how to write a speculative cover letter examples

Speculative cover letter examples

Speculative cover letters can be a proactive way to get your foot in the door and find jobs that haven’t even been advertised yet.

But with so much resting on this application, you need to use the space wisely to explain what type of role you’re looking for and what attracted you to their company.

Find out how to do that successfully with our expert advice and speculative cover letter examples in the guide below.

CV templates 

Speculative cover letter example 1

Speculative cover letter example 2

Speculative cover letter example 3

The example cover letters here should give you a good general idea on how your Speculative cover letter should be formatted and written.

The rest of this guide gives more specific guidance on how to create your own cover letter in this format, and even includes some templates you can copy and paste.

How to write a Speculative cover letter

A simple step-by-step guide to writing your very own winning cover letter.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When you send a cover letter with a job application, you should always write your message into the body of your email – or the body of the messaging system if you are sending via a job website.

Why do this?

Simply because you want to get your message seen as soon as the recruiter opens your application.

If you attach the cover letter as a separate item, this means the recipient will have to open it before they can read it – slowing down the process and potentially causing frustration along the way.

So, write your cover note in the body of your email/message to ensure you make an instant connection with the reader.

Start with a friendly greeting

To build an instant connection with the recruiter reading your cover letter, start with a warm greeting.

It should be friendly but not casual – keeping it professional at all times.

• Hi, hope you’re well
• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very traditional companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

After you have greeted the recruiter, it’s important to state the job you are applying to.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so they need to know exactly which job you are referring to.

Be as specific as possible and use a reference number if you can find one.

Here are some examples you can use;

• I am interested in applying for the role of admin assistant with your organisation.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 4057393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advertisement for a trainee project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The main purpose of your cover letter is to excite recruiters and make them eager to open your CV. And you achieve this by quickly demonstrating your suitability to the job you are applying for.

Take a look at the job adverts you are applying for, and make note of the most important skills being asked for.

Then, when you write your cover letter, make your suitability the focal point.

Explain how you meet the candidate requirements fully, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider your application.

Keep it short and sharp

It is best to keep your cover letter brief if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.

Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.

Sign off professionally

To finish off your cover note, add a professional signature to the bottom, stating your important contact details and information.

This not only provides recruiters with multiple means of contacting you, but it also adds a nice professional appearance to the cover letter, which shows that you know how to conduct yourself in the workplace.

Include the following points;

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Aaron Smith Customer service professional 075557437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Speculative cover letter

Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Speculative cover letter…

The exact info will obviously depend on your industry and experience level, but these are the essentials.

• Your relevant experience – Where have you worked and what type of jobs have you held?
• Your qualifications – Let recruiters know about your highest level of qualification to show them you have the credentials for the job.
• The impact you have made – Show how your actions have made a positive impact on previous employers; perhaps you’ve saved them money or helped them to acquire new customers?
• Your reasons for moving – Hiring managers will want to know why you are leaving your current or previous role, so give them a brief explanation.
• Your availability – When can you start a new job ? Recruiters will want to know how soon they can get you on board.

Don’t forget to tailor these points to the requirements of the job advert for best results.

Speculative cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Speculative cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

I am writing to express my strong interest in any upcoming data engineering and analytics opportunities available at Intuita. Over the course of my 17 years of experience in IT, I have diligently supervised cross-functional teams and delivered data-driven solutions that have transformed various businesses.

While there may not be a specific job opening advertised at this time, I believe my computer science qualifications align perfectly with your commitment to informed decision-making and technological advancements. In my current role as a Data Specialist at Sphere Digital Ltd, I use tools such as Python, SQL, and Tableau to extract valuable insights from complex datasets, and subsequently translate these into actionable recommendations that positively impact the company’s performance.

Within the last 3 years I have successfully reduced the time spent on analysis by 25% through creating interactive visualisations, and lowered procurement expenses by 15% due to identifying cost-saving opportunities. I also developed automated dashboards that decreased report generation time by 50%.

I welcome the chance to discuss how my skills and qualification align with your organisation and would be keen to attend an interview when a suitable position becomes available.

Kind regards

Felicity Wright

Hello Roger

I read through your website and noticed that WSP is recruiting for a number of transport planning vacancies throughout the UK, and I am keen to offer my CV for any positions that come available in Hull.

As a results-oriented professional with a passion for optimising transportation operations and a strong background in logistics, I am enthusiastic about contributing my skills to your world-renowned organisation. Throughout my 10 years of experience in the industry, I have demonstrated my ability to optimise routes and ensure timely and cost-effective delivery solutions.

In my current role at DPD Group, I have implemented freight consolidation strategies that cut transportation expenses by 15%, coordinated with carriers in increases in on-time delivery performance by 25%, as well as introduced training programmes which boosted driver productivity by 35%. I firmly believe that my qualifications and past achievements align perfectly with your commitment to excellence in transportation services and continuous improvement.

Thank you for considering my application and I look forward to the possibility of joining your dynamic team when a vacancy arises in the future.

Sable Fernandez

Good afternoon, Miles

I am writing to show my interest in your upcoming opportunities as a landscape architect and consultant at Tyler Grange. As a creative and detail-oriented professional with a passion for transforming outdoor spaces into beautiful landscapes, I am eager to contribute my expertise to your organisation.

Over the course of 15 years in landscape architecture, I have demonstrated my ability to conceptualise and execute innovative projects, including urban design, public parks, greenways, and school gardens which align with clients’ visions and environmental sustainability. I believe that my qualifications and skills resonate perfectly with your establishment’s commitment to excellence in landscape design.

Some key achievements I have played a significant role in while at Atkins include, attaining a 98% on-time project completion rate for 7 straight years, as well as incorporating design practices and native plant selections that led to a 20% reduction in landscape maintenance costs. Furthermore, I generated £4M+ annually through client referrals and repeat business.

I am eager to discuss any upcoming landscape architecture vacancies in greater detail. Please feel free to contact me via email or by phone to schedule an interview.

Vincent Cowell

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Speculative job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

• CV writing services
• Accessories
• About PurpleCV
• Meet the team
• PurpleCV Reviews
• Social Impact

How To Write A Speculative Cover Letter With Template

Wondering how to write a speculative cover letter?

A speculative CV with an accompanying cover letter is a way of connecting with employers when they’re not advertising vacancies.

Speculative applications can have great results, and can also be an effective way of  getting internships or work placements .

Lots of positions are filled without ever being advertised, so a speculative letter could be your way in.

Here’s how to write a speculative cover letter that strikes the right tone and helps you get your foot in the door.

We’ve also written a speculative cover letter template to show how to format and write your letter – this can be found at the bottom of the blog.

Start by researching thoroughly

Once you’ve found an organisation you’d like to work for, the first thing to do is  research it thoroughly .

Find out everything you can about the organisation, its staff and the wider industry it operates in.

Most of the information you’ll need will be readily available from online sources, including:

• The organisation’s website
• Press releases published by the organisation
• Its LinkedIn page and social media profiles
• News articles relating to the organisation
• Industry-specific publications, newsletters or blogs
• Review sites like  Glassdoor

The more knowledge you can arm yourself with, the better you’ll be able to work out how your skills, experience and interests could benefit the organisation, and how you’ll be the perfect fit for the company.

And remember, when writing a speculative cover letter, accuracy is key.

Misspelling the name of the organisation, its products or services or the addressee (ultimately the decision maker) could spell disaster for your speculative letter.

Know who you’re talking to

Research the organisation’s staff list carefully to find out who to address your letter to. This may be:

• The managing director, if it’s a smaller firm
• A head of department
• The hiring manager
• A member of the HR department

It’s absolutely crucial that you address the letter to a specific person. ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ or ‘To whom it may concern’ won’t score you any points, especially if they have their name in their email address.

Mention early on or at the end of the letter that you’ve attached your CV to the email, to encourage the reader to look at this after the cover letter.

Strike the right tone

It can be hard to judge how to write a speculative cover letter and what tone to use. In our opinion, it’s best to opt for a formal tone. You don’t know the person, so don’t be over-familiar.

Open with ‘Dear [person’s name]’, and avoid any informal chit-chat like ‘I hope you had a good weekend’. Keep your tone friendly but professional throughout, and close with ‘Yours sincerely’.

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER HERE

By subscribing to our newsletter, you agree to our Ts and Cs .

