speculative cover letter examples engineering

Speculative cover letter examples

Speculative cover letters can be a proactive way to get your foot in the door and find jobs that haven’t even been advertised yet.

But with so much resting on this application, you need to use the space wisely to explain what type of role you’re looking for and what attracted you to their company.

Find out how to do that successfully with our expert advice and speculative cover letter examples in the guide below.

CV templates

Speculative cover letter example 1

Speculative cover letter example 2

Speculative cover letter example 3

The example cover letters here should give you a good general idea on how your Speculative cover letter should be formatted and written.

The rest of this guide gives more specific guidance on how to create your own cover letter in this format, and even includes some templates you can copy and paste.

How to write a Speculative cover letter

A simple step-by-step guide to writing your very own winning cover letter.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When you send a cover letter with a job application, you should always write your message into the body of your email – or the body of the messaging system if you are sending via a job website.

Why do this?

Simply because you want to get your message seen as soon as the recruiter opens your application.

If you attach the cover letter as a separate item, this means the recipient will have to open it before they can read it – slowing down the process and potentially causing frustration along the way.

So, write your cover note in the body of your email/message to ensure you make an instant connection with the reader.

Start with a friendly greeting

To build an instant connection with the recruiter reading your cover letter, start with a warm greeting.

It should be friendly but not casual – keeping it professional at all times.

Hi, hope you’re well
Hi [insert recruiter name]
Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very traditional companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

Check out the company website and look at their About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

After you have greeted the recruiter, it’s important to state the job you are applying to.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so they need to know exactly which job you are referring to.

Be as specific as possible and use a reference number if you can find one.

Here are some examples you can use;

I am interested in applying for the role of admin assistant with your organisation.
I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 4057393)
I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
I saw your advertisement for a trainee project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The main purpose of your cover letter is to excite recruiters and make them eager to open your CV. And you achieve this by quickly demonstrating your suitability to the job you are applying for.

Take a look at the job adverts you are applying for, and make note of the most important skills being asked for.

Then, when you write your cover letter, make your suitability the focal point.

Explain how you meet the candidate requirements fully, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider your application.

Keep it short and sharp

It is best to keep your cover letter brief if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.

Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.

Sign off professionally

To finish off your cover note, add a professional signature to the bottom, stating your important contact details and information.

This not only provides recruiters with multiple means of contacting you, but it also adds a nice professional appearance to the cover letter, which shows that you know how to conduct yourself in the workplace.

Include the following points;

A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
Your full name
Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
Email address
Profession title
Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Aaron Smith Customer service professional 075557437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Speculative cover letter

Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Speculative cover letter…

The exact info will obviously depend on your industry and experience level, but these are the essentials.

Your relevant experience – Where have you worked and what type of jobs have you held?
Your qualifications – Let recruiters know about your highest level of qualification to show them you have the credentials for the job.
The impact you have made – Show how your actions have made a positive impact on previous employers; perhaps you’ve saved them money or helped them to acquire new customers?
Your reasons for moving – Hiring managers will want to know why you are leaving your current or previous role, so give them a brief explanation.
Your availability – When can you start a new job ? Recruiters will want to know how soon they can get you on board.

Don’t forget to tailor these points to the requirements of the job advert for best results.

Speculative cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Speculative cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

I am writing to express my strong interest in any upcoming data engineering and analytics opportunities available at Intuita. Over the course of my 17 years of experience in IT, I have diligently supervised cross-functional teams and delivered data-driven solutions that have transformed various businesses.

While there may not be a specific job opening advertised at this time, I believe my computer science qualifications align perfectly with your commitment to informed decision-making and technological advancements. In my current role as a Data Specialist at Sphere Digital Ltd, I use tools such as Python, SQL, and Tableau to extract valuable insights from complex datasets, and subsequently translate these into actionable recommendations that positively impact the company’s performance.

Within the last 3 years I have successfully reduced the time spent on analysis by 25% through creating interactive visualisations, and lowered procurement expenses by 15% due to identifying cost-saving opportunities. I also developed automated dashboards that decreased report generation time by 50%.

I welcome the chance to discuss how my skills and qualification align with your organisation and would be keen to attend an interview when a suitable position becomes available.

Kind regards

Felicity Wright

Hello Roger

I read through your website and noticed that WSP is recruiting for a number of transport planning vacancies throughout the UK, and I am keen to offer my CV for any positions that come available in Hull.

As a results-oriented professional with a passion for optimising transportation operations and a strong background in logistics, I am enthusiastic about contributing my skills to your world-renowned organisation. Throughout my 10 years of experience in the industry, I have demonstrated my ability to optimise routes and ensure timely and cost-effective delivery solutions.

In my current role at DPD Group, I have implemented freight consolidation strategies that cut transportation expenses by 15%, coordinated with carriers in increases in on-time delivery performance by 25%, as well as introduced training programmes which boosted driver productivity by 35%. I firmly believe that my qualifications and past achievements align perfectly with your commitment to excellence in transportation services and continuous improvement.

Thank you for considering my application and I look forward to the possibility of joining your dynamic team when a vacancy arises in the future.

Sable Fernandez

Good afternoon, Miles

I am writing to show my interest in your upcoming opportunities as a landscape architect and consultant at Tyler Grange. As a creative and detail-oriented professional with a passion for transforming outdoor spaces into beautiful landscapes, I am eager to contribute my expertise to your organisation.

Over the course of 15 years in landscape architecture, I have demonstrated my ability to conceptualise and execute innovative projects, including urban design, public parks, greenways, and school gardens which align with clients’ visions and environmental sustainability. I believe that my qualifications and skills resonate perfectly with your establishment’s commitment to excellence in landscape design.

Some key achievements I have played a significant role in while at Atkins include, attaining a 98% on-time project completion rate for 7 straight years, as well as incorporating design practices and native plant selections that led to a 20% reduction in landscape maintenance costs. Furthermore, I generated £4M+ annually through client referrals and repeat business.

I am eager to discuss any upcoming landscape architecture vacancies in greater detail. Please feel free to contact me via email or by phone to schedule an interview.

Vincent Cowell

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Speculative job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

What Is a Speculative Cover Letter?

Who should i send my speculative cover letter to, what to include in a speculative cover letter, example speculative cover letter, what happens next, tips for writing your speculative cover letter, final thoughts, how to write a speculative cover letter.

Updated October 11, 2023

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A speculative cover letter is sent to apply for or enquire about a job that is not currently being advertised.

You should consider making a speculative job application if you are:

Actively looking for a new job role
Trying to find a work experience placement
Thinking about making a career move

To find out which jobs fit your personality best, visit our partner CareerFitter and take the Career Test for FREE .

Get An Expert Cover Letter

Sending a speculative job application can be an effective way to show you are keen, motivated and committed to your career goals .

Remember, even if the company you send your speculative cover letter to doesn’t have any current job vacancies, opening a dialogue with them could help to ensure you are at the top of the list when a suitable vacancy comes up in the future.

Much like a standard cover letter , a speculative cover letter accompanies your CV when you are applying for a job. However, a speculative cover letter is different from a standard cover letter in a few ways.

Standard cover letters are usually sent when applying for an advertised vacancy and should be tailored to that vacancy. In contrast, a speculative cover letter is sent to apply for a job that has not been advertised.

Standard cover letters need to be highly focused on niche or specialist skills that are outlined in a job description or person specification.

In contrast, a speculative cover letter should:

Give details of your relevant transferable skills
Outline your past work experience
Demonstrate why you would be a good fit for the company

As with any cover letter, a well written speculative cover letter will provide you with the opportunity to engage with the recipient and start building up a positive rapport.

