non speculative cover letter

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Crafting a compelling cover letter for hidden job opportunities

Jan 07, 2020 - updated Aug 27, 2024

Writer, editor and digital content specialist

You’ve found the perfect company. The team is experienced and dynamic, and the mission aligns with your values. You can see yourself there, contributing your skills to help the business succeed. But there’s a catch—there’s no open job that fits you. At least, not yet.

This is a common scenario in job hunting, but it doesn’t mean you have to move on. If you’re passionate about a company and believe you’d be a great addition to the team, it’s worth reaching out even if there isn’t a job posted. In the US, this is often done through cold emailing or submitting an unsolicited job application. This means contacting the company directly to express your interest and demonstrate how your experience and skills could benefit them.

Although an unsolicited job application might not lead to an immediate job offer, it’s an excellent way to make yourself known to a company and be considered for future openings. To stand out, how you present yourself is crucial—this involves crafting a strong cover letter and customizing your resume for the specific company and role. But before we dive into how to write that perfect cover letter…

Why bother with a spontaneous application?

The odds that a perfect role for you is just an email away are slim but a spontaneous application can be well worth your while.

The number of job vacancies never publicly advertised makes up such a large percentage of openings that there is even a name for this sector: the hidden job market . Certain companies, and even entire industries, are more likely to lean on private networks or referrals to fill available roles quickly, rather than going through a public job posting process. So there’s a high likelihood that the perfect role for you is out there, but not advertised.

More significantly, an unsolicited job application or a cold email is useful for making a positive introduction to a hiring manager for potential roles in the future. It gets your foot in the door, so to speak. It may also be an opportunity for you to sell yourself, your experience, and your knowledge of the company and its vision by suggesting to an employer that they need a role they simply haven’t yet thought of.

When should you send one?

If you’re applying for a position that is unlikely to exist yet, consider sending a spontaneous application in the discovery phase of a job search. This is when you’re interested in a new position but not actively in need of one. This way, you’re not placing too much faith in the application, and have plenty of time to create a long-lead introduction to the company .

It can also be helpful to pay attention to tech and business news, noting startup companies that have recently completed fundraising rounds. This is likely to mean that they will be hiring very soon.

How to write an accompanying cover letter

When you’re writing a cover letter for a cold email or unsoclicited job applicaiton, you won’t have a specific job description to guide you. This can be frustrating because it’s more difficult to clearly explain how your experience and skills fit a particular set of requirements without a framework. However, it can also be liberating, allowing you to be broader in your personal pitch.

The main idea, as with any cover letter, is to sell your expertise, your knowledge of the company and your belief that you have what it takes to help their business succeed. While the body of your email should be crisp and digestible, your cover letter is where you can make the most compelling case for your candidacy.

Even though there is no bullet list of job duties that you can reference, you can infer from the company’s products and services what your work there might involve. After, you can elaborate on how you would excel by using specific examples from your past experience as a reference.

Here are a few tips specific to unsoclicited cover letters:

Be as concise as possible while still clearly detailing your experience and ambitions. Because your application is spontaneous, a manager’s attention span when reviewing it will probably be even shorter than normal.

Be specific in describing how you could help the company, and what kind of position you would like. The narrower your goal, the more convincing it will be that you are a focused applicant, and not someone fishing for any available job.

Include examples of your past work , if relevant to your industry. Do this either in the form of a link to a professional portfolio website or as a separate attachment that you can reference in your email.

Email a specific person by searching through Welcome to the Jungle, or other recruitment websites and tools such as LinkedIn. This will make sure that your message reaches the right person and is (hopefully) read.

Ask for a recommendation , if you happen to have anyone in your social or professional networks who works, has worked, or knows anyone at the company to which you’re applying. Having a personal introduction can make all the difference, especially if said person is able to vouch for your abilities and your work ethic.

The waiting game

Next comes the hard part: being patient. It’s best not to expect any news, and certainly not straight away. You may not hear back after sending the cold email at all. The company might simply not respond to these types of applications. Even if you made a good impression, it may be months before a role is open that fits your experience. In such cases, you can follow up with a friendly email.

Give it at least two weeks before following up on your first email, and then leave any subsequent unsolicited contact to once every few months. Any more than that, and you risk seeming less like an interested and passionate candidate, and more like a nuisance.

Despite the uncertainty, cold emailing is still an exercise well worth doing. Jobs, as with life, are uncertain—a unique combination of the right place, the right time, and more than a little bit of luck. Your application may not lead anywhere productive. But whereas the downside is nonexistent, the upside holds huge untold potential. Who knows? It might just end up with you landing your dream job.

Photo by Thomas Decamps for Welcome to the Jungle Follow Welcome to the Jungle on Facebook , LinkedIn , and Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest articles every week!

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Sounds Like You (and Gets Noticed)

by Elainy Mata

Cover Letters

A cover letter is a document you send to an employer alongside your application. It helps to introduce you and outlines your interest in the role.

Newcastle University
Careers Service
Making applications
Applications

What to write in your cover letter

We'd suggest the following structure for your cover letter.

The order for the second (why you) and third paragraph (why them) is flexible. You can swap these around if you prefer.

Write to the correct person. It's important to get their name and job title right. If a name is not given, try to find out who you should address your letter to. You can do this by contacting the organisation or checking the website.
If you are making a speculative application you should contact the organisation to ask for a key contact who can help with recruitment .
Address your letter correctly. Use their title and last name only. If you're unsure about their gender, marital status, or preferred pronoun, you can use their full name. If you can't find out the name of the person, use a generic term such as ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ or ‘Dear Recruitment Team’.

First paragraph: Introduction

Briefly explain what you are doing now and why you are writing. If the job or placement was advertised, include where you saw the advert.
A strong, confident and positive opening statement makes a good first impression. For example: 'I believe I have the relevant skills, knowledge and experience to make a difference in this role and in your organisation.'
If you are applying speculatively, be as specific as you can about what you are looking for. Consider giving the employer a range of options. If there are no vacancies available, you could get involved another way. This could be work experience, shadowing or even the chance to meet and ask questions.

Second paragraph: Why you? Summarise what you have to offer

Summarise the most relevant skills from your CV. What can you bring that makes you attractive to the employer?
Keep your summary concise, with specific examples from your experiences. Try to avoid highlighting generic skills and qualities in isolation. Instead, focus on how you developed your skills. For example, 'I am a reliable and trustworthy person with good communication skills' doesn't show how you developed your skills.
If you’re not applying for a specific advertised post, you may not have a job description to help you. You’ll need to work out which skills are required. To help with this, look at the job profiles on the Prospects website.
Convey your enthusiasm for the job and what you can bring to the company, rather than talking about yourself in a general way.
Give reasons why the organisation should consider you. What have you got to offer them? Talk about any relevant experience, knowledge and skills and how you could contribute. Your examples could come from a variety of places. Your degree, internships, part-time jobs, volunteering or extra-curricular experience are all valuable.
Try not to repeat phrases from your CV. Make sure that your CV clearly provides evidence for statements that you make in your letter.

You can split this paragraph into two, depending on how much you have written.

Third paragraph: Why them and why this role? Target the employer

Each letter should be tailored to the organisation and role. Recruiters will not be impressed with a generic covering letter. This is especially important if you are applying speculatively. Find out as much as possible about the field of work, the company and the type of role you are interested in.
Explain why you want to work for this organisation. This could be their ethos, training or product/services. Mention any contact you have had with the company.
Show that you have researched the company and know what they do but don't just repeat what is on their website.

Optional paragraphs: Other relevant information

It may be relevant to include other information in your covering letter. This could be explaining the circumstances of disappointing academic grades. Come and talk to us if you have concerns about explaining these or other issues in your letter. To do this, b ook a CV appointmen t via MyCareer.

For advice on asking for adjustments from an employer, see these websites:

asking for reasonable adjustments
British Dyslexia Association: applying for jobs and promotions. This includes examples of reasonable adjustments employers could make during the application process.
example of disclosing a disability in a cover letter
Finish your letter in a polite and friendly way, saying when you would be available for interview. End on a positive note. 'Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to hearing from you' is a good example.
To end your letter, write ' Yours sincerely ' if you know the name of the person you're writing to. It is ' Yours faithfully ' if you don't know the name, followed by your signature.

Example cover letters

See our example cover letters to help you think about structure and content. They can also give you ideas on how to demonstrate your skills. Compare your own draft and see if there’s anything you need to add or improve.

Cover letters for graduate and part-time jobs

Graduate job cover letter example (PDF: 72KB)
Part time job cover letter example (PDF: 118KB)
Speculative graduate job cover letter example (PDF: 120KB)

Advice about writing effective cover letters, with examples

Find further advice about writing cover letters on these websites:

Cover letter essentials for graduate vacancies
How to write a cover letter - this includes advice and example cover letter endings
Example cover letter for an internship .
Cover letters - there are tips and example cover letters, including speculative cover letters. There is also a cover letter showcasing how to disclose a disability
Academic cover letter template - this is a teaching-focused lectureship post.

CVs and Cover Letters workbook

For more advice on writing CVs and cover letters, see our CV and covering letter workbook for students (PDF: 384kb).

Speculative applications

Not all jobs are advertised. You can reach out to companies directly to ask about opportunities. This is called a speculative application. A good starting point is to contact small to medium sized companies. Larger organisations tend to have more established routes for work experience.

When writing speculative applications, be as specific as you can about what you are looking for. Consider giving the employer a range of options. If there are no vacancies available in the company, you could get involved another way. This could be work experience, shadowing or even the chance to meet and ask questions.

