This is how you write an unsolicited application for your dream job in IT
Do you also know this one company that would be just perfect for you? Are you so confident in their mission, tech stack, projects and work culture that you would do anything to be allowed to work there? And then they just never post devjobs? Then the time is ripe for an unsolicited application. Maybe they were just waiting for you! Writing a successful unsolicited application is not that easy - but with these tips you will succeed.
Use the hidden job market
First of all, a word of reassurance: The fact that there are no jobs advertised does not mean that there are no vacancies at all. The so-called hidden job market hides all the jobs that are offered without ever appearing in an advertisement. And there are quite a few: Up to 70% of all vacancies are filled through personal contacts or unsolicited applications! At the same time, the competition for these positions is of course much less. This is encouraging, but in contrast to a normal application, it requires a lot more research work from you - because you first have to find out which positions are vacant but not advertised.
You are the blacksmith of your own fortune
The top rule for a successful unsolicited application is not to just send it blindly and at random. If the application lands on the HR manager's desk without any warning, it has to be very unusual to arouse interest at all. And then she has to do several things at the same time – first, she has to convince the recruiter that he has a problem because he is missing an important employee. And second, that you are exactly the one who can solve this problem for him. That's a lot of hurdles all at once.
Without research everything is nothing
You already know your dream company. But do you also know the job situation there? Before you send in an application, find out if there isn't already a spot for you there. It is quite possible that there is a vacancy that has not yet been advertised. Perhaps the company has only thought about creating a specific position that does not currently exist. Then your application comes at just the right moment. The third possibility is that you first have to convey to the company that it should create a new position for you. This is the most difficult option.
Depending on the size of the company, you can get initial clues by doing online research. So find out what the situation is there: Are IT jobs being advertised at all at the moment and if so, what qualifications are they looking for? Are there press releases about new products or plans that require specific technical skills, and so on. Consider whether there are gaps in the company that you can fill with your technical skills. You can go into more detail about these findings later.
Announce your unsolicited application personally
Direct personal contact is ideal for medium-sized and small companies. Firstly, it is becoming more difficult to find reliable information online. Second, the probability that a single employee has an influence on the personnel design is greater than in a huge corporation.
If you happen to already know an employee, set up a casual date and find out what the job situation is like. Maybe you only know the employee a few corners? Then write to him with greetings from your mutual acquaintance, who would do best to put in a good word for you. If you don't already know anyone in the company, try to make contacts. IT trade fairs, IT meetups and developer conferences are available here, some of which you can find in our event calendar. If you can't find your company there either, there's only one thing that can help: just call and ask in a friendly manner. If you're lucky, it turns out that there is actually a vacancy, or that people are thinking about creating one. Find out as much as you can about this vacancy during the interview. If it suits you, then announce that you will send an application for this position. Your unsolicited application will fall on fertile ground.
Your developer position does not exist yet?
In the worst case, you will hear something like: "No, sorry, nothing is available right now". At this point you could give up - or hang in there, because maybe the company just doesn't know that they urgently need you! If you are in a face-to-face conversation, take this opportunity to sensitize the person you are talking to. Describe what potential you see for the company if it relies on a specific solution or technology for which you are the expert. How much more effective it would be if it just did that particular task in-house instead of outsourcing it like it has done so far. Don't expect this to result in an immediate invitation, even if you can convince your interviewer. He is probably not a big shot in the company and has to plant the idea himself in the heads of his superiors. Then you have to show staying power. Keep the conversation going and allow the company to get back to you later. In the best case, you will hear “Yes, then please send us an application”. Then you can get to work straight away!
This is how you write the perfect unsolicited application
The time has finally come: After a lot of preparatory work, research and personal contact, you start your unsolicited application. You must pay attention to the following points
Personal salutation
An unsolicited application is not a mass mail. Make them as personal as possible. So don't address your cover letter to "Dear Sir or Madam", but to the right contact person. Mention the company name in the text, make reference to current events or products and convey: "Yes, I mean exactly you!"
State your desired position clearly
You are not reacting to a specific job advertisement with your unsolicited application. Still, have a clear picture of the position you want to fill. So don't write "I'd love to work for you - no matter what!". Describe the passage you have in mind as clearly as possible! Give the position a specific name and then explain why exactly that is missing in the company
What is the benefit for the company
Emphasizing the benefit to the company, i.e. what your future employer will get from your position, is even more important in an unsolicited application than in a normal application. Until now, the reader didn't even know that he needed you. So describe which unfinished tasks can be completed with your help. Describe specific problems the company could solve if they hire you. It doesn't matter whether you've already chewed through everything in a personal conversation - your personal contact will probably not decide alone. Give him good arguments that speak for you.
Reference to your contact person
If possible, refer to your contact person in the company and let it be known that they are available for questions. Mutual acquaintances can also serve as references if necessary. If you have already had professional contact with the company in the past as a customer, partner or in some other way, bring that in as well – this serves as a good transition to the next part:
Your motivation
Why do you want to work at this company so badly? What made you decide to apply even though nothing is even advertised? Caution: The motivation part is not about sucking up to it. Instead, you should explain why you think you're a great personal match as well. So go inside and think about what your reasons are - is it the values that are represented and the mission that is being pursued? Is it the exciting tech projects that you want to get involved in with a lot of passion? Just be honest!
Keep it short and simple
As with any letter of application, the same applies to unsolicited applications: keep it brief. One cover letter, maximum one and a half pages, is enough. So find an end, but don't forget to suggest a face-to-face meeting and give contact information. Reference your attached resume with space for specific skills, relevant side projects, and more.
All of this belongs in an unsolicited application
Your unsolicited application is only complete when you have the necessary documents together. In addition to the cover letter described above, this naturally includes a complete curriculum vitae, existing job references and certificates. If possible, talk to your personal contact about what they would like to have. Tip: Be sure to offer to send him a sample of your work so that he can get a direct impression of your achievements.
Attention: unsolicited applications are googled
Don't forget your online profile before sending your unsolicited application. If your application is interesting, there is a good chance that your name will be googled. Since your unsolicited application is probably the only one that the HR manager has on the table, he also has the time for it - unlike with normal applications. So make sure that only good things are found about you on the web so that there are no inconsistencies.
