Key Question: How do I write a high quality speculative letter?

Fact… It is estimated that 75% of jobs are never advertised.

Why is that the case?

To get a chance of getting these jobs you need to send a letter and CV.

For the attention of Human Resources Officer Marks & Spencer Marl Street London N3 1MA Dear whom ever it my concern Please find enclosed my CV, for the Graduate Opportunities. I feel I would be great at this job and the wages is fantastic and I like your catalogue because it has cheep clothes and other cheep things. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours faithfully Rama What is wrong with this letter?

Dear Mr Walker I am aiming to further my career in administration and office management. I am writing to you to ask if you have any vacancies in this area at present. I have an extensive knowledge of the field, including four years as an office supervisor, and seven years in general administration. My current position is with Read-Hall Assurance, where I am responsible for a department of 25 staff dealing with the collation and administration of all documentation and records for the company. I am a good communicator, with a high degree of initiative and self-motivation. I enjoy the challenge of a demanding work environment, and have the ability to maintain a consistently high standard of work under pressure. The skills and experience that I have which would be of particular interest to you include: - good staff management skills; - an excellent track record in administration; - proficiency at prioritising workloads; - the ability to implement standard procedures correctly and efficiently. My recent achievements include organising and supervising training for staff to integrate Microsoft Office applications. This resulted in a significant increase in departmental efficiency. Please find enclosed a copy of my CV. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further and will call within the week to arrange an appointment. I look forward to speaking with you. Yours sincerely Allison Tripp What is wrong with this letter?

For The Attention Of Mrs Sue Smith Personnel Officer Dixons Travel Gateshead NE9 4TR Dear Mrs Smith Re: Employment Opportunities I am writing to enquire whether you have any vacancies at the present time. Please find enclosed my current CV. I am keen to gain further experience, training and employment within the transport industry. I am interested in working in the administration field. I have experience of all aspects of administration having worked at the National Savings and undertaken voluntary work for the Red Cross and the Personal Advisor Service. My key skills in addition to the ones outlined on my CV are very good organisational skills, creativity and excellent interpersonal skills, which allow me to fit into new working environment quickly and easily. I am happy to undergo any additional training, you consider I may need, I have a particular interest in advancing my Information Technology skills. I feel I have many of the skills and abilities you require to become a successful and productive employee of the company. I thank you for your time and l look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely David Jones What is wrong with this letter?

Date : 13/12/2015 For The Attention Of Ms Swadi Personnel Officer Digi Digi Travel Gateshead NE9 4TR Dear Ms Smith Re: Employment Opportunities I have read with a great deal of interest in the “The Metro ” dated 25 May, that your company is about to move/set-up/expand ( use the correct term depending what was said in the paper) in the near future. Please find enclosed my current CV. I would welcome the opportunity to be part of a forward-looking company such as yours. I am writing to ask if you have any openings in your Personnel Department. I have been watching your company for some time and feel this is the company that is leading the field in transport and transport solutions. I have relevant experience in this industry having worked for Action For Employment for 18 months which involved me dealing with complex and difficult situations at times. I have also dealt with a number of top-flight executives. I am a confident individual who uses my resourcefulness and initiative throughout the working day to reach personal and department objectives. I would be very happy to arrange an appointment with you to discuss any suitable openings you may have within the company for someone with my skills and experience. You can contact me at the above address or telephone me on 0208 XXX XXXX. Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely Andrew Smith Enc What is wrong with this letter?

Speculative Letter Protocol When you are ready to write your speculative letter, try to follow the following protocol: - Place your name, address, date and full contact details on the top right hand corner of an A4 size page -Check the correct name, title and position of the person dealing with recruitment. If in doubt, telephone the company. - Place the name, title and position of the person you are addressing, along with the company's full address below your own address, but on the left side of the page -Briefly explain the prospective job you are seeking -Briefly explain how and why you are suitable for the job - Tailor the letter and the accompanying CV with your skills, experience and achievements with relevance to the job - You must sound upbeat and show enthusiasm towards working for the company -Keep track of documents despatched. If after a week you have not heard from the company, phone the person whom you addressed the letter - Finally, your letter should consist of paragraphs. Remember, employers are busy people

Over to you… Using the thoughts, ideas and guidance discussed during this lesson, and the ‘How to write a speculative letter’ sheet, write a letter for either – -A possible job you are genuinely interested in. - A possible job for a company you have seen in the classifieds. NB. Not an actual job...that wouldn’t be speculative!) OR…if you are really fussy…or up for a challenge… -Write a letter for a possible job you have picked at random from the classifieds. DON’T TAKE LETTER WRTING SKILLS LIGHTLY. THEY GET YOU THOUGH THE COMPANY’S DOORS. IF THEY DON’T LIKE YOR LETTER (AND CV) YOU DON’T EVEN GET AN INTERVIEW!!!!