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Career Planning
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Cover Letters

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Unadvertised Job

Job Application Letter Sample and Writing Tips for a Role That's Not Advertised

Tips for Writing Your Cover Letter

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

Cover Letter Example and Template

Proofread Your Documents

How to send your letter.

How to Send Your Resume

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How do you write a job application letter for a role that isn't listed? Not all companies advertise job openings. Some companies get plenty of applicants without advertising. Other companies may not be in hiring mode but will consider applications from qualified candidates if they anticipate an opening in the near future.

Sending a resume and cover letter to an employer, even though you aren't sure if there are available jobs, is a way to get your candidacy noticed. It may also get you advance consideration for positions that have just opened up. If you have the skills the company needs, it may even get you considered for a brand-new position.

When you know an employer has an opening, don't hesitate to apply.

If you have a company you'd love to work for , consider taking the time to reach out and connect regardless of whether the organization is currently hiring.

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for an Unadvertised Job

What's the best way to apply for unadvertised job openings? It depends on whether you know there is a position available, but the company hasn't listed it, or if there's a company you want to work for and you don't know if there are open jobs.

Kelly Miller / The Balance

When You Know There Is a Job Opening

If you know the company is hiring but hasn't advertised the position, write a traditional cover letter expressing your interest in the open position at the company. Be sure to specifically relate your qualifications for the job.

When You Don't Know If the Company Is Hiring

Writing a cover letter for an unadvertised opening (also known as a cold contact cover letter or letter of interest ) is a little different than writing a cover letter for a job that you know is available.

With this type of letter, you will need to make a strong pitch for yourself and how you can help the company. Below are some tips on how to write a cover letter for an unadvertised opening.

Mention your contacts. If you know someone at the organization, mention this at the beginning of the cover letter. Having a contact at the company is a great way to get your foot in the door, even if the company isn’t actively hiring.
Use paper or email. You can send your letter via paper or email . Sending an old-fashioned paper letter works well for this type of letter , because it may have a better chance of being read than an email, which could be deleted without even being opened.
Include a resume. Whether you send your cover letter via paper or email, be sure to include a copy of your resume. Make sure you tailor your resume to the company and type of job you are looking for.

Below is detailed information on what to include in your cover letter, along with links to example cover letters.

Your Contact Information Name Address City, State Zip Code Phone Number Email Address

Cover Letter Contact Section Examples

Greeting If you can find a contact person at the company, direct your letter or email message to them. Here's how to find contacts at companies .

If you can't locate a contact person, address your letter to "Dear Hiring Manager" or leave out this section and start with the first paragraph of your letter.

Cover Letter Greeting Examples

Body of Cover Letter The goal of your letter is to get noticed as a prospective employee even if the company isn't hiring immediately. Your letter should explain the reason for your interest in the organization, identify your most relevant skills or experiences, and explain why you would be an asset to the company.

First Paragraph: The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. If you know someone at the company, mention it now. Be specific as to why you are interested in this particular company.

Middle Paragraph(s): The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Again, be specific as to how you can help the organization.

Final Paragraph: Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for employment.

What to Include in the Body Section of a Cover Letter

Closing Best Regards, (or choose another closing from the examples below)

Cover Letter Closing Examples

Signature Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter)

Typed Signature When you are sending an email letter, be sure to include all your contact information in your signature.

Signature Examples

Cover Letter Example for a Job That's Not Advertised

You can use this sample as a model to write a cover letter. Download the template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or read the text version below.

Cover Letter for a Job That's Not Advertised (Text Version)

Your Name Your Address City, State Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Email Address

Contact Name Title Company Address City, State Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. LastName,

As an Information Technology professional with high-level management experience in the IT industry, I learned that the best way to achieve success was to motivate the resources I had with well-defined objectives and empowerment.

A management belief based on integrity, quality, and service, along with a positive attitude, an aptitude for strategic thought and planning, and the ability to adapt quickly to new ideas and situations allows me to achieve consistent and significant successes in multiple industries.

My personality profile says:

A confident, driven individual who reacts quickly to change.
A self-starter with a strong sense of urgency who responds positively to challenge and pressure.
A fast learner who is a practical and ingenious problem solver.
A fluent and articulate communicator, flexible and responsive. A self-directed, goal-oriented doer.

My former managers say:

"The Information Technology Analysis will serve as a guideline for making positive contributions... Your management style provided a footprint for younger members of our organization... a very positive impression of the contributions you made to our business and its growth." Gregory Hines, President and CEO, Information Data Technology.