See a speculative cover letter example and tips on how to write a speculative cover letter:

Speculative graduate job cover letter example

Making speculative applications for graduate jobs

How to write a speculative application for an internship

How to follow up a speculative application

Follow up a speculative application with a polite phone call or email a week later. This shows you're proactive and motivated.

Reiterate your interest in working for the organisation and the reasons why you're a suitable candidate. Keep your call or email brief and thank the hiring manager for considering your application.

Additional tips

For more advice on writing an effective cover letter, see the following websites:

Get Feedback

Our online AI-generated checker, CareerSet gives you instant feedback 24/7.

CareerSet scores your cover letter on key skills that recruiters look for. It focuses on impact, brevity and style . You can use the feedback to edit your letter and re-submit it to CareerSet as many times as you like. You can also match your letter with a job description, to help you tailor it to a specific role.

You can access CareerSet directly or via MyCareer .

After using CareerSet, we recommend you book an online or in-person CV appointment to go through your cover letter. Alternatively, you can send your cover letter to us for written feedback via MyCareer. You don’t need to have achieved a specific score on CareerSet to do this.

If you would like any of the content in an accessible format , you can request this from CareerSet. See their accessibility statement for details.

How to Use CareerSet

1. Log in to CareerSet

You can access CareerSet directly or via the CV and Covering Letter Pathway .

Log into CareerSet with your Newcastle University email address to get an authentication link. This will log you in for the duration of one session. Your account will be created on your first login.

To access CareerSet you’ll need our Newcastle University graduate voucher code . This is listed in the CV and Covering Letter Pathway .

The Careers Service will have access to your scores and feedback reports. This helps us develop further support and advice, but your CV is not stored in CareerSet. All information is in line with the University’s data protection policy .

2. Accept the:

3. Click on Review my Covering Letter.

Upload your cover letter. This takes about 30 seconds. Your cover letter must be in PDF format:

how to convert a Word document to PDF

You can also copy and paste the job description you want to compare your cover letter to or choose an example.

4. Review your score and work your way through the feedback and tips to help you improve your cover letter.

There’s no such thing as a perfect cover letter, so you don’t need to try to get to 100%. We’d suggest aiming for a score above 70%, but if you’re struggling to reach that, don’t worry.

You can book an online or in-person CV appointment to get help from a CV adviser. You can then upload your cover letter again to see if you’ve improved your score.

The Careers Service will have access to your scores and feedback reports to help us develop further support and advice, but your cover letter is not stored in CareerSet. All information is in line with the University’s data protection policy .

What CareerSet can't do

CareerSet is a valuable tool for getting feedback on your cover letter, but there are certain things it can’t do. Instead, you can book an in-person or online appointment or submit a query via MyCareer if you:

don’t have much work experience to add to your cover letter. Book a information appointment for help on how to find relevant opportunities and develop your skills
want to discuss how to include reasonable adjustments or extenuating circumstances on your CV

Feedback from a CV adviser

Before you book a CV appointment or send us your cover letter for feedback, you need to complete the CV and Covering Letter Pathway on MyCareer first. This includes uploading your CV/cover letter to CareerSet.

Once you have completed the Pathway and made any changes suggested by CareerSet, you can then receive 1:1 feedback from a CV adviser.

You can also send your cover letter (in Microsoft Word ) to us for written feedback. This can take up to 5 working days. Click on Queries/CV in MyCareer (top right hand corner) to submit your query and CV.

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Speculative cover letter

Not all roles are formally advertised, and this is where speculative cover letters come in useful. With the help of our speculative cover letter example, you can create your own opportunities

Speculative approaches can be a great way of getting your foot in the door in competitive industries. They demonstrate dedication and a proactive nature and can give you an early start on your competition.

In the opening paragraph of a speculative cover letter explain what sort of role you're looking for. Then move on to show you've done your research by explaining why you're attracted to the company.

Next you need to talk about the skills and experience you have gained that are relevant to the company and the type of role you're looking for. It's best to show that you're an all-rounder so don't restrict yourself by focusing on one skill or area.

Finally, end on a positive note. Thank them for taking the time to read your application and that you look forward to hearing from them soon.

Please be aware that this is an example. Use this cover letter template to help generate ideas and structure your own document but avoid copying and pasting. Your cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for.

Anika Nawar 42 The Grove Grovetown CQ55 1WX [email protected] 07788123123

Julia Corning Graduate manager Media Company Business Shed Enterprise Street London SE1 J99

5th May 2023

Dear Ms Corning

I am a second-year media design student who is looking to gain some industry experience. I would like to do a summer placement/internship with Media Company and am writing to you to see what opportunities there are.

I know Media Company has a strong reputation in the industry. I was particularly attracted by the work you did for X Communications, which I came across during research for a university project. Your designs caught my eye and your understanding of the UX made our project flow well - and helped us achieve top marks for our year.

My website www.anikanawar.co.uk shows the range of my work, including a project for sportXperience.

As you can see from my CV I have attended industry events including:

New Designers (Part 2) at the Business Design Centre, London, June 2022
Young Designers Workshop Series, Manchester, 2020-2022
Web Design Industry Masterclass, London 2021

These were a great opportunity to network with peers and meet industry experts.

Along with a group of other students, I have been instrumental in setting up a blog www.webX.com . We have run two online student events and are currently crowdfunding a live event.

I can offer Media Company my flexibility, excellent time management skills, entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to work hard and learn quickly.

I look forward to having the opportunity to work with you.

Yours sincerely

(Sign your name here)

Anika Nawar

Find out more

Get more information on cover letters .
Learn more about the 5 things to avoid when writing a cover letter .
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How to write a speculative...

How to write a speculative application for a job that isn't advertised

8 min read · Updated on October 25, 2022

A company may not be hiring, but you could still land yourself a job. Here's how.

The best-kept secret in finding a new role is the hidden job market . This means that while not all jobs are advertised, you can still apply for them by writing a speculative application.

In this article, learn all about the speculative job application - including what it is and how to write one.

What is a speculative application?

A speculative application, also known as a speculative CV, involves reaching out to a company and putting yourself forward for jobs that have not been advertised or do not exist right now. It usually involves sending a CV and cover letter via email or an online portal.

Applying “on spec” is the term used to describe sending a speculative job application. It's common practice for many industries too. If you're solely looking for job adverts to respond to, you could be missing out on opportunities in the charity, design, environmental, and media sectors, where applying on spec is commonplace.

Sending a speculative CV isn't limited to full-time roles either. Applying on spec can pave a direct route into a company that may reveal temporary or permanent work, contract work, internships, and graduate positions.

Do speculative job applications work?

Speculative applications are worthwhile. They work particularly well for a variety of industries where applying on spec is commonplace, particularly in media, including journalism, broadcasting, publishing, TV, and film. However, they can be advantageous regardless of the field you wish to pursue.

Sending speculative applications can grant you access to a wider pool of roles that you otherwise wouldn't have discovered. Taking a proactive approach can therefore increase your chances of job-hunt success.

And at the very least, you will have increased your business connections that may inform you of future work opportunities.

How do you write a speculative application?

Writing a speculative job application takes a healthy pinch of creativity, logic, and determination. It's a little trickier than your usual application, as you have to assume the details of an imaginary job spec. However, it's not impossible. Here are five steps to follow:

1. Identify what your ideal job looks like

Before you start a speculative job application, reflect on what your current employment needs are and the type of job you are looking for. Remember, just because the job isn't advertised, it doesn't mean you can aim for a “dream job” you're not qualified to do. Consider a role that aligns with your experience, skill set, and career goals.

Once you have pulled together a vision of your ideal job, hunt for vacancies online and peruse the requirements. This will help to verify whether your abilities align with the type of job you're looking for.

2. Curate a shortlist of prospective employers

The next step involves drawing up a shortlist of employers to target. Start by considering the companies that interest you the most. This might be based on a bucket list of dream companies to work for, recommendations from friends or old colleagues, or even brand mentions in industry-related publications that have sparked your interest.

Then move on to look for companies based on their sector and location, to whittle down a shortlist of potential targets. While a simple Google search should reveal “marketing agencies in Bristol” and the like, you can also take to job boards, employer review sites, and professional bodies, which host company profiles to peruse with ease.

3. Conduct background research

Once you've found the companies that meet your sector and location requirements, the next step is background research. This is to ensure that you're well informed about the company and get a feel for the type of work they do.

Start with the company's website. Look through the “About Us” pages, which will highlight the organisation's aims, employees, and values. Also, review the product and services pages and the blog to get a deeper understanding of how they make money, who their customers are, and the topics they care about.

Most importantly, review the careers section of the website which should reveal details about life at the company and the current vacancies. This section should signal the areas where they are currently investing in headcount and at what level. Don't let it deter you if you can't find a vacancy for yourself. Instead, use them for inspiration.

By reading through live job adverts, you'll pick up on keywords that are used in the company's recruitment drive, in addition to desirable traits they are looking for in applicants.

4. Find and establish a suitable contact at the company

It's essential that you find a personal contact at the company before making a speculative application. While an organisation may advertise on their website that they will welcome speculative applications, the email address will probably be related to a group inbox rather than a personal inbox, meaning it may be deprioritised.

LinkedIn will likely be your best friend in this instance. Find out who the hiring manager is, or even the head of the relevant department. Browse their profile to gain an insight into their professional interests and position at work. If their work email isn't listed on their profile, send a short message to say you're looking to reach out and discuss potential work opportunities at the company and ask for the best email address.

Failing that, call the company to find out the name of the person in charge of recruiting and the best email address to reach them on.

