A simple way to circumvent a normal job application process and in fact to expand your “application repertoire” is possible by writing a speculative application. By displaying a sense of dynamism and initiative, you can be a step ahead of competition. However, having said that, speculative applications may not be all that easy to position considering there isn’t a real job position or description to work with. Keeping this in mind, today, we would like to share a few tips helping you successfully develop the art of writing a speculative application.
There are a few important things to consider before you indulge in writing a speculative application. Firstly, we start with a quick glance over the key advantages of a speculative application:
- Little to no competition, because the position is not advertised
- Candidates are perceived as showing initiative, having strong motivation and focus to work for a certain company
- You are not bound by an existing vacancy or job description. You can just focus in presenting your qualities and strengths and formulating this in the best way possible without restrictions to adhere to.
- You appear on the company radar, even if your application is not taken into account most immediately, your application can be considered for the next vacancy!
Tips on the art of writing a speculative application
Here are a few tips that we have summarized for you.
1) Take initiative and get your word around
Although speculative applications are in principle possible for all companies, your process should be preceded by a process of search and information generation about current employees and the company at large. This easiest way to make this happen is through an observation of the job market – for instance if you’re looking for a job in marketing, conduct a small search or connect with employees on social media, or even at specific job fairs or events.
Thus, company HR (if you meet them or connect with them) can help you identify potential, and if they are interested even adjust the desired profile even if the required exact profile that you bring along do not suit totally. Another advantage is that you will often find the right contact and understand the company culture. With a quick phone call you can quickly clarify if there is an upcoming position and thus evaluate the chances of your speculative application.
Subject-specific events in the targeted industry also offer a great way to conduct preliminary research, meet interesting employers that you had not considered so far, meet with experts and professionals from these companies and build your networks- sometimes even as a door opener for the new job. It is equally important to maintain and expand the network of your business contacts.
It is not uncommon to find something interesting within the circle of acquaintances -someone who already “knows someone else” – and personal recommendations may come in very handy while writing a speculative application successfully.
2) Let’s not get too impatient and forget to individualize applications
Although it may seem tempting to just create a generalized cover letter and a complete the submission documents, but copy and paste mentality usually does not work. Any experienced executive recruiter will find this out after a mere two or three sentences, that it is a blind application and honor it correspondingly with far less attention.
Instead, a speculative application should be created like any other “normal” application. This means, individually customized cover letters for that particular employer – if you can find a recruiter contact here after your search, and follow up with a direct call then it’s even better. As a senior executive the quality of your speculative application is far more important than sending out tens of applications to a large number of employers.
It is important to carefully select application documents, include all the important details in your resume (if applying in Germany, here are some tips for the perfect CV) and also select a list of potential employers you want to write to carefully.
If after two to three weeks there is no reaction from the company, a follow up call may work fine. However, it’s important to be polite and not too demanding, simply asking, for example: “Did you receive my documents?” Speculative applications usually tend to take a lot more time than usual applications considering they may not be directly relevant – but then you may even get lucky!
3) Ask and customize
Before the actual application you could get in touch with the HR department of the company by phone or Email. In this way, you can already predict the situation in the targeted companies a wee bit. In the phone call, you should succinctly explain why you would like to work in the company: The clearer the message, the better.
If there is interest on the other side, they would perhaps note down exactly when and to whom you should address your application. This will surely help in customizing the cover letter and documents according to a potential job description. If the response to the call negative from the outset, or you come to know that there is a hiring freeze coming up, you can save time in writing a speculative application all together!
4) Show them why
Decide in advance whether you want to send a detailed and thus complete application, or rather on a short-set application (cover letter, CV). You should always focus on your strengths and clearly indicate why you are interested in a position in the company. Attach your references even if it is not always explicitly recommended. It can give the recruiter a good impression of you and show that you really want the job.
In general, it can be stated that speculative applications present a good way of promoting your careers, but only really make sense if they are created with care and after enough thought and search. It’s good to remember: since there is no job description, you are free to showcase your skills and be open- you use this to your advantage. And no matter what you do: Stay authentic !!
