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  • Speculative applications

Speculative applications

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

Why should I make speculative applications?

Some sources say that 50-70% of all job vacancies are never advertised. This applies particularly to internships or short-term placements. 

Small or medium-sized enterprises (which account for 99% of all UK businesses) often do not have the resources to deal with large volumes of applications generated by job adverts. 

Employers in niche industries, where demand for jobs far outstrips supply, also often have no need to advertise. 

Vacancies can be filled via speculative applications, or by networking opportunities.

 

Tips for making speculative applications

An informed, methodical approach is essential if you want speculative applications to be successful.

Research and strategy

Research

Identify companies you may wish to approach and the kind of opportunities they may be able to provide. In addition, brief yourself on the current issues in their industry. You should have a clear idea why you want to work in that industry, for that employer, and in that kind of role.

See our page on Research and preparation for more on this.

Strategy

Once you have a shortlist of target employers, you need to identify key contacts within each one. LinkedIn can be your primary source of information, otherwise you may need to contact the employer directly.

If you have made contact through LinkedIn, look to develop a conversation establishing your interest in the company's activities. Your subsequent application will then be coming from an established contact. LinkedIn exists to facilitate this kind of conversation, so make full use of it.

Target your CV and covering letter 

Employers may be happy to refer to your LinkedIn profile to assess your skills and experience. Others may wish to see a targeted CV and covering letter.

Use your research findings to tailor your CV and covering letter to each employer's business activities and recruitment priorities. You must present a strong case in persuading them to consider an application they haven't actively sought out.

 

This will require a lot of time and effort, but there is no alternative. Sending out a standard CV is a waste of your time and the employer's.

See our pages on CVs and interviews for more on this.

Be persistent

If your initial approach receives a clear rejection, it may be best to consider alternative employers. Where the employer's response is less definite then persistence might pay off.

Ask to arrange an advisory interview. This involves asking for advice on how to progress your career plans, rather than pitching for a job. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your motivation in a way that a CV or online profile never could. A subsequent enquiry about possible work experience would then carry much more weight.

There are instances of employers routinely ignoring first approaches on the basis that genuinely interested applicants will always make a second attempt. Consider following up with a second CV submission and/or an email or phone call.

Plan ahead. If you are seeking a summer placement try asking to set up a short work trial between the autumn or spring terms. This involves less risk on both sides and is the best possible way to demonstrate your motivation and your potential.

Recruitment is a stressful process for both employer and applicant. Someone with any amount of prior experience, and who is known to the employer, is therefore a very strong candidate.

Finding potential employers

Employer directories

General

Available online or for reference in university/public libraries:  

  • Applegate Directory
  • Charity Commission
  • Kompass

By industry

  • Trade Forum Association includes an A-Z directory of professional associations.

Employers and reviews

Graduate employers

  • The Guardian UK 300 reviews the top 300 graduate employers in the UK.
  • Times Top 100 Employers requires registration.

 

Graduate employee reviews

  • Glassdoor has company reviews written by employees.
  • The Job Crowd has employee reviews of hundreds of employers.
  • The Student Room has profiles of UK employers and professional qualification providers.
  • Target jobs Inside Buzz has recent graduate employees give their view on employer culture, training, salary and benefits, and their overall satisfaction.

Employers by location 

Careers Services at other universities

Other university Careers Services will have local careers and labour market information and may produce directories of local firms. Use their local knowledge to inform your job search.

Local councils

Local councils often have business or economic development areas with information about local industry/employers. See the gov.uk database of local councils.

International graduates 

The UK job market offers particular challenges for non-EU graduates looking to work in the UK after completing their studies. Find out more about your legal rights and obligations, and get help to identify potential sources of job opportunities.

  • Working in the UK after your studies includes information on current government schemes for international graduates, changes to legislation, job hunting advice, family members' rights and more.
  • A register of Tier 2 and Tier 5 sponsors on gov.uk lists employers who have previously sponsored applicants. It does not guarantee that they will sponsor future applications.
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