Speculative cover letters What you need to know

Speculative cover letters What you need to know by Michael Cheary How do you get a job without a job advert? It’s all speculative… Unfortunately, some vacancies won’t always be advertised online. But instead of getting discouraged when your perfect position isn’t on offer, there is another way to stand out to recruiters and find a job with a company you love.We’ve already covered what cover letters are, but here’s our guide to speculative cover letters (just in case):What is a speculative cover letter?A speculative cover letter is sent alongside your CV when you apply to a company that isn’t currently advertising for staff.Rather than being written with a particular position in mind, they’re usually more tailored to the company â€" selling your skills, experience and potential should any potential vacancies arise.How to: Write a cover letter  Free cover letter templateWhat should a speculative cover letter include? OK, so the specifics of what to include will vary depending on the job you’re applying for. Not to mention where you currently are in your career.However, the format of a speculative letter will be fairly similar to a standard cover letter:Start with your personal information (e.g. name, address and contact details never include a national insurance number or bank details).Include a manager’s name (if you have it)Dear Sir/Madam (if you don’t have a name)A first main paragraph outlining what kind of role you’re looking for, and why you want to work for the companyA second paragraph explaining a bit more about your own skills and backgroundA closing paragraph to sum up why you’d be a great fit for the company, and how they could benefit from hiring youA thank you for their time, and a professional sign-off (e.g. ‘Yours faithfully’)Why should I send one?Companies may not always advertise their available roles, for a variety of different reasons.It could be that they’ve only just come up, or that they have to wait for internal applicants before putting the job out there. Or they might just not have any current vacancies on offer.However, by sending a speculative application, you can demonstrate that you’re proactive and ahead of the game when it comes to your career. And even if they don’t have any roles at the moment, you’ll ensure you’re front-of-mind if a suitable position does come up.Because the company might need you even if they don’t know it yet.Four secrets your interviewers aren’t telling youEight ways you’re selling yourself short in your job searchHow does it differ from my CV?Cover letters are important for all applications, but they take on even more importance for speculative ones.CVs tend to be rigid, professional and impersonal. In contrast, your cover letter allows you to create a rapport with the reader and showcase how right you are for the company in a much more engaging way.And, without a specific job to apply for, you need to work even harder to stand out. A well-written cover letter will talk about y our skills, previous projects and selling points, and help keep you keep front of mind if any suitable jobs do come up.How long should it be? Just over half a page of A4 â€" and no longer.It should outline why you’re a great potential hire, and what makes you a great fit for the company. It should not be War and Peace.Should I include some research about the company?Yes.Let’s face it, recruiters are as prone to flattery as anyone else. By explaining why you want to work for their company, without even knowing if there are any roles available, you instantly demonstrate that you buy in to their product or company culture.A few well-researched facts could be all it takes to back your interest up, not to mention show your dedication to the business before you’ve even joined.Big or small company: Which is right for youHow to: Research a company before you applyHow do I send a speculative application?Firstly, try and find the appropriate person to address it to (e.g. the hiring mana ger, or a member of the HR team).If you can find their email address, great. You can send it to general addresses, but it’s likely to get lost in the sea of other emails so make sure it has a killer subject line.Alternatively you can post the application, if you have the company’s address.What do I do next?Now you wait.Usually the company will get in touch, to let you know whether they have any available positions, and if your application has been successful. However, this could take a little time to come through.Alternatively, contacting the recruiter a few weeks after you send it is a great way to find out if they received your speculative cover letter and CV, as well as getting constructive feedback.Remember: speculative cover letters won’t always work. But you won’t know until you try.After all, what have you got to lose?Four ways to follow-up after an applicationStill searching for your perfect position?  View all of our current vacancies nowFind a job What Where Se arch JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the