Don’t apologise

You might think sending a speculative CV and cover letter will come across as pushy or presumptuous – but hiring managers are unlikely to see it that way.

Don’t be tempted to start with something apologetic like ‘I hope you don’t mind me contacting you unsolicited’.

There’s no need to apologise – a speculative application is evidence that you’re  enthusiastic and proactive , rather than arrogant.

Get straight to the point

If you’re wondering about how to start a speculative cover letter, our top tip would be: get to the point!

Hiring managers are busy – so don’t waste their time. Too many speculative cover letters suffer from long, repetitive introductions,  clichéd language  and wordy explanations that are unlikely to be read.

Cut to the chase straight away. Say why you’re writing, and demonstrate how you can benefit the organisation with a few  key highlights from your CV .

Get that cover letter written by us!

Cover letter, format your cover letter appropriately.

A formally laid out cover letter is likely to have a better chance of succeeding. Put your name, address and the date on the right at the top, and the addressee’s details on the left starting on the line below.

The purpose of a speculative job letter is to get the hiring manager to look at your CV – so give them a reason to read it with three or four solid points straight off the bat.

You could format these as bullet points to make them even easier to read.

Keep paragraphs short and snappy and try to keep your letter to around half a page, and definitely no more than one page.

Focus on the employer

When writing a speculative cover letter, you should say as much (if not more) about the organisation you’re writing to as you do about yourself.

Try not to start every paragraph with ‘I’. You want to communicate what you can do for the organisation and why you want to work there, so try to evidence the knowledge you gained through your research.

What challenges and opportunities is the organisation facing? Try to focus on the person reading the letter and their priorities, and give a few examples from your experience that show how you can meet them.

Avoid the hard sell. Some sources recommend ending with something like ‘I’ll be calling you next week to schedule an interview’, but this pushy approach may backfire.

End simply by expressing that you’d like the opportunity to continue the conversation. Specify how the hiring manager can contact you (by phone or at your email address, for example) followed by ‘I look forward to hearing from you’.

As always, check, check and check again for typos and grammatical errors. Get someone else to proofread it for you if you can.

If you don’t hear anything within a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to  follow up by email or phone . This will show perseverance and a real desire to work for the organisation.

It’s also an opportunity to ask for constructive feedback if you weren’t successful.

Speculative cover letter template

Below is an annotated speculative cover letter example to give you an idea of how to format and write the letter:

How to write a speculative cover letter: a summary

A speculative application can be a great way to engage with an organisation, and could get you one step closer to your dream job.

Even if the employer doesn’t have your perfect role open immediately, it could put you on their radar as someone to contact in the future.

We hope our guide has given you a better idea of how to write a speculative cover letter.

Remember, a cover letter acts as the bait to get hiring managers to read your CV – so make sure your accompanying CV is as good as it can be!

Need help crafting a kickass CV? Our tailor-made CVs showcase your best bits and set you head and shoulders above the job market competition.  Find out more .

Want to know more about how to write a good standard cover letter? Go back to basics with  these principles.  You can see some  examples of cover letters here , including a speculative cover letter example.

Cover Letter Writing Advice

CV Writing Advice

CV Writing Services

Interview Advice

Job Search Advice

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Related articles, what is a video cv and do you need one.

You may have heard about a growing trend in job hunting – making a video CV. So what is it,... Read more...

Guide To Updating Your LinkedIn Headline

Do you know what your LinkedIn headline is and how to update it? Most importantly, do you know how to... Read more...

How To Write A Management CV

If you’re unsure about how to write a management CV, we’ll explain all you need to know in this guide.... Read more...

Soft Skills: What They Are And How To Highlight Them

One of the most common questions we receive is: “What are soft skills?” And perhaps more importantly: “Can you give... Read more...

What Is Hybrid Working? Our Expert Thoughts

These days when you’re reading through job descriptions, you’ll often see a mention of ‘hybrid working’ - but what does... Read more...

What Are Group Interviews? Our Expert Tips On How To Succeed

Here’s a common scenario - you apply for a job and the employer invites you to a group interview. What... Read more...

Guide To Creating A Great Marketing CV + Example

Wondering what the secret to a great marketing CV is? We’ll share our top tips with you in this guide.... Read more...

Career Change At 40: How To Thrive In Your New Career

A career change at 40 is a life-changing decision.  Whether you have discovered a new passion for teaching, finance, or... Read more...

Working From Home Tax Relief

Want to know if you qualify for working from home tax relief?  So, you’ve got your professionally written CV, nailed... Read more...

12 Highest Paying Jobs In The UK

Job satisfaction, work life balance and salary are key criteria for most employees - and if the latter matters to... Read more...

How To Write A Retail Assistant Cover Letter That Gets Read

Don’t overlook the importance of a well-written cover letter for a retail assistant job. According to CareerBuilder, 45% of job... Read more...

How To Add Certifications To Your LinkedIn Profile

Many specific occupations call for particular certifications and abilities, and one of the ways you can highlight these is by... Read more...

How To Write A Career Change Cover Letter That Gets Read

By Ian Taylor, CV-Library Even if it’s not required according to the job advertisement, a cover letter is always a... Read more...

How To Find The Right Job For You & Kickstart Your New Job Search

By JobLookup When you decide to look for a new job, the temptation is to jump straight in - revamp... Read more...

How To End A Cover Letter: Examples Of The Perfect Cover Letter Ending

Your CV is up to date, tailored to the job spec – and triple proof-read. However, if you’re sending off... Read more...

How To Address A Cover Letter With Real Life Examples

Crafted a tailored job application that shows you’re perfect for the role? There’s one last step to impress employers -... Read more...

How To Write A CV With No Experience

You may be wondering what to write in a CV if you have no experience in the industry you’re applying... Read more...

How To Write A Supporting Statement For A Job Application With Template

Wondering how to write a supporting statement and just what makes one different from a cover letter? The purpose of... Read more...

How To Write a Cover Letter For An Internship

Unsure how to write a cover letter for an internship? We’ve got you covered. It can be tricky knowing how... Read more...

Using LinkedIn For Job Searching: How Social Media Profiles Can Help You Find Employment

Social media sites have soared in popularity over the last decade, with platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn proving... Read more...

9 Common LinkedIn Mistakes You’re Probably Making

LinkedIn can be an invaluable tool for making professional connections and searching for jobs.  Research by Jobvite showed that 87%... Read more...

Test Your Vocabulary With PurpleCV’s New Online Quiz

Wordsmith wannabes, listen up! 2019’s newest additions to the Oxford English Dictionary have been announced and we've got a test... Read more...

How To Write A Cover Letter That Makes You Stand Out

You’ve been trawling jobs boards and LinkedIn – and the job description sounds perfect. You’ve managed to avoid these common CV... Read more...

Networking Tips For Introverts: How To Work A Room Of Strangers

The prospect of networking can be daunting for anyone, not least for introverts. Walking into a room full of strangers... Read more...

How To Use LinkedIn To Find A Job: Seven Top Tips

Why should I use LinkedIn to find a job?  According to recent reports, there are now more than 500 million users... Read more...

Getting Back Into Work After Long Term Unemployment

Getting back into work after long term unemployment (or even a career break) can seem like a daunting task. Whether... Read more...

How to Find A Job Through Networking: 5 Steps To Success

Have you ever wondered how to find a job through networking? We’ve all heard the phrase ‘it’s not what you... Read more...

Beating Job Search Stress: 3 Things You Need To Stop Worrying About

This blog contains affiliate links (marked with a *) – meaning we may receive commission if you get a product... Read more...

7 Job Search Mistakes That Are Hurting Your Chances

Searching for a job can be an arduous process, and it can become demoralising if it goes on for a... Read more...

How To Really Sell Yourself In Your Personal Statement

The personal statement is often considered the most challenging part of a CV to write. The perfect personal statement should... Read more...

How To Use Social Media To Boost Your Job Hunt

Over the last few years social media has become a significant presence in our lives . Most of us use... Read more...

6 Ways To Stay Positive While Job Hunting

We’ve all been there: day after day spent filling in job applications, an inbox full of polite rejections, the odd... Read more...

The Importance Of A Cover Letter

Have you ever heard the expression “Put your best foot forward”? When it comes to potential employment, such a practice... Read more...

A Guide To Online Job Boards

Looking for a job online can be daunting. There appear to be thousands upon thousands of current vacancies in your... Read more...