Where possible, try to send your speculative job application to a particular person, rather than a generic department.

If you are not sure of the name of the person you should send your speculative cover letter to, have a look at the employer’s website. Try to find out the name of the manager for the department you are interested in working for.

Alternatively, you could call the HR department to find out the name of the department manager.

Sending your speculative cover letter to a specific person will help to ensure your letter is read by the most appropriate employee or department. It will also show that you have carried out some background research into the company and its current employees.

You can choose to send a speculative cover letter by email or by letter. The advantage of a letter is that it will land on somebody’s desk, making it harder to ignore.

Your speculative cover letter will need to be both engaging and informative.

As you are not writing to apply for one particular job role, you will need to provide an overview of the skills and experience that you have gained so far. A speculative job application aims to show the employer that you are a good all-rounder, not just a specialist in one single area.

Whilst a speculative cover letter is not tailored to a particular job role, it will need to be written specifically for an employer. So, if you are planning to send out more than one speculative job application, you will need to adjust each letter accordingly.

A speculative cover letter will need to include the following information:

A brief outline of the type of job role you would be interested in applying for

Information on your existing skills and experience and how these could be of benefit to the business

An outline of the reasons why you would like to work for the business

A closing summary to reiterate what you would be able to offer to the business

An assertive, confident call to action to end the letter; for example, ‘I look forward to hearing from you soon’, instead of, ‘I hope to hear from you soon’

When writing your speculative cover letter, try not to repeat the information contained within your CV.

Don’t forget to include your name, address and contact details (including your mobile telephone number and email address).

If you are unable to find out the specific manager’s name, start your letter with ‘ Dear Sir/Madam ’ and close it with ‘ Yours faithfully ’.

If you have managed to find a named person to send the letter to, you can start your letter with ‘ Dear [Name] ’ and close the letter with ‘ Yours sincerely ’.

Here is an outline of what your speculative cover letter should look like. This speculative cover letter template is for a person who wants to make an application to a legal firm.

Jane Laws 1 The Street Townford TR17 9NQ 01234 567891 [email protected] Mrs D Judge Legal Practice London W3 2QQ Dear Mrs Judge I would like to enquire whether you have any current administrative vacancies within your firm. Please find enclosed my CV, which outlines the experience I have gained during my career to date. Having worked as a legal secretary for the past five years, I have demonstrated my commitment to providing high-quality legal administration services. I have a sound working knowledge of industry terminology and legal working practices. I am proud that my dedication and commitment to my work has been recognised through a recent nomination for the Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs ‘Legal PA of the Year Award’. My experience to date has been gained through working for two small legal practices. While this has been both challenging and enjoyable, I would like to develop my skills and experience further in a fast-paced, busy role. I understand your company is one of the largest legal practices in London with continuing plans for growth, making it the ideal place to pursue my future career objectives. As an administrative worker for your firm, I would strive to support your partners with high-quality secretarial support. I am a competent typist with a keen eye for detail and a proven ability to cope under pressure at all times. I would be delighted to have the opportunity to discuss my application with you in further detail. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours sincerely Jane Laws

After you post your speculative cover letter, you will need to be patient. You probably won’t hear anything straight away but, hopefully, the recipient of your letter will be in touch to discuss job vacancies you may be suitable for.

If you still haven’t heard anything back within two weeks, it is advisable to follow up with the employer directly, to check that they have received your letter.

If they say that they haven’t received it, ask them whether they would be happy for you to re-send it over to them. At this point, you could find out whether they would be happy for you to send it by email, as they will know to look out for it in their inbox.

Even if the manager says that there are no suitable vacancies available at the moment, you could still ask them to provide you with constructive feedback on your speculative job application. This will help you to improve any speculative applications you make in the future.

Step 1 . Do Your Research

Find out as much as you possibly can about the business you are planning to write to. For example:

What is their mission statement?
What are their values?
What product or service do they provide?
Who are their customers?
Who are their main competitors?
How many people do they employ?
What are the must-have skills for employees?

The company website is a good place to start. You could also browse through relevant social media pages, press releases and industry-specific content like blogs or newsletters.

Use the information that you find to help you write your speculative job application. For example, if you already have a particular qualification or skill that they want all of their employees to have, make sure this is clearly stated within your application.

Or, if you find out that they are planning to expand or acquire another company, let them know if this is a process you have had experience with in the past.

Step 2 . Keep Your Speculative Cover Letter Short and Professional

It is important to keep your speculative cover letter short and to the point . Keep the content succinct and focused – doing so will help to ensure the recipient reads it and digests the information it contains.

A letter that is too long will probably end up in the waste paper bin before it has even been read.

To ensure your letter makes a good first impression, set it out formally, use an easy-to-read font (such as Calibri or Arial, size 11 or 12) and write a maximum of five short paragraphs.

Step 3 . Proofread

When making speculative job applications, your cover letter is the one opportunity you have to make a good impression. If the text is littered with spelling and grammar errors, this is unlikely to make the manager want to call you to discuss a potential job opening.

Make sure you proofread your letter thoroughly, and ask a friend or family member to check through it too.

If you are looking for ways to progress your career, there is no need for you to wait for the perfect job vacancy to be advertised online.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by sending out a speculative job application. After all, your employer of choice could be just waiting for somebody with your skills and experience to make contact with them.

By sending a speculative job application to your preferred employers, you will show them that you are confident, enthusiastic and willing to go the extra mile to achieve your career objectives.

Don’t forget, a speculative cover letter aims to show the employer why you would be a great addition to their existing team. Ensure your application gives an overview of your existing qualifications, skills and experience, and how this could help the business to achieve its goals.

You might also be interested in these other Wikijob articles:

How to Write a Cover Letter? (Examples & Cover Letter Tips)

Or explore the Application Advice / Job Applications sections.

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How To Write A Speculative Cover Letter With Template

Wondering how to write a speculative cover letter?

A speculative CV with an accompanying cover letter is a way of connecting with employers when they’re not advertising vacancies.

Speculative applications can have great results, and can also be an effective way of getting internships or work placements .

Lots of positions are filled without ever being advertised, so a speculative letter could be your way in.

Here’s how to write a speculative cover letter that strikes the right tone and helps you get your foot in the door.

We’ve also written a speculative cover letter template to show how to format and write your letter – this can be found at the bottom of the blog.

Start by researching thoroughly

Once you’ve found an organisation you’d like to work for, the first thing to do is research it thoroughly .

Find out everything you can about the organisation, its staff and the wider industry it operates in.

Most of the information you’ll need will be readily available from online sources, including:

The organisation’s website
Press releases published by the organisation
Its LinkedIn page and social media profiles
News articles relating to the organisation
Industry-specific publications, newsletters or blogs
Review sites like Glassdoor

The more knowledge you can arm yourself with, the better you’ll be able to work out how your skills, experience and interests could benefit the organisation, and how you’ll be the perfect fit for the company.

And remember, when writing a speculative cover letter, accuracy is key.

Misspelling the name of the organisation, its products or services or the addressee (ultimately the decision maker) could spell disaster for your speculative letter.

Know who you’re talking to

Research the organisation’s staff list carefully to find out who to address your letter to. This may be:

The managing director, if it’s a smaller firm
A head of department
The hiring manager
A member of the HR department

It’s absolutely crucial that you address the letter to a specific person. ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ or ‘To whom it may concern’ won’t score you any points, especially if they have their name in their email address.

