Applying Directly to Employers

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Applying Directly to Employers

The difficulty in applying for a role directly, especially in this current market, is differentiating your CV from the many other equally qualified applicants in the market, some of whom are applying through company referrals and some through agencies who have established relationships with their clients.

However, there are several ways in which you can attempt to make your application stand out:

  • Make the cover letter engaging, relevant and show some knowledge about the organisation you are applying to (See tips for Cover Letters)
  • Use contacts/research to find names of relevant employees within the HR department and/or relevant department
  • A lot of organisations have referral schemes so if you know someone working in an organisation you are applying to apply through them if possible. Applications through referrals tend to be viewed more favourably than direct applications
  • Follow up your application with a call at a set time. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and organisation and is likely to put you at the forefront of the decision makers mind
  • When calling, bear in mind the decision maker is a busy individual who is likely to have received a few similar calls already that day.
  • After your introduction enquire whether they have received your application or not, and as to a timeline for when you should receive some feedback.
  • If you have not received feedback within the appointed time do follow up again with another call

(The vacancy may have slipped down the list of the HR person's priorities but is still on the top of yours! Any feedback you receive from your application will help you in your next application at the very least)

Applying Speculatively (without the knowledge of a suitable availabe vacancy)

Applying to a company speculatively means sending your details in on the chance that the company will soon require someone with your skill set.

This method of application is less likely to result in an interview than applying to an active job. Having said that, it is a good way to target the relevant organisations within your sector and should you apply to a high quantity of organisations in this manner and follow up appropriately you may see good results. Also if you do happen across a live vacancy you are less likely to face as much competition.

A lot of the same principles are relevant to applying speculatively and directly. Sending the application in through a friend who works in the organisation is still a good idea as it highlights your application.

State clearly what job you are doing currently and what type of job within their organisation would interest you in your cover letter and if possible in your profile.

Also following up with a phone call to HR will at the very least be a form of networking. Even if they currently don't have a relevant vacancy one may arise in the near future and they are much more likely to remember your application and/or tell you when to contact them again

Checklist

  • Cover Letter
  • Intention stated
  • CV focused on job requirements
  • Referral if possible

Follow up Checklist

  • Contact Name
  • Follow-up contact made
  • Further follow-up made if recommended