Twentysomething The rising rift between gen X and gen Y

Twentysomething The rising rift between gen X and gen Y Rebecca Thorman is 24 years old. I met her when I moved to Madison, Wisconsin, and spoke at an event she put together. Ive been reading her blog, Modite, ever since. By Rebecca Thorman As the workplace weather changes, Generation X isnt happy to see Generation Y as the rainbow in their persistent rainstorm. Both generations have similarities, sure. Technological savvy and the willingness to rebel against boomer norms brought us together for a short time. But as more of Gen Y enters the workplace, Gen X is becoming increasingly marginalized, and the fundamental differences of how we operate are now dividing us along fierce lines: 1. Different job markets Generation Y is a demographic powerhouse entering into our choice of jobs. With the world conspiring in our favor, weve already pushed the limits of the foundation Generation X laid. Generation X tried to change the status quo while entering into one of the worst job markets since the Great Depression. They scorned the good ole boys, but had to play by their rules anyway, while millenials are able to create our own rules. The fact that Gen Xers worked hard with little success beyond casual Fridays means that they are only mentioned to be polite in generational discussions. This is aggravated by Generation Ys readiness to assume all the leadership positions when the Boomer generation retires. Gen X cant seem to win and Gen Y reaps the rewards. 2. Cynicism vs. Idealism Since the Gen Xers werent able to create the workplace change they desired, its no wonder that I get the feeling that Generation X is inherently skeptical of who I am. Theyre weary of how easy success comes to me, of my desire to bring them into the mix, and of my idealism. Unlike our older co-workers, Generation Y doesnt operate out of fear or distrust, but the possibility of what can be done. I realize that Generation Y is new to the workplace. To Gen X, I just dont get how the world works. And while its quite possible that we wont change the world like we anticipate, why shoot for just the possible? Idealism is what changes the world. 3. You vs. Us The Gen X focus on distrust makes them solitary workers, preferring to rely solely on their selves to see a project through, while Generation Y tends to want to support and work together. A Gen Xer is often found at the office, squeezing by on their flextime, and blocking out the world with their iPod. Generation X is no doubt feeling like a stepping stone generation, and many are, in fact, choosing to align themselves with Generation Y rather than fade into the background. The founder of MySpace went so far as to lie about his age. I say the more the merrier. There is strength and value to realism, and there is strength and value to optimism. Thats why we have to work together. What can I say? Im a team player. Rebecca Thorman blogs at Modite.

Girl Meets Business Presents YP Rockstar!

Girl Meets Business Presents YP Rockstar! One of my FAVORITE blogs  written for  young professional females is Girl Meets Business.   LOVE IT.   If you like this blog, you will love GMB.   The girls at Girl Meets Business emailed me yesterday to let me know about their free e-book, The Young Professional Rockstar: 10 Steps to Rocking Your Career Right Now, which is available for download at yprockstar.com.   I spent some time reading the e-book and flipping through the pages and it is definitely packed with awesome advice.   The book starts out with two things I think are really important: get to know the rockstar inside and image.   They also talk about diversifying your income, which is something most of us twentysomethings could use to learn about considering the tough economic times, lack of job security  and many of us battling our shoe addiction. Download the book and follow these rockstars on Twitter @yprockstar!

Disappointed that you didnt get a 21 University of Manchester Careers Blog

Disappointed that you didn’t get a 21 University of Manchester Careers Blog Careers Consultant Louise has some advice if you didnt achieve a 2:1. Disappointed that you didn’t get a 2:1?     When those around you are celebrating their degree success it can be difficult to keep a sense of perspective.   But that’s exactly what you need to do. A lower degree result than you had hoped for doesn’t have to be a barrier to career success.   Some job adverts, especially those for graduate recruitment schemes, will specify the need for a 2:2 or 2:1, but many   will focus more attention on relevant skills, work experience and personal qualities.   To find out how to put these across in a CV or application go to http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/applicationsinterviews/ If your degree result was affected by ill health or some other extenuating circumstance, consider explaining this in a brief and factual way in your applications.   It’s possible this could make a difference if a higher degree requirement is required, but it will very much depend on what else you have to offer. If your plans for a particular career or further study have been derailed by your results, arrange an appointment with the Careers Service   We can help you explore your options and consider whether there is an alternative way into your chosen career. You may also find this advice from Target Jobs useful. Usually, once you’re got started in a career your degree result will no longer matter.  So, dust yourself off and put an action plan in place today! All Graduate

