Making speculative applications

A speculative application involves approaching an organisation about the possibility of working for them, rather than applying to an advertised vacancy.

Some jobs, for example those in media and the arts, are so popular that employers often have sufficient good speculative applications to make advertising their vacancies unnecessary.

If you are applying for a creative role, be aware that there is a huge amount of competition and your application must be of an extremely high standard to get noticed.

Tips for making speculative applications

Identify a company you may wish to approach.  Research the company and establish concrete reasons why you are interested in working for them specifically. Is the company one of the most reputable and successful in its sector? Do you share their ethos and values? What interests you about their work?

Now tailor your CV and a concise covering letter specifically for them. In your covering letter clearly explain the reasons for you application, and emphasise your knowledge of the company and the skills you have that may be of interest to them. Do not just send your CV and ask if they have any jobs. Tell them what you would really like to do.

Always address applications to the most relevant person, using their name. Call the company to get this information if necessary. This ensures that your application gets to the most relevant person. In a large organisation this is usually a manager in the HR (Human Resources) department.

If you are a designer, provide good quality examples of your work by including a link to your online portfolio, showreel or previous projects that you have worked on, or by including a CD/DVD.

Always follow up your application with a phone call to try to arrange a meeting to discuss any opportunities. This shows you are serious about your application and are keen to work for them. Say you will do this in your covering letter and make sure you do it.

Read our advice on Writing your CV, Application forms, Covering letters, Creative applications and Research and preparation.