5. Tailor your CV and cover letter to an assumed job spec

A tailored CV is a job-search essential. Even though you do not have a job description to reference, this shouldn't stop you from writing a bespoke CV. By using your research about the company, the sought-after traits listed in their live vacancies, and job specs from your earlier research related to your ideal job, you can craft a customised CV.

Pull out organisational values to subtly reference throughout your personal statement . Then, identify industry- and role-relevant keywords to add throughout your CV to highlight where your skill set lies and your relevant achievements. This will make it clear to the employer what you can do, the value you can bring to the company, and that you know what type of job you want.

Mirror the same level of personalisation and detail throughout your cover letter. The first paragraph of a speculative cover letter is slightly different to the standard cover letter for an advertised vacancy . In your introduction, instead of stating the role you're applying for, reference why you're approaching the employer. This is especially pertinent if you have an existing relationship with someone there.

In addition, make it clear what type of role you're looking for by providing a concise and snappy description. If the employer believes you don't know what you're looking for, you may come across as disingenuous.

How do you send and follow up on a speculative job application?

When emailing your speculative application, use your cover letter as the body of the email and attach your CV. This is rather than writing a short email and attaching the cover letter and CV. Be sure to name the file of your CV with something descriptive, so that they can tie the file back to you. Your full name and ideal job title, followed by “speculative CV application” or similar should do the trick.

Follow the same logic with the subject line, but note that you don't need to include your name as the recipient will see it in your email address.

Depending on the size of the company, it could take anywhere from a few days to a few months to respond. Some may not respond at all. As a rule of thumb, send a follow-up email no sooner than a week later to check in and see if they've had a chance to review your speculative application. Keep it light and friendly - after all, this could be your future employer.

Speculative applications are tricky in comparison to applying to live vacancies, but you may hit the jackpot of jobs if it pays off. Be patient, open-minded, and proactive, and remember that, even if there isn't a role available right now, keep all doors open so you'll be in the front of their mind when there is.

Submit your CV for a free review to check that you've portrayed your abilities and achievements in the right way for a particular employer as part of your speculative application.

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11+ Best Speculative Cover Letter Examples

When looking for a job, it’s important to stand out from the crowd. A great way to do this is by sending a speculative cover letter. This type of letter is not attached to any specific job opening, but rather sent to a company with the hopes of getting their attention. To make sure your letter stands out, be creative and use examples from the company’s work or website to show that you’ve done your research. Check out some of our favorite speculative cover letters below!

How To Write a Speculative Cover Letter?

A speculative cover letter is an approach tofinding a job where you get in touch with an employer to enquire about any upcoming vacancies, rather than responding to a specific job advert.

The key with a speculative cover letter is to research the company you’re contacting, so that you can demonstrate why you would be a valuable asset to their team – even if they don’t have any current vacancies.

To write a speculative cover letter:

Start by doing your research
Find the name of the contact person
Write a compelling opening paragraph
Outline your skills and experience
Explain why you want to work for this company in particular
Finish with a call to action.

If you follow these steps, you’ll be sure to write a speculative cover letter that will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to landing your dream job.

Related: How To Write a Cover Letter (And Get Hired in 2022!)

Speculative Cover Letter Example

To Whom Is My Concern,

Writing in regards to any available positions that may be open at your company. I am very interested in obtaining a position and feel that I would be a perfect candidate.

Have experience in customer service, sales, and marketing. I am a people person and enjoy working with the public. I am also proficient in Microsoft Office programs and have basic knowledge of HTML.

It is a hard worker who is always willing to learn new things. I am also a team player and work well with others. I am available to start work immediately and can be reached at 555-555-1212 or by email at [email protected].

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Related: 5+ Attractive Prospects Cover Letter Samples

Speculative Cover Letter Template

I am writing to express my interest in joining your company. Based on what I know and have heard, I believe that your company is an excellent place to work, and I would be proud to be a part of it.

I am enclosing my resume for your review and would appreciate any opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you. I can be reached at ___________. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Related: 9+ Best Mechanic Cover Letter Samples & Templates

Speculative CV Cover Letter

The writing in regards to any upcoming opportunities that may be available your organisation. It keen to utilise my skills and experience in a new role and would welcome the chance to discuss my suitability for any positions that may arise.

Have attached my CV for your perusal and would be available for interview at a time convenient to you. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Yours Sincerely,

Related: Executive Assistant Cover Letter: 05 Samples & Examples

Speculative Cover Letter Sample

To Whom Is My Concern, writing in regards to any possible job openings that might be available your company. I am a recent graduate of ___________ and I am very interested in working in the ___________ field. I have attached my resume for your review and I would appreciate any opportunity to discuss my qualifications further with you.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Related: 7+ Professional Event Planner Cover Letter Samples

Speculative Cover Letter To Recruitment Agency

The writing to you in order to inquire about any job openings that might be available or will be available in the near future. It a recent graduate of ___________ and I have extremely interest in working in the field of ___________. I have enclosed my resume for your review and I would greatly appreciate if you could keep me in mind for any suitable positions. I am eager to start my career and I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications that would make me a valuable asset to your company.

Related: Generic Cover Letter: 09 Samples & Examples

5 Things To Include In a Speculative Cover Letter

When applying for a job, it’s important to stand out from the crowd. One way to do this is to write a speculative cover letter. A speculative cover letter is a letter that you send to an employer in the hope of being considered for a role, even if there isn’t a specific job advertised. Here are five things to include in a speculative cover letter:

Start by doing your research. Find out as much as you can about the company and what they do. This will help you to customise your letter and show that you’re genuinely interested in working for them.
In the opening paragraph, explain who you are and why you’re writing. Be sure to mention any shared connections or common interests.
The next paragraph should detail your skills and experience, and how they could benefit the company. Again, be specific and try to evidence your claims with examples.
In the final paragraph, thank the employer for their time and say how you can be contacted if they’re interested in learning more about you. You could also include a link to your online portfolio or CV at this point.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your speculative cover letter makes a positive impression on potential employers and increases your chances of securing an interview. Good luck!

Related: What is Cover Letter? Complete Guide To Get any Job.

I hope you found helpful this blog post on speculative cover letters. It can be a great way to introduce yourself to a company and land an interview. If you’re feeling inspired, be sure to check out our other blog posts for more tips on job searching, writing resumes, and interviewing. And as always, good luck!

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Jessica William

How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter

You may have spotted an employer that you’d love to work for, but they’re not currently hiring for any position that fits with your aspirations. Speculative applications can have great results, especially for those wanting to get an internship, work placement, apprenticeship or graduate job. You’ll need to be engaging, expressive and able to confidently discuss your skill to really have an effect.

Why Send a Speculative Cover Letter?

If you’re looking for a job within a competitive industry, you may need to be proactive with your job searches and job application as not all roles are formally advertised. Plus, if there’s a company that you think could provide you with your dream job, why not give it a shot? A speculative CV with an accompanying cover letter is a great way of connecting with recruiters or potential employers when they’re not advertising vacancies.

How to Start a Covering Letter

Before you think about sitting down and writing your covering letter, you’ll need to research the company. Even if you know a lot about the company, you’ll want to brush up on your knowledge in order to create a good cover letter.

Find out everything you can about the organisation, including its staff and also the wider industry they operate within.

Take a look through their website and also look for press releases as well as related news article to really find out what’s happening at their organisation. Make sure you look at their social media profiles and also look on websites such as Glassdoor for staff reviews on working there.

The more knowledge you have to start with, the easier it will be to write your covering letter. It’s this knowledge that will enable you to connect your skills, experience and interests to their company.

What to Include and what not to Include

The general formatting of a speculative letter will be relatively similar to a standard cover letter:

Start with personal information such as your name, address and contact details. You should never include your national insurance number or bank details on your cover letter.
Include information to your social media platforms such as Linkedin. There should be crucial information about your work experience on there and it will also enable them to get a better indication of your interests through shared articles and endorsed skills.
Include the manager’s name if you have it, but if you don’t just use Dear Sir/Madam.
Within the first paragraph, you should outline what type of role you’re looking for, and why you want to work for that particular company.
The second paragraph should explain more about the skills you possess and any experience you have that could be of interest to them. There is no job description so you’ll have to be inventive on how your skill set may apply to their business.
The closing paragraph is the last chance for you to make an impression. You need to tell them exactly why you’d be perfect for the company and what you could potentially contribute. If there isn’t an open job, why should they open one for you? what do you have that is different? this doesn’t always have to be your skills, genuine passion for the company and their values could be enough.
To close the covering letter, thank them for their time and sign-off the cover letter with ‘Yours faithfully’)

The final thing to mention here is that you must ensure there are no spelling mistakes. This involves specific person names, product names and relations to the company especially. You can use a spell checker or Grammarly for the checking of punctuation and spelling, but they may not pick up branded names so you’ll need to double-check.

Get to the Point, Set your Tone & Don't Apologise

You might think that sending a speculative application and cover letter could come across as pushy or presumptuous by the receiver. In most cases this couldn’t be any further from the truth, HR teams are often impressed by this process as it shows passion, confidence and forthcomingness. It’s also worth mentioning that recruiting can be a timely and expensive process, so someone coming forth is a great way for them to avoid this.

What you absolutely shouldn’t do is open with anything apologetic such as ‘I hope you don’t mind me contacting you’. You need to be confident that you’re offering them something of value and apologising for contacting them doesn’t give that impression. A speculative application is verification that you’re an enthusiastic and proactive individual, rather than arrogant or presumptuous.

