The job search can be more frustrating when you are forced to apply for jobs speculatively. But does it pay to apply directly, even when there is no job opening posted? What will employers do with such applications, if they are not expecting them in the first place?

Does It Make Sense to Apply

You can view this question from two angles. Applying directly without an ad being posted is broadly regarded as a speculative application, a tactic that is commonly employed by job seekers. You have to match your job need to availability, which means you cant wait until a vacancy is advertised. Additionally, speculative applications are almost a certainty in all industries. After all, the purpose is to find a vacancy before it is advertised.

Another occasion when you might apply without an ad being posted includes when you have received a referral or tip from someone that you know who works with the company in question.

The bigger question is how recruiters and employees look at applications when they are not expecting them. Unsolicited resumes are never disregarded even though they may irritate a recruiter at the time. Employers file unsolicited resumes in their database for future use. These applications come in handy for companies who dont advertise when they have a need, as a matter of policy.

A second aspect that is in your favor is when your application reaches an employer just when they are contemplating recruiting. Certain industries, such as service, advertising & marketing, and software engineering employ people for various positions on a continuous basis, as there is a high employee attrition rate in these industries.

How Do I Apply Directly

There are some simple steps that you should follow, which includes preparing a good resume and coverletter. The following points will help you prepare your speculative application.

Direct or unsolicited applications should be specific to employers as you are offering your qualifications and skills to a particular industry. You can consider doing this in a marketing tone, for exploration.
Try to include as much information as possible into your application as you are applying for a non-existent job whose requirements are not known to you. This is your insurance against failure due to a mismatch between the job requirement and your skill set.
Take a paragraph or two to explain why you are interested in the organization and how you are planning to contribute to their success. Making concrete offers focusing specifically on where and how of your contributions in one way or the other is crucial. This motivates employers, which is essential when there is no specific vacancy at that time.
You need to justify your claims of contributing to their success by your qualifications and experiences. If you are applying for middle or higher positions, let your accomplishments speak for you.
End the application with a thank you and reminding them that you wish to follow-up later. Then, do it!

Knowing how to apply using an unsolicited resume is important. You can locate company contact information from the telephone directory or from company websites.

Tony Jacowski
http://www.sixsigmaonline.org