How do I Write a Cover Letter to a Company That Does Not Have a Job Opening?

Good speculative cover letters can land you a position in the future.

You have found the perfect company where you want to work. The culture fits your personality and the pay is good. The only problem is that the company isn't advertising any open positions. You can still submit your cover letter and resume to the company should a position come open in the future. Craft a well-written cover letter, and the employer may very well pull your resume out of the drawer in six months when a position opens. A speculative cover letter follows most of the same conventions as a cover letter written for a specific job opening, with a few key differences.

Instructions

1. 

   Find out whose address should go on your letter.

   Address the cover letter to a specific person within the company or organization. This is important in any cover letter, but even more so when you are trying to make a personal connection with someone in the company. That connection can mean the difference between your resume and cover letter ending up in the trash and staying in the forefront of the employer's mind. Call the company and ask who should receive your cover letter and resume and address them to that person.

2. 

   Your cover letter should list the job you want, just as if it were advertised.

   State in your first paragraph the specific position you seek. Write your cover letter as if you are responding to an ad for the position. Connect your skills and background to this position throughout the cover letter.

3. 

   Your resume may stay on file for future openings.

   Ask the employer to keep your resume on file for future position openings like the job you list in your cover letter. Don't state you will follow up with the employer, as you would in a traditional cover letter. Reiterate your interest in working with the particular company, and thank the employer for his time and consideration.

References

• Alec: Speculative Applications
• Tip Top Job: How to write an Effective Cover Letter

Resources

• Job Application and Interview Advice: 2 Great Sample Cover Letters