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How to apply for unadvertised jobs: the cover letter that opens doors

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Found your perfect company but they are not currently hiring? Apply for unadvertised jobs with this cover letter so you can land your dream role.

When you find that rare company that you really want to work for its a big deal. Whether it is perfect for your first big break or its the ideal organisation to take you up that next rung in your career, the right company can ignite a passion for your future and motivate you to be the best you can be.

But this can all come crashing down when you find that all their positions are filled and there are no current job openings.

So what should you do about this? Sit tight and wait for a position to come available or something else?

In this post we will explore that ‘something else’ you need to do – plus how to make it happen.

Let’s start by tackling the first big question.

Is it worth your time reaching out to an organisation when they don't have any job postings?

The answer to this is a resounding yes and there are three main reasons for this.

Most positions aren’t advertised

It is estimated that 70% of positions are never advertised . This may seem hard to believe at first but when you think a little deeper it becomes obvious why this is the case.

To the outside world it may look like there are no opportunities within a company if their vacancies page is empty but on the inside any or all of these things will actually be happening.

  • People are taking retirement or resigning due to factors such as taking a new job elsewhere, moving to another location, or making a career change.
  • Some will unfortunately be struggling with their role and are about to lose their job or be deployed elsewhere in the organisation.
  • Others will be flying high and are about to be promoted, leaving a gap to be filled behind them.
  • Then there is organisational change that will involve recruitment such as new projects and business being won, products ready to be taken to market, services that need developing, or restructuring of departments and or teams.

Can you see how a timely application from a qualified candidate could be warmly welcomed, eliminating the need to advertise or instruct recruitment consultants and pay their high fees? 

There’s far less competition when you apply for unadvertised jobs

Despite the fact that most jobs never get advertised, most people don’t send speculative applications to companies.

Think about that for a minute.

Your application could be the only one or just one of a handful for a particular opening.

You won’t get lost in the crowd and you will have a much better chance of being considered in the absence of high competition.

You can bypass Applicant Tracking Systems

Most advertised positions will involve adding your details to a company’s Applicant Tracking System.

Whilst these are necessary due to the high volume of applications companies receive today, they can cause serious issues for both the jobseeker and the employer.

Jobseekers need to ensure they submit an ATS friendly resume so they don’t get rejected. If they don’t, employers and recruiters can miss out the best talent just because of design issues.

A speculative application bypasses this and gets straight to the decision makers instead.

Before you rush off though and start reaching out to loads of companies directly, I do have a word of caution.

Don’t apply for unadvertised jobs until you have done this

Whilst a timely application from a qualified candidate will be warmly welcomed, the reverse is also true.

Sending out generic approaches with little thought or research will not get the results that you want and will definitely work against  you.

At best you will be ignored but at worst, they may get irritated which will not help you when there is an advertised vacancy in the future.

Remember, you’re being proactive and trying to ‘sell yourself’ to the company.

To do this effectively you will need to have a good understanding of what the company needs now and provide an answer for a problem they might not currently have (or know they have), but are likely to have in the future.

This all comes down to putting in some research.  Check out their company website, their LinkedIn page, and set up Google alerts for their latest press releases. And don’t forget to reach out to your contacts that may have inside knowledge or even better, a name of someone that could be a mutual acquaintance.

Once you have completed your research, you will be ready to put your killer cover letter together.

The 7 sentence cover letter to use when you apply for unadvertised jobs

The trick to getting this right is having a great balance between selling yourself and using the right tone.

This can be achieved if you follow this formula.

Start with why you are writing to them

These are busy people so you need to get straight to the point to enable them to speed read your application.

Tell them why you want to work specifically for their company 

You need to let them know that you are not desperately sending your resume out to ‘anyone that will have you. ’

“The reasons I want to work here are…” This is where your research is crucial because it proves that you are serious about their company.

Explain what you can offer and why you’re a great fit.

