Applying to companies with no vacancies

SandC

I agree, don't mention your grandfather's name. If he retired more recently then possibly, but 1991? Why haven't you applied at any time in the 25 years since then if you think it's such a great company? Sorry, but that's what I would be thinking!

Instead, find out Head of HR or MD name if you can (we won't give out names if someone telephones as they often turn out to be cold callers) - try the website where they may have a 'who's who' section. Then send your CV - tailoring your skills to what you think may be required there, with a covering letter saying that you know the company and its good reputation in the area and believe you could be an asset etc and please keep me in mind for any vacancies of xxxx (whatever it is you are qualified and experienced in).

Good luck. It's worth doing anyway, it's not going to do any harm. Worst that can happen is you hear nothing.

Helvetica_Van_Buren

Forget name-dropping. If nobody's heard of the person you're going to refer to (or worse still, didn't like him) you'll just look desperate.

"Sirs,

I am writing to express my desire to find employment with your organisation.

[Current role or most recent if unemployed]

[Explain why you want to work there]

I've attached my CV for your consideration. I would appreciate the opportunity of an interview where I can further discuss my skills and demonstrate my suitability for [COMPANY NAME].

Regards,

OP"

Something like that won't do any harm.

steampowered

I still feel it is worth mentioning. It would fit as a small note in the "why you want to work here" section.

Particularly if you would otherwise only be writing generic stuff about why you want to work there. And particularly if this is just a speculative application anyway.

Personally I would add something to your covering email like "By the way, my grandfather (insert name) worked for your company for more than 25 years, although he retired some time ago. I mention that purely in case anybody remembers him".

YouAsked

I actually think it's quite sweet and could go one of two ways - either it's a traditional, family orientated company where such an approach would work wonders OR they'll think "who's this name dropping idiot? And we didn't like his grandfather either!"

If you do decide to go down that route then add it in to the bit about why you want to work for that company, but don't dwell on it "blah blah, excellent reputation for xyz...blah blah...and on a personal note, my grandfather still speaks fondly of the 25 years he spent there".

PersianCatLady

Forget name-dropping. If nobody's heard of the person you're going to refer to (or worse still, didn't like him) you'll just look desperate.
Absolutely.