A cold application, also known as a speculative application or unsolicited application, is a job application that is submitted by a candidate to a company without a specific job vacancy being advertised. In other words, it's when you proactively reach out to a company you're interested in working for, even if they haven't explicitly stated that they're hiring for a certain position.

Why to write a cover letter?

  1. Target Companies of Interest: you can reach out to companies you are genuinely interested in working for. This approach lets you focus on organizations that align with your values, goals, and career aspirations.
  2. Proactive Approach: it demonstrates your proactive and determined attitude. It showcase your initiative and willingness to take the lead in pursuing opportunities.
  3. Less Competition: you can reduce competition, as you're not contending with other applicants for the same role.
  4. Stand Out: it shows that you've taken the time to research the company, understand its needs, and present your unique value proposition. You can tailor your materials to highlight your skills, experiences, and accomplishments that directly relate to the company.
  5. Hidden Job Market: Many job openings are never publicly advertised, and companies prefer to fill positions through referrals or direct applications. Cold applications help you tap into this hidden job market.
  6. Networking Possibilities: Even if a company doesn't have an immediate role available, your cold application could lead to networking opportunities. The company might keep your information on file or refer you to other organizations that are hiring.

A few articles to read for inspiration

Here are a few steps you might want to try

  1. Find a fitting company: where you have a strong motivation, passion or experience in the industry or service they offer.

    You can also try to target companies that just received investments, which usually are going to expand their teams and hire new people. Where to find these companies? Check out here.

  2. Identify company decision-makers and stalk them: digitally of course :) Check their socials, posts, advertisements, and what their company is doing.

  3. Create a specialized application package: there's no job to begin with, so it needs to be special.

    1. Create a value-based PDF outlining your core competencies, your working process, frameworks or what helps to see how you work and why you are a great asset for the company.
    2. Understand the company's needs and goals and show how you can support them in reaching them.

  4. Send it to them in a nice message with a creative subject line! Avoid vague subject lines like “An inquiry” or “A request”.

  5. Follow Up: after sending your application, consider following up with the company after a reasonable amount of time. This shows your continued interest and determination.

→ Test with a few companies!

<aside> 💡 Who to write to? Why not trying to reach out to top management or even the company CEO?

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Where to find companies that just received investments?