The best start to a speculative cover letter is one that gets straight to the point. HR teams and managers are busy people so avoid long-winded introductions and ones that are copied off the internet as they’ll have read it ten times already.

Quickly explain why you’re writing to them. Don’t just explain, demonstrate how you can benefit their company with key highlights from your CV. Keep to a formal layout and ensure all the points in the ‘What to Include and what not to Include’ section are covered. Make a mental note to keep the information condensed.

By now you’re likely wondering, how many words should a cover letter be? There really is no golden number, it’s about how many words it takes to really sell your worth to the company. The general guidelines are to stick to around half a page and definitely no more than one page.

We hope our guide has given you the knowledge you need to go and write an amazing speculative cover letter that lands you the position you desire. Remember the cover letter is the bait to get the HR team to read your CV, so make sure your CV is as good as your covering letter!

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Speculative cover letter examples

Speculative cover letters can be a proactive way to get your foot in the door and find jobs that haven’t even been advertised yet.

But with so much resting on this application, you need to use the space wisely to explain what type of role you’re looking for and what attracted you to their company.

Find out how to do that successfully with our expert advice and speculative cover letter examples in the guide below.

CV templates

Speculative cover letter example 1

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Speculative cover letter example 2

Speculative cover letter example 3

The example cover letters here should give you a good general idea on how your Speculative cover letter should be formatted and written.

The rest of this guide gives more specific guidance on how to create your own cover letter in this format, and even includes some templates you can copy and paste.

How to write a Speculative cover letter

A simple step-by-step guide to writing your very own winning cover letter.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When you send a cover letter with a job application, you should always write your message into the body of your email – or the body of the messaging system if you are sending via a job website.

Why do this?

Simply because you want to get your message seen as soon as the recruiter opens your application.

If you attach the cover letter as a separate item, this means the recipient will have to open it before they can read it – slowing down the process and potentially causing frustration along the way.

So, write your cover note in the body of your email/message to ensure you make an instant connection with the reader.

Start with a friendly greeting

To build an instant connection with the recruiter reading your cover letter, start with a warm greeting.

It should be friendly but not casual – keeping it professional at all times.

Hi, hope you’re well
Hi [insert recruiter name]
Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very traditional companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

Check out the company website and look at their About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

After you have greeted the recruiter, it’s important to state the job you are applying to.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so they need to know exactly which job you are referring to.

Be as specific as possible and use a reference number if you can find one.

Here are some examples you can use;

I am interested in applying for the role of admin assistant with your organisation.
I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 4057393)
I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
I saw your advertisement for a trainee project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The main purpose of your cover letter is to excite recruiters and make them eager to open your CV. And you achieve this by quickly demonstrating your suitability to the job you are applying for.

Take a look at the job adverts you are applying for, and make note of the most important skills being asked for.

Then, when you write your cover letter, make your suitability the focal point.

Explain how you meet the candidate requirements fully, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider your application.

Keep it short and sharp

It is best to keep your cover letter brief if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.

Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.

Sign off professionally

To finish off your cover note, add a professional signature to the bottom, stating your important contact details and information.

This not only provides recruiters with multiple means of contacting you, but it also adds a nice professional appearance to the cover letter, which shows that you know how to conduct yourself in the workplace.

Include the following points;

A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
Your full name
Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
Email address
Profession title
Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Aaron Smith Customer service professional 075557437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Speculative cover letter

Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Speculative cover letter…

The exact info will obviously depend on your industry and experience level, but these are the essentials.

Your relevant experience – Where have you worked and what type of jobs have you held?
Your qualifications – Let recruiters know about your highest level of qualification to show them you have the credentials for the job.
The impact you have made – Show how your actions have made a positive impact on previous employers; perhaps you’ve saved them money or helped them to acquire new customers?
Your reasons for moving – Hiring managers will want to know why you are leaving your current or previous role, so give them a brief explanation.
Your availability – When can you start a new job ? Recruiters will want to know how soon they can get you on board.

Don’t forget to tailor these points to the requirements of the job advert for best results.

Speculative cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Speculative cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

I am writing to express my strong interest in any upcoming data engineering and analytics opportunities available at Intuita. Over the course of my 17 years of experience in IT, I have diligently supervised cross-functional teams and delivered data-driven solutions that have transformed various businesses.

While there may not be a specific job opening advertised at this time, I believe my computer science qualifications align perfectly with your commitment to informed decision-making and technological advancements. In my current role as a Data Specialist at Sphere Digital Ltd, I use tools such as Python, SQL, and Tableau to extract valuable insights from complex datasets, and subsequently translate these into actionable recommendations that positively impact the company’s performance.

Within the last 3 years I have successfully reduced the time spent on analysis by 25% through creating interactive visualisations, and lowered procurement expenses by 15% due to identifying cost-saving opportunities. I also developed automated dashboards that decreased report generation time by 50%.

I welcome the chance to discuss how my skills and qualification align with your organisation and would be keen to attend an interview when a suitable position becomes available.

Kind regards

Felicity Wright

Hello Roger

I read through your website and noticed that WSP is recruiting for a number of transport planning vacancies throughout the UK, and I am keen to offer my CV for any positions that come available in Hull.

As a results-oriented professional with a passion for optimising transportation operations and a strong background in logistics, I am enthusiastic about contributing my skills to your world-renowned organisation. Throughout my 10 years of experience in the industry, I have demonstrated my ability to optimise routes and ensure timely and cost-effective delivery solutions.

In my current role at DPD Group, I have implemented freight consolidation strategies that cut transportation expenses by 15%, coordinated with carriers in increases in on-time delivery performance by 25%, as well as introduced training programmes which boosted driver productivity by 35%. I firmly believe that my qualifications and past achievements align perfectly with your commitment to excellence in transportation services and continuous improvement.

Thank you for considering my application and I look forward to the possibility of joining your dynamic team when a vacancy arises in the future.

Sable Fernandez

Good afternoon, Miles

I am writing to show my interest in your upcoming opportunities as a landscape architect and consultant at Tyler Grange. As a creative and detail-oriented professional with a passion for transforming outdoor spaces into beautiful landscapes, I am eager to contribute my expertise to your organisation.

Over the course of 15 years in landscape architecture, I have demonstrated my ability to conceptualise and execute innovative projects, including urban design, public parks, greenways, and school gardens which align with clients’ visions and environmental sustainability. I believe that my qualifications and skills resonate perfectly with your establishment’s commitment to excellence in landscape design.

Some key achievements I have played a significant role in while at Atkins include, attaining a 98% on-time project completion rate for 7 straight years, as well as incorporating design practices and native plant selections that led to a 20% reduction in landscape maintenance costs. Furthermore, I generated £4M+ annually through client referrals and repeat business.

I am eager to discuss any upcoming landscape architecture vacancies in greater detail. Please feel free to contact me via email or by phone to schedule an interview.

Vincent Cowell

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Speculative job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

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How To Write A Speculative Cover Letter With Template

Wondering how to write a speculative cover letter?

A speculative CV with an accompanying cover letter is a way of connecting with employers when they’re not advertising vacancies.

Speculative applications can have great results, and can also be an effective way of getting internships or work placements .

Lots of positions are filled without ever being advertised, so a speculative letter could be your way in.

Here’s how to write a speculative cover letter that strikes the right tone and helps you get your foot in the door.

We’ve also written a speculative cover letter template to show how to format and write your letter – this can be found at the bottom of the blog.

Start by researching thoroughly

Once you’ve found an organisation you’d like to work for, the first thing to do is research it thoroughly .

Find out everything you can about the organisation, its staff and the wider industry it operates in.

Most of the information you’ll need will be readily available from online sources, including:

The organisation’s website
Press releases published by the organisation
Its LinkedIn page and social media profiles
News articles relating to the organisation
Industry-specific publications, newsletters or blogs
Review sites like Glassdoor

The more knowledge you can arm yourself with, the better you’ll be able to work out how your skills, experience and interests could benefit the organisation, and how you’ll be the perfect fit for the company.

And remember, when writing a speculative cover letter, accuracy is key.

Misspelling the name of the organisation, its products or services or the addressee (ultimately the decision maker) could spell disaster for your speculative letter.

Know who you’re talking to

Research the organisation’s staff list carefully to find out who to address your letter to. This may be:

The managing director, if it’s a smaller firm
A head of department
The hiring manager
A member of the HR department

It’s absolutely crucial that you address the letter to a specific person. ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ or ‘To whom it may concern’ won’t score you any points, especially if they have their name in their email address.

Mention early on or at the end of the letter that you’ve attached your CV to the email, to encourage the reader to look at this after the cover letter.

Strike the right tone

It can be hard to judge how to write a speculative cover letter and what tone to use. In our opinion, it’s best to opt for a formal tone. You don’t know the person, so don’t be over-familiar.

Open with ‘Dear [person’s name]’, and avoid any informal chit-chat like ‘I hope you had a good weekend’. Keep your tone friendly but professional throughout, and close with ‘Yours sincerely’.

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Don’t apologise

You might think sending a speculative CV and cover letter will come across as pushy or presumptuous – but hiring managers are unlikely to see it that way.

Don’t be tempted to start with something apologetic like ‘I hope you don’t mind me contacting you unsolicited’.

There’s no need to apologise – a speculative application is evidence that you’re enthusiastic and proactive , rather than arrogant.

Get straight to the point

If you’re wondering about how to start a speculative cover letter, our top tip would be: get to the point!

Hiring managers are busy – so don’t waste their time. Too many speculative cover letters suffer from long, repetitive introductions, clichéd language and wordy explanations that are unlikely to be read.