"The most important source of growth in our data technology business ... able to focus the team and manage the product to a successful introduction ... due in large part to his own personal commitment ... excellent IT project management and operational management skills." Pauline Hallenback, CTO at Information Systems.

"Your strengths as a manager are many and varied... all issues are confronted in a timely manner ... management by objectives comes as a second nature to you." Jackson Brownell, Director of Operations, Denver Technologies.

ABC Company is a company that would provide me with the opportunity to put my personality, skills, and successes to work. At a personal meeting, I would like to discuss with you how I will contribute to the continued growth of your company.

Best regards,

Carefully proofread both your resume and cover letter before you send them. Here are proofreading tips for job seekers.

When sending your letter via email, write your letter in the email message and attach your resume to the message. In the subject line, put your name and the reason for writing (Your Name - Introduction).

Email Subject Lines

How to Send Your Resume With Your Cover Letter

Here's how to send your resume with your cover letter:

How to Email Your Resume
How to Send Your Resume as an Attachment
How to Mail a Resume and Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Take initiative. Not all companies immediately advertise opening positions. Taking the initiative to send a cover letter of introduction “on spec” may garner you an interview for either an existing or a newly developed job role.

Apply to your dream company. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If there is a company you’ve always wanted to work for, reach out to their hiring department with a strategic letter that presents your qualifications and interest in their organization.

Build upon your contacts. A good way to get your foot into the door at a company is to begin your letter of introduction by mentioning the contacts you know who work there. Take this to the next level by proactively asking these contacts—before you send your cover letter—if they would be willing to put in a good word on your behalf with their employer.

Unsolicited / Cold Cover Letter: A Guide to Standing Out

Have you ever wondered how to make a memorable first impression on a potential employer, even without a job opening? An unsolicite d or cold cover letter might be your ticket to getting noticed. In this guide, we'll explore how to craft a compelling unsolicited cover letter that can open doors to new job opportunities.

What Is an Unsolicited Cover Letter?

An unsolicited cover letter is a proactive communication sent to a potential employer who has yet to advertise a job opening. Unlike a standard cover letter responding to a job advertisement, an unsolicited cover letter aims to create job opportunities by directly showcasing the sender’s qualifications and enthusiasm to a decision-maker.

This approach allows you to connect with companies that may not be actively hiring but could have suitable positions available now or in the future. By sending an unsolicited cover letter, you demonstrate initiative, a strong desire to work for the company, and the ability to self-advocate professionally. This type of letter must be particularly persuasive and well-researched, as it seeks to create a favorable impression and prompt a discussion about potential employment opportunities within the company.

Why Send a Cold Cover Letter?

Sending a cold cover letter is a strategic move in the job search process. It serves multiple purposes: it allows you to target companies you’re particularly interested in, even if they haven't listed available positions; it helps you network within your industry by initiating contact with critical decision-makers; and it distinguishes you from other job seekers who limit their search to advertised vacancies.

A cold cover letter can uncover hidden job opportunities, as many positions are filled through networking and internal referrals before they are ever publicly posted. By reaching out proactively, you position yourself as a forward-thinking and proactive candidate, which can be particularly appealing to innovative and fast-growing companies. Furthermore, this approach can lead to informational interviews, giving you insider insight into the company and potentially putting you on their radar for future openings.

How to Write a Cold Cover Letter?

Let’s learn how to write a Cold Cover Letter:

Research the Company and Role Before Writing an Unsolicited Cover Letter

Before drafting your unsolicited cover letter, conduct thorough research on the target company. Dive into their website, read recent press releases, and understand their industry standing. This research will help you tailor your letter to address the company’s needs and challenges, demonstrating your initiative and genuine interest.

Highlight how your background and skills can help address these needs. Mention recent company achievements to show you are up-to-date and engaged with their progress. This preparation personalizes your approach and shows the employer that you’re not just looking for any job—you’re interested in this particular company.

‍ Begin with a Professional Header

A professional header sets the tone for your cold cover letter. Start with your name, address, and contact information at the top, formatted neatly. Below this, include the date and then the recipient’s name, title, and the company’s address. Ensure this layout is clean and formal, mirroring a traditional business letter. This not only shows professionalism but also respects the formalities of business communications. Double-check for the recipient's name and position spelling, as this attention to detail reflects your diligence and respect for the recipient.

Use Appropriate Language and Tone

The language and tone of your unsolicited cover letter are crucial in making a positive impression. Use clear, concise, and formal language that conveys professionalism. Tailor your tone to match the company’s culture, which you’ve gleaned from your research. If the company is more traditional, keep your tone formal. If they’re known for being laid-back or innovative, you might adopt a slightly more relaxed—but still professional—tone. Avoid slang and overly casual phrases; instead, opt for polished and respectful language demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively in a business environment.