Mention early on or at the end of the letter that you’ve attached your CV to the email, to encourage the reader to look at this after the cover letter.

Strike the right tone

It can be hard to judge how to write a speculative cover letter and what tone to use. In our opinion, it’s best to opt for a formal tone. You don’t know the person, so don’t be over-familiar.

Open with ‘Dear [person’s name]’, and avoid any informal chit-chat like ‘I hope you had a good weekend’. Keep your tone friendly but professional throughout, and close with ‘Yours sincerely’.

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Don’t apologise

You might think sending a speculative CV and cover letter will come across as pushy or presumptuous – but hiring managers are unlikely to see it that way.

Don’t be tempted to start with something apologetic like ‘I hope you don’t mind me contacting you unsolicited’.

There’s no need to apologise – a speculative application is evidence that you’re enthusiastic and proactive , rather than arrogant.

Get straight to the point

If you’re wondering about how to start a speculative cover letter, our top tip would be: get to the point!

Hiring managers are busy – so don’t waste their time. Too many speculative cover letters suffer from long, repetitive introductions, clichéd language and wordy explanations that are unlikely to be read.

Cut to the chase straight away. Say why you’re writing, and demonstrate how you can benefit the organisation with a few key highlights from your CV .

Get that cover letter written by us!

Cover letter, format your cover letter appropriately.

A formally laid out cover letter is likely to have a better chance of succeeding. Put your name, address and the date on the right at the top, and the addressee’s details on the left starting on the line below.

The purpose of a speculative job letter is to get the hiring manager to look at your CV – so give them a reason to read it with three or four solid points straight off the bat.

You could format these as bullet points to make them even easier to read.

Keep paragraphs short and snappy and try to keep your letter to around half a page, and definitely no more than one page.

Focus on the employer

When writing a speculative cover letter, you should say as much (if not more) about the organisation you’re writing to as you do about yourself.

Try not to start every paragraph with ‘I’. You want to communicate what you can do for the organisation and why you want to work there, so try to evidence the knowledge you gained through your research.

What challenges and opportunities is the organisation facing? Try to focus on the person reading the letter and their priorities, and give a few examples from your experience that show how you can meet them.

Avoid the hard sell. Some sources recommend ending with something like ‘I’ll be calling you next week to schedule an interview’, but this pushy approach may backfire.

End simply by expressing that you’d like the opportunity to continue the conversation. Specify how the hiring manager can contact you (by phone or at your email address, for example) followed by ‘I look forward to hearing from you’.

As always, check, check and check again for typos and grammatical errors. Get someone else to proofread it for you if you can.

If you don’t hear anything within a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to follow up by email or phone . This will show perseverance and a real desire to work for the organisation.

It’s also an opportunity to ask for constructive feedback if you weren’t successful.

Speculative cover letter template

Below is an annotated speculative cover letter example to give you an idea of how to format and write the letter:

How to write a speculative cover letter: a summary

A speculative application can be a great way to engage with an organisation, and could get you one step closer to your dream job.

Even if the employer doesn’t have your perfect role open immediately, it could put you on their radar as someone to contact in the future.

We hope our guide has given you a better idea of how to write a speculative cover letter.

Remember, a cover letter acts as the bait to get hiring managers to read your CV – so make sure your accompanying CV is as good as it can be!

Need help crafting a kickass CV? Our tailor-made CVs showcase your best bits and set you head and shoulders above the job market competition. Find out more .

Want to know more about how to write a good standard cover letter? Go back to basics with these principles. You can see some examples of cover letters here , including a speculative cover letter example.

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How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter

You may have spotted an employer that you’d love to work for, but they’re not currently hiring for any position that fits with your aspirations. Speculative applications can have great results, especially for those wanting to get an internship, work placement, apprenticeship or graduate job. You’ll need to be engaging, expressive and able to confidently discuss your skill to really have an effect.

Why Send a Speculative Cover Letter?

If you’re looking for a job within a competitive industry, you may need to be proactive with your job searches and job application as not all roles are formally advertised. Plus, if there’s a company that you think could provide you with your dream job, why not give it a shot? A speculative CV with an accompanying cover letter is a great way of connecting with recruiters or potential employers when they’re not advertising vacancies.

How to Start a Covering Letter

Before you think about sitting down and writing your covering letter, you’ll need to research the company. Even if you know a lot about the company, you’ll want to brush up on your knowledge in order to create a good cover letter.

Find out everything you can about the organisation, including its staff and also the wider industry they operate within.

Take a look through their website and also look for press releases as well as related news article to really find out what’s happening at their organisation. Make sure you look at their social media profiles and also look on websites such as Glassdoor for staff reviews on working there.

The more knowledge you have to start with, the easier it will be to write your covering letter. It’s this knowledge that will enable you to connect your skills, experience and interests to their company.

What to Include and what not to Include

The general formatting of a speculative letter will be relatively similar to a standard cover letter:

Start with personal information such as your name, address and contact details. You should never include your national insurance number or bank details on your cover letter.
Include information to your social media platforms such as Linkedin. There should be crucial information about your work experience on there and it will also enable them to get a better indication of your interests through shared articles and endorsed skills.
Include the manager’s name if you have it, but if you don’t just use Dear Sir/Madam.
Within the first paragraph, you should outline what type of role you’re looking for, and why you want to work for that particular company.
The second paragraph should explain more about the skills you possess and any experience you have that could be of interest to them. There is no job description so you’ll have to be inventive on how your skill set may apply to their business.
The closing paragraph is the last chance for you to make an impression. You need to tell them exactly why you’d be perfect for the company and what you could potentially contribute. If there isn’t an open job, why should they open one for you? what do you have that is different? this doesn’t always have to be your skills, genuine passion for the company and their values could be enough.
To close the covering letter, thank them for their time and sign-off the cover letter with ‘Yours faithfully’)

The final thing to mention here is that you must ensure there are no spelling mistakes. This involves specific person names, product names and relations to the company especially. You can use a spell checker or Grammarly for the checking of punctuation and spelling, but they may not pick up branded names so you’ll need to double-check.

Get to the Point, Set your Tone & Don't Apologise

You might think that sending a speculative application and cover letter could come across as pushy or presumptuous by the receiver. In most cases this couldn’t be any further from the truth, HR teams are often impressed by this process as it shows passion, confidence and forthcomingness. It’s also worth mentioning that recruiting can be a timely and expensive process, so someone coming forth is a great way for them to avoid this.

What you absolutely shouldn’t do is open with anything apologetic such as ‘I hope you don’t mind me contacting you’. You need to be confident that you’re offering them something of value and apologising for contacting them doesn’t give that impression. A speculative application is verification that you’re an enthusiastic and proactive individual, rather than arrogant or presumptuous.

The best start to a speculative cover letter is one that gets straight to the point. HR teams and managers are busy people so avoid long-winded introductions and ones that are copied off the internet as they’ll have read it ten times already.

Quickly explain why you’re writing to them. Don’t just explain, demonstrate how you can benefit their company with key highlights from your CV. Keep to a formal layout and ensure all the points in the ‘What to Include and what not to Include’ section are covered. Make a mental note to keep the information condensed.

By now you’re likely wondering, how many words should a cover letter be? There really is no golden number, it’s about how many words it takes to really sell your worth to the company. The general guidelines are to stick to around half a page and definitely no more than one page.

We hope our guide has given you the knowledge you need to go and write an amazing speculative cover letter that lands you the position you desire. Remember the cover letter is the bait to get the HR team to read your CV, so make sure your CV is as good as your covering letter!

