The standard approach for employment search works flawlessly. You find an ad for a vacancy and then you send your CV and cover letter. However, you also have to consider the fact that hundreds if not thousands of other people will do so too. Given the recent increase in unemployment it is now even more difficult to find a job in London and in the whole of the UK. That is why it is best to be one step ahead and make a speculative application.
This approach is quite effective. As a start, you have to do sufficient research. Decide on the industry that you want to work in. It is a good idea for you to research the trends in the sector to make sure the demand for workers will increase. Then you have to look at the companies you want to work for. Make sure you choose wisely. You have to be happy with the salary and the work conditions they offer for the position that you want. More importantly, you have to research each company’s operations very well.
Once you have listed a number of companies that you want to work for, you have to find the contact details of their human resources departments. It is best to find the name of the actual person you have to speak too. You can readily do some research on this apart from checking the company’s website. Perhaps you have a friend who has applied for a job position in the same company.
The next step is to tailor your CV for the industry you want to work in. When making a speculative application you cannot know much about the position you might be offered in the future. Therefore, it is best to highlight your own qualification and skills that make you stand out among other applicants. You can readily expect the good organizational, communication and technical skills to be highly valued everywhere.
The most difficult part comes next. You have to call the human resource departments of the companies you have chosen and present yourself. It is a good idea for you to start with your least favourite one in order to gain some self confidence. Once your call is answered you have to ask to speak to the person whose name you have found. When you speak to the HR state your name and why you are calling. Do not miss to mention that you are an experienced professional. Explain why you are interested in working for the particular company. Make sure you mention how you can contribute to their success. You have to explain that you want to discuss your work prospects in the company and ask whether there are any vacancies. Say that you have a CV ready to send. Make sure you keep the document at hand. It is best to have it ready to send as an email attachment.
Once you have made the contact with the HR and have your CV sent, you should not miss to follow up. Contact the person you spoke to and ask politely whether there is any progress in your application.