4 Time Management Practices That Are Crucial For Your Freelancing Career - CareerMetis.com

4 Time Management Practices That Are Crucial For Your Freelancing Career Let’s face it; the life of a freelancer is a demanding one. Most especially if you’re just starting out. By this time, you’d need to take time in doing things that are very crucial in setting up and running your business.You would definitely have to take time to set up your portfolio, cold pitch potential clients, and connect with web developers to help with your website.evalTo many people, freelancing isn’t just a means of income, it is a way of life. This goes beyond bulks that roll in. The beauty of the freelancing life lies in its power to make you free and deliver you from the torture of the corporate world.And if you’re who someone sucks at everything but calling his own shots, you’re probably going to want to opt in for freelancing, not only as a means of income, but also as a way of freedom.It’s true that a freelancer does not have to worry about delivering presentations during board meetings, crazy politics of the office environment, harassment and hostile work environment, and other issues such as the fear of getting queried because you’re perpetually late to work due to a regular morning traffic congestion you honestly can do nothing about.Aside these benefits, freelancing helps you define your own financial life and gives you a control over your financial future. The potentials in freelancing are real, and with the help of the internet, freelancing gives you limitless opportunities.Because it allows for a high degree of freedom, many people jump into the freelancing world as a way of escape without taking time for appropriate planning and time management.They soon find out that their expectations of freedom is very far from reality because they are used to working on a specific task and submitting it to the appropriate supervisors after completion.They get thrown into imbalance because a freelancer has to worry about being other things aside his main expertise. This means that a freelance writer has to be his own accountant, salesman , secretary, clerk, researcher, janitor, etc.evalAppropriate planning and time management needs to be done in order to not get entangled in the demanding world of freelancing. Without proper time management practices in place, chances are you would find yourself in a messy situation sooner than you expect. Let’s look at the four most important time management practices that are very crucial for any freelancing business.1) BrainstormingevalGetting right to what is important when you’ve already figured out the exact thing to do saves a whole lot of time, agreed. But the main issue lies in how to figure out what exactly you should do when you have a whole lot of tasks begging for your attention.Brainstorming before you start your day will make you understand what it is you need to do and would also make you aware of the possible resources you have in your armory.evalTo do this, you should dedicate about 10-15 minutes of your day to play out the possible challenges that would surfac e in your day. Scribble these out on a piece of paper. It would come out rough. At this point, you should let your thought flow seamlessly; you don’t have to worry about any style or order.After writing them down in no specific order, figure out a way to sort them into categories so you can do them in batches.2) BatchingHave you ever thought you had so much time to do just a few things just to find out that you become choked when you set yourself to complete that task? It happens a lot.So often do you set yourself to do a set of tasks and get so occupied simultaneously in different tasks in heat of the moment, eventually to find out that you’re are barely able to finish one of the many tasks you aim to complete.Batching helps you achieve significantly more by helping you to organize tasks and finish them before going on to the next one. The next time you have so much to do, try and sort out your tasks into different categories and finish them up before you jump to the next.For e xample, let’s say you want to get potential clients for your freelance writing business, start compiling a list of potential clients and don’t send email pitches to any of them until you’re done compiling your list. Then after this, send your messages and don’t go onto the next task until you’ve sent messages to all of your potential clients.It not only makes your work easier, but it also makes it more effective. Chances are you won’t leave any task if you batch them.Batching removes spontaneity and helps you to be intentional. It creates time for everything and ensures everything happens in its time.3) Do the most important things firstHave you ever found yourself physically and psychologically drained and exhausted when you’re about to jump to the most important task of the day?evalThis often happens because you’ve exhausted most of your energy on less important assignments.It is important to do the most important task when you are mentally and physically alert. Fo r most people, the early hours of the morning is an ideal time. Spend your most active hours on things that really matter and you’ll see a significant improvement in your productivity.4) Keep a JournalJournals play more important roles than recording your tasks and work activities; they also help in tracking your progress. Keeping a journal helps you follow your activities and review them to see what works and what does not.You’re able to see the irrelevant tasks that suck up the bulk of your time. You’ll also be able to see your distractions and avoid them.Things can get messy very quickly without appropriate planning and good time management practices. To stay afloat in the gig economy, you have to make sure you’re always ahead of your deadlines.evalThese time management practices will structure your daily activities. With everything organized and planned, you’re able to conserve your energy and spend them only on things that are important.By helping you to focus more on doing less, these strategies would help you become more productive and efficient in your freelancing experience.

