Approaching companies direct?

Prairie_Rose

Hi there,

have recently been made redundant and have started looking for a new job and updated my CV etc. I am an experienced Secretary/Administrator and have thought about approaching some of the larger employers in my area directly rather than just apply for advertised jobs..... has anyone else done this? If so, what type of response (if any!) have they received? Am I wasting my time? Can anyone suggest any wording for a covering letter which might be suitable?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Many thanks,

Prairie Rose
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SandC

I don't think you would be wasting your time at all. I know I used to keep interesting CVs on file and many larger companies do the same. I do know also that in my area firms tend to use agencies to recruit permanent staff along the admin/secretarial route - so join as many as poss. My last 3 jobs all came through agencies. If a company already has your details on file and your quals/experience suit when something comes up they might well invite you for interview as if you were successful they would not have to pay the fee for the agency.

My experience has been that many firms avoid advertising in the local press because they get so many unsuitable applicants it really is a pain sifting through them and shortlisting when an agency will do that for them.

SomeBozo

I have said it before on these boards and I will say it again.

I own and run a company in excess of 50 people. 2 (now 4) of my staff were recruited after a "cold" walk in.

Ie they turned up one day with copies of their CV, dressed for the role.

They were taken on 2 weeks later.

Go for it.

Bozo

WidgetP

It is absolutely not a waste of your time. I have sent many Speculative enquiry letters and one paid off and all responded.

The covering letter should be as if you were applying for a vacant position, but instead of talking about the role, focus on the company and why you would like to work for them. Highlighting your strengths etc.

You have nothing to lose!

Good luck!

-Becky

bristol_pilot

Certainly not a waste of time, I know several people who have got jobs this way and I myself got a job offer by this method once (although I didn't take it up).

Stick to private sector though. Public bodies like local councils will have 'procedures' aimed at ensuring utter fairness rather than cracking on with recruitment and will not be able to take on speculative applicants even if they want to.

Prairie_Rose

Thank you all so much for your replies, they are very encouraging, I will give it a try.

Regards,

Prairie Rose
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martyp

I've tried a different approach, just ring up and have a chat with potential employers. I got a couple of jobs through doing that and only a few weeks ago I just got a bit down about job searching so just called a place out the blue. Had a nice chat on the phone and the manager called me in to the office an hour later for a chat. A job hasn't resulted in this case but at least now he knows more about me than just some text on paper...
My best claim to fame from a random phone call was working on a major peak time TV series for a year. I just happened to call at just the right time (from a lead mind you).

nzmegs

I work as a receptionist and often opened up letter containing CV's. I do my best to get them to the right person, but I know that often they become mislaid or disappear woithout being read. it's a shame but does happen. I think that if angencys cold call then potential employees ought to as well. The angencys often get work through this type of cold calling so it must work at some level. I suggest calling not writing at least then you have a name top adress any further correspondence.

DCFC79

SomeBozo wrote: »

I have said it before on these boards and I will say it again.

I own and run a company in excess of 50 people. 2 (now 4) of my staff were recruited after a "cold" walk in.

Ie they turned up one day with copies of their CV, dressed for the role.

They were taken on 2 weeks later.

Go for it.

Bozo

can i ask bozo what does your company do

Prairie_Rose

Thanks Nzmegs, the companies I was thinking of approaching have dedicated recruitment email addresses so I was thinking of emailing my CV direct to them with a covering email, hopefully then it should reach the right person and not get lost.

Regards,

Prairie Rose
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Red_Elle

I own an employment agency specialising in finance and accountancy recruitment. A lot of agencies do just cold call companies, like others have suggested. They also send CV's out to companies on a speculative basis.

I got my boyfriend his current job by getting him to do this. I came up with a good covering letter and did his CV for him.

Focusing on the company and why you want to work there, as someone suggested is a great idea.

The only thing I would say is that the dedicated recruitment/HR email addresses aren't always great to send your CV to. Working on the basis that every city has around 20+ agencies and other direct applicants, it may get lost.

My advice would be to call companies and ask for the name of the person who you would generally report to. So for finance roles ask for the name of the Financial Controller or Director. Then send your CV directly to them. They will appreciate your proactive approach and also the cost saving of not having to use an agency.

As someone mentioned though, a lot of companies do only use agencies. Most of my clients would never advertise because of the immense amount of candidates around at the moment. Make sure you register with good agencies though and don't register with more than 3. You don't want 10 agencies sending your CV to the same companies, as this does not look good for you.

If you need any advice on what to look for in an agency, just PM me. If you want advice on a covering letter or CV, again, I'd be happy to help.