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Engineering Cover Letter Example (W/ Templates & Tips for 2024)

The days you solved puzzles and tinkered with gadgets are long gone.

You've always had a knack for engineering, and now you’re turning your passion into a career.

But as you’re applying for your next gig, you’re having trouble writing your engineering cover letter.

No worries.

Whether you’re an entry-level engineer who doesn’t know the basics of writing cover letters or a seasoned professional who’s not good at putting their professional experience into words, we’ve got your back.

In this article, we're going to guide you through the process of creating a perfect engineering cover letter, one step at a time.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Professional Engineering Cover Letter Example
5 Simple Steps to Craft an Impressive Engineering Cover Letter
3 Essential Engineering Cover Letter Tips

Let’s dive in!

Engineering Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Engineering Cover Letter

You've seen what a great cover letter looks like, and now it's time to create your own .

It's as simple as the following steps, starting with:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Start your engineer cover letter with your contact information, just like you would on your resume . Here's what you should include:

Full Name: Place your complete name at the top of the page.
Job Title: List the exact job title required by the specific engineering position you're applying for (e.g. “Electrical Engineer”). Clarity here helps streamline the hiring process.
Email Address: Opt for a professional and straightforward email address, typically a combination of your first and last name.
Phone Number: Ensure your phone number is accurate, including the dialing code if applying for positions abroad.
Location: Mention your city and state or country. If you're open to remote work or relocating, make that clear on your engineering resume.
Relevant Links (optional): Include any pertinent websites or social media profiles, such as LinkedIn.

Next, it's time to provide the hiring manager's information:

Company Name: Specify the company you're applying to.
Hiring Manager's Name: Whenever possible, identify the hiring manager for the department you're interested in. Research the job ad, the company's website, or LinkedIn for this information.
Hiring Manager's Title: If you find that the hiring manager for this specific job ad holds a department head role, use that title instead of just "Hiring Manager."
Location: Include the city and state or country, particularly for globally operating companies. You can also add the company's street address for precision.
Email Address (optional): If available, include the hiring manager's email address.
Date of Writing (optional): Consider adding the date you composed your cover letter for that extra touch of professionalism.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've included all the necessary contact information in your engineer cover letter, it's crucial to address it to the right person.

For starters, avoid the generic and dated "To Whom It May Concern."

Giving some thought to how you address the cover letter can make a positive impression on the hiring manager. Here's how to do it:

Start by doing some research. Check the job posting, the company's website, or their LinkedIn profiles to identify the hiring manager for the department you're interested in. This way, you can find their name and email address.

Next, address them formally. Consider using "Ms." or "Mr." followed by their last name. If you're unsure about their gender or marital status, you can simply use their full name. For example:

Dear Mr. Rodriguez,
Dear Taylor Anderson,

In cases where you can't find specific information about the hiring manager or the head of the engineering department, you can address your letter to the department or the company in general:

Dear Engineering Department,
Dear Engineering Hiring Team,
Dear Human Resources Recruitment Team,
Dear Head of Engineering Services,

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers typically spend around seven seconds reviewing a candidate's application before deciding whether to continue reading it. This means your opening paragraph is your chance to grab the hiring manager’s attention and get them to read your cover letter.

Begin by introducing yourself and expressing your genuine interest in the role. Demonstrating your passion for the engineering field or the specific job can capture the hiring manager's attention.

Researching the company is also essential. The more you learn about the employer, the better you can talk about how you’d fit with the company culture. This conveys to the hiring manager that your application is not random; you're genuinely enthusiastic about this particular position.

Depending on your experience level, you can also start your cover letter by highlighting a significant achievement or showcasing the skills that make you an ideal fit for the role.

However, keep this paragraph concise to ignite the hiring manager's curiosity and encourage them to explore the details in your cover letter further.

Check out our other cover letter examples to write an inspired opening paragraph.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

You’re meant to use the body of your cover letter to talk in detail about why you are the perfect candidate for the position.

The key here is to avoid rehashing your engineering resume . This is where you can talk in more detail about skills and achievements you didn’t have space for on your resume.

Your mission is to persuade the hiring manager that you are the standout choice among a sea of applicants. To achieve this, you can highlight a couple of your most notable engineering achievements, and elaborate on the skills that helped you and the positive results your work has had.

Customizing your cover letter to align with the job posting is essential. Spotlight the specific skills the company is seeking and articulate how you can make valuable contributions to their team. For instance, if you're aiming for a position in a tech-focused engineering firm, emphasize your tech-related proficiencies rather than unrelated experiences.

Demonstrating your familiarity with the company, its business model, or its industry can be a tremendous asset. If you possess knowledge of the company's products or services, ensure it's mentioned in your cover letter to convey your alignment with their mission and corporate culture.

To keep this important cover letter part perfect, avoid these common cover letter mistakes at all costs.

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Concluding your cover letter professionally is just as important as starting on the right note.

Your goal is to leave a positive, lasting impression on the hiring manager and reinforce their confidence in your suitability for the engineering role.

In the conclusion, confidently reiterate why you are an excellent fit for the engineer position or highlight the skills that you believe distinguish you from other applicants.

Then, you can optionally include a call to action. Encouraging the hiring manager to take the next step, such as arranging a conversation to explore your application further, can enhance your chances of securing an interview.

Last but not least, conclude with a signature line. Choose something personal but still professional, followed by your full name. Here's an example:

Please don’t hesitate to contact me using the provided email or phone number to schedule a discussion. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to delve deeper into my application at your earliest convenience.

Best wishes,

If you feel that "Best wishes" is overused, consider these alternative sign-off options:

Kind regards,
Respectfully yours,
Thank you for your consideration,

Simply choose the sign-off that aligns with your style and the tone of your engineering cover letter.

3 Essential Engineering Cover Letter Tips

You've covered the fundamentals, and now it's time to elevate your engineering cover letter with some cover letter tips .

Here are our top three:

#1. Match Your Resume

If you're truly committed to landing the gig, your job application needs to look as good as it reads.

Make certain that the formatting and layout of your engineering cover letter align seamlessly with your resume. This will not only show off your sense of professionalism but also highlight your attention to detail.

Ensure that your text and contact information are neatly arranged on the page, maintain uniform font styles and sizes, and set the right margins and line spacing to keep your cover letter on a single page.

This can set you apart from other candidates and underscore your genuine dedication to the position.

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

As an engineer, you likely have better things to do than create a matching cover letter and resume.

There’s a solution to this.

Try out our free resume templates to create the perfect engineering resume.

Then, pick a cover letter template that matches it visually to save time and effort.

Our templates are created in collaboration with hiring managers around the world, which means they hit industry standards right on the mark. You save time and get a matching cover letter for your resume that looks absolutely professional. Sweet deal, isn’t it?

#2. Emphasize Your Achievements

Highlighting your achievements in your engineering cover letter is a smart move.

It's not just about listing them, though; it's about showing how they make you the ideal candidate for the job. This helps hiring managers see the value you can bring to their team.

So, be sure to integrate your achievements seamlessly into your cover letter, connecting them to the role you're pursuing. This way, you'll leave a lasting impression of your capabilities.

#3. Keep It Relevant

In your engineering cover letter, being concise is key.

It's not about overwhelming the hiring manager with lengthy paragraphs; it's about providing relevant information efficiently. Employers appreciate cover letters that get to the point and directly address the qualifications and skills that make you a great fit for the job.

So, keep it relevant, and you'll make a strong and lasting impression.

Key Takeaways

Here you go!