The Importance Of A LinkedIn Profile

Everyone’s on social media these days, from Facebook to Twitter and Myspace, it’s a great social convenience for those who... Read more...

How To Write A Stand-Out Graduate CV And Cover Letter

Wondering how to make a stand-out graduate CV and cover letter? So you’ve come out of the other side of... Read more...

The Basics Of A Cover Letter

Getting the basics of a cover letter right is essential if you want to ensure you are seriously considered for... Read more...

🍪 Cookie consent

We value your privacy! Please take a moment to customise your cookie preferences. By clicking 'Submit' you agree to the use of cookies as described below:

• Find a company

Crafting a compelling cover letter for hidden job opportunities

Jan 07, 2020

Writer, editor and digital content specialist

The company is perfect. The team members are experienced and dynamic. You agree with the company mission and can see yourself sitting behind a desk in the office, putting your expertise to terrific use and helping the business to succeed. But there’s no job for you there. At least, not yet.

Unfortunately, this is often the reality of job hunting. But if you feel strongly drawn towards a particular company, and you believe that you could be a great employee there, don’t give up and move on. You can, and should get in touch to express your passion, your experience, and how you believe you can contribute. Submit a spontaneous application. While it’s unlikely to result in a job straight away, a spontaneous application is a strong way to make yourself known, either for positions that may be available but not advertised, or for any future openings.

When you’re sending a spontaneous application, how you present yourself is more important than ever. And that means customizing your cover letter and resume for the occasion. But before we get to that…

Why bother with a spontaneous application?

The odds that a perfect role for you is just an email away are slim but a spontaneous application can be well worth your while.

The number of job vacancies never publicly advertised makes up such a large percentage of openings that there is even a name for this sector: the hidden job market . Certain companies, and even entire industries, are more likely to lean on private networks or referrals to fill available roles quickly, rather than going through a public job posting process. So there’s a high likelihood that the perfect role for you is out there, but not advertised.

More significantly, a spontaneous application is useful for making a positive introduction to a hiring manager for potential roles in the future. It gets your foot in the door, so to speak. It may also be an opportunity for you to sell yourself, your experience, and your knowledge of the company and its vision by suggesting to an employer that they need a role they simply haven’t yet thought of.

When should you send one?

If you’re applying for a position that is unlikely to exist yet, consider sending a spontaneous application in the discovery phase of a job search . This is when you’re interested in a new position but not actively in need of one. This way, you’re not placing too much faith in the application, and have plenty of time to create a long-lead introduction to the company .

It can also be helpful to pay attention to tech and business news , noting startup companies that have recently completed fundraising rounds. This is likely to mean that they will be hiring very soon.

How to write an accompanying cover letter

When you’re writing a cover letter for a spontaneous application, you won’t have a specific job description to guide you. This can be frustrating because it’s more difficult to clearly explain how your experience and skills fit a particular set of requirements without a framework. However, it can also be liberating, allowing you to be broader in your personal pitch.

The main idea, as with any cover letter, is to sell your expertise, your knowledge of the company and your belief that you have what it takes to help their business succeed. While the body of your email should be crisp and digestible, your cover letter is where you can make the most compelling case for your candidacy.

Even though there is no bullet list of job duties that you can reference, you can infer from the company’s products and services what your work there might involve. After, you can elaborate on how you would excel by using specific examples from your past experience as a reference.

Here are a few tips specific to spontaneous cover letters:

Be as concise as possible while still clearly detailing your experience and ambitions. Because your application is spontaneous, a manager’s attention span when reviewing it will probably be even shorter than normal.

Be specific in describing how you could help the company, and what kind of position you would like. The narrower your goal, the more convincing it will be that you are a focused applicant, and not someone fishing for any available job.

Include examples of your past work , if relevant to your industry. Do this either in the form of a link to a professional portfolio website or as a separate attachment that you can reference in your email.

Email a specific person by searching through Welcome to the Jungle, or other recruitment websites and tools such as LinkedIn. This will make sure that your message reaches the right person and is (hopefully) read.

Ask for a recommendation , if you happen to have anyone in your social or professional networks who works, has worked, or knows anyone at the company to which you’re applying. Having a personal introduction can make all the difference, especially if said person is able to vouch for your abilities and your work ethic.

The waiting game

Next comes the hard part: being patient . It’s best not to expect any news, and certainly not straight away. You may not hear back after sending a spontaneous application at all. The company might simply not respond to unsolicited applications. Even if you made a good impression, it may be months before a role is open that fits your experience. In such cases, you can follow up with a friendly email.

Give it at least two weeks before following up on your first email, and then leave any subsequent unsolicited contact to once every few months . Any more than that, and you risk seeming less like an interested and passionate candidate, and more like a nuisance.

Despite the uncertainty, a spontaneous application is still an exercise well worth doing. Jobs, as with life, are uncertain—a unique combination of the right place, the right time, and more than a little bit of luck. Your application may not lead anywhere productive. But whereas the downside is nonexistent, the upside holds huge untold potential. Who knows? It might just end up with you landing your dream job.

Photo: Welcome to the Jungle

Follow Welcome to the Jungle on Facebook , LinkedIn , and Instagram , and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest articles every day!

More inspiration: Creating a winning job application

Create a winning job application with these tips on resume and cover letter writing, job application strategies, and job application best practices.

Resume writing: 7 details to include before you shoot your shot

You've found the ideal job ad and are ready to apply—that's great! But before you hit "send," make sure you've got these key details on your resume.

Feb 07, 2023

The language of the job hunt: resumes and job applications

It can take some time to master the vocabulary of the job hunt. What do these terms mean and what's the difference between them? Let's find out.

Sep 07, 2022

Writing a cover letter: ditch the dull templates!

How many times have you searched "cover letter templates" on Google? Well, it's time to stop! Use your voice and share your originality.

Jul 12, 2022

The power of words: elevating your resume to promote your experiences

Good words are worth much and cost little. So how can you use them effectively on your resume to catch the attention of the recruiter?

Jun 30, 2022

Maximizing your resume's impact: aligning your skills with job descriptions

By tailoring your resume and cover letter to each job offer, you're more likely to attract the recruiter's attention.

Jun 23, 2022

The newsletter that does the job

Want to keep up with the latest articles? Twice a week you can receive stories, jobs, and tips in your inbox.

Looking for your next job opportunity?

Over 200,000 people have found a job with Welcome to the Jungle.

How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter – Tips and Examples

Do you know the trick to flood your inbox with a job offer? Yes, you heard it right. There are tricks for receiving job offers from your desired designation and company. All you need to do is – think a bit out of the box for the job you want.

This approach does not work for everyone. But sometimes, sending resumes randomly to every company isn’t going to work. You need to have a speculative cover letter that makes you win the job.

It’s time to reveal the trick, that is – speculative cover letter! Wait, do not worry and panic about what is it and how to create it. This article by CustomCv.co.uk will guide you each and everything about it.

Take the tips from our expert cover letter writers to know the basics of creating a speculative cover letter to its technicities. It will include the entire fundamentals, its meaning, purpose, and how to write a good speculative letter step by step to impress your employer.

The magic of speculative cover letters works so extensively that it helps you in grabbing jobs that are not even publicly announced or disclosed. It is an incredibly useful cover letter that you can write in just five minutes after thoroughly reading this article.

A speculative cover letter is sent along with a CV, written with a particular designation in mind. They are more tailor to your desired company you want to work for by selling your skills, experience, and potential.

A speculative application basically means that you are getting in touch with your desired firm where you want to do a job by asking them that whether they have a suitable vacancy for you or not.

Tips to Write An Impressive Speculative Cover Letter

Without a further delay, we are throwing a top six tips to write an impressive speculative cover letter:

Use the perfect speculative cover letter format:

It is highly suggested to use the appropriate standard cover letter format while writing a speculative cover letter, for example:

• The line spacing should be single or 1.15 and out the uniform space among all the paragraphs.
• Fix the full page at one- inch margin.
• The font size should be 12 to be readable enough.
• The cover letter’s content should be concise and engaging that should not exceed more than one page.

Create a professional header:

• All relevant information should be included like name, contact number, residential address, and email address. It should be right-aligned, including the date with the format dd/mm/yy.
• After that, write all the relevant information of the addressee’s with that person’s name in the left alignment.