Create a Brief Introduction

Begin your cover letter with a brief and impactful introduction. State your purpose for writing and how you discovered the company. For instance, mention if a mutual contact referred you or if you encountered the company at an event or through an article.

This provides context and personalizes your introduction, making it clear you’re not sending generic applications. Immediately express your admiration for the company's work and your enthusiasm about the potential to contribute to their team.

Write an Engaging Hook

Your opening hook should immediately capture the attention of the hiring manager. Start with a compelling fact about yourself or a unique perspective you bring that is directly relevant to the company’s goals or needs. For example, if you’re applying to a tech company, you might start by mentioning a recent project where you implemented technology that significantly increased efficiency. This hook should make the reader want to continue reading to learn more about how your skills and experiences align with the company’s objectives.

Identify Your Skills

This section outlines your skills pertinent to the company’s needs. Use bullet points for clarity and emphasis. For instance, if the company expands internationally, you might highlight your experience with global marketing campaigns or multilingual communication skills.

Be specific about how these skills have been applied in real-world scenarios and how they can benefit the prospective employer. This approach showcases your qualifications and demonstrates how you can be an asset from day one.

Summarize Accomplishments

Here, provide a concise summary of your critical professional accomplishments. Focus on achievements that align with the goals of the company you’re applying to. Quantify your successes with metrics when possible—for example, "increased sales by 20% through targeted social media advertising." This provides concrete evidence of your capabilities and shows how you measure success and the potential impact you could have at the company.

Encourage Contact

Conclude your cover letter by inviting the employer to initiate further communication. Express your eagerness to discuss how your background, skills, and ambitions align with the company's goals. Provide a specific call to action, such as, "I welcome the opportunity to discuss in more detail how I can contribute to your team. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience." Again, include your phone number or email address here to make it easy for them to reach you.

Attach Your Resume

Permanently attach your resume to your cover letter. Mention this attachment at the end of your letter to remind the employer to review it. Your resume should provide a detailed account of your professional experience, educational background, and skills. Ensure it is up-to-date and tailored to highlight experiences most relevant to the company and the role you are applying to. This reinforces your qualifications and provides a comprehensive view of your professional journey and accomplishments.

What to Avoid in Your Unsolicited Application Letter?

When crafting your unsolicited application letter, avoiding several common mistakes is crucial to making a positive impact. First, steer clear of an overly informal tone. While it’s important to convey enthusiasm, maintaining professionalism is critical. Secondly, avoid sending generic letters. Tailor each letter to the specific company by mentioning details about the company that aligns with your skills and experiences. This shows genuine interest and effort.

Additionally, don’t merely repeat what’s on your resume. Use the cover letter to expand on your achievements and explain how your experiences directly relate to the company's potential needs. Avoiding these pitfalls can significantly increase your chances of making a solid impression and advancing your job search.

Unsolicited Application Letter Template

An unsolicited application letter should serve as a structured guide for job seekers, focusing on critical elements that demonstrate professionalism and relevance:

Professional Header : Include full contact details and the date at the top of the letter.
Formal Greeting : Address the recipient by name to personalize the communication.
Engaging Introduction : State the letter's purpose and how you discovered the company, and express specific interest.
Body Paragraphs : Outline relevant skills and specific accomplishments that align with the company's objectives.
Call to Action : Conclude with a request for further discussion or an interview.
Formal Closure : End with a professional sign-off like "Sincerely" followed by your name.
Attachment Note : Mention that your resume is attached for detailed review.

This format ensures the letter is comprehensive and concise, making a solid case for your candidacy.

An unsolicited cover letter is a strategic tool in your job search, demonstrating initiative and a proactive attitude toward your career. By reaching out directly to employers, you showcase your determination and distinct interest in their organization, setting you apart from other candidates.

For more advice on crafting compelling cover letters and advancing your career prospects, visit RampedCareers . Our platform is dedicated to assisting job seekers in navigating the job market effectively and swiftly securing their dream jobs.

Things You Need While Searching for a Job

Once you are armed with the knowledge about what kind of job will make you happy, there are core things to get lined up for a job search. Let's look at a few.

What to Look for in a Job

Fun fact, most people will have about 12 different jobs in their working lifetime. This goes to show that finding a job that you love enough to hang onto takes some forethought and possibly a bit of trial and error. Just the same, you can make some plans in advance, helping you land in a position that leaves you perfectly content. Check out a few things to look for when looking for that perfect job.