"I offer X years of experience in this particular industry/sector, performing these particular jobs which makes me a great fit to support your organisation and the products/services it delivers."

Give a significant relevant achievement

Be careful to keep this relevant. It doesn't matter how impressive an achievement is, it will have little impact if they can’t see how it could benefit their organisation.

“In particular, one of my biggest achievements to date has been ….. [explain] and I would relish the opportunity to deliver the same results for [their company name].

Point them to your resume

“To gain a quick overview of what my contribution could be, please take a look at my profile on my attached resume.”

You are telling them that your resume has a profile they can speed read plus it will make them curious to take a look.

Add a call to action

“I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about any current or upcoming positions that may be a great fit for my experience.”

Thank them 

“Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to talking with you soon.”

Cover letter sample for how to apply to a company when they are not hiring

So what does this look like in practice then?

To help you put yours together, here is an example of what this looks like as a complete cover letter.

This is based on a Project Manager but you can see how easy it is to adapt to any industry or skill set.

Dear [hiring manager/recruiter’s name]  - you will have gleaned this from your research.

I am writing to enquire about any potential opportunities at [company name] that may fit my skills and experience.

The reason for contacting you specifically is that my research showed that you mainly deal with X projects, which is my main area of interest and expertise.

I offer [insert number of years] years of experience within [name your industry/sector] underpinned by [name specific skills or qualifications].

For example, one of my biggest achievements to date has been the X project where I successfully ….. [explain] and I would relish the opportunity to deliver the same results for [their company name].

To gain a quick overview of what my contribution could be, please take a look at the profile on my attached resume.

I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about any current or upcoming positions that I could make a positive contribution to.

I appreciate how busy you must be so thank you so much for your time and consideration and I look forward to talking with you soon.

Key Takeaways

Companies are constantly recruiting but typically just a few positions actually make it out on to their career pages or get promoted on job sites.

This means that it is a great idea to reach out to potential employers and apply for unadvertised jobs.

However, you must put in the research so that you can explain why you want to work for them and why you would be a great fit, otherwise you may come across as looking desperate.

If you use this cover letter formula, they will want to snap you up before their competition gets the chance to hire you

Author Image

About the Author

Mark Daniel

A global resume writer and career coach, Mark is known for his honest, direct, and hard-hitting advice, helping people manage job applications and succeed at interviews. Now based on the Sunshine Coast in Australia, he is the co-founder of Real Life Career Advice and a prolific publisher, contributing to several industry magazines and his daily career advice blog to his 45,000 LinkedIn followers.

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Written Samples

15 sample cover letters for unadvertised jobs.

Uncovering the hidden job market can be a game-changer in your job search.

Many positions are filled without ever being publicly advertised, leaving savvy job seekers with a golden opportunity to stand out from the crowd.

Sample Cover Letters for Unadvertised Jobs

The key to tapping into this treasure trove of unadvertised roles is a well-crafted cover letter that showcases your unique value proposition and demonstrates your genuine interest in the company.

In this article, we present 15 sample cover letters designed to help you make a lasting impression and secure your dream job, even when it’s not openly advertised.

Sample Cover Letter 1

Subject: Experienced Marketing Manager Seeking New Challenges

Dear [Hiring Manager],

As a seasoned marketing professional with over a decade of experience in brand management and digital marketing, I am excited to express my interest in joining your esteemed organization. Throughout my career, I have consistently delivered innovative marketing strategies that have driven brand awareness, increased customer engagement, and boosted revenue growth.

My expertise spans various facets of marketing, including market research, content creation, social media management, and data analytics. I am particularly skilled in developing and executing integrated marketing campaigns that leverage multiple channels to reach target audiences effectively.

I am drawn to your company’s reputation for excellence and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation. I believe my skills and experience align perfectly with your organization’s values and goals, and I am confident that I can contribute significantly to your marketing efforts.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my expertise can help elevate your brand and drive business growth. Please find attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your dynamic team.