Now, you're all set to craft the ideal engineering cover letter and secure that role you've been eyeing.

For clarity, let's revisit the key takeaways:

Ensuring your engineering cover letter aligns with your resume provides a cohesive, professional appearance. Consider using a resume and cover letter builder for the seamless creation of both documents.
Organize your cover letter with a captivating opening, followed by detailed elaboration. Utilize the main section to emphasize your engineering skills, past projects, and why you're the perfect fit for the role.
Review the job listing for specific engineering skills and relevant keywords. By aligning with the employer's expectations, you'll stand out and make a lasting impression.
Never underestimate the importance of proofreading. A small oversight might jeopardize your chance, so double-check for errors before submission.

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Speculative Cover Letter

A cover letter is a bit like your personal statement on a UCAS application, but for a job. A speculative cover letter is the same, apart from it’s sent as part of a speculative application, along with your CV.

It’s a real chance to show yourself off to potential employers and demonstrate how your skill set fits their company.

This is therefore an opportunity to show yourself off in the best way possible and as open-endedly as possible – because you’re not applying for a particular job, you need to show how versatile you are as a candidate and highlight your key skills so that the company can look for places where you could add to their organisation. Tricky, huh?!

‘We never go out of style…’

There are some style rules that are pretty important when doing this. Because this is a speculative application, you need to make sure that your application is not going to be thrown out straight away.

What it therefore has to be is concise and interesting, well laid out and containing no spelling or grammar errors. Check, check and check again. You don’t want to lose out on the job of your dreams because you forgot to capitalise the name of the company you’re applying for.

Three or four paragraphs should be more than enough to show how great you are without boring your reader!

Keep good company…

Because you’re not applying for a specific role, you need to be extra keen on showing why the company appeals to you and how you’d be a good fit. Do your research! What is it in particular that attracts you to the company?

You need to also make sure that the tone of your letter is matched to that of the company – if it’s a formal, traditional organisation then match the phrasing of your cover letter to suit that – don’t go using colloquialisms and smiley faces!

Be content…

So what goes into the actual letter? First off, if it’s possible, find out the name of the person who this letter will go to – using someone’s name is far more likely to endear you to him or her than the standard Dear Sir/Madam.

It’s a simple trick, but one which you should always employ. Make sure the first paragraph outlines what you’re currently doing (University, School, etc.) and what you’re looking to do.

The next two paragraphs should highlight your key skills and back these up with relevant examples and references. Making sure that each skill has examples and experiences is a good way of proving that you’re not just making up what you’re good at and also offers you the opportunity to show a diverse range of things you’ve been involved in that might not have quite made the cut for your CV.

‘I open at the close…’

You need to finish off in style as well – saying something like ‘I look forward to your reply’ or ‘Looking forward to hearing from you’ is a good way of making a statement that you are expecting some sort of consideration and shows you are confident in your own abilities.

Your signature should also reflect the way you began your correspondence – if you found out the name of your recipient, then ‘Yours Sincerely’ is the correct way of closing out the letter, whereas if you didn’t, a ‘Yours Faithfully’ should do the trick!

Putting in your contacts…

Make sure you sign off your name and leave a variety of ways to contact you – the company may prefer to do business over the phone or by email, so don’t sell yourself short at the end. Make your signature look professional and you’ll be well on your way to a reply!

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COMPARATIVE

How to write a speculative cover letter

If you’ve just left school or college and you’ve decided to make a go of it in the working world, finding your way onto the first rung of the career ladder can be tough.

A speculative cover letter can be a good way to get your name in front of an employer and show them your enthusiasm. The main aim is to convince them that you would be an asset to their company and that they would reap the benefits if they took you on.

A speculative application is also about creating opportunities – even if you don’t know what those opportunities are yet. And while employers might not invite you in for interview straight away, they might be able to recommend some training, offer you unpaid work experience , or at least give you some useful pointers.

1. Address it to the right person

This is crucial. Why? Partly, because it shows you care enough to do your homework. If your speculative cover letter is going to be taken seriously, you need to show your reader that you’re not just sending out the same letter to company after company in the hope that the numbers game will pay off. It’s about the impression you create.

It’s also important because you do actually need to get your cover letter in front of the person (or people) calling the shots. That means someone who cares about the future of the business, who wants to take on talented young people who might require some training, but who will excel and give back to the company in the long run.

This will depend on the company:

If it’s a small company, find out the name of the CEO or founder.
If it’s a big company, send it to the hiring manager.
If you’re interested in working in a particular area of the company, find out who heads up that department and address it to them.

You might need to make a phone call to get this information. Nerve-wracking as this may seem, it can be a great way to get yourself noticed and remembered, especially if you’re able to speak to the person directly. You’ll also show that your determined and proactive, qualities that employers prize.

Finally, the employer will be more likely to give your application proper attention if they’ve talked to you, like you, and are expecting it.

Ask for a direct email address but don’t push too hard if the person you speak to is unwilling to give it out. Just put “FAO [name]” at the top of the message body when you email in your speculative application.

2. Get the basics right

Treat your speculative cover letter as a piece of work – the first the employer will be receiving from you. Getting the basics right shows professionalism and pride in your work, and makes an impression about the kind of employee you would be. The content might be great, but if it’s sloppily presented, you’ll turn people off.

Crossing the Ts and dotting the Is is crucial, so take a look at our guide to what makes a good cover letter . Here are some key reminders:

Sign your letter off “Yours sincerely” if you include the addressee’s name. If you’re unable to get it, sign off “Yours faithfully”.
More is less! Keep it as short and snappy as possible. Go through your first draft with a fine-tooth comb and chop any repetition or waffle.
Use our template to make sure your cover letter looks professional.

3. Find the right tone

This is a tough one, especially in a speculative cover letter. You should aim to be professional and formal, but not stuffy or pompous.

It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills , which isn’t the same thing as showing off the breadth of your vocabulary. While your writing shouldn’t be patronising, it should be possible for a 14-year-old to understand.

Finally, you should check the company website to see what their own tone is like. If they’re a fresh, youthful-sounding start-up, you could maybe drop the formality a notch, without lapsing into chattiness. If they’re a fairly traditional company, however, stick with the usual formal style.

4. Decide what you’re applying for

Although a speculative application should keep your options open by being broad, you need to tailor it to the kind of work you’re interested in and capable of.

If you’re applying for a small company which specialises in one particular area of work – such as running social media platforms for other companies or making mobile apps – this will be relatively straightforward.

However, if you want (say) an engineering job and are applying to a large engineering company with lots of departments, you need to make clear what specific line of work you’re applying for. Don’t make your application wishy-washy by trying to encompass everything. If the reason you’re applying is because they’re a civil engineering company and you want to be a civil engineer, you don’t need to appeal to the HR team, the communications department and the finance team as well.

On the other hand, don’t be unrealistically specific either. Many paths lead in the same direction, so don’t give the impression that you’ll only settle for your ideal job description.

5. Show them what you have to offer

It’s really important not to make your speculative cover letter too much about you. Remember, they haven’t asked for it, and what they really need to know if they’re going to take you seriously is what you have to offer them. Having already spent time reading your cover letter, why should they invest even more in speaking to you?

You’re making a speculative application because you want to work in the area of work they specialise in. Don’t just list your skills, experience and qualifications, relate them to the company’s activities and demonstrate how you can help them achieve their goals for the future.

6. Do your research

Closely related to the last point, make sure you know who you’re contacting.

Find out about the company’s ethos, values and what they are trying to achieve. Do they have any ethical objectives?