Start with a personal greeting and compelling introduction:

Since in a speculative cover letter you are telling your favorite firm that you are interested in serving them so it should be appealing to your employer by grasping their attention and make your reader hungrier to read, for example:  

• It should start with dear along with the hiring manager name.
• Declare the designation or the job role you may be interested in.
• Show your passion and compassion for the industry you are targeting. It should have the potential to flatter your employer so they may shortlist you as a dedicated employee.
• Highlight your impressive professional achievement that served as a hook to your reader, such as increasing the sales revenue, making a saving and beating a company target.

Do not try or not even think to copy-paste the letter as it looks vague and fails to compels your reader and your employer to directly dispose of your cover letter to the spam folder.

Show you are a potential candidate:

The best way to show that you are dedicated and the best fit for their organization, so you need to do in-depth research or dip deeper. Suppose you have this information about the company. Find out the organization name, mission, and vision, staff, and swots of the company. In that case, it definitely illustrates you as a dedicated employee that will be the best fit for the company.

Say thank you and include a call to action:

In the ending paragraph, your speculative cover letter must include thank you in a very good manner because the employer is kind enough to take out their precious time to read it. You should also incorporate more powerful effects by including a call to action so that the employer or the hiring manager can pick up the phone to speak to you.

Finish the cover letter with the professional sign-off:

You are almost at the end step of the speculative cover letter, so do not ruin your all efforts by ending in a wrong manner, for example:

• You should sign off with your full name.
• The utilization of “your sincerely” is necessary when you know the name of the person. You should use “you’re faithful” if you don’t know the person and his name.
• You must incorporate the digital copy of your signature at the end of your letter.
• If cover letter is sent as the body of an email, put your contact details below your signature.

Speculative Cover Letter Sample Template:

Here is an example of a speculative cover letter annotated as a sample. This tells how to write an impressive cover letter through which the hiring manager considers you as the best fit for the vacancy.

• You have write your appropriate address on the top of the letter using right alignment.
• Put the complete address of the organization using left alignment just below your address.
• Use the right name of the person, if you don’t know the person’s name so use hiring manager or the recruiter.
• Start with personal greeting and compelling introduction that act as Hooke to the hiring manger.
• These are the body paragraphs. In body paragraph you have to get to the point directly. This tells how you can benefit to the company through your skills, experience and interest that makes you best fit for the company.
• This is the ending paragraph. Ending of your letter must tell that you are eagerly waiting for their opportunity or call back.
• Sign off with your sincerely or (your faithfully in case you don’t know the person name) accompanied with your signature.

Summary: How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter with Example

Concisely, the speculative cover letter has the potential to widen your job-seeking horizons and let you access the job, which isn’t being advertised publicly. But you can get it if you follow the details mentioned earlier and the tips.

Now we sum up the tips mentioned above that utilization of the standard format and rules is necessary. The introduction should be compelling, and the ending should be in a very kind way. It is compulsory to show that you are well-versed with the organization’s research and do not be vague in your writing. You should sign off properly and formally by incorporating the call to action effect and thank you in a very formal way.

Here at CV Writings , we want you to avail amazing job opportunities. So, whenever you require a job from your desired firm. Remember these key points or get help from our professionals to write every Cover Letter for as little as £20.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Quick Links

• Free CV Review

Social Links

• Social Media Profile
• Linkedin Profile
• Affordable Executive
• Resume Writing

• Search Jobs

Career Exploration , CV Improvement Tips , How To

How To Write A Speculative Cover Letter With Winning Examples

Photo on  Unsplash

In the current economic climate, being proactive in your job search is more important than ever. Don’t wait for a company to come to you with an offer. It might never happen! We’ll provide tips on writing a speculative cover letter and convince employers that you’re worth their time and consideration.

A speculative cover letter is when you write and send it to an employer before advertising any specific position. This type of cover letter can be used in many different situations, for example:

– Someone who is unemployed but wants to find work may choose to write a speculative cover letter and send it out

– A person who has been laid off may use this type of cover letter while they are looking for new employment

– A recent graduate might also use this type of application as their first job hunt step

The purpose of a speculative cover letter is to show an employer how you might fit into their organisation. In addition, you can use the cover letter to explain why your skills are transferable and what type of work you would be interested in doing for that company. Your goal should be to stand out from other applicants by showing them some unique things about yourself that they may not be able to see from your resume.

The steps for writing a speculative cover letter are as follows:

– Find the name of an employer you want to work with and contact them directly

– Send in your best application materials, such as a CV or resume and any other supporting documents that demonstrate why you would make a great candidate for the company

– Use a cover letter to introduce yourself and show why you are interested in that particular employer

– Include your contact information on both the CV and resume as well as in the cover letter, so they can reach out if necessary

– Be willing to go above and beyond what other applicants may do

– Be enthusiastic about the company or position you are applying for

– Make sure your cover letter is well written with clear sentences that clearly state what type of job you are interested in doing

A typical speculative letter needs to follow the following steps

1. Introduce yourself

2. Explain the position you are applying for

3. Outline your skills and experience that relate to the position

4. State why you would be a good fit for the company

5. Give an example of how you have demonstrated these qualities in previous jobs or volunteer positions

6a) If there is any specific information they want, include it here

6b) If not, end with “I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

7) Thank them for their time and consideration

What is the difference between a cover letter and a speculative letter?

A cover letter is typically written to accompany an application or resume and provides information about the applicant. A speculative letter is a type of cover letter that may be sent before any position has been advertised — this can often help someone who does not have a job find work faster.

How do you start a speculative cover letter?

First, keep your letter concise. Most hiring managers don’t have time to read a lot of content on an unproven candidate. So start with the basics and avoid being too wordy or flowery in your writing. The goal is not to win over a company you know nothing about but to impress them enough so they’ll want to learn more.

Second, you need a strong opening. Many speculative cover letters open with the standard “I am writing in regards to your job posting for X.” This is good but not great. Suppose you are applying to multiple jobs or even one specific organisational role. In that case, it’s better to point out why they should hire you specifically and how your skills and experience will benefit the company.

Third, don’t forget to highlight your enthusiasm for the role. Why are you writing this letter? What do you hope to achieve by sending it? Would you mind demonstrating that you’re excited about their organisation and why? Lastly, make sure it is personalised! This may require research, but having an extensive company profile shouldn’t be too hard. If you don’t know much about the organisation, try to dig on LinkedIn or do a simple Google search.

Of course, other things make up a tremendous speculative cover letter, but these three are good places to start!

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Are speculative job applications worthwhile?

There’s no doubt that they can be a bit of a gamble. You’ve got to put your faith in the company you are applying for and hope that it matches what their needs are at this time. However, I would say that if you have used it before (and haven’t heard back), then why not give it another go? Every company is different, so it’s always worth taking a punt.

Using speculative applications is an excellent way to determine what the company does and how you can fit in. However, it’s also crucial that your CV reflects this because you need to show them why they should be interested in hiring you. So, for example, you could include links to work samples or contact details for people who have worked with you before.

Speculative applications are an excellent way to get your foot in the door and allow you to find out more about what they do. Still, you must ensure your CV reflects this so they know why they should hire you. It might be worth including links to work samples or contact details for people who have worked with you.

An example speculative cover letter:

Dear Mr Smith,

I am writing to introduce myself and tell you about my qualifications as a potential candidate for the Marketing Manager position at Acme Corp. I understand that this is not an advertised opening. Still, I wanted to take the time to apply anyway because your organisation has always been one in which I have taken great interest.

My background includes 11 years of experience in marketing and advertising with a large company and my work on entrepreneurship projects. I am confident that my skill set would be an asset to your organisation given the requirements outlined in this position description, such as:

-Strong understanding of digital media, including social media channels and blogs

-Experience with managing external agencies and creative teams

-Ability to oversee campaigns in various languages

I have attached my resume for your review. I hope you will consider me a candidate, even if this is an unadvertised opening. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this letter.

Some Examples addressed for specific roles

An example speculative cover letter for entry level software engineer:.

Dear Hiring Manager,

My name is _____, and I am currently looking for entry-level opportunities in software engineering. After reading about your company on __________, I was excited to learn more about how my skill set could be a good fit within this environment. In addition to learning more about your open position as a software engineer, I am also interested in learning more about the company itself. Would you be willing to answer a few questions for me?

Are there any other positions within __________ that may be appropriate for someone with my skill set looking for their first position?

What is the company culture like at __________, and how does it support its employees to be successful in a professional environment?