Reasons To Go Into A Medical Research Career

Reasons To Go Into A Medical Research Career If you have studied a science such as a biology and chemistry during school or university, you may be wondering what career is right for you in the future. Science is a vast area of work and can take you in many different directions, but perhaps none more rewarding than the medical industry. When you think of a medical career you’d be forgiven for imagining you can be a doctor or a nurse and that’s all there is, but there are a vast number of careers in the medical industry which can be just as rewarding and interesting for you. Medical research is one of these careers, and here are some of the main reasons why you might want to go into medical research this year. 1) You can work with people If you love people and the vibe you get off throwing ideas around a room, then a job working in medical research can be the perfect job for you. As a leading researcher in the medical field, you will be tasked with coming up with new methods of testing and discovering completely new things. If you love to work with new people from all over the world, then this can be a brilliant opportunity for you to network and make new friends across the industry. 2) You can help people and make their lives better One of the best feelings in the world is knowing that you are helping other people. Any job in the medical field is guaranteed to benefit other people directly, and medical research is at the forefront of this life-changing work and discovery. You could be the person who finds the cure for cancer- and that is the most amazing thing in the world. 3) Its a globally recognised field The beauty of the medical industry from being a doctor to medical research is that it is recognized all over the world. This means that if you ever decide you want to move across countries or expand overseas there will be a place for you to grow and thrive. The whole world needs medical research, and you can be the person who makes that research possible. 4) Teamwork rules If you enjoy working as part of a team rather than on your own, you will find that medical research is a great choice for you. Medical research requires you to be able to work as a cohesive team to come up with testing strategies and work on large projects together. It is incredibly important to be able to work with other people. If you are more of an independent worker, you may need to rethink your career choice. 5) It is needed, always Medical research and medical work, in general, is something which the human race has needed since the dawn of time. For thousands of years, our peers have been mixing together natural ingredients and discovering new drugs which can help to cure illness. It is a job which you will always have a need for and you will always be valued for. There will not come a time in the future when we are completely cured of every disease. 6) You have a stable and safe career Due to the demand and the need for medical research in the world, you will always have a stable and safe career to work in. You will be able to progress in the field for your entire life if you want to, and it will be a lucrative source of income for yourself and your family too. 7) There is always more to learn The medical industry is an ever-changing landscape. There is always more to learn about our bodies and about nature, and there are always new strains of illness and new conditions creeping through the woodwork. Throughout your career, you will have to take tonnes of different qualifications such as bloodborne pathogens certification, airborne research and lots more. You will never become bored with your work because you will always have an opportunity to be challenged in new and exciting ways. 8) You can make a difference in the world The main reason that many people choose to spend their lives in this field of work is the difference they can make to the world. You could have the opportunity to be in a team of people who come up with a groundbreaking drug that saves thousands upon thousands of lives. It is absolutely the most rewarding feeling in the world and it is worth every single second you spend in the laboratory. 9) You’ll never stop developing When you enter the medical research industry, you are able to come into your team with a fresh mind and a totally open perspective. As you develop throughout the years you will become a mentor for new workers coming into the team, you’ll learn how to delegate tasks and you will be able to develop as an individual. Every day will offer new challenges for you to face and it will allow you to discover who you truly are as a person. 10) It’s a challenge If you are the kind of person who gets bored easily, the medical research industry can be the perfect place for you to work throughout your life. Medicine takes a huge amount of study, research and a lot of skill to do effectively. You will likely spend your entire life learning how to perfect your working technique and be able to find the answers you are looking for. It can be a challenging job both mentally and physically, and it can be one which keeps your brain active, alive and raring to go at all times. Everything you achieve after your work acts as the ultimate reward and it is worth the work you put into it. 11) It is invested in constantly Sure, there will be times in your career where you struggle for funding on certain projects, but most of the time the medical industry is highly invested in because of the importance of the role you are doing in the world. You have the ability to change lives and this will be what allows your projects to be funded by governing bodies throughout your career. 12) It’s a varied role Although you will likely spend your working life inside a laboratory, this does not mean that your work will be in any way boring or repetitive. You will be constantly using new techniques and methods to test for drugs and cures for diseases, and every project you work on will be completely unique. It means that you don’t have to worry about getting bored at work, and it will provide you with a fulfilling career path. Medical research is a job which can be the most rewarding in the world. You are the person who is tasked with perhaps the most sort after item in the world: medicine. You can make a difference in people’s lives, change the world for the better and allow people to evolve and grow their defenses against these illnesses. It is a career path which has no end, will challenge you from start to end and give you a new way to work every single day. If you do choose a career in medical research you will be rewarded dearly, you’ll have a stellar career ahead of you, and you will be loved and respected by everyone in your life for the work you carry out. What could be better?

How to Begin Writing a Resume and Cover Letter

How to Begin Writing a Resume and Cover LetterIf you have been doing your job search for a while, you will know how easy it is to get bogged down by all the paperwork that comes with the job. You want to avoid that, and so you need to know how to begin writing a resume and cover letter. You may also be looking for ideas on how to increase your chances of getting hired.The first thing you need to do is determine what type of resume you are going to use. Obviously you will want to create a resume that showcases your skills and achievements. A cover letter should be used to address your future employer and get them to see exactly what you can do for them. Most likely you will want to save these separate.A resume or a cover letter is basically a two-way conversation. You want to get someone's attention and build a relationship with them while they read your resume. A letter needs to be written that shows them that you have something valuable to say and you are excited about getting start ed in their industry.Most people jump right into the resume and cover letter and never think of how to begin writing it. You have to get them interested in your candidacy. It is important to start out strong, so that you start off on the right foot. You will find that it takes less time than you think to get them interested in hiring you.Once you have the basics of a resume and cover letter together, it is time to put it all together. This is one of the most difficult parts of the whole process. It takes a lot of writing practice to get it down, but in the end you will have the most important piece of writing tool for your career: The mind of the employer. Resume and cover letter shows your motivation, why you are qualified for the job and why you are the best candidate for the position. A resume should give your past employers and future employers a glimpse into the rest of your accomplishments. Using this skill will ensure that you stay at the top of your game during your career.M aking this one simple change can really make a big difference in how you think of the resume and cover letter. You want to show your future employer that you want to be there and that you have a great interest in the company. This will help you get noticed in a hurry.So, how to begin writing a resume and cover letter takes some work. Keep practicing and learning so that you get started right.