I came across an interesting idea from Effective Business Communications about job application.  I’m like most people, I would only apply for a job from an advertisement, and would never thought of sending out an unsolicited application letter in fear that the company might think it’s a waste of time, and kind of surprised to read that it’s the other way around.

It’s actually a good idea to send out an unsolicited application letter, for several reasons, firms like to receive applications for jobs that they have not advertised.  With a file of unsolicited applications, a firm can achieve several objectives such as save advertising costs; fill jobs more quickly because the personnel department can look in the file and be in touch with an applicant in a short time; save personnel department time because the department may find a suitable worker from a small file of unsolicited letters, otherwise an advertisement may bring fifty or a hundred invited applications, all of which require some attention; avoid possible goodwill-losing situations because some who have applied may be embittered when they are not employed; get applicants who possess the qualities of initiative and foresight, and be fairly certain that any present employee who may not be measuring up to performance standards can be replaced.

As from the applicant’s point of view, the unsolicited application letter also has advantages that it increases the number of jobs from which you can select.  It meets with less competition than it would have if it were sent in response to an advertisement.  It could create a job if it persuaded the employer to believe that a worker was needed to do something that is not now being done.  It may assist in getting a better job because the highly preferred jobs are often filled before any applications are invited.  It may also suggest initiative on your part.

Basically, the unsolicited letter of application is a sales letter that sells you.  Its goal is to secure an interview in which you can continue to sell yourself, so it’s best to try to get attention, arousing interest, presenting convincing evidence, and asking for action.