How To Apply For Jobs Through Speculative Applications

I got my first Job (my current job at the time of this post) through a speculative application. I searched for electrical consulting firms in Kenya, got their email addresses and then customized my speculative application to each of them. Within a week, I got a call and later an interview which resulted to my current work. It helped that I had pursued internship in another competing consulting firm. I had as well gotten the prior internship still via a speculative application.

Speculative applications work if you do them properly. I know several people who have also got their dream jobs via speculative applications.

Not all graduate jobs are advertised so be proactive with your search.

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 vacancies are rarely advertised (e.g.: engineering consulting, journalism, publishing, television etc.)
• Internships/Industrial attachments
• Unpaid work experience.

You can start the process by approaching those whom you already know like friends, family, and lectures/tutors as they might help you get in touch with someone in the organization or sector of interest.

Get access to alumni contacts of your university/college. Learn how to develop your networks. Attend conferences and seminars where you might meet your prospective employers and future contacts.

You can also assess the recruitment timelines of your respective prospective companies so that you can coincide your speculative applications with this period. This would be the best time to submit your application.

A speculative application usually consists of a CV and Cover Letter. A few tips:

1. Write to a named individual if possible.
2. Download an Example Speculative Cover Letter for ideas
3. By setting out your cover letter formally, you stand a better chance of your speculative application succeeding. This means adding your name, address and the date on the top right and the addressee’s details below this, on the left.
4. Match the tone of the letter to the organization. For example, an engineering firm may appreciate a formal and technical approach while a media company may appreciate a less formal approach.
5. Careful targeting is far more likely to lead to success than sending out numerous near-identical applications.
6. Research the role, organization 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.
7. Clearly and quickly establish what you want and why. If your goal is work experience, don’t cut out any chance that the recipient may be able to offer, say, a work shadowing opportunity. Be clear about what you would be interested in, but don’t close any doors! When you are being speculative, it is best to keep your options open, so don’t focus on one particular skill or qualification. Showing that you are an all-rounder can be much more effective than being a specialist.
8. Make it clear what you have to offer them. You are making a business proposition, and must prepare your case carefully and research the organization.
9. Tailor each speculative application to the organization, and demonstrate how your experience and achievements are relevant.
10. You may wish to follow up your letter with a phone call (1-2 weeks after you have sent it) to check that it was received and if there is any feedback.