Speculative applications

[Snowydrift]

I need some advice for writing a spontaneous application. I have a paragraph about my previous "work" and one about skills etc but I can't think of something to say about the company which doesn't sound false.

They have no info about corporate values/vision for the future on their website and my main reason that I'm applying is because its close by. But I can't say that can I? What sort of reasons and phrasing has been successful for you in the past?

Traits of the company are history of excellence and precision, worldwide presence, when the firm was founded in 1910 it was innovative, but it's not any more. I'm going round and round in circles and it all sounds OTT and fake.

Any tips?

[twentyten]

You have a much higher chance to succeed if you do a lot more research and target your application. A Book and website called what colour is your parachute gives great advice about how to get in to talk to someone. Use your network - you must know someone who knows someone there ....

[Snowydrift]

No, I know no one who knows someone who works there. I know maybe 10 people in this city, all bar two are SAHM's.

[twentyten]

Have a look at the book I mentioned.Your library can get it or will have it.Gives advice about how to target applications by finding the right person.Otherwise your beautiful letter will just sit in a minions pending tray.....

[Snowydrift]

Thanks for the tips, didn't mean to sound so abrupt. I know I need to find a name to address the letter to but the company is seriously secretive! They have nothing apart from their products on their website, even Wikipedia list the number of employees as 2,800-5,800 which I suppose means they have no idea. They publish no accounts/annual report and have no contact details on their website. I have found the name of someone who works there, he is the VP of the local Chamber of Commerce and was planning to write to him and ask that he forward it as appropriate. They also list the Director's name, but I don't suppose I should write to him! I'm not sure if I should mention where I found his name though (and hope that he's not really a minion...)

[twentyten]

Have you looked at Linkedin and seached for the company?Or industry?i would really reccomend trying to find the right person-someone senior is fine-but if you can get to meet someone so muchbetter.So many people are paid to gate keep-secretaries/receptionists etc......getiing thrugh that is often the hardest part.

[lljkk]

Ooh, my friend was so in love with that "What colour is your parachute?" book that she contacted the author & arrange to work for him. He turned out to be a complete bastard, she was a very competent confident secretary but only lasted a few months.

Her story has always put me off that book (enormously). (End of pointless gossip)

I just found a job 2 hours drive from here that matches my CV to a letter (and not many people have some of those skills, either). My speculative query of the morning is going to be to email to ask if it has to be based there versus somewhere closer.

[Snowydrift]

Don't just ask them that though. Put in a letter how you would love the job, how you match it and what you can bring them. Then ask them. Is it possible for you to work from home at all? Because if so, then I'd ask that, but maybe only when they call you to interview - suggest part time in the office and part at home. Good Luck!

[Snowydrift]

I have looked on LinkedIn and I can see some people as third connections (so I can't see their profile) but no one from HR. I can see some people in my field, but they are not group leaders. I called the company this morning and asked who I should address the letter to, but they wouldn't give me a name, just said send it to HR and it would be passed to the appropriate person.

Does this sound ridiculous:

I am writing to enquire if there are any vacancies in your company. Your company has an international presence and a history of both excellence and precision whilst remaining true to its original ideals I am a qualified X, living in (city), seeking (part-time?) employment and would be happy to work for a company with such values.

Before my maternity break, I worked at Y as a Project Assistant...

[lljkk]

Honestly, I can't imagine I'll be remotely near the best possible candidate, even if I actually own a full set of manuals in the (obscure) software package they use. If they want me they'll ask me to apply properly. 7 years ago I could have sleepwalked into the job, though (muse).

I'd have to live away in the week, might manage a compressed schedule (9 of 10 days). Living away from DC is HUGELY appealing, but DH is obviously not thrilled. Oh, and DD broke her arm today. As if to reinforce why maybe I shouldn't live far away.

[lljkk]

ps: sounds like perfect suckup wankery that isn't actually OTT. Are you sure about the "original ideals" part?

I am resorting to flattery in my cover letters, too. :)

[Snowydrift]

Ouch. Your poor DD. How did she do it, something exotic or more a boring tripped over her shoelaces? Hope she mends quickly.

I changed the ideals slightly. I also used an online translator to help me. Just as well I sent it to DH to proofread because it translated it into something which apparently has a sexual connotation

It is sent. So we shall see. Now I have to apply for something which I am perfectly qualified for, although it is not part time and something I would hate to do. I'm getting desperate...

[lljkk]

DD was jumping over a flower planter, about the 16th child to do it that minute but she was one who came a cropper.

Good luck with the job hunting! :)