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Sending cold cover letters

  • 04-07-2011 9:48pm
    #1
    omen80
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 639 ✭✭✭


    Hi,

    Just wondering if anyone has had any luck with sending out CV's to companies that weren't actually advertising a position. According to some websites, most jobs are not advertised. I find this hard to believe myself. I think the public sector are required to advertise but not 100% sure about this?
    You usually just get the "we'll keep your CV on file should anything come up", if a reply at all!


Comments

  • #2
    looksee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,088 ✭✭✭✭looksee


    Just something to bear in mind:

    I ran a one person business with no requirement for an assistant. I gave it up about 7 years ago. I am still getting the occasional 'cold' cv, I used to get a fair number. I long ago gave up replying to them. Sorry folks, I understand why you do it, but unless you are prepared to do a bit more research than looking through a phone book, you have no idea where your personal information is going.


  • #3
    tenchi-fan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,339 ✭✭✭tenchi-fan


    Most jobs probably aren't advertised, and even when they are the position is often already filled... people ask their friends to inquire about upcoming vacancies, they forward on cvs to their manager, the manager might even know the potential applicant through business dealings. But to hire someone he must ok it with HR who write up a job spec and advertise it on monster. 50 people apply including the guy "in the know", and that guy has a much better chance of getting the job.

    It doesn't mean most jobs are given to people who send cold cover letters. I think most unsolicited cvs go in the bin.

    google "hidden jobs market"


  • #4
    Jim2007
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 10,597 Mod ✭✭✭✭Jim2007


    omen80 wrote: »
    Hi,

    Just wondering if anyone has had any luck with sending out CV's to companies that weren't actually advertising a position. According to some websites, most jobs are not advertised. I find this hard to believe myself. I think the public sector are required to advertise but not 100% sure about this?
    You usually just get the "we'll keep your CV on file should anything come up", if a reply at all!

    Blindly sending out CVs is not going to get you very far unless you are very lucky. You need to find out who to send the CV to, that means a cold call first! You don't necessarily what to talk to the actual person, just find out who they are, a quick word with a receptionist or junior member of staff would do the trick.

    The cold call itself can be very up front or more subtle - "My boss said I was to send a letter to the head of European sales, but I've lost the post-it, can you help with the name?" or what ever

    Jim.


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