Cut to the chase straight away. Say why you’re writing, and demonstrate how you can benefit the organisation with a few key highlights from your CV .

Get that cover letter written by us!

Cover letter, format your cover letter appropriately.

A formally laid out cover letter is likely to have a better chance of succeeding. Put your name, address and the date on the right at the top, and the addressee’s details on the left starting on the line below.

The purpose of a speculative job letter is to get the hiring manager to look at your CV – so give them a reason to read it with three or four solid points straight off the bat.

You could format these as bullet points to make them even easier to read.

Keep paragraphs short and snappy and try to keep your letter to around half a page, and definitely no more than one page.

Focus on the employer

When writing a speculative cover letter, you should say as much (if not more) about the organisation you’re writing to as you do about yourself.

Try not to start every paragraph with ‘I’. You want to communicate what you can do for the organisation and why you want to work there, so try to evidence the knowledge you gained through your research.

What challenges and opportunities is the organisation facing? Try to focus on the person reading the letter and their priorities, and give a few examples from your experience that show how you can meet them.

Avoid the hard sell. Some sources recommend ending with something like ‘I’ll be calling you next week to schedule an interview’, but this pushy approach may backfire.

End simply by expressing that you’d like the opportunity to continue the conversation. Specify how the hiring manager can contact you (by phone or at your email address, for example) followed by ‘I look forward to hearing from you’.

As always, check, check and check again for typos and grammatical errors. Get someone else to proofread it for you if you can.

If you don’t hear anything within a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to follow up by email or phone . This will show perseverance and a real desire to work for the organisation.

It’s also an opportunity to ask for constructive feedback if you weren’t successful.

Speculative cover letter template

Below is an annotated speculative cover letter example to give you an idea of how to format and write the letter:

How to write a speculative cover letter: a summary

A speculative application can be a great way to engage with an organisation, and could get you one step closer to your dream job.

Even if the employer doesn’t have your perfect role open immediately, it could put you on their radar as someone to contact in the future.

We hope our guide has given you a better idea of how to write a speculative cover letter.

Remember, a cover letter acts as the bait to get hiring managers to read your CV – so make sure your accompanying CV is as good as it can be!

Need help crafting a kickass CV? Our tailor-made CVs showcase your best bits and set you head and shoulders above the job market competition. Find out more .

Want to know more about how to write a good standard cover letter? Go back to basics with these principles. You can see some examples of cover letters here , including a speculative cover letter example.

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What Is a Speculative Cover Letter or Email?

Who should i send my speculative cover letter to, what to include in a speculative cover letter or email, how to write a speculative email, example speculative cover letter, speculative job application email example, following up, tips for writing your speculative cover letter or email, final thoughts, speculative applications.

Updated November 17, 2023

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A speculative job application is sent to apply for or enquire about a job that is not currently being advertised.

Many job vacancies are never advertised publicly. That means that taking the initiative to approach a potential employer with a carefully thought-out speculative email or cover letter can be the ideal way to get your foot in the door.

You should consider making a speculative job application if you are:

Actively looking for a new job role
Trying to find a work experience placement
Thinking about making a career move

Sending a speculative job application can be an effective way to show you are keen, motivated and committed to your career goals .

Remember, even if the company you send your speculative cover letter or email to doesn’t have any current job vacancies, opening a dialogue with them could help to ensure you are at the top of the list when a suitable vacancy comes up in the future.

Much like a standard cover letter , a speculative cover letter or email accompanies your CV when you are applying for a job. However, a speculative cover letter is different from a standard cover letter in a few ways.

Standard cover letters are usually sent when applying for an advertised vacancy and should be tailored to that vacancy. In contrast, a speculative cover letter is sent to apply for a job that has not been advertised.

This unsolicited job application is sent to an organisation to introduce yourself as a potential candidate for any relevant job openings they may have.

This approach is perfect for when you find a company with brand values you agree with, a solid portfolio and a skilled team you’d love to work with – but with no advertised job vacancies.

You could wait for a position to be advertised but, as many companies are generally open to recruiting on an ongoing basis, using a speculative application means that you can get a head start on the competition.

Standard cover letters need to be highly focused on niche or specialist skills that are outlined in a job description or person specification.

In contrast, a speculative cover letter or speculative email should:

Give details of your relevant transferable skills
Outline your past work experience
Demonstrate why you would be a good fit for the company

As with any cover letter, a well written speculative cover letter will provide you with the opportunity to engage with the recipient and start building up a positive rapport.

Where possible, try to send your speculative job application to a particular person, rather than a generic department.

If you are not sure of the name of the person you should send your speculative cover letter to, have a look at the employer’s website. Try to find out the name of the manager for the department you are interested in working for.

Alternatively, you could call the HR department to find out the name of the department manager.

Sending your speculative cover letter to a specific person will help to ensure your letter is read by the most appropriate employee or department. It will also show that you have carried out some background research into the company and its current employees.

Scour the company website for details of employees. The ‘Meet the Team’ page or the ‘About’ page are usually the best places to start.
Try LinkedIn . Search for the name of the company and follow the links to find ‘Staff Who Work Here’. This can be a good way to familiarise yourself with the range of departments and the hierarchy of staff. Staff will often be listed that wouldn’t necessarily be featured on the official company website.
Telephone the company directly and ask for a named contact of someone who deals with recruitment.

In a smaller company, it may be appropriate to contact the managing director with your speculative application. In a larger organisation, the head of the relevant department is more likely to be the hiring authority.

You need to be sure that your intended recipient has hiring authority. There is no point in sending your email to a junior staff member or someone in the wrong team.

You can choose to send a speculative cover letter by email or by letter. The advantage of a letter is that it will land on somebody’s desk, making it harder to ignore.

Sending to a ‘hello@’ or ‘enquiries@’ email address increases the chance of your email going unanswered. So take the time to do your research and find a suitable named employee to send your speculative email to.

During the research phase, maintain a polite and friendly manner at every interaction. You may be speaking with someone who doesn’t have the power to hire you, but word spreads fast. Making a good impression at every stage will help you build a professional reputation.

As well as researching the individual responsible for hiring, you can also use this phase to find out all you can about the company itself . Having a good knowledge of its work and a genuine interest in company achievements will help you stand out.

Your speculative cover letter or email will need to be both engaging and informative.

As you are not writing to apply for one particular job role, you will need to provide an overview of the skills and experience that you have gained so far. A speculative job application aims to show the employer that you are a good all-rounder, not just a specialist in one single area.

Whilst a speculative email or cover letter is not tailored to a particular job role, it will need to be written specifically for an employer. So, if you are planning to send out more than one speculative job application, you will need to adjust each letter or email accordingly.

A speculative cover letter will need to include the following information:

A brief outline of the type of job role you would be interested in applying for

Information on your existing skills and experience and how these could be of benefit to the business

An outline of the reasons why you would like to work for the business

A closing summary to reiterate what you would be able to offer to the business

An assertive, confident call to action to end the letter; for example, ‘I look forward to hearing from you soon’, instead of, ‘I hope to hear from you soon’

Be mindful that your contact is likely to be busy and needs to see the relevant information at a glance.

Format your email or letter into short paragraphs – and make sure sentences are readable, not too long and wordy. Below is a useful guide for ordering your paragraphs:

Paragraph One – Start strongly with your opening sentence. Outline your knowledge of the company and how you came to be aware of it. Did you see it at a convention? Did you read about it in the local press? Explain your interest.
Paragraph Two – Go on to summarise who you are and why you’re emailing.
Paragraph Three – Explain what you can offer, and how and why you are a valuable addition to their team. If you have relevant experience, be sure to explain how your transferable skills can be of use. If you have any standout achievements or qualifications, don’t be shy in listing them and pointing out how they can be of benefit.
Paragraph Four – Summarise why you’re interested in working with the company and draw attention to your attached CV. Consider briefly listing some of the main skills you have.
Closing Sentence – Think about a call to action; detail here what you’d like to happen next.

You have one short opportunity to capture the attention of your contact enough for them to move you on to the next stage. Ensure that all-important and relevant information is included.

If you’re wondering whether to attach your CV , doing so means it is there if your contact wants to find out more about you. It provides that extra information to make it easier for them to make a quick assessment of your potential.

When writing your speculative cover letter or email, try not to repeat the information contained within your CV. Also make sure your CV is up to date and is tailored specifically for the company and role.

Don’t forget to include your name, address and contact details (including your mobile telephone number and email address).

If you are unable to find out the specific manager’s name, start your letter or email with ‘ Dear Sir/Madam ’ and close it with ‘ Yours faithfully ’.

If you have managed to find a named person to send the letter or email to, you can start it with ‘ Dear [Name] ’ and close it with ‘ Yours sincerely ’.

When addressing your recipient, be careful to maintain professional boundaries and not to be overfamiliar. This person is not a friend, so ‘Hi’ is not appropriate in this instance.

Just like you would for a posted speculative application letter, you must use formal and correct structure and format for your speculative email. Remember that this is a professional email and a chance to make a good impression.

Your speculative job application email subject line is a crucial factor in whether your email gets opened at all. If your subject line is uninspiring or vague, there is every chance it will be overlooked as just another generic email in your contact’s inbox.

A desktop screen will show around 60 characters of a subject line, whereas a smartphone will show only 30, so being concise is key.

The subject line is your first chance to clearly articulate your intentions . It needs to be short and snappy, while containing all the relevant information at a glance.

It is advisable to include both your full name and your professional qualification or title. For example, ‘ John Doe, Freelance Graphic Designer for hire’, or ‘Nicola Fox, Chemical Engineer, M.Eng ’.