The software engineering positions you are currently hiring for sound very interesting. Is there anything else about these roles that may make them more appealing than other entry-level opportunities I have seen on job boards?

Name ___________

Contact info: email address and phone number. GitHub username if you have one.

The hiring manager will then decide whether or not to respond with an interview opportunity! If they get back to you, go ahead and send them a follow-up thank you an email that is much briefer than this.

An example speculative cover letter for an accountant:

While doing some research, I came across your listing for an accountant on the Careers section of the company’s website. I am very interested in this position because it perfectly fits my background, skillset, and career path. With over three years of experience in finance at another company, I am confident that my skills and qualifications would make me an excellent fit for this job.

I believe the key to success in any position is doing your best at all times, learning as much as possible about your role, and taking pride in everything you do. With strong attention to detail, willingness to learn new things quickly, and ability to multitask, I am confident that my background as an accountant would make me a great candidate for this role.

It would be a pleasure to learn more about this opportunity and demonstrate how my skills make me the best candidate. I have attached my resume for your review as well. Thank you very much in advance, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

John Smith (123) 456789101

An example speculative cover letter for the mechanical engineer:

Dear Hiring Manager, I’m excited to express my interest in the Mechanical Engineer position at your company. After scanning your website and learning more about IVALA Robotics, it’s clear that you have a very dynamic team that complements my skill set and career goals perfectly. This intersection of interests is precisely why I’m writing to you today.

The skills I’ve acquired as a mechanical engineering student at [university name] will allow me to hit the ground running in my new role. In particular, I have strong technical and communication abilities — an ability your job posting highlights as one of the essential qualities for this position. Additionally, I would prove a solid asset to the Mechanical team at IVALA Robotics if hired.

I would very much appreciate an opportunity for a conversation. Please be assured that you will find me both confident in my abilities and humble enough to learn new skills as needed . Thank you again for reading my application — I hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely yours_

An example speculative cover letter for a nurse:

Dear Nurse Manager, My name is X, and I am an RN with __________ experience.

My skills in clinical care management combine the most critical aspects of nursing: patient assessment, planning and evaluation for treatment outcomes, implementation of care plan through delegation to healthcare team members, and coordination and communication between various caregivers. Furthermore, my leadership skills were honed by my active participation in _________, and I am a member of the American Nurses Association.

My goal is to work as a nurse manager at your hospital. This position aligns with my career goals, including working for an organisation that shares my commitment to excellence, professional development, collaboration across disciplines, and teamwork — qualities I have developed and demonstrated throughout my career.

I am confident that I can add value to the nurse manager team at your hospital, and I look forward to speaking with you further about this opportunity. Best, X

This is a speculative cover letter for an unadvertised job position in healthcare management. This cover letter example should be customised based on your skills and experiences.

An example speculative cover letter for a chef:

Dear Chef, I would love to work as a sous chef at X. My passion for food and cooking had driven me into this industry since my early teens when I began working in the kitchens of family friends’ restaurants after school. Now that I am graduating from college, I will take things more seriously with a full-time job. I love X’s menu and feel that my experience in the past few years as a sous chef at Y perfectly prepares me to make positive contributions immediately.

An example speculative cover letter for a teacher:

I am a recent graduate from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in education. While I was still working on finishing up my major, I began looking for teaching opportunities. As a result, I landed an internship with extensive classroom experience — it’s been great!

Now that I’m getting ready to enter the job market full-time, I’m eager to explore the possibility of working at your company.

I know from my research that you’re looking for someone enthusiastic about education. I can help students learn by incorporating technology into their learning environment. For example, I found it challenging in school to combine a love of teaching with an understanding of how technology could make those lessons more interactive.

That’s why I chose to pursue my education degree — to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to provide students with an engaging learning environment that incorporates technology in a way they can easily understand while also helping them develop the skills needed for success in future careers.

I’m confident you’ll find me a great candidate for this position because of my education and experience. Still, I’m also excited about the opportunity to learn from veterans in the field.

I look forward to hearing back from you regarding the next steps. Please get in touch with me at [email protected] or (555) 555–5555 if you have any questions.

An example speculative cover letter for an administrative assistant:

Dear Hiring Manager, I recently came across your job listing for a secretary role. Naturally, I am interested in this position and excited to submit my application materials today! While searching online, it appeared that we might have some interests in common — namely, the desire to work with an organisation with outstanding leadership and dedication to making all its employees feel valued and included. I believe this is a mission statement you can stand behind, as it aligns with your organisation’s core values of inclusivity, teamwork, accountability and transparency.

I am an enthusiastic administrative assistant with over five years of experience working across many industries, including finance, retail, travel, and hospitality. I am a skilled communicator who can adapt my language style to suit different audiences; I also have extensive experience managing projects and meeting deadlines for large-scale projects from start to finish. Finally, as an experienced secretary, I know how important it is for your team to rely on each other’s discretion and confidentiality. I take this responsibility very seriously, as it is essential to any business’s success!

In my current role at a large tech company, I have been tasked with coordinating travel plans for our executives across the country. This position has given me extensive experience in time management and multitasking efficiently under tight deadlines. In addition, since my role as the secretary to our CEO is quite demanding, I have also been able to develop new skills in managing multiple projects and prioritising tasks accordingly.

In addition to all of these experiences, I am looking for a career path that satisfies me professionally — something which I believe you will be able to provide! My resume and reference list are attached; please get in touch with me anytime. I look forward to hearing back from you soon!

Sincerely, John Smith

Notes: This is an example of a speculative cover letter for an administrative assistant position in the finance industry. It demonstrates the ability to communicate professionally and experience working on multiple projects.

An example speculative cover letter asking for any administrative job:

Dear Sir, or Madam, I am writing to you as a speculative applicant with no prior experience for the role advertised. My name is [your name], and I would be very interested in any job that suits my skill set of handling paperwork. While searching for jobs online tonight, this position caught my eye because of my skill set.

I can handle paperwork well and would be happy to help you in that work area if given a chance. I also enjoy working with computers and typing documents and emails because it gives me more time for other tasks. If you expect any correspondence from this letter or need anything else done, I would be happy to do that for you.

I look forward to hearing back from you shortly and hope I can start this job soon! Sincerely, [your name]

In conclusion, you can write a speculative cover letter tailored to the company’s needs and strengths. You can present yourself in an honest but confident way. It will also show how much time and effort you put into your application process, which may help land you an interview with this company!

Written by mrafeeq

How To Turn Down A Job Offer (Or Reject A Counter Offer)

How to make a great LinkedIn profile picture in under five minutes

Most Promising Jobs That Will Survive The AI Apocalypse

Leave a reply cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Forgot your password?

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive mail with link to set new password.

Back to login

What Is a Speculative Cover Letter or Email?

Who should i send my speculative cover letter to, what to include in a speculative cover letter or email, how to write a speculative email, example speculative cover letter, speculative job application email example, following up, tips for writing your speculative cover letter or email, final thoughts, speculative applications.

Updated November 17, 2023

All products and services featured are independently selected by WikiJob. When you register or purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission.

A speculative job application is sent to apply for or enquire about a job that is not currently being advertised.

Many job vacancies are never advertised publicly. That means that taking the initiative to approach a potential employer with a carefully thought-out speculative email or cover letter can be the ideal way to get your foot in the door.

You should consider making a speculative job application if you are:

• Actively looking for a new job role
• Trying to find a work experience placement
• Thinking about making a career move

Sending a speculative job application can be an effective way to show you are keen, motivated and committed to your career goals .

Remember, even if the company you send your speculative cover letter or email to doesn’t have any current job vacancies, opening a dialogue with them could help to ensure you are at the top of the list when a suitable vacancy comes up in the future.

Much like a standard cover letter , a speculative cover letter or email accompanies your CV when you are applying for a job. However, a speculative cover letter is different from a standard cover letter in a few ways.

Standard cover letters are usually sent when applying for an advertised vacancy and should be tailored to that vacancy. In contrast, a speculative cover letter is sent to apply for a job that has not been advertised.

This unsolicited job application is sent to an organisation to introduce yourself as a potential candidate for any relevant job openings they may have.

This approach is perfect for when you find a company with brand values you agree with, a solid portfolio and a skilled team you’d love to work with – but with no advertised job vacancies.

You could wait for a position to be advertised but, as many companies are generally open to recruiting on an ongoing basis, using a speculative application means that you can get a head start on the competition.