If “a spirit of excellence” is a core value, don’t just say “I also believe in excellence”. Try to be more subtle, and use evidence to back up your claim. Give a brief example which shows how you always go the extra mile to achieve the best you possibly can.

Don’t refer to the company’s values for the sake of it. They won’t believe you if you try to convince them you're made in the mould of the company, but they do need to see that you want to work with them because you share the same broad principles, not because you’re after any old job.

Make sure you’re accurate. The worst thing you can do is make a silly mistake like spelling the company’s or addressee’s name wrong, or missing out their key value while mentioning all the others.

7. Don’t be pushy

Don’t sign off “I expect to hear from you by the end of the week”. This kind of approach comes across as rude, sends all the wrong signals and will just ruffle people’s feathers.

Be polite and gentle while showing your enthusiasm – “I very much look forward to hearing from you” should suffice.

8. Follow up

Although pushiness is to be avoided, you should make sure your application is being looked at. When you email it off, ask for confirmation that it has been received.

If you don’t hear back within a week, make a polite phone call and ask again if your application was received. If so, ask whether you can expect a reply and when that is likely to be so you’re not waiting on tenterhooks.

No speculative application is complete without an outstanding CV – check out our guide and make sure yours is top notch .

You might also like...

How to fill out an application form

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How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter – Tips and Examples

Do you know the trick to flood your inbox with a job offer? Yes, you heard it right. There are tricks for receiving job offers from your desired designation and company. All you need to do is – think a bit out of the box for the job you want.

This approach does not work for everyone. But sometimes, sending resumes randomly to every company isn’t going to work. You need to have a speculative cover letter that makes you win the job.

It’s time to reveal the trick, that is – speculative cover letter! Wait, do not worry and panic about what is it and how to create it. This article by CustomCv.co.uk will guide you each and everything about it.

Take the tips from our expert cover letter writers to know the basics of creating a speculative cover letter to its technicities. It will include the entire fundamentals, its meaning, purpose, and how to write a good speculative letter step by step to impress your employer.

The magic of speculative cover letters works so extensively that it helps you in grabbing jobs that are not even publicly announced or disclosed. It is an incredibly useful cover letter that you can write in just five minutes after thoroughly reading this article.

A speculative cover letter is sent along with a CV, written with a particular designation in mind. They are more tailor to your desired company you want to work for by selling your skills, experience, and potential.

A speculative application basically means that you are getting in touch with your desired firm where you want to do a job by asking them that whether they have a suitable vacancy for you or not.

Tips to Write An Impressive Speculative Cover Letter

Without a further delay, we are throwing a top six tips to write an impressive speculative cover letter:

Use the perfect speculative cover letter format:

It is highly suggested to use the appropriate standard cover letter format while writing a speculative cover letter, for example:

The line spacing should be single or 1.15 and out the uniform space among all the paragraphs.
Fix the full page at one- inch margin.
The font size should be 12 to be readable enough.
The cover letter’s content should be concise and engaging that should not exceed more than one page.

Create a professional header:

All relevant information should be included like name, contact number, residential address, and email address. It should be right-aligned, including the date with the format dd/mm/yy.
After that, write all the relevant information of the addressee’s with that person’s name in the left alignment.

Start with a personal greeting and compelling introduction:

Since in a speculative cover letter you are telling your favorite firm that you are interested in serving them so it should be appealing to your employer by grasping their attention and make your reader hungrier to read, for example:

It should start with dear along with the hiring manager name.
Declare the designation or the job role you may be interested in.
Show your passion and compassion for the industry you are targeting. It should have the potential to flatter your employer so they may shortlist you as a dedicated employee.
Highlight your impressive professional achievement that served as a hook to your reader, such as increasing the sales revenue, making a saving and beating a company target.

Do not try or not even think to copy-paste the letter as it looks vague and fails to compels your reader and your employer to directly dispose of your cover letter to the spam folder.

Show you are a potential candidate:

The best way to show that you are dedicated and the best fit for their organization, so you need to do in-depth research or dip deeper. Suppose you have this information about the company. Find out the organization name, mission, and vision, staff, and swots of the company. In that case, it definitely illustrates you as a dedicated employee that will be the best fit for the company.

Say thank you and include a call to action:

In the ending paragraph, your speculative cover letter must include thank you in a very good manner because the employer is kind enough to take out their precious time to read it. You should also incorporate more powerful effects by including a call to action so that the employer or the hiring manager can pick up the phone to speak to you.

Finish the cover letter with the professional sign-off:

You are almost at the end step of the speculative cover letter, so do not ruin your all efforts by ending in a wrong manner, for example:

You should sign off with your full name.
The utilization of “your sincerely” is necessary when you know the name of the person. You should use “you’re faithful” if you don’t know the person and his name.
You must incorporate the digital copy of your signature at the end of your letter.
If cover letter is sent as the body of an email, put your contact details below your signature.

Speculative Cover Letter Sample Template:

Speculative Cover Letter Example Sample Template

Here is an example of a speculative cover letter annotated as a sample. This tells how to write an impressive cover letter through which the hiring manager considers you as the best fit for the vacancy.

You have write your appropriate address on the top of the letter using right alignment.
Put the complete address of the organization using left alignment just below your address.
Use the right name of the person, if you don’t know the person’s name so use hiring manager or the recruiter.
Start with personal greeting and compelling introduction that act as Hooke to the hiring manger.
These are the body paragraphs. In body paragraph you have to get to the point directly. This tells how you can benefit to the company through your skills, experience and interest that makes you best fit for the company.
This is the ending paragraph. Ending of your letter must tell that you are eagerly waiting for their opportunity or call back.
Sign off with your sincerely or (your faithfully in case you don’t know the person name) accompanied with your signature.

Summary: How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter with Example

Concisely, the speculative cover letter has the potential to widen your job-seeking horizons and let you access the job, which isn’t being advertised publicly. But you can get it if you follow the details mentioned earlier and the tips.

Now we sum up the tips mentioned above that utilization of the standard format and rules is necessary. The introduction should be compelling, and the ending should be in a very kind way. It is compulsory to show that you are well-versed with the organization’s research and do not be vague in your writing. You should sign off properly and formally by incorporating the call to action effect and thank you in a very formal way.

Here at CV Writings , we want you to avail amazing job opportunities. So, whenever you require a job from your desired firm. Remember these key points or get help from our professionals to write every Cover Letter for as little as £20.

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Speculative cover letter

Not all roles are formally advertised, and this is where speculative cover letters come in useful. With the help of our speculative cover letter example, you can create your own opportunities

Speculative approaches can be a great way of getting your foot in the door in competitive industries. They demonstrate dedication and a proactive nature and can give you an early start on your competition.

In the opening paragraph of a speculative cover letter explain what sort of role you're looking for. Then move on to show you've done your research by explaining why you're attracted to the company.

Next you need to talk about the skills and experience you have gained that are relevant to the company and the type of role you're looking for. It's best to show that you're an all-rounder so don't restrict yourself by focusing on one skill or area.

Finally, end on a positive note. Thank them for taking the time to read your application and that you look forward to hearing from them soon.

Please be aware that this is an example. Use this cover letter template to help generate ideas and structure your own document but avoid copying and pasting. Your cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for.

Anika Nawar 42 The Grove Grovetown CQ55 1WX [email protected] 07788123123

Julia Corning Graduate manager Media Company Business Shed Enterprise Street London SE1 J99

5th May 2023

Dear Ms Corning

I am a second-year media design student who is looking to gain some industry experience. I would like to do a summer placement/internship with Media Company and am writing to you to see what opportunities there are.