Filler words or pleasantries are not necessary for a subject line, so there is no need to start with ‘Hello’ or ‘Please look at…’.

It is acceptable (and advisable) to name a mutual acquaintance in the subject line if you have been referred by them.

Here is an outline of what your speculative cover letter should look like. This speculative cover letter template is for a person who wants to make an application to a legal firm.

Jane Laws 1 The Street Townford TR17 9NQ 01234 567891 [email protected] Mrs D Judge Legal Practice London W3 2QQ Dear Mrs Judge I would like to enquire whether you have any current administrative vacancies within your firm. Please find enclosed my CV, which outlines the experience I have gained during my career to date. Having worked as a legal secretary for the past five years, I have demonstrated my commitment to providing high-quality legal administration services. I have a sound working knowledge of industry terminology and legal working practices. I am proud that my dedication and commitment to my work has been recognised through a recent nomination for the Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs ‘Legal PA of the Year Award’. My experience to date has been gained through working for two small legal practices. While this has been both challenging and enjoyable, I would like to develop my skills and experience further in a fast-paced, busy role. I understand your company is one of the largest legal practices in London with continuing plans for growth, making it the ideal place to pursue my future career objectives. As an administrative worker for your firm, I would strive to support your partners with high-quality secretarial support. I am a competent typist with a keen eye for detail and a proven ability to cope under pressure at all times. I would be delighted to have the opportunity to discuss my application with you in further detail. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours sincerely Jane Laws

Here is an example of how your speculative application email should look, following the guidelines above:

Subject Line: Claire Roberts, MA. Fashion Designer available for work Dear Ms Taylor, I had the pleasure of attending your show at London Fashion Week and I found it inspiring to see how your new collection works to empower women with luxury statement workwear. I’m very excited to read about your plans to launch at Paris Fashion Week with a view to moving into the European market. I hold an MA in Fashion Design, awarded by Central Saint Martins, and have been working for a well-known high street clothing designer for three years. I am looking for a move into the luxury fashion field and feel that I have skills that would support your business as you grow. An internship at a luxury French fashion house as part of my master’s degree gave me valuable insight into the French market and helped me gain fluency in the French language. Having covered fashion illustration, design, sewing and garment construction as part of my studies, I understand the clothing manufacture process from design to completion. In my current role, I am a leading part of the design team, researching upcoming trends to create new lines. My designs are regularly featured in the ‘Top 10 Must Buy’ lists. As a move away from fast fashion, I would love to bring my creative flair to your company as part of your design team, helping create high-end looks for your clients. I have attached my CV, which outlines my qualifications and experience in more detail. If you are interested in meeting to discuss further, I could come to your office next week. Yours sincerely, Claire Roberts

After you post your speculative cover letter or send your speculative email, you will need to be patient. You probably won’t hear anything straight away but, hopefully, the recipient of your letter or email will be in touch to discuss job vacancies you may be suitable for.

If you don’t receive a reply to your email or letter, don’t take it as an automatic rejection. Your recipient may have put it aside to come back to later, or may have genuine reasons why they haven’t been able to reply.

There are different ways you can follow up on your speculative application, depending on what you feel comfortable with.

If you don’t hear from your contact after a week or two, you can resend the same email , giving a gentle nudge for your contact to read and reply.

Alternatively, and often with quicker results, it’s acceptable to make a phone call to check they received your email or letter. This gives you the chance to open a conversation and brings a more personal element to your speculative application.

If they say that they haven’t received it, ask them whether they would be happy for you to re-send it over to them. At this point, you could find out whether they would be happy for you to send it by email, as they will know to look out for it in their inbox.

If you are unsuccessful in your application, react graciously and politely ask if they can keep your records on file for any future opportunities that may be suitable.

Even if there are no suitable vacancies available at the moment, you could still ask them to provide you with constructive feedback on your speculative job application. This will help you to improve any speculative applications you make in the future.

Step 1 . Do Your Research

Find out as much as you possibly can about the business you are planning to write to. For example:

What is their mission statement?
What are their values?
What product or service do they provide?
Who are their customers?
Who are their main competitors?
How many people do they employ?
What are the must-have skills for employees?

The company website is a good place to start. You could also browse through relevant social media pages, press releases and industry-specific content like blogs or newsletters.

Use the information that you find to help you write your speculative job application. For example, if you already have a particular qualification or skill that they want all of their employees to have, make sure this is clearly stated within your application.

Or, if you find out that they are planning to expand or acquire another company, let them know if this is a process you have had experience with in the past.

Step 2 . Keep Your Speculative Email or Cover Letter Short and Professional

It is important to keep your speculative cover letter or email short and to the point . Keep the content succinct and focused – doing so will help to ensure the recipient reads it and digests the information it contains.

A letter that is too long will probably end up in the waste paper bin before it has even been read. Likewise, a long email will probably be ignored, especially if relevant information is not immediately accessible.

To ensure your letter makes a good first impression, set it out formally, use an easy-to-read font (such as Calibri or Arial, size 11 or 12) and write a maximum of five short paragraphs.

If you're sending an email, follow our format advice and example above to help keep the reader engaged. Focus on a killer subject line and keep it concise and to the point.

Step 3 . Mention a Mutual Acquaintance if You’ve Been Referred by Someone

This may just be what prompts your contact to open your email or continue reading your letter.

Step 4 . Proofread

When making speculative job applications, your cover letter or email is the one opportunity you have to make a good impression. If the text is littered with spelling and grammar errors, this is unlikely to make the manager want to call you to discuss a potential job opening.

Make sure you proofread your letter or email thoroughly, and ask a friend or family member to check through it too.

Step 5 . Act Professionally

From the first point of contact to conclusion, even if your attempt is unsuccessful, your contact will remember the way you conducted yourself and this will influence whether they keep you in mind for the future.

If you are looking for ways to progress your career, there is no need for you to wait for the perfect job vacancy to be advertised online.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by sending out a speculative job application. After all, your employer of choice could be just waiting for somebody with your skills and experience to make contact with them.

By sending a speculative job application to your preferred employers, you will show them that you are confident, enthusiastic and willing to go the extra mile to achieve your career objectives.

Don’t forget, a speculative cover letter or email aims to show the employer why you would be a great addition to their existing team. Ensure your application gives an overview of your existing qualifications, skills and experience, and how this could help the business to achieve its goals.

You might also be interested in these other Wikijob articles:

How to Write a Cover Letter? (Examples & Cover Letter Tips)

Or explore the Application Advice / Job Applications sections.

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Speculative

Speculative cover letter example

Many job opportunities have been discovered via the principle ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get.’ Just because a job has not been advertised doesn’t mean that a recruitment process is not in progress. What’s more, the fact that a job opening doesn’t exist doesn’t mean that it can’t be created for you. A well-targeted speculative cover letter can reveal a gold mine of potential roles.

Speculative cover letters are so normal that the best managers will always give them a quick glance. Why wouldn’t a hiring manager take a quick glimpse at someone who could move the needle for their department?

If the speculative cover letter is a good one, but they don’t have a role currently, they will likely invite you to join their LinkedIn network. If it is convincing enough, it might warrant an exploratory chat. And if they are indeed recruiting, well, the writer wins brownie points for initiative and accesses a role that would have otherwise gone begging.

While there are complicated arguments around whether and when to write a speculative cover letter, for the sake of this guide let’s assume that you have a valid reason. But what should you include in the document? How do you explain your value for a job that doesn’t yet exist? In this wiring guide, we explore the following:

How to choose the right format for a speculative cover letter
How to compose the introduction, middle part, and conclusion
How to argue your case to offer you an interview
Mistakes to avoid that would put any hiring manager off.

Best format for a speculative cover letter

Speculative cover letters differ from normal cover letters in a few ways, but their content should still follow a set format. The introductory paragraph should be a little longer to set the scene. The middle part should be more focused on arguing a potential fit than a normal cover letter and the conclusion should contain more hope than expectation.

Nevertheless, the standard format of any cover letters still applies:

The cover letter header
The greeting / salutation
The cover letter intro
The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)

With any speculative cover letter, you need to be crystal clear about your value the whole way through. You can’t know exactly what role might come your way, so it is hard to tailor it for any specific opportunity. Be brave, be bold, and go out there with the very best version of your career story (and what you want out of your next role and future career).

A regular cover letter would focus on the culture fit with the potential employer and a speculative cover letter is no different. Each letter will be specific to each employer, so show that you are a perfect fit for the workplace. Most speculative cover letters will be generic in this respect, so this is your chance to stand out.

The comprehensive cover letter guide offers more detail in terms of the other cover letter writing advice. Our speculative cover letter example will hopefully offer some inspiration:

Dear Mr. Potts,

I am an experienced customer service manager with five years of experience. I have recently moved to Birmingham, and having been a follower of Core Customer for several years, I would like to be considered for any upcoming employment opportunities.

As an exceptional customer service representative, I have consistently achieved a remarkable track record. I have consistently ranked in the top 1% of employees based on customer satisfaction feedback throughout my career.

My most recent position as Digital Satisfaction Manager was a promotion based on my consistent excellent results in customer service. In this management role I learned how to lead a team while implementing complex customer journeys in collaboration with the digital marketing department. My degree in tourism and hospitality further establishes my expertise in resolving complaints and ensuring customer satisfaction.

My strongest skills lie in digital customer services. This ties in well with your philosophy of convenience for the customer and innovating a service that responds to the average customer’s habits. In fact, I honed many of my skills in digital customer service best practice by using your free online resources on the topic. I would love the opportunity to contribute to a company where digital innovation and customer satisfaction are key values.

