Speculative job applications

El_Rey

Has anyone ever had any success in landing a job through a speculative application? If so, what kind of job was it?

I am actively looking for admin work in and around the Liverpool area, but would be open to other job types. If anyone knows of any employers, who might respond favourably to this approach, please let me know.

BillJones

Yes, I've had a good few jobs through asking, including my current one, which is running a trading desk in an investment bank.

Sanne

I've not had any attempts at speculative applications but have hired someone on the basis of one. He was lucky though that his application came through at the right moment in time. I know HR tends to keep hold of interesting CVs, though they're usually quite specialised roles.

I'd say keep going - nothing to lose and you may just be lucky that a company is just considering recruiting as your CV comes through. Good luck!

Affynity

I had zero success when I was unemployed, and I must've sent out close to 60.
It's a very inefficient way to find work and is best used to supplement applications to known vacancies, not as a substitute.

melysion

I think it very much depends on what field you are looking at. I can tell you from personal experience that 90% of entry level medical writer posts are via speculative applications.

I got my present job (editor for a scientific publishing house) though a speculative cv.

El_Rey

melysion wrote: »

I think it very much depends on what field you are looking at. I can tell you from personal experience that 90% of entry level medical writer posts are via speculative applications.

I got my present job (editor for a scientific publishing house) though a speculative cv.

What qualifications are needed to gain an entry level role as a medical writer?

Affynity

El_Rey wrote: »

What qualifications are needed to gain an entry level role as a medical writer?

I'd imagine some sort of biomedical science degree?

BillJones

Affynity wrote: »

I had zero success when I was unemployed, and I must've sent out close to 60.
It's a very inefficient way to find work and is best used to supplement applications to known vacancies, not as a substitute.

It depends on the job, really. Very few jobs in my industry make it as far as a formal advert, so a direct approach is often best.

Affynity

BillJones wrote: »

It depends on the job, really. Very few jobs in my industry make it as far as a formal advert, so a direct approach is often best.

I think the welfare-to-work sector tend to lean on the hidden jobs market a little too much.
They're essentially asserting that basic jobs with broad appeal are out there hidden away, when, in truth, your case is more realistic.
A niche job that fewer people tend to do or have the skillset for would be wasted in a massive recruitment campaign.

kkgree1

I'm an Admin manager and I think it can be all about timing. The last two administrators I recruited sent speculative CVs just before we were due to advertise and I think it shows initiative and can put you one step ahead. Please ensure it is 2 pages max and has a brief covering letter.

ILikeJam

I've had quite a few bits of work through contacting relevant people speculatively and just happened to catch them at the right time.

Not jobs per se, but more contracts to provide my services as a sole trader, however the same rules apply.

Absolutely no harm in doing it, however as others have said - it should not be the basis of your search \ business model \ income stream.