Networking and speculative approaches
Not all organisations advertise their vacancies, many recruit through speculative applications. If you are interested in working for particular organisations you may need to contact them and ask about their opportunities.
Speculative applications - how to find 'hidden jobs'
Speculative applications are more likely to work if you come across as well-informed and interested, so you need to research the type of work and the potential employers before you make contact with them.
Start by looking at job profiles which describe the kind of work that interests you:
Then you can use business directories to find details of employers such as location, size, and what they do. Knowing more about an employer's business before you approach them will improve your prospects.
- - has details of over 7,000 organisations who have links with the Careers Service
- - offers a huge network of organisations, employees and jobs
- (student only) - resources available via the University Library, such as Business Source Premier's Company Profiles.
- – a simple place to search for companies
Making contact
Contacting employers involves more than simply asking about jobs. Ask for information and advice to demonstrate your interest and develop your knowledge. This insight means you are more likely to succeed when asking about actual vacancies.
Possible approaches:
- Ask for information about working in their industry and the routes in. Explain what appeals to you about it.
- Ask if you can work shadow someone for a day to see what the job involves, or ask about short term work experience.
- Follow up and develop your contacts. Talk to as many people as you can to add to your network.
- Email them a CV and covering letter to ask about jobs or work experience and phone them a few days later to see if they can help.
Speculative applications have to be well informed and persuasive, tailored towards your chosen type of work and employer. Not all succeed and you often need to be persistent, but many people do get jobs, experience or work shadowing this way. It is well worth trying, especially in sectors with relatively few advertised vacancies, eg media, arts administration, publishing.
Market yourself positively and try not to be put off by rejections.