While I could not find any roles you are actively hiring for, I hope you will keep my details on file. Please do not hesitate to reach out if something appropriate becomes available, or you would like to speak to me more about my profile.

Thomas Bateman

Cover letter header

While the text of your speculative cover letter is likely best copied into the body of an email, you should still attach a formal cover letter. It may be sent to other people and stored on the employer’s ATS system.

There are many types of design for a cover letter header. As this is an unsolicited application, we would advise opting for something visually simple. You want the hiring manager to get straight into the detail of the letter rather than being distracted by intricate designs. You cannot be seen to be wasting their time or attention in any way.

In both cases, include your full name, email address and mobile number. These details should be prominent in the cover letter header. You don’t have to include your home address until you are at the job offer stage (data protection issues here).

The ‘inside address’ of the employer should only be included if you want to be incredibly formal and it looks a little strange in a speculative cover letter. You have better things to do with your job search time.

Cover letter greeting and introduction

Finding out to whom a speculative cover letter should be addressed is one of the greatest challenges, but if you send it to a generic internal HR or recruitment email, you can be sure that it will be deleted. Individual hiring managers might read the cover letter. Generalist recruiters definitely won’t (they get hundreds of speculative applications every day).

Do your research, find out who your potential hiring manager is and send them an email. Address the letter and email ‘Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Surname.’ No other greeting is acceptable — you have not met this person yet. Consider connecting with them on social media and maybe send them a DM to let them know that you have written to them.

The introduction of a speculative cover letter needs to do so much more heavy lifting than a normal cover letter. Those couple of lines should spell out your value in such a way that the hiring manager decides to interrupt their day and think about something entirely unexpected. ‘It is a little out of the blue, but could this person do a job for me?’

It takes time to work out exactly which problem you solve for them. The more specific your sales pitch, the greater the chances of getting that interview invite. Address their main pain point and leave them in no doubt that you are the person to solve it.

Check out the intro from our speculative cover letter example:

Cover letter middle part (body)

The middle part of a speculative cover letter should be like a normal cover letter, just with less stress on the fit with the prospective role. Share the accomplishments that you think will be most relevant to whatever you would like to do in the future and signpost why you would be a great recruit. Personality is still an important part of the letter, but it takes second place to showing that your experience fits.

Quantifying your case with figures is essential in any speculative cover letter. Lofty words are one thing, but a few impactful figures can really set a hiring manager’s pulse racing. Only include figures that can be directly attributed to your contribution — there may be some awkward interview conversations otherwise. Then jump into full-on sales mode by suggesting what you think you might be able to achieve with your new employer. Be as specific as possible. You need to give them something juicy to contemplate or they will get back to their day job.

A speculative cover letter gives you the chance to stand out with the language that you use. Start your bullets with unique action verbs. Use short and powerful sentences that hint at much more to come in the interview. Sprinkle the cover letter with hints of humility and hope whilst at the same time being firm in your conviction that you can do the job.

The middle part of this speculative cover letter shows the way forward:

How to close a speculative cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)

The closing of a speculative cover letter needs to end on one last solid argument to ask for a full CV and details of when you can have a chat. While normal cover letters will end with a hope of an interview, avoid such sentiment in this cover letter. Sell yourself until the very last word. Sometimes, you only get one chance.

It might be a good idea to include a link to your LinkedIn profile at the close of a speculative cover letter. A CV might seem like the obvious next step, but with LinkedIn a hiring manager has the option of connecting with you or following you. If they do so, you have another chance to get in touch with them and advance your candidature.

If you do get a bite after a persuasive close, you then have the chance to send over another message with your CV and more details. A confident close that enquires about next steps should not be omitted. Back yourself. Hiring managers will come back for more.

Check out an example speculative cover letter conclusion:

Basic mistakes in a speculative cover letter (and how to avoid them)

The speculative cover letter will be carefully analysed for any sign of weakness. The smallest mistake might call into question to quality of the application, so be careful to check for the following:

Spelling and grammar mistakes: How you write your speculative cover letter will be judged. Use an online grammar checker to pick up on any errors and ask a friend to proofread the letter to make sure that it sounds like you.
Keep the look professional. Choose a cover letter template that is neutral and does not detract from your message. While the speculative cover letter will likely initially be read in an email, don’t go overboard with the design of the cover letter.
Don’t be too presumptuous: It is all too easy to hint that the employer should offer you an opportunity. There are countless reasons why that might not be the case. Write the letter with a hopeful and optimistic tone — but don’t come across as arrogant.

Let’s be honest, any hiring manager will start off feeling slightly resentful that they are spending their time on this unexpected task, so don’t give them any reason to feel more disgruntled. If your content is compelling, they will soon be on your side. Any mistakes in a speculative cover letter will make their journey towards this conclusion a little tougher.

Key takeaways

Don’t stop selling your story — right up to the final word. You only get one shot.
Share how you will fit in with the employer culture (not a specific job).
Paint a picture of a future with you contributing standout value.
Be hopeful. Give them an option to connect if there is no current opening.

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Speculative Cover Letter

A cover letter is a bit like your personal statement on a UCAS application, but for a job. A speculative cover letter is the same, apart from it’s sent as part of a speculative application, along with your CV.

It’s a real chance to show yourself off to potential employers and demonstrate how your skill set fits their company.

This is therefore an opportunity to show yourself off in the best way possible and as open-endedly as possible – because you’re not applying for a particular job, you need to show how versatile you are as a candidate and highlight your key skills so that the company can look for places where you could add to their organisation. Tricky, huh?!

‘We never go out of style…’

There are some style rules that are pretty important when doing this. Because this is a speculative application, you need to make sure that your application is not going to be thrown out straight away.

What it therefore has to be is concise and interesting, well laid out and containing no spelling or grammar errors. Check, check and check again. You don’t want to lose out on the job of your dreams because you forgot to capitalise the name of the company you’re applying for.

Three or four paragraphs should be more than enough to show how great you are without boring your reader!

Keep good company…

Because you’re not applying for a specific role, you need to be extra keen on showing why the company appeals to you and how you’d be a good fit. Do your research! What is it in particular that attracts you to the company?

You need to also make sure that the tone of your letter is matched to that of the company – if it’s a formal, traditional organisation then match the phrasing of your cover letter to suit that – don’t go using colloquialisms and smiley faces!

Be content…

So what goes into the actual letter? First off, if it’s possible, find out the name of the person who this letter will go to – using someone’s name is far more likely to endear you to him or her than the standard Dear Sir/Madam.

It’s a simple trick, but one which you should always employ. Make sure the first paragraph outlines what you’re currently doing (University, School, etc.) and what you’re looking to do.

The next two paragraphs should highlight your key skills and back these up with relevant examples and references. Making sure that each skill has examples and experiences is a good way of proving that you’re not just making up what you’re good at and also offers you the opportunity to show a diverse range of things you’ve been involved in that might not have quite made the cut for your CV.

‘I open at the close…’

You need to finish off in style as well – saying something like ‘I look forward to your reply’ or ‘Looking forward to hearing from you’ is a good way of making a statement that you are expecting some sort of consideration and shows you are confident in your own abilities.

Your signature should also reflect the way you began your correspondence – if you found out the name of your recipient, then ‘Yours Sincerely’ is the correct way of closing out the letter, whereas if you didn’t, a ‘Yours Faithfully’ should do the trick!

Putting in your contacts…

Make sure you sign off your name and leave a variety of ways to contact you – the company may prefer to do business over the phone or by email, so don’t sell yourself short at the end. Make your signature look professional and you’ll be well on your way to a reply!

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COMPARATIVE

Accounting Cover Letter with No Experience Sample

I have been in the position of writing many cover letters for friends and clients, especially for those who lacked experience but were determined to break into new industries. One of the most common requests I receive is to craft accounting cover letters for individuals who have no direct experience in the field.

Based on my unique experience in this area, I’ve developed a guide to help you write an impressive accounting cover letter that can open doors, even without experience.

Accounting Cover Letter Generator

Disclaimer: This is a basic cover letter generator to help you draft an Accounting cover letter. Please ensure you review and customize it to match your specific experience and job application.

Key Takeaways:

Learn how to write a persuasive accounting cover letter with no experience.
Use 3 free unique templates provided to stand out.
Tips from personal experience that will boost your chances of success.
Real-life examples and insights on formatting and tone.

Why Writing a Strong Cover Letter is Essential

When you’re applying for an accounting position with no experience, your cover letter is the key to convincing hiring managers that you’re still a qualified candidate.

Most people assume that lack of experience is a deal breaker, but I’ve found that a well-constructed letter can highlight transferable skills, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn — qualities many employers value highly.

Based on my experience, the cover letter isn’t just a formality; it’s an opportunity to showcase what you bring to the table beyond technical accounting experience. Let me walk you through how to do this effectively.

Guide to Writing an Accounting Cover Letter with No Experience

1. start with confidence and enthusiasm.

Your introduction should clearly state your interest in the role and highlight your enthusiasm for starting a career in accounting. When writing for clients, I emphasize the importance of showing energy, even when you lack specific experience. Use phrases like “eager to learn” or “excited to bring my skills” to show the hiring manager that you’re enthusiastic about the opportunity.

2. Highlight Transferable Skills

While you may not have direct accounting experience, you likely have skills from other jobs, school projects, or volunteer work that are valuable. Skills like attention to detail, organizational ability, proficiency with numbers, and problem-solving are often just as crucial for entry-level accounting jobs as technical accounting experience.