[Your Name]

Sample Cover Letter 2

Subject: Accomplished Sales Professional Seeks New Opportunity

With a proven track record of exceeding sales targets and building long-lasting client relationships, I am writing to express my strong interest in joining your sales team. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to identify new business opportunities, negotiate complex deals, and drive revenue growth.

My experience spans various industries, including [relevant industries], where I have honed my skills in consultative selling, account management, and client retention. I am adept at understanding clients’ unique needs and tailoring solutions that address their pain points effectively.

I am particularly drawn to your company’s stellar reputation in the industry and its commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. I believe my customer-centric approach aligns perfectly with your organization’s values, and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to your continued success.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can help expand your client base and drive sales growth. Please find attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your high-performing sales team.

Best regards,

Sample Cover Letter 3

Subject: Experienced Software Engineer Seeking New Challenge

As a passionate software engineer with over [number] years of experience in developing robust and scalable applications, I am excited to express my interest in joining your innovative technology company. Throughout my career, I have consistently delivered high-quality software solutions that have enhanced user experiences and driven business success.

My expertise spans various programming languages and frameworks, including [relevant languages/frameworks], and I have a proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget. I am particularly skilled in [specific areas of expertise], and I am always eager to learn and adopt new technologies to stay at the forefront of the industry.

I am drawn to your company’s reputation for innovation and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with technology. I believe my skills and experience align perfectly with your organization’s mission, and I am confident that I can contribute significantly to your development efforts.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my expertise can help drive your company’s technology initiatives forward. Please find attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your talented team.

Sample Cover Letter 4

Subject: Experienced Financial Analyst Seeks New Opportunity

With a strong background in financial analysis and a proven track record of driving data-driven decision-making, I am writing to express my keen interest in joining your finance team. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to analyze complex financial data, develop accurate forecasts, and provide strategic recommendations that have helped organizations optimize their financial performance.

My experience spans various industries, including [relevant industries], where I have honed my skills in financial modeling, budgeting, and risk assessment. I am adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and implement effective financial strategies.

I am particularly drawn to your company’s strong financial position and its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of fiscal responsibility. I believe my analytical mindset and attention to detail align perfectly with your organization’s values, and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to your continued financial success.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can help support your financial goals and drive long-term growth. Please find attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your highly respected finance team.

Sample Cover Letter 5

Subject: Experienced HR Professional Seeking New Challenge

As a seasoned human resources professional with over [number] years of experience in talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development, I am excited to express my interest in joining your HR team. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to develop and implement effective HR strategies that have enhanced employee engagement, improved retention, and supported business objectives.

My expertise spans various facets of HR, including recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and employee training and development. I am particularly skilled in fostering positive employee relations and creating inclusive work environments that promote diversity, equity, and belonging.

I am drawn to your company’s reputation as an employer of choice and its commitment to investing in its people. I believe my people-centric approach and passion for employee development align perfectly with your organization’s values, and I am confident that I can contribute significantly to your HR initiatives.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my expertise can help support your talent management strategies and drive organizational success. Please find attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your dedicated HR team.

Sample Cover Letter 6

Subject: Experienced Project Manager Seeks New Opportunity

With a proven track record of successfully leading complex projects from inception to completion, I am writing to express my strong interest in joining your project management team. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to plan, execute, and deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

My experience spans various industries, including [relevant industries], where I have honed my skills in project planning, risk management, stakeholder communication, and team leadership. I am adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify project goals, develop comprehensive project plans, and ensure successful project outcomes.

I am particularly drawn to your company’s reputation for excellence in project delivery and its commitment to continuous improvement. I believe my results-oriented approach and attention to detail align perfectly with your organization’s values, and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to your continued success.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can help drive your projects to success and support your organizational goals. Please find attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your high-performing project management team.