I know Media Company has a strong reputation in the industry. I was particularly attracted by the work you did for X Communications, which I came across during research for a university project. Your designs caught my eye and your understanding of the UX made our project flow well - and helped us achieve top marks for our year.

My website www.anikanawar.co.uk shows the range of my work, including a project for sportXperience.

As you can see from my CV I have attended industry events including:

New Designers (Part 2) at the Business Design Centre, London, June 2022
Young Designers Workshop Series, Manchester, 2020-2022
Web Design Industry Masterclass, London 2021

These were a great opportunity to network with peers and meet industry experts.

Along with a group of other students, I have been instrumental in setting up a blog www.webX.com . We have run two online student events and are currently crowdfunding a live event.

I can offer Media Company my flexibility, excellent time management skills, entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to work hard and learn quickly.

I look forward to having the opportunity to work with you.

Yours sincerely

(Sign your name here)

Anika Nawar

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How to write an effective speculative internship application?

Determine the companies or the organisations that interest you
Prepare your CV
Write and personalise a cover letter
Send your application email
Send a follow-up email
Be careful of your e-reputation: social media is here to help
Bonus: Template of an application email for a speculative internship
Key takeaways

Have you defined the sector of your dreams but cannot find any internship offer that suits you? You may not be able to find the perfect offer, but you can create it yourself! A speculative application shows your interest in a company. Your speculative application should stand out to show that you have the skills and the experience the company needs. However, a speculative application can be double-edged: sure, you have no direct competitor; however, you are here to create the need, so you must prove that you are exactly what the company needs. Discover how to convince the hiring manager of your qualities and how to appear as the ideal candidate!

1. Determine the companies or the organisations that interest you

For you: to have all the information you need to flesh out your application
For the hiring manager: to check your autonomy in the search and your motivation to join the company

2. Prepare your CV

Training: as a student, the training part is often the longest one. However, do not spend too much time on it: your education attests to your skills, but also to those of every other student in your school. Briefly recall your background, especially if it has brought you technical or personal skills.
Professional experiences: if you are looking for an internship, it means you are still new to the workforce. And this is completely normal! So no need to go back to middle school or to invent experiences. On the contrary, even if you only have one experience, do not hesitate to elaborate on it. Show what it has brought you and how it has trained you.
Technical skills: these "hard skills" are the skills you acquired during your education. You can prove them with your diploma or by demonstrating them in your area of expertise. Unlike what you may think, technical skills are more of a prerequisite than a real asset to stand out for a job: it is normal for a translator to speak English, for an engineer to master CAD and for a trader to decipher market curves.

3. Write and personalise a cover letter

You have done your research on the company. This is the occasion to show your knowledge of the sector! Highlight the specific points that motivated you to write your speculative internship.
You have a lot of things to bring to the company. As you have studied its field of action, you are able to explain how you can be a part of it! Emphasise on your technical and social skills associated with the position you are seeking. Example: you are part of an orchestra, and the company has a partnership with a musical event. Your expertise and your passion will be significant assets! Besides, being a musician in an orchestra entails being serious, available and good at team work. All of these are sought-after values in the professional world!
You create a job offer. Depending on your training and your schedule, you should be able to offer a duration that fits both the company and you. Example: Companies usually hire at the beginning of the quarter (October, January, April.) The education system does not quite follow the same schedule, however you must adapt to that of the company. Capitalise on students’ long summer break: a six-month internship from April to the end of September allows you to have finished your course and allows the company to train a newcomer in the medium term. And maybe this experience could lead to the company hiring you the following quarter!

4. Send your application email

A clear and precise subject: "Speculative application for the position of..." is simple but direct, and clearly states the subject of your email.
Start with: "Dear Sir or Madam,",
End with: "I am very grateful for your consideration of my application/ I look forward to hearing from you to discuss my application in greater detail/Yours sincerely."
A short introduction of your profile: in one sentence, introduce yourself and state clearly what you are looking for. You are here to show your motivation, so go for it! Make the hiring manager want to click on the attachments.
The attachments: an application email should be kept simple and short, so no, your CV and cover letter cannot be put directly in the email. These documents belong to the attachments. Pro tip: do not forget the attachments.

5. Send a follow-up email

Sending a speculative application is not sending a cry for help. You are not at the mercy of your contact within the company, but you should follow up your application regularly. After a week, do not hesitate to politely send a follow-up email to check that your application is in trustful hands. You are not begging for an answer, you are showing your motivation. Even if it does not persuade the hiring manager, at least you will have a contact!

6. Be careful of your e-reputation: social media is here to help

The Internet has been a great help to put together your speculative application; social media will be your best ally to make your profile shine! Nowadays, e-reputation is a crucial tool for hiring managers. First, update your LinkedIn account regularly: the hiring manager will start there. Moreover, for a speculative internship, think about following the LinkedIn account of the company before applying, or the accounts of some employees. This shows that you are already interested. You may also want to follow pages linked to the company’s sector of activity, to gain more global insights and show that you know where to look. Finally, do not hesitate to interact with relevant content, like it, comment on it, share it... On the other hand, make sure that your personal accounts are private, and that only events that make you look more attractive can be found online.

7. Bonus: Template of an application email for a speculative internship

"Subject: Speculative application for a position as [job position]" Dear Sir or Madam, I am studying [your training], and I am contacting you to apply as [job position]. Currently at [name of your school/university], I am especially interested in [position field]. I would like to put my skills in [examples of skills] to good use by joining your team. Please find attached my CV and cover letter, [When you are available], I am looking forward to discussing my application with you. Yours sincerely, [Your full name + phone number]

8. Key takeaways

Now you are ready to try and send a speculative application. Sending a speculative application is a very effective way to persuade the employer that you are highly motivated, and it can open a few doors. Your mission: highlight your interest in the company and its field, as well as when you are available for such a position. From prospecting on social media to sending your application email, you must take care of each and every step of your application with dedication. Do not forget: no vacancy in a company does not mean the company is not in need! At Societe Generale, interns are always welcome.

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Sample Cover letter for a placement

[email protected]

07777 777 777

XX September 20XX

Dear recruiter/recruitment team,

Application for 12-month Professional Placement, reference number GEN-11

I was made aware of your industrial placement scheme following discussions over LinkedIn with two of your current placement holders. As a 2 nd Year student of Chemical Engineering at the University of Manchester, I am looking to expand my professional horizons and I believe a placement in your firm would allow me to gain a better grasp of the industry and put my learning into practice. I can offer many of the skills you specify in your essential requirements, as outlined below.

Based on my LinkedIn research, I am conscious that your company puts great emphasis on safety and process efficiency. I feel this is a work ethic I can wholly embrace, as I have had to adjust to good lab practice and economical process design through my Year 1 studies. I was also very encouraged to read your online case study on addressing the ethical sourcing of feedstocks. My volunteer work with Engineers Without Borders has allowed me to see first-hand the societal damage done by processes which go around ethical guidelines, and I would be proud to work for a company which champions good practice in this area.

As mentioned above, I have carefully considered your essential and desirable requirements. Those which I feel are my strongest areas are analytical problem solving, innovative thinking and communicating across multiple levels. The first two were tested during my first year design project, which saw me selecting and rejecting different plant components based on design specifications. This included economic constraints, for which I designed a Pivot Table in Excel to compare and present options to my team. My outreach work as a STEM ambassador with local schools has meant adapting my communication style to fit my audience, be they A-level or primary school pupils. It has also taught me the value of good preparation and organisation, and the application of MS Office packages, also mentioned in your requirements.