From personal experience, I’ve seen that clients who clearly explain how their past work (even from unrelated fields) prepares them for accounting roles tend to get interviews more often. Here are a few transferable skills that often work well:

Analytical skills: Perhaps you worked in retail and regularly balanced cash registers.
Organizational skills: Mention how you’ve kept records or managed data, even in non-financial roles.
Technical skills: Familiarity with Excel or QuickBooks is always a plus, even if you’ve only used them for personal tasks.

3. Education and Certifications

Even if you lack hands-on experience, showcasing your educational background in accounting, finance, or business can make a significant difference.

Be sure to mention any accounting-related coursework or certifications, like basic Excel proficiency or knowledge of accounting software.

For example, when I helped a friend write a cover letter, we highlighted a college course in financial management, even though it wasn’t directly related to accounting. That small detail demonstrated a foundational understanding of finance that was crucial in getting an interview.

Example of Highlighting Transferable Skills in a Table


	Worked in retail, balancing cash registers.	Essential for reconciling accounts and audits.
	Managed data entry in previous job.	Useful for maintaining financial records.
	Proficient in Excel for personal budgeting.	Applicable for accounting software like Excel.

4. Emphasize Your Passion for Accounting

Hiring managers want candidates who are genuinely passionate about the field. I often advise clients to express their enthusiasm for the opportunity to learn and grow in the accounting profession. You can mention any self-study, online courses, or personal projects you’ve undertaken to gain some accounting knowledge.

5. Close with Confidence

End your letter with a strong call to action. Express your interest in discussing how your skills can benefit the company and convey your excitement about the possibility of joining their team.

For example, I’ve seen success with lines like, “I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your accounting team and grow my skills under your leadership.”

3 Unique Templates for Accounting Cover Letters with No Experience

Template 1: focus on transferable skills.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

Hiring Manager’s Name [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State, Zip]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. While I may not have direct accounting experience, my strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and passion for numbers make me confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team.

In my previous role as a [Previous Job Title], I gained experience in [transferable skill], which has honed my ability to [related accounting task]. I am particularly eager to bring my skills to your accounting department and learn from your team’s extensive experience.

Thank you for considering my application. I would be delighted to further discuss how I can contribute to your team.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Template 2: Emphasize Education and Eagerness to Learn

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I recently completed a [Degree or Certification] in Accounting from [School Name], where I excelled in courses such as [Relevant Course], which gave me a strong foundation in [Accounting Skill]. I am now eager to apply my knowledge in a practical environment and grow my skills as part of your accounting team.

While I am new to the accounting field, my [transferable skill] experience in [Previous Job or Project] has equipped me with the ability to [related accounting task]. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to work at [Company Name] because of your reputation for [something specific about the company].

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team.

Template 3: Highlighting Passion for Accounting

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I have been passionate about accounting ever since I took my first accounting course in college, where I learned the fundamentals of [Accounting Principle].

Although I am just starting out in this field, I have actively sought opportunities to improve my skills, including [mention any self-study or online courses].

My ability to quickly learn new software and adapt to new processes has helped me succeed in previous roles, and I am excited to bring this adaptability to your accounting department. I would love to contribute to your company’s success while learning from your expert team.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your accounting team.

Final Thoughts

Writing an accounting cover letter without experience may feel challenging, but it’s all about positioning yourself as a confident, eager-to-learn candidate. In my experience, highlighting your transferable skills, enthusiasm, and commitment to learning can make a significant impact, often leading to interview opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: how do i write an accounting cover letter with no experience.

Answer: When I wrote my accounting cover letter with no experience, I focused on transferable skills like attention to detail and organizational ability. Highlighting my educational background in accounting and willingness to learn helped me stand out.

Q: What skills should I emphasize in an Accounting Cover Letter with No Experience?

Answer: In my accounting cover letter with no experience, I emphasized skills such as proficiency in Excel, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. I also pointed out my internship experience, which gave me practical exposure to the field.

Q: How can I make an Accounting Cover Letter with No Experience stand out?

Answer: To make my accounting cover letter with no experience stand out, I tailored it to the specific job and company, highlighting my passion for accounting and my eagerness to learn. I also included examples of how I excelled in my coursework and class projects.

Q: What should be included in an Accounting Cover Letter with No Experience?

Answer: In my accounting cover letter with no experience, I included my educational qualifications, any relevant internships or volunteer work, and a strong motivation to contribute to the team. I also made sure to align my strengths with the job description.

Q: How can I show confidence in an Accounting Cover Letter with No Experience?

Answer: I showed confidence in my accounting cover letter with no experience by focusing on my strengths, such as my ability to learn quickly and my solid understanding of accounting principles. Mentioning my readiness to take on challenges also conveyed assurance.

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IMAGES

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How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter (With Examples)
Speculative Cover Letter Examples & Expert tips [Free] · chilled.pub
How To Write A Stand-Out Graduate CV And Cover Letter
How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter
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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

What is a non-speculative cover letter?
A non-speculative cover letter is a cover letter written for a specific job opportunity. Non-speculative cover letters are also referred to as job application letters. When writing a cover letter for a specific position, there are a few things you should remember to do: Specify the job you're applying for and where you found the opportunity.
How to write a cover letter for an unadvertised job
Learn how to write a strong cover letter for a cold email or ...
How to Write a Cover Letter That Sounds Like You (and Gets Noticed)
How to Write a Cover Letter That Sounds Like You (and Gets Noticed) by Elainy Mata. May 10, 2022. Read more on Cover letters or related topics Job search and Early career. EM. Elainy Mata is a ...
Speculative cover letters: What you need to know
How do you get a job without a job advert? We've already covered what cover letters are, but here's our guide to speculative cover letters (just in case).
How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter
You submit a speculative cover letter to introduce yourself and discover unadvertised job opportunities. Here's how to write one, examples included.
How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter That Works
Learn how to write a speculative cover letter that showcases your skills, qualifications, and interest in working for a potential employer in the future.
How To Write a Speculative Cover Letter for an Unlisted Job
A speculative cover letter is just like a traditional cover letter, but it accompanies your CV in an unsolicited inquiry about employment. This prospective employment letter can help you get an interview for a job before it's made public, and it could encourage an employer to create a special position just for you.
Speculative Cover Letter: Examples and Writing Tips
Learn how to write a speculative cover letter. See speculative application cover letter examples and tips to help you target the companies you're interested in.
Writing a cover letter
Discover our top tips on how to write an effective cover letter to start your career journey. See our example cover letters or get feedback from our experts.
Speculative cover letter
Not all roles are formally advertised, and this is where speculative cover letters come in useful. With the help of our speculative cover letter example, you can create your own opportunities Speculative approaches can be a great way of getting your foot in the door in competitive industries.
How to write a speculative application for a job that isn't ...
A lesser-used job-search technique is the speculative application. This approach could pay dividends, so read on to find out everything you need to know about how to write a speculative application.
11+ Best Speculative Cover Letter Examples
A speculative cover letter is an approach tofinding a job where you get in touch with an employer to enquire about any upcoming vacancies, rather than responding to a specific job advert.
How to write a speculative application (with example)
A common, versatile complimentary close is 'Yours sincerely'. Related: What are letter salutations and how do you write one? Speculative application cover letter example Here is an example of the content you may write in a speculative application cover letter: Dear Julie, I am writing to discuss the possibility of joining your organisation.
How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter
The general formatting of a speculative letter will be relatively similar to a standard cover letter: Start with personal information such as your name, address and contact details. You should never include your national insurance number or bank details on your cover letter. Include information to your social media platforms such as Linkedin.
Speculative cover letter examples
Land a great new job with these 3 Speculative cover letter examples and a simple guide to creating you own attention-grabbing cover letter.
How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter
Find out what a speculative cover letter is and how to write one effectively. Use our example letter to make it easy.
How to Write Effective Speculative Cover Letter (+ Example)
Learn how to write a speculative cover letter that gets results with our step-by-step writing guide and speculative cover letter example for the UK.
How To Write A Speculative Cover Letter With Template
Here's how to write a speculative cover letter that strikes the right tone and helps you get your foot in the door. We've also written a speculative cover letter template to show how to format and write your letter - this can be found at the bottom of the blog.
How to Write Speculative Cover Letters and Email Applications
Find out what a speculative email application is, what a speculative cover letter is and how to write them effectively.
Speculative Cover Letter Examples for UK Market (2024)
The comprehensive cover letter guide offers more detail in terms of the other cover letter writing advice. Our speculative cover letter example will hopefully offer some inspiration: Adaptable cover letter example. Dear Mr. Potts, I am an experienced customer service manager with five years of experience.
Speculative Cover Letter
A cover letter is a bit like your personal statement on a UCAS application, but for a job. A speculative cover letter is the same, apart from it's sent as part of a speculative application , along with your CV .
Speculative cover letter example (UK cover letter)
Speculative cover letter template The template below follows all of the current best practices for writing a cover letter. It's free, and you're welcome to use it as many times as you like. Please note, the template below contains placeholder text in [square brackets].
Accounting Cover Letter with No Experience Sample
Based on my experience, the cover letter isn't just a formality; it's an opportunity to showcase what you bring to the table beyond technical accounting experience. Let me walk you through how to do this effectively. Guide to Writing an Accounting Cover Letter with No Experience 1. Start with Confidence and Enthusiasm
FAQ: What is a speculative CV? (And what to include in one)
What is a speculative CV? Some people choose to send a CV, complete with a cover letter, to a business even when they don't have open positions. Many firms, especially larger ones, actively seek talent of all kinds, and demonstrating your initiative with a speculative CV is an excellent way to unlock hidden opportunities.