquiries, this could be a genuine breakthrough,” said Oliver. “But unfortunately, when people looked into that program, they found themselves coming away with more questions than answers.”

AATIP research was largely contracted out to a company owned by the budget hotel mogul and Ron DeSantis donor Robert Bigelow, with few tangible results, at least that we know of. “It’s really disappointing,” said Oliver, “because people deserve serious answers to these legitimate questions, especially as it takes courage to even ask them or talk about what you might have seen.”

The good news, he continued, was that “there does seem to be a movement toward more careful consideration of UFOs.” For example, Nasa recently assembled a team to examine UAPs, and offered an hours-long press conference breaking down how one sensational video of an unidentified object was, though still unidentified, not moving nearly as fast as it appeared. Nasa asserts that a “rigorous, evidence-based, data-driven scientific framework is essential” to studying UFOs. “And they are right about that,” said Oliver. “It is both promising and long overdue to see people approaching this issue soberly, scientifically and perhaps most importantly, boringly.

“There needs to be room for honest inquiry,” he concluded, “because science is all about collecting small answers that eventually help us address big questions.”

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