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Applying for unadvertised jobs

You know what your dream job is and the organisation you want to target. How do you approach the employer about unadvertised work? How do you put together an application that will make the them sit up and take notice of you?

Approaching the employer
What's in your application
Targeting your application

Approaching the employer

Once you've identified which organisation you would most like to work for, you could contact them by phone, mail, email or visit them in person. Your first challenge is to find out who is the best person to make contact with to discuss employment opportunities. You could start by finding out the name of the head of the section or unit that you're interested in.

Phoning your contact

  • Explain why you are phoning and ask if they have time to discuss your interest in working for their organisation.
  • During the conversation, ask if you can send a copy of your resume and whether they would prefer that you email, fax or post it.
  • Be prepared for questions about what you have to offer the organisation and why you're seeking employment with them.
  • You'll make a good first impression if you use a professional telephone manner, and demonstrate your knowledge of and interest in the organisation.
  • Sending your resume and letter of interest first will mean that the contact has your information available when you follow up with a phone call within a week or so. In your letter, do let the contact know that you will be phoning them regarding your interest.

What's in your application

An application for an unadvertised job contains:

Targeting your application

The speculative cover letter you send with your resume should demonstrate your interest and research into the target company or organisation. If you tailor your application to meet the employer's needs, you're much more likely to be offered an interview.

Do some research

As there are no selection criteria for an unadvertised position, you must do some research instead to find out what the employer wants. Think about the reasons you're interested in working for the organisation before you approach them about selection criteria for the job. They might be something like this:

  • Your skills, experience and qualities match those needed by the company.
  • You have a genuine interest in the type of work the company does, or in working with their client group.
  • The company offers a flexible working environment and is responsive to employee needs.

This will help you to frame your questions about the job and the employer's expectations. By demonstrating to the employer your knowledge of the company and strong interest in the job and the thought you're putting into your application, you're already a step ahead.