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Every day, someone, somewhere, is offered a job that was never advertised, possibly without even making an application. How does this happen? It is a myth that all jobs must be advertised by law. Open recruitment is considered best practice, but is not a legal obligation. Advertising is expensive and employers may prefer to recruit internally by promoting or seconding a member of staff. They may also draw on personal contacts to find suitably qualified candidates. This is particularly true in niche areas, within small organisations, and for popular types of work with a permanent supply of keen entrants. The key to unlocking these hidden jobs is making yourself known to potential employers. Speculative applicationsA direct, carefully planned approach can be effective. Remember, speculative applications are the principal method of recruitment for some jobs. The CV and covering letter should be specifically tailored to the organisation and role, as it would be in response to an advertisement, so research and preparation are essential. Recruiters easily spot generic CVs, which are likely to go straight in the recycling bin just like any other unsolicited, impersonal junk mail. To improve your application’s chances: - Identify employers who recruit graduates of your degree subject or who might be interested in the subject of your dissertation or project.
- Prepare a general CV and covering letter geared towards a particular industry sector, and then adapt it to target the organisation.
- Your research may include company information, e.g. market position, key stakeholders, suppliers, customers and business development. You need to gather as much information as possible about the responsibilities of the role you are aiming for and the team you would join.
- Get the name of the contact in your chosen business function or human resources/personnel before approaching - this may take some perseverance, but is worthwhile.
- Ensure that your letter starts by clearly stating what you are looking for - a job, contract or project work, work experience, work shadowing - and include details of your availability.
- Focus on explaining what skills and experience you have to offer and what you could contribute to the organisation, rather than simply what you hope to gain for yourself.
- Follow up your letter with a phone call to show your genuine interest and try to arrange a meeting to discuss job possibilities, review your application or gain further contacts.
- Read applications, CVs and interviews for more information on making speculative applications.
back to top NetworkingGraduates often find jobs through contacts. Some universities have found this is the top method by which their graduates secure jobs. Contacts might be friends, relatives, tutors, or people you have met through leisure interests, voluntary work or part-time jobs, work placements, previous employers and even casual acquaintances. Combine contacts from all sources into your personal professional network. Even if these people do not directly help you, they might put you in touch with others who do. They may help you find an opportunity or even get you an interview. Remember to pursue networking opportunities yourself. Networking opportunities include: - Temporary or part-time work to enhance your marketability and industry knowledge and to meet people in your target sector.
- Voluntary work to build experience and show your commitment - be clear what you are offering to do and for how long.
- Professional associations, which may run networking events or useful training and conferences where you can forge new links.
- Careers events at university or elsewhere, speaking with representatives from many organisations in one place.
Further study, training and work experience certainly gives you an edge in the job market. Activate your network by letting everyone know your ambitions and plans, so your contacts pass on any information they hear as soon as possible. When you approach a new potential employer, mention who suggested contacting them, as it will increase the chances of your application being read.
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