Sending out speculative letters in search of employment

Sending out speculative letters in search of employment

Author
Discussion

geek84

Original Poster:

557 posts

86 months

Monday 17th February 2020
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Hi Folks

At present I am looking for another job and thinking of sending out spec letters to local employers in case they have unadvertised vacancies now or in the near future.
However, I am working full time at the moment and short on time, so was wondering if I should pay (say) a virtual assistant to do this for me.

Do you think this is a good idea?

Thanks

2 sMoKiN bArReLs

30,252 posts

235 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
Make time.

Also, don't make them generic. Research the firms and address to specific people and make them relevant.

Good luck

edc

9,234 posts

251 months

Monday 17th February 2020
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This is what LinkedIn is for. I get speculative CVs on various generic email addresses and rarely by post but most go to the bin.
Look at the amount of junk mail you get at home. How is your CV going to get to the right person? How do you strike up a rapport or demonstrate any understanding of their business and challenges?

i prefer a flan

89 posts

50 months

Monday 17th February 2020
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It can definitely work - that said it's to land on the correct persons desk / inbox.

bristolbaron

4,810 posts

212 months

Monday 17th February 2020
quotequote all
I’d like a new job, but can’t really be bothered to send a letter myself. I’ve got time to post on forums, but that’s irrelevant. Gizza job mate.

Stay up late, wake up early, shift the focus of your waking hours, or stay stuck where you are.

Whether the focus of a new role is more money, a better work/life balance, or job satisfaction, I’d say it’s worth investing time into.

CoupeKid

751 posts

65 months

Tuesday 18th February 2020
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Look up "pain" letters.

The gist of the letter is to identify a problem they might have and then explain why you are just the right person to fix it for them.

parabolica

6,712 posts

184 months

Tuesday 18th February 2020
quotequote all
Do it yourself. and target small companies if you want any chance of a response; large companies/multinationals rarely accept speculative hard-copy CVs nowadays and insist you apply via their recruitment website.

edc

9,234 posts

251 months

Tuesday 18th February 2020
quotequote all
CoupeKid said:
Look up "pain" letters.

The gist of the letter is to identify a problem they might have and then explain why you are just the right person to fix it for them.
The guy doesn't have the time to write a CV and cover letter let alone figure out the industry dynamics at a macro or micro level that will be affecting the company or the project process pains a managwr or department might be going through.

2 sMoKiN bArReLs

30,252 posts

235 months

Wednesday 19th February 2020
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OP hasn't come back...he'll be doing the research etc

geek84

Original Poster:

557 posts

86 months

Saturday 22nd February 2020
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Good Morning Folks

Many thanks for your ideas.

Ideally, I want to work in accountancy/finance since I have an accountancy qualfication.

The Li-ion King

3,766 posts

64 months

Saturday 22nd February 2020
quotequote all
geek84 said:
Good Morning Folks

Many thanks for your ideas.

Ideally, I want to work in accountancy/finance since I have an accountancy qualfication.
Are you AAT or ACCA (not as in Ladbrokes Acca silly ) qualified? Places like Hays or Local Government Jobs would have something, or joining an agency who can get you assignments. In these days of email, posted letters is like a drag race between an Audi RS6 and someone on horseback. Most letters may go in the bin...

I find with agencies, the best thing is to "mirror" their behaviour, from the excitable "children's TV" persona they seem to have, and sound keen to take anything within reason. It could be a stepping stone to somewhere else. LinkedIn is great for accounts work, too!

Get going on your CV! type

2 sMoKiN bArReLs

30,252 posts

235 months

Sunday 23rd February 2020
quotequote all
geek84 said:
Good Morning Folks

I have an accountancy qualfication.
I've never admitted that in public hehe

vaud

50,425 posts

155 months

Tuesday 25th February 2020
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geek84 said:
Good Morning Folks

Many thanks for your ideas.

Ideally, I want to work in accountancy/finance since I have an accountancy qualfication.
If you have target companies in mind, see if they attend local networking events (often advertised on LinkedIn). Go to aforementioned events.

Ensure your linkedin is up to date and accurate.

geek84

Original Poster:

557 posts

86 months

Saturday 7th March 2020
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Thanks Folks