Sending Speculative – Cover letters & CVs bad idea?

palna

Im looking for any type of administration work and I am thinking of posting speculative cover letters and cv’s to companies.

The reason I think this may be a bad idea is because when they advertise jobs and I apply, they will not read my application as they already have one.

And to all advertised jobs I now target my CV and cover letter.

I can’t just be specific in speculative letters as that will take forever, as I want to send 100’s

So is it better to send loads in the slight hope you get one or 2 interviews, or not send any, so there more likely to read your application when you apply for advertised jobs.


It wont cost anything as I know a place that does it free, because I am unemployed.
Also if I did send speculative cvs, what would type in the yell.com website as when I type in administration not many companies come up

DCFC79

Why not give it a try especially if it wont cost anything

SarEl

I sincerely doubt that they will not read your application when they advertise for jobs - most employers I know bin speculative CV's without reading them! If it isn't going to cost you anything then there is no harm in trying, but do not be disheartened if you get no responses because many employers simply don't respond to such applications and don't even look at them. It's nothing personal - but lots of people have the same idea and they can't afford to spend time answering applications for jobs that they don't have.

smileylondongal

I think I would have said go for it if it was a different time, especially if you knew of particular organisations that we recruiting heavily however it is different now and personally I'd hold on to every bit of cash you have that you might otherwise have used in paper, printing and stamps.

You're better off focussing on trawling through websites specific to you, targeting and registering with agencies that deal only in admin (don't forget local ones), going through local websites (including the local newspaper website), and tailoring your CV and covering letter to those roles. Also, if you know of anyone in a similar role, it's worth asking them if they would mind forwarding your CV to the right person in their company - I guess in some ways this is speculative, however with a friend or family member handing it over who is already working there, it would almost act as a recommendation.

westv

SarEl wrote: »

I sincerely doubt that they will not read your application when they advertise for jobs - most employers I know bin speculative CV's without reading them! If it isn't going to cost you anything then there is no harm in trying, but do not be disheartened if you get no responses because many employers simply don't respond to such applications and don't even look at them. It's nothing personal - but lots of people have the same idea and they can't afford to spend time answering applications for jobs that they don't have.

Wouldn't surprise me. Last year I sent a speculative email to one company but heard nothing back. A few months later I got an interview for the same company via an agency. Didn't get the job though.

palna

DCFC79 - because it might effect me in the future as company may have already, seen my speculative CV and not read mt targeted one.

smileylondongal - it wont cost me anything, "It wont cost anything as I know a place that does it free, because I am unemployed."

westv - a women said she helped someone send 60, who wanted to do childcare NVQ level 2 and work, she already had level 1; she got a job from that. but that same women is the one who said when you apply to jobs don’t target your CV or cover letter crazy I know.

I only started targeted my CV and cover letter from last Monday, I now have 2 interviews next week from full time permanent jobs. I apply to 3 jobs day ones I know I can do and want.
For some reason even though it takes a lot lot longer i prefer targeting my cv and cover letter, then mass sending like before.

smileylondongal

Bottom, sorry missed that bit lol!

palna

They may also think this person doesnt want to work for us, he just wants a job, which would show me in a bad light when i apply for the job.

gingerdad

two of the last people i have employed had been on cv's sent in or dropped. so i think it would be a good idea. i would suggest more value in doing 20 targeted to companies and walking in with them.

jadorevintage

I got my first two jobs via speculative applications. They were both in retail whilst at school and college.

In fact I also got my current job in a solicitors office through sending out speculative applications. One company said they really liked receiving speculative applications as it showed initiative.

Go for it, you have nothing to lose.

DCFC79

palna wrote: »

DCFC79 - because it might effect me in the future as company may have already, seen my speculative CV and not read mt targeted one.

its might effect, you dont know whats going to happen in the future though, for all you know they could put an ad in the paper next week and f you send you letter and cv in surely they will then contact you about the position because you showed interest