Standard cover letters need to be highly focused on niche or specialist skills that are outlined in a job description or person specification.

In contrast, a speculative cover letter or speculative email should:

• Give details of your relevant transferable skills
• Outline your past work experience
• Demonstrate why you would be a good fit for the company

As with any cover letter, a well written speculative cover letter will provide you with the opportunity to engage with the recipient and start building up a positive rapport.

Where possible, try to send your speculative job application to a particular person, rather than a generic department.

If you are not sure of the name of the person you should send your speculative cover letter to, have a look at the employer’s website. Try to find out the name of the manager for the department you are interested in working for.

Alternatively, you could call the HR department to find out the name of the department manager.

Sending your speculative cover letter to a specific person will help to ensure your letter is read by the most appropriate employee or department. It will also show that you have carried out some background research into the company and its current employees.

• Scour the company website for details of employees. The ‘Meet the Team’ page or the ‘About’ page are usually the best places to start.
• Try LinkedIn . Search for the name of the company and follow the links to find ‘Staff Who Work Here’. This can be a good way to familiarise yourself with the range of departments and the hierarchy of staff. Staff will often be listed that wouldn’t necessarily be featured on the official company website.
• Telephone the company directly and ask for a named contact of someone who deals with recruitment.

In a smaller company, it may be appropriate to contact the managing director with your speculative application. In a larger organisation, the head of the relevant department is more likely to be the hiring authority.

You need to be sure that your intended recipient has hiring authority. There is no point in sending your email to a junior staff member or someone in the wrong team.

You can choose to send a speculative cover letter by email or by letter. The advantage of a letter is that it will land on somebody’s desk, making it harder to ignore.

Sending to a ‘hello@’ or ‘enquiries@’ email address increases the chance of your email going unanswered. So take the time to do your research and find a suitable named employee to send your speculative email to.

During the research phase, maintain a polite and friendly manner at every interaction. You may be speaking with someone who doesn’t have the power to hire you, but word spreads fast. Making a good impression at every stage will help you build a professional reputation.

As well as researching the individual responsible for hiring, you can also use this phase to find out all you can about the company itself . Having a good knowledge of its work and a genuine interest in company achievements will help you stand out.

Your speculative cover letter or email will need to be both engaging and informative.

As you are not writing to apply for one particular job role, you will need to provide an overview of the skills and experience that you have gained so far. A speculative job application aims to show the employer that you are a good all-rounder, not just a specialist in one single area.

Whilst a speculative email or cover letter is not tailored to a particular job role, it will need to be written specifically for an employer. So, if you are planning to send out more than one speculative job application, you will need to adjust each letter or email accordingly.

A speculative cover letter will need to include the following information:

A brief outline of the type of job role you would be interested in applying for

Information on your existing skills and experience and how these could be of benefit to the business

An outline of the reasons why you would like to work for the business

A closing summary to reiterate what you would be able to offer to the business

An assertive, confident call to action to end the letter; for example, ‘I look forward to hearing from you soon’, instead of, ‘I hope to hear from you soon’

Be mindful that your contact is likely to be busy and needs to see the relevant information at a glance.

Format your email or letter into short paragraphs – and make sure sentences are readable, not too long and wordy. Below is a useful guide for ordering your paragraphs:

• Paragraph One – Start strongly with your opening sentence. Outline your knowledge of the company and how you came to be aware of it. Did you see it at a convention? Did you read about it in the local press? Explain your interest.
• Paragraph Two – Go on to summarise who you are and why you’re emailing.
• Paragraph Three – Explain what you can offer, and how and why you are a valuable addition to their team. If you have relevant experience, be sure to explain how your transferable skills can be of use. If you have any standout achievements or qualifications, don’t be shy in listing them and pointing out how they can be of benefit.
• Paragraph Four – Summarise why you’re interested in working with the company and draw attention to your attached CV. Consider briefly listing some of the main skills you have.
• Closing Sentence – Think about a call to action; detail here what you’d like to happen next.

You have one short opportunity to capture the attention of your contact enough for them to move you on to the next stage. Ensure that all-important and relevant information is included.

If you’re wondering whether to attach your CV , doing so means it is there if your contact wants to find out more about you. It provides that extra information to make it easier for them to make a quick assessment of your potential.

When writing your speculative cover letter or email, try not to repeat the information contained within your CV. Also make sure your CV is up to date and is tailored specifically for the company and role.

Don’t forget to include your name, address and contact details (including your mobile telephone number and email address).

If you are unable to find out the specific manager’s name, start your letter or email with ‘ Dear Sir/Madam ’ and close it with ‘ Yours faithfully ’.

If you have managed to find a named person to send the letter or email to, you can start it with ‘ Dear [Name] ’ and close it with ‘ Yours sincerely ’.

When addressing your recipient, be careful to maintain professional boundaries and not to be overfamiliar. This person is not a friend, so ‘Hi’ is not appropriate in this instance.

Just like you would for a posted speculative application letter, you must use formal and correct structure and format for your speculative email. Remember that this is a professional email and a chance to make a good impression.

Your speculative job application email subject line is a crucial factor in whether your email gets opened at all. If your subject line is uninspiring or vague, there is every chance it will be overlooked as just another generic email in your contact’s inbox.

A desktop screen will show around 60 characters of a subject line, whereas a smartphone will show only 30, so being concise is key.

The subject line is your first chance to clearly articulate your intentions . It needs to be short and snappy, while containing all the relevant information at a glance.

It is advisable to include both your full name and your professional qualification or title. For example, ‘ John Doe, Freelance Graphic Designer for hire’, or ‘Nicola Fox, Chemical Engineer, M.Eng ’.

Filler words or pleasantries are not necessary for a subject line, so there is no need to start with ‘Hello’ or ‘Please look at…’.

It is acceptable (and advisable) to name a mutual acquaintance in the subject line if you have been referred by them.

Here is an outline of what your speculative cover letter should look like. This speculative cover letter template is for a person who wants to make an application to a legal firm.

Jane Laws 1 The Street Townford TR17 9NQ 01234 567891 [email protected] Mrs D Judge Legal Practice London W3 2QQ Dear Mrs Judge I would like to enquire whether you have any current administrative vacancies within your firm. Please find enclosed my CV, which outlines the experience I have gained during my career to date. Having worked as a legal secretary for the past five years, I have demonstrated my commitment to providing high-quality legal administration services. I have a sound working knowledge of industry terminology and legal working practices. I am proud that my dedication and commitment to my work has been recognised through a recent nomination for the Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs ‘Legal PA of the Year Award’. My experience to date has been gained through working for two small legal practices. While this has been both challenging and enjoyable, I would like to develop my skills and experience further in a fast-paced, busy role. I understand your company is one of the largest legal practices in London with continuing plans for growth, making it the ideal place to pursue my future career objectives. As an administrative worker for your firm, I would strive to support your partners with high-quality secretarial support. I am a competent typist with a keen eye for detail and a proven ability to cope under pressure at all times. I would be delighted to have the opportunity to discuss my application with you in further detail. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours sincerely Jane Laws

Here is an example of how your speculative application email should look, following the guidelines above:

Subject Line: Claire Roberts, MA. Fashion Designer available for work Dear Ms Taylor, I had the pleasure of attending your show at London Fashion Week and I found it inspiring to see how your new collection works to empower women with luxury statement workwear. I’m very excited to read about your plans to launch at Paris Fashion Week with a view to moving into the European market. I hold an MA in Fashion Design, awarded by Central Saint Martins, and have been working for a well-known high street clothing designer for three years. I am looking for a move into the luxury fashion field and feel that I have skills that would support your business as you grow. An internship at a luxury French fashion house as part of my master’s degree gave me valuable insight into the French market and helped me gain fluency in the French language. Having covered fashion illustration, design, sewing and garment construction as part of my studies, I understand the clothing manufacture process from design to completion. In my current role, I am a leading part of the design team, researching upcoming trends to create new lines. My designs are regularly featured in the ‘Top 10 Must Buy’ lists. As a move away from fast fashion, I would love to bring my creative flair to your company as part of your design team, helping create high-end looks for your clients. I have attached my CV, which outlines my qualifications and experience in more detail. If you are interested in meeting to discuss further, I could come to your office next week. Yours sincerely, Claire Roberts

After you post your speculative cover letter or send your speculative email, you will need to be patient. You probably won’t hear anything straight away but, hopefully, the recipient of your letter or email will be in touch to discuss job vacancies you may be suitable for.

