In today’s job market about 70% of roles are being filled without being advertised so it is essential that you adopt a more proactive approach in order to access the hidden job market. 

Here are 5 tips on how to speculatively approach organisations effectively.

1.            Research your target market

You will need to start identifying companies that you would like to work for.  Ask friends, family and other contacts which companies they know about, or search for companies through LinkedIn.

2.            Find an appropriate point of contact

Once you have identified a list of companies that you want to approach, you need to find out who is the most appropriate point of contact for you to address your speculative email/letter to.  Use LinkedIn to identify a senior contact in the department that you want to work in.

3.            Prepare a tailored speculative letter

Sending a blanket mailshot to every company that you can think of is likely to be a waste of time and money. When emails and letters are not targeted, the person receiving it may realise this and you will either get a rejection letter or no response at all. If your approach is targeted, you’ll look pro-active, confident and keen.

4.            Be realistic

Manage your expectations as this is an approach to use as well as your other job search methods. Don’t expect responses to every letter you send.  A proactive approach on average produces about 4 interviews per hundred letters sent out.

5.            Follow up calls

Follow up your letter with a call to the company, making sure you know what you want to say. Finish the call with an agreed proactive follow up action. The ideal result would be to arrange a meeting. However it will have been a good call if you just get agreement to call back again in a months’ time.