How can I apply for jobs that are not advertised?

I need help with applications and the recruitment process

Make speculative applications

This means contacting companies directly to find out about opportunities - a bit like when you were a student and contacted local businesses and shops and approached family and friends to find Saturday/holiday jobs.

When should I make a speculative application?

when applying to advertising, media, graphics, design and public relations posts which often rely on speculative approaches
if you have an unusual skill or qualification - foreign language, knowledge of other countries and cultures, technical qualification - it's worth approaching organisations that may find it useful
If you did a dissertation or research that might be of particular interest to certain organisations
If you want to work in a particular geographical area and few jobs are advertised

Note that in Northern Ireland speculative applications are not appropriate because equal opportunities legislation requires employers to promote their opportunities in such a way as to allow anyone interested to apply. Some employers may hold your CV onfile and later inform you about future vacancies to be advertised.

General rules for speculative applications

Make sure your CV is targetted to the company - see section on What makes an effective application?
Find out the name and title of the appropriate person to send your application to
Make clear the sort of work you are seeking - temporary, long-term, voluntary work etc
Follow up the letter in two weeks to see if you can meet for a discussion - don't call this an interview
Remember the importance of your covering letter - Do I need a covering letter?

How can I identify potential companies to send my application to?

See the section I don't know where to look for vacancies especially Hidden Jobs Market to find out how to identify companies to contact.

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