If you don’t receive a reply to your email or letter, don’t take it as an automatic rejection. Your recipient may have put it aside to come back to later, or may have genuine reasons why they haven’t been able to reply.

There are different ways you can follow up on your speculative application, depending on what you feel comfortable with.

If you don’t hear from your contact after a week or two, you can resend the same email , giving a gentle nudge for your contact to read and reply.

Alternatively, and often with quicker results, it’s acceptable to make a phone call to check they received your email or letter. This gives you the chance to open a conversation and brings a more personal element to your speculative application.

If they say that they haven’t received it, ask them whether they would be happy for you to re-send it over to them. At this point, you could find out whether they would be happy for you to send it by email, as they will know to look out for it in their inbox.

If you are unsuccessful in your application, react graciously and politely ask if they can keep your records on file for any future opportunities that may be suitable.

Even if there are no suitable vacancies available at the moment, you could still ask them to provide you with constructive feedback on your speculative job application. This will help you to improve any speculative applications you make in the future.

Step 1 . Do Your Research

Find out as much as you possibly can about the business you are planning to write to. For example:

• What is their mission statement?
• What are their values?
• What product or service do they provide?
• Who are their customers?
• Who are their main competitors?
• How many people do they employ?
• What are the must-have skills for employees?

The company website is a good place to start. You could also browse through relevant social media pages, press releases and industry-specific content like blogs or newsletters.

Use the information that you find to help you write your speculative job application. For example, if you already have a particular qualification or skill that they want all of their employees to have, make sure this is clearly stated within your application.

Or, if you find out that they are planning to expand or acquire another company, let them know if this is a process you have had experience with in the past.

Step 2 . Keep Your Speculative Email or Cover Letter Short and Professional

It is important to keep your speculative cover letter or email short and to the point . Keep the content succinct and focused – doing so will help to ensure the recipient reads it and digests the information it contains.

A letter that is too long will probably end up in the waste paper bin before it has even been read. Likewise, a long email will probably be ignored, especially if relevant information is not immediately accessible.

To ensure your letter makes a good first impression, set it out formally, use an easy-to-read font (such as Calibri or Arial, size 11 or 12) and write a maximum of five short paragraphs.

If you're sending an email, follow our format advice and example above to help keep the reader engaged. Focus on a killer subject line and keep it concise and to the point.

Step 3 . Mention a Mutual Acquaintance if You’ve Been Referred by Someone

This may just be what prompts your contact to open your email or continue reading your letter.

Step 4 . Proofread

When making speculative job applications, your cover letter or email is the one opportunity you have to make a good impression. If the text is littered with spelling and grammar errors, this is unlikely to make the manager want to call you to discuss a potential job opening.

Make sure you proofread your letter or email thoroughly, and ask a friend or family member to check through it too.

Step 5 . Act Professionally

From the first point of contact to conclusion, even if your attempt is unsuccessful, your contact will remember the way you conducted yourself and this will influence whether they keep you in mind for the future.

If you are looking for ways to progress your career, there is no need for you to wait for the perfect job vacancy to be advertised online.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by sending out a speculative job application. After all, your employer of choice could be just waiting for somebody with your skills and experience to make contact with them.

By sending a speculative job application to your preferred employers, you will show them that you are confident, enthusiastic and willing to go the extra mile to achieve your career objectives.

Don’t forget, a speculative cover letter or email aims to show the employer why you would be a great addition to their existing team. Ensure your application gives an overview of your existing qualifications, skills and experience, and how this could help the business to achieve its goals.

You might also be interested in these other Wikijob articles:

Or explore the Application Advice / Job Applications sections.

Making Speculative Applications

A speculative application involves proactively approaching an employer to seek out opportunities that have not been advertised.

These may be necessary for:

• Work in sectors where not all vacancies are advertised (eg: journalism, broadcasting, publishing, television and film)
• Contacting an organisation you are interested in but are not currently recruiting
• Vacation work
• Unpaid work experience or work shadowing

Who to Contact

Think about who you know – friends, family, tutors – that might help you get in touch with someone in the organisation or sector of interest.

At Oxford you also have access to alumni contacts that can be very helpful in this regard. For example, you can contact people through the university and/or your college alumni office and LinkedIn. For more ideas about how to develop your network and find contacts, see our webpage on  Networking .

Some sectors and organisations may have different recruitment timelines from the traditional “milkround” (which is typically from September – December), so ensure that you do some research on the ideal time to apply.  eg: contact the organisation or try to find out which time of year is best to submit your application.

If you are looking for work experience or internships, it might also be worth contacting the recruiting or HR team of the company you are interested in to find out whether they offer this.

A speculative application usually consists of a CV and Cover Letter, but could be preceded or followed up with a telephone call. A few pointers:

• Write to a named individual if possible.
• Review an  Example Speculative Cover Letter  for ideas.
• Match the tone of the letter to the organisation. For example, a media company may appreciate a less formal approach than perhaps a law firm, which is more likely to appreciate a more traditional approach.
• Careful targeting is far more likely to lead to success than sending out numerous near-identical applications.
• Research the role, organisation and sector and demonstrate your understanding in your letter. Allow your motivation and interest to come through and you will stand out as a knowledgeable applicant.
• Clearly and quickly establish what you want and why. If your goal is work experience, try to be open to the type of work experience (work shadowing, internship, visiting the organisation) you are willing to do. Be clear about what you would be interested in, but don’t close any doors!
• Make it clear what you have to offer them. You are making a business proposition, and must prepare your case carefully and research the organisation.
• Follow our standard advice for writing  CVs  and  Cover Letters . For example, tailor each speculative application to the organisation, and demonstrate how your experience and achievements are relevant.
• The more research you do about the person you are sending the email or letter to, about the organisation and their competitors and the sector overall, the better you will tailor the cv and cover letter into their language and to resonate with their values and traditions. To understand how much research is possible, please  watch Edward Druce’s TED Talk: “How to land your dream job with one email”
• You may wish to follow up with a phone call (1-2 weeks after you have sent it) to check that it was received and if there is any feedback.

Our Resources

For more information, see our briefings on: 

Cover Letters

External Resources

• Prospects: Succeed with a Speculative Application
• TARGETjobs: Making a Speculative Job Application
• CareerConnect EVENTS
• RELATED NEWS

Looking for more?

Check the CareerConnect platform for all our upcoming events and opportunities, book appointments, find jobs and internships, and more.

Login to CareerConnect

Recommended links

Oxford Guide to Careers 202 4

Sectors & Occupations

See a Careers Adviser

Connect with us

• Follow us on    LinkedIn
• Follow us on  𝕏  X  (Twitter)
• Follow us on    Instagram
• Follow us on    YouTube
• Follow us on    Facebook

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Do speculative cover letters work?

When writing your cover letter: be concise, do your research and avoid the hard-sell to achieve job success Three excellent cover letter examples Sell yourself: a cover letter guide for beginners

• Looking for a job? Explore the range of vacancies on Guardian Jobs and find the perfect role for you

Speculative letters (by post or email) might work better than you think. They're a recognised way of communicating with employers who are not currently advertising for staff. If your message finds a decision-maker who has a problem or an opportunity, you could be in a meeting pretty fast. But consider if a letter out of the blue is the best method of connecting with an organisation – it's often more effective to get a warm introduction through existing contacts.

Be concise and to the point

Many speculative letters are pure time wasters. They make little attempt to understand the needs of the organisation, and are instantly considered as junk mail. Too many letters use dull, predictable wording, over-long introductions and explanations, and communicate too much using long paragraphs which will never be read. Get to the point quickly. Show, rather than tell, how you have the skills and know-how necessary to do the job – provide evidence in bullet point form. Get across key evidence from your CV, but avoid repeating exact phrases.

The first mistake is to believe that it sells you into a meeting. It won't. If you're lucky, it will simply persuade the reader to consider your CV. The only function of a cover letter is to get your CV read, and to get you a meeting. If your CV is a short book, your cover letter is like the blurb on the cover – it gives a reason to start reading. It should therefore flag up three or four strong items in your CV worth considering.

The second mistake is to rehearse every reason why you might get hired. Some candidates send in cover letters more than two pages long, crammed with information. Don't make the mistake of thinking that the longer you argue your case, the better your chances of an interview - the opposite is almost certainly the case. If you can't write a coherent one-page letter, what does that say about your communication skills in the job?