Outside academia, I have had the opportunity to develop my team-working and self-motivation through volunteering, both as a class rep at university and with EWB (above). Though I have not yet secured full-time work experience in engineering, I have sought out opportunities to shadow process engineers in the industry. This had to move to online discussions during the COVID-19 pandemic, but I was still able to add to my experience during this time. This has given me valuable insight into the need to adopt more sustainable approaches, as well as needing to get up to speed with new concepts and processes quickly.

In summary, I hope I have shown that I meet the criteria you have set out in your Person Specification, particularly with regard to analytics, innovation and communication. I am confident that a placement in your company would give me the foundation to build my industrial career. I am available for interview online or in person at your convenience, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully,

Getting in touch

Careers Service, The University of Manchester

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COMMENTS

How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter (With Examples)
A brief but professional self-introduction. One or two sentences showing your interest in the company. A clear statement of why you're writing to the employer. Here's an example of a strong speculative cover letter opening statement: Using the department manager's name personalises your speculative cover letter.
3 Speculative cover letter examples [Get hired]
Speculative cover letter examples. Andrew Fennell. Speculative cover letters can be a proactive way to get your foot in the door and find jobs that haven't even been advertised yet. But with so much resting on this application, you need to use the space wisely to explain what type of role you're looking for and what attracted you to their ...
How to write a speculative application (with example)
Here are a few key steps on how to write a speculative application: 1. Identify suitable employers. Begin by considering the employers you wish to contact and identifying your career aims and goals. Think about what industry you want to work in, research relevant organisations, and consider exploring their organisational culture and purpose to ...
How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter That Works
Research the company. 2. Address the right person. 3. Explain your purpose and value. 4. Include a call to action. 5. Proofread and format your letter.
Speculative Cover Letter: Examples and Writing Tips
When writing a speculative cover letter you need to follow the same formatting rules as a standard cover letter. Here's what to do. Set one-inch margins on all sides of the page. Use single or 1.15 line spacing, and put a space between each paragraph. Choose an easily readable font in 11pt to 12pt size.
How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter [With Examples]
Example Speculative Cover Letter. Here is an outline of what your speculative cover letter should look like. This speculative cover letter template is for a person who wants to make an application to a legal firm. Jane Laws 1 The Street Townford TR17 9NQ. 01234 567891 [email protected]. Mrs D Judge Legal Practice London W3 2QQ. Dear Mrs Judge
How to Write Effective Speculative Cover Letter (+ Example)
Here is how to write a speculative cover letter: 1. Make sure your speculative cover letter header is set out right. Your unsolicited cover letter had better look the part when it's first opened. Align to the right your full name, postal address, email, and phone number. Leave a line and add the date of writing.
How To Write a Speculative Cover Letter for an Unlisted Job
With a speculative cover letter, you may determine the requirements by inferring them from social media, press releases, corporate communications and other job listings from the company and the industry. To help you, considering following these steps: 1. Find out what the company may want in their next hire.
How To Write A Speculative Cover Letter With Template
Strike the right tone. It can be hard to judge how to write a speculative cover letter and what tone to use. In our opinion, it's best to opt for a formal tone. You don't know the person, so don't be over-familiar. Open with 'Dear [person's name]', and avoid any informal chit-chat like 'I hope you had a good weekend'.
Speculative cover letters: What you need to know
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 ...
How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter
The general formatting of a speculative letter will be relatively similar to a standard cover letter: Start with personal information such as your name, address and contact details. You should never include your national insurance number or bank details on your cover letter. Include information to your social media platforms such as Linkedin.
How To Write A Speculative Cover Letter(Contains Winning Examples)
An example speculative cover letter for Entry level Software engineer: Dear Hiring Manager, My name is _____, and I am currently looking for entry-level opportunities in the world of software ...
Engineering Cover Letter Example (W/ Templates & Tips for 2024)
Top ↑ Engineering Cover Letter Example 5 Steps for the Perfect Engineering Cover Letter #1. Put Contact Information in the Header #2. Address the Hiring Manager #3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement #4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details #5. Wrap It Up and Sign It 3 Essential Engineering Cover Letter Tips #1.
11+ Best Speculative Cover Letter Examples
Speculative Cover Letter To Recruitment Agency. To Whom Is My Concern, The writing to you in order to inquire about any job openings that might be available or will be available in the near future. It a recent graduate of ___________ and I have extremely interest in working in the field of ___________. I have enclosed my resume for your review ...
Speculative cover letter example (UK cover letter)
Include the situation, task, action and result.] In my spare time I like [insert very brief description of one of your professional or personal interests which aligns with the employer's ethos and/or objectives]. I'd really welcome the chance to discuss how I could drive results for [employer's name]. Kind regards,
Speculative Cover Letter
in Cover Letter. A cover letter is a bit like your personal statement on a UCAS application, but for a job. A speculative cover letter is the same, apart from it's sent as part of a speculative application, along with your CV. It's a real chance to show yourself off to potential employers and demonstrate how your skill set fits their company.
How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter
Just put "FAO [name]" at the top of the message body when you email in your speculative application. 2. Get the basics right. Treat your speculative cover letter as a piece of work - the first the employer will be receiving from you. Getting the basics right shows professionalism and pride in your work, and makes an impression about the ...
How to Write a Speculative Cover Letter
Use the perfect speculative cover letter format: It is highly suggested to use the appropriate standard cover letter format while writing a speculative cover letter, for example: The line spacing should be single or 1.15 and out the uniform space among all the paragraphs. Fix the full page at one- inch margin.
Speculative cover letter
Please be aware that this is an example. Use this cover letter template to help generate ideas and structure your own document but avoid copying and pasting. Your cover letter needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for. Anika Nawar 42 The Grove Grovetown CQ55 1WX [email protected] 07788123123.
Speculative cover letter (The University of Manchester)
Speculative Cover Letter. Once you have identified the company or person who you are going to target, you will need to send a copy of a targeted CV and cover letter written for a speculative approach. The cover letter should be set out formally and include company address, date, your contact details, etc., and should be no longer than one side ...
Speculative Cover Letter Examples: 4 Templates
Subject- Speculative cover letter. [Mention the name of the recipient] [Mention the address of the recipient] [Mention the contact information] Dear [Mention the name of the recipient] I am in the final year of my [mention the degree], expecting a [mention the number]. Always intending to have a career in business, I have taken modules on the ...
Speculative internship application: steps, tips & examples
Summary. Determine the companies or the organisations that interest you. Prepare your CV. Write and personalise a cover letter. Send your application email. Send a follow-up email. Be careful of your e-reputation: social media is here to help. Bonus: Template of an application email for a speculative internship. Key takeaways.
Example cover letter (The University of Manchester)
Example cover letter; Speculative cover letter; Sample Cover letter for a placement. [email protected]. 07777 777 777. XX September 20XX. Dear recruiter/recruitment team, Application for 12-month Professional Placement, reference number GEN-11.
How to write an IT engineer cover letter (with examples)
IT engineer cover letter example To help you learn more about cover letters, here's a sample cover letter for an IT engineer: Richard Smith Birmingham B1 1BL 44 (0)1632 960513 [email protected] 10 June 2024 Mr Dan Brown Wavewood Dear Mr Brown, I would like to apply for the IT Engineer position at your Wavewood, as advertised on the company website. As a skilled IT professional with over five ...
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