How to make a speculative job application

When a speculative approach makes sense

• The employer is small or growing and may not advertise every role.
• Your field relies on project or seasonal staffing.
• You have a specific skill they are likely to need, and you can say why.
• You are relocating to an area and want to be known before roles appear.

It is less useful for large employers with strict application systems, which may direct every approach to their careers site. Check their recruitment page first; if it says unsolicited applications are not accepted, respect that.

Find the right person

A message to a general inbox is easy to ignore. The person who runs the team you want to join, or the owner of a small business, is usually a better recipient. Use the organisation's own website, published team pages or professional profiles. Do not guess personal email addresses or message people repeatedly across several channels.

What to say

Subject: [Your skill] support for [team or project]

Dear [Name],

I am a [current role or field] with experience in [one specific area]. I have been following [something specific the organisation has done] and I think my experience of [relevant task] could be useful as you [their likely need].

For example, at [previous employer or project] I [one concrete achievement].

I have attached my resume. Would you be open to a short conversation about whether there is a way I could contribute, now or in the future?

Kind regards,
[Your name] · [Phone] · [Link to a profile or portfolio, if relevant]

Keep it under about 200 words. The specific reference to their work and the single concrete achievement do most of the work; generic praise does not.

A worked example

Following up without pressing

If you hear nothing, one polite follow-up after a week or two is reasonable. After that, record the approach and move on. A speculative message is a seed, not a claim on someone's time, and some useful replies arrive months later when a need appears.

Common questions