Job application advice : Speculative applications

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1. What do employers want…
2. Your application
3. Online applications
4. Example questions
5. Personal statements
6. Speculative applicatio…
7. Analysing job adverts
8. Common mistakes
9. Power words

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Speculative approaches can be an effective way to open doors, find experience, network, and get some references. In some industries it is the normal entry route to a career. Below is a list of things to take into consideration when making a speculative application.

• Identify employers who might be interested in your dissertation, recruit graduates with your degree or suit your skills.
• Learn about the company, their organisational structure, trends in their field, competitors and any areas of growth or change. The internet is a good place to start.
• Find out who to send your CV to and address it for their attention (you may be able to find them on LinkedIn ).
• Clearly state what you are looking for. For example, you might want a job, an internship, work experience, work shadowing or some project work.
• Outline the skills and experience you have to offer.
• Include the dates when you are available.
• Follow up your letter with a telephone call to show your genuine interest and see if you can arrange a meeting to discuss job possibilities, review your application or gain further contacts.
• Create a network of influential people. To be most effective, combine contacts from all sources, such as your personal and professional networks. Ask people, including lecturers or past students, for contacts who may know of opportunities in a particular sector.