UEL Get That Job

A speculative covering letter is not in response to a specific job advert. As the employer may not be recruiting at the time of enquiry, you need to ensure you state you are enquiring about current or future vacancies which utilise your skills and experience. A speculative letter will usually be attached to a CV. Getting the covering letter wrong may result in your CV never getting read.

Your speculative covering letter should follow a standard letter format. The main sections of a speculative covering letter are covered below:

Opening greeting

• Where possible include a specific named contact e.g. ‘Dear Mr Smith’. Look at the company or organisation’s website for possible contact details or call the company's switchboard and ask for appropriate contact details.
• If you do not have a specific named contact use ‘Dear Sir/Madam’.

Opening statement

• In this section you need to gain the reader’s attention and get to the point quickly.
• Explain why you are interested in pursuing a career in your chosen field and why you would like to work for their organisation.
• If you have been told to contact a specific person, explain who gave you their contact details. If they are a trusted friend, they may take your enquiry more seriously.

Supporting statement

• This is your opportunity to sell yourself, explaining how your experience fits their organisation.
• Refer to any documents you have enclosed, such as your CV.
• Highlight the best points in your CV and any sections specifically relevant to this employer.
• Give evidence of your knowledge of the company and how your skills and achievements will fit in to that company.
• Tell the employer why you want to work for them.

Closing statement

• Thank the employer for their consideration and explain your intention to contact them to follow up on your enquiry.
• Re-state your commitment and enthusiasm to work for their company.
• State you are available to meet with them at their convenience.

Complimentary close

• If your letter starts ‘Dear Mr Smith’, use ‘Yours sincerely’.
• If your letter starts ‘Dear Sir/Madam’, use ‘Yours faithfully’.