Speculative Applications

Another way to find a new job is to make speculative applications to employers in your field.

Applying speculatively can be frustrating, with a relatively low response rate, but if you do find an employer with a vacancy there will usually be less competition.

The employer may also keep your CV on file until an appropriate job comes up. To find suitable employers see the section on 'Research' below.

When you are making a speculative application you should always write to a named person if possible - people take more notice of letters addressed to them rather than letters which say 'Dear Sir/Madam'. So do not address the letter to the Personnel Manager or Human Resources Manager; ring up the company (if you do not know their number try Directory Enquiries dial 192 in the UK) and find out the name of the person and their correct job title. You can find an example speculative letter below.

Speculative Cover Letter Sample

		24 Mansfield Drive,
		Cheadlee,
		Manchester,
		M23 4DJ.
		Tel: (07700) 900999

Miss Janet Timms,		3 January, 2013
Personnel Manager,
Oldbury Foods Limited,
346 Wood Road,
Manchester,
M2 3LL.

Dear Miss Timms,

I am writing to enquire whether you have a vacancy in your company for a Quality Assurance Manager. I enclose a copy of my CV for your consideration.

As you will see from my CV, I am currently working for Gepo Foods as the Senior Quality Assurance Technician. In my present position I am responsible for managing all quality assurance in Gepo Foods' Manchester factory. I have worked closely with the Production Department and have been able to identify problems before they affected production deadlines.

Over the last year I have implemented BS5750/ISO 9000 throughout our factory. This meant rewriting many of the company's procedures and in some cases creating new procedures. I successfully obtained accreditation at the first attempt within the Board's six-month timescale.

With my proven ability to manage and maintain the highest QA standards whilst also minimising costs, I feel that I would be able to make a significant contribution to your company's management team.

I would be grateful if you would contact me if you have any vacancies in your company, or keep my information on file in case of future openings. I would welcome hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Christopher Jones

Christopher Jones.

Next: 4. Networking.

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