The employer is the focus not you

Try not to begin every sentence and paragraph with "I". Focus on the reader of the letter and his or her perspective. Your letter should say more about the employer than it says about you. State why you are attracted to the organisation and what you like about it. Research. Refer to the problems, opportunities and headaches your target company is facing. Remember Swot as a prompt: what can you say about a company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats? Try to work out the top half dozen or so priorities in the employer's mind and offer five or six matching pieces of evidence in your cover letter.

Why are you a good match?

Refer the reader to your enclosed CV, stating briefly why you are a good match as a candidate. Don't apologise in your letter for the lack of industry experience or your lack of a specific qualification. Select a range of achievements relevant to the needs of the organisation, and set out your top three or four as bullet points in the letter. This short burst of information is the element most likely to get you into a meeting.

Avoid the hard-sell

In the UK job market, selling yourself too hard can be counter-productive. Avoid the pushy assumptive close you see in some recommended formats: "I'll be calling you on Monday to discuss my application further", or "I will expect your call". Simply end your message stating that you'd like the opportunity to take the conversation further – they'll respond fast enough if they're interested.

Accuracy and research

Ensure complete accuracy in names and job titles, as well as the name of the organisation itself (plus the names of products or services). Cut and paste from previous letters with great care. Print a letter off and proof read it carefully before emailing.

Don't put anything in your cover letter which gives the reader an excuse to put it aside. For example, apologising for your lack of a particular requirement, mentioning your age, or referring to negative aspects such as why you left your last job.

Research the staff list of the organisation carefully to ensure your letter is read by the right decision maker. It pays to make some calls to anyone who knows anything about the organisation so you can find out who to approach and what you might say which makes your approach stand out. Remember that the organisation will be researching you in return – make sure your LinkedIn page is up to date and tells the story you want to get across. Telephone to check that your letter has been received by the intended recipient. If you get connected, ask one relevant question, and mention one reason why you might be able to help the employer, then suggest a meeting.

John Lees is a career coach, founder of John Lees Associates and author of Knockout CV .

This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional . To get more content and advice like this direct to your inbox, sign up for our weekly update and careers ebook .

• Guardian Careers
• The Careers Blog
• Covering letters
• Work & careers
• Applications

Comments (…)

Most viewed.

• Log in
• Site search

How to write a speculative job application

If you're not having any luck with jobs that are advertised then it might be time to consider those that aren't. Being proactive and sending a speculative application can increase your chance of success in a competitive job market

What is a speculative application?

Making a speculative application means getting in touch with an organisation to ask whether they have a suitable job for you, despite the fact they aren't advertising a particular vacancy. It usually involves sending a cover letter and a CV.

Of course, major graduate schemes and roles at large companies will usually be formally advertised and you can apply in the normal way - via their websites, more often than not through the submission of an application form.

However, if you rely solely on responding to job adverts you may miss out on a range of opportunities, especially in the charity , design , environmental and media sectors where applying 'on spec' is common practice.

Speculative applications provide a direct route into the company and making contact with recruiters can lead to:

• temporary or permanent work
• internships or work shadowing opportunities
• increased business connections.

Even if it turns out there isn't a job available, your positive approach may impress the employer and they'll bear you in mind for future vacancies.

How do I identify employers?

To be successful with a speculative application you need to be organised, so rushing off a standard CV without any context or explanation won't cut it.

Draw up a shortlist of employers to target by focusing on the sectors and companies that interest you. As a starting point, consider the organisations where you've carried out work experience and the companies you've always wanted to work for. Don't discount small, local businesses - it's usually small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are the most open to speculative applications.

Visit your university careers service to get information on employers and to make connections through events and alumni networks. Social media is also a good way to network, make contacts and discover more about a business. Find out more about social media and job hunting . You could also attend networking events both face-to-face and online as having conversations with those in industry may help dig up employers that do not have a traditional graduate scheme.

For more ideas, browse employer profiles or attend careers fairs .

Once you've identified where you'd like to work, and have checked that they aren't advertising vacancies, you'll need to do some background research so you are knowledgeable and well-informed.

Look on company websites to find out how the organisation operates and get a feel for what it does. What projects is it working on? Are there any plans for growth or expansion?

Follow the organisation's social media channels to keep up to date with the company's current events and activities.

How do I tailor my approach?

Take some time to think about what you're trying to achieve and what you want to happen next. Are you going to ask for a permanent role or an internship? How are you going to sell yourself to the company? How can you persuade them that you're a good match for what they need?

You need to tailor your approach to each company. Your CV and cover letter need to explain what type of role you're looking for and why you have chosen that company. Do this by referring to any key projects they're working on, or their aims and values and why they resonate with you. Demonstrate that you really are interested in their organisation, and then highlight the relevant skills and experiences you have.

The emphasis should be on what you can bring to the company, not on what they can do for you, as the last thing you want is to sound like you're begging for work.

If you're applying for a graduate job you're essentially asking the organisation to create a role for you that doesn't currently exist. To stand a chance of success, you need to ensure that all the skills and experience highlighted in your application are directly relevant to the company - this can be tricky without a job description to work from so your research into the organisation really is invaluable.

Look at any current vacancies they have, the job or person specification can infer the skills used in the business, as well as their business make-up.

In order to reach somebody with hiring authority, make sure you send your application to a named contact. If you can't find the relevant contact information on the company website, try searching LinkedIn or make a phone call to ask who is in charge of recruitment. Always be polite in your dealings with the employer.

Discover how to put together a winning application with this example cover letter for a speculative job application .

Should I follow up my application?

About one or two weeks after sending, follow up your application with a phone call. This gives your contact time to read your email - while it's good to be persistent, pestering the company will not show you in a good light.

Should the employer decide they'd like to meet you, it's time to explore interview tips. Be aware that you may be offered something different to what you asked for - for example, a work placement or internship instead of a graduate job or a temporary role instead of a permanent position. At this stage you can be flexible, but don't automatically accept - make sure you think about whether the offer they put on the table is right for you.

You might get a few knock-backs, but making personal contact is so important. Even if they can't help you immediately you can find out more about how they normally advertise, and learn about opportunities that might be coming up in the future.

Even if an employer may not be able to offer you an opportunity, they could put you in touch with someone who could help.

Just because your application has been unsuccessful doesn't mean you can't use this opportunity to learn something. Ask for feedback on your application and how you can improve future speculative approaches.

Find out more

• Discover how to write a successful job application .
• Search for graduate jobs .

How would you rate this page?

On a scale where 1 is dislike and 5 is like

• Dislike 1 unhappy-very
• Like 5 happy-very

Thank you for rating the page

• Careers Service
• Which career
• Jobs / experience
• Applications / interviews
• International
• CareerConnect
• Covering letters
• Sample speculative cover letter

Speculative Cover Letter

Once you have identified the company or person who you are going to target, you will need to send a copy of a targeted CV and cover letter written for a speculative approach.

The cover letter should be set out formally and include company address, date, your contact details, etc., and should be no longer than one side of A4.

What to consider and include:

• A named contact to start your letter is ideal, but can be hard to source. "Dear recruiter/recruiting team" will suffice.
• Mention how you researched their company, referencing LinkedIn conversations, careers fairs, alumni events.
• Mention why you are interested in them / their work (your motivation)
• What types of opportunities that you are interested in?
• What can you offer, skills, knowledge, experience?
• When are you available?
• The letter should be concise, persuasive and eye catching.
• Ensure that you proof read. If possible, get someone else to proof read it, checking for grammar, punctuation, etc.
• End well, If you started your letter writing to a named person, you should finish "Yours sincerely". Otherwise is should end "Yours faithfully".
• Don't skip the evidence. Just stating you’ve got the required skills will not be convincing. Provide context for where you developed your skills, which leads to credibility.
• Don't make it too generic or vague.
• Don't waffle! Going off on tangents can distract and frankly put the employer off. So, think about what is relevant to the company and in particular, the type of opportunity that you are seeking.
• Use active language to describe your experience

Explore jobsearch strategies

• Speculative jobsearch
• Getting in touch

Careers Service, The University of Manchester

Connect with us

• Copyright notice
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Charitable status
• Royal charter number: RC000797

How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

• ‘I Had a Great Job Interview — Why Haven’t I Heard Back?’
• How to Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ in a Job Interview