Sample Cover Letter 7

Subject: Experienced Graphic Designer Seeking New Challenge

As a creative and versatile graphic designer with over [number] years of experience in developing visually compelling designs across various media, I am excited to express my interest in joining your design team. Throughout my career, I have consistently delivered innovative design solutions that have enhanced brand identities, engaged target audiences, and supported marketing objectives.

My expertise spans various areas of graphic design, including branding, print design, digital design, and packaging. I am particularly skilled in using Adobe Creative Suite to create visually appealing designs that effectively communicate brand messages and resonate with target audiences.

I am drawn to your company’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of creativity and its commitment to delivering exceptional design work. I believe my passion for design and ability to think outside the box align perfectly with your organization’s values, and I am confident that I can contribute significantly to your design efforts.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can help elevate your brand and support your marketing initiatives. Please find attached my resume and portfolio for your review. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your talented design team.

Sample Cover Letter 8

Subject: Experienced Customer Service Representative Seeks New Opportunity

With a strong track record of delivering exceptional customer service and resolving complex customer issues, I am writing to express my keen interest in joining your customer service team. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to build positive relationships with customers, effectively communicate solutions, and go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.

My experience spans various industries, including [relevant industries], where I have honed my skills in active listening, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. I am adept at handling high-volume customer inquiries across multiple channels, including phone, email, and live chat while maintaining a professional and empathetic demeanor.

I am particularly drawn to your company’s reputation for providing outstanding customer service and its commitment to putting customers first. I believe my customer-centric approach and passion for helping others align perfectly with your organization’s values, and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to your continued success.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can help support your customer service goals and enhance the overall customer experience. Please find attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your dedicated customer service team.

Sample Cover Letter 9

Subject: Experienced Data Analyst Seeking New Challenge

As a data-driven professional with over [number] years of experience in leveraging data to drive business decisions, I am excited to express my interest in joining your data analytics team. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret complex data sets, and provide actionable insights that have helped organizations optimize their operations and improve their bottom line.

My expertise spans various areas of data analytics, including data mining, statistical analysis, data visualization, and predictive modeling. I am particularly skilled in using tools such as [relevant tools/software] to uncover meaningful patterns and trends in data and communicate findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

I am drawn to your company’s reputation for being a data-driven organization and its commitment to leveraging data to drive innovation and growth. I believe my analytical mindset and passion for turning data into insights align perfectly with your organization’s values, and I am confident that I can contribute significantly to your data analytics efforts.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can help support your data-driven initiatives and drive business success. Please find attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your talented data analytics team.

Sample Cover Letter 10

Subject: Experienced Content Writer Seeks New Opportunity

With a proven track record of creating compelling and engaging content across various platforms, I am writing to express my strong interest in joining your content creation team. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to develop content strategies, write captivating copy, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver content that resonates with target audiences and supports business objectives.

My experience spans various industries, including [relevant industries], where I have honed my skills in copywriting, editing, content marketing, and SEO. I am adept at adapting my writing style to suit different audiences and platforms, and I have a keen eye for detail and a commitment to producing high-quality content.

I am particularly drawn to your company’s reputation for creating innovative and impactful content and its commitment to storytelling. I believe my creative mindset and passion for crafting compelling narratives align perfectly with your organization’s values, and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to your continued success.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can help elevate your brand and support your content marketing efforts. Please find attached my resume and writing samples for your review. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your talented content creation team.

Sample Cover Letter 11

Subject: Experienced Event Planner Seeking New Challenge

As a highly organized and creative event planner with over [number] years of experience in planning and executing successful events, I am excited to express my interest in joining your event management team. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to conceptualize, plan, and deliver events that exceed client expectations and create memorable experiences for attendees.

My expertise spans various types of events, including conferences, product launches, corporate meetings, and social events. I am particularly skilled in managing event logistics, negotiating with vendors, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless event execution.

I am drawn to your company’s reputation for producing high-profile and innovative events and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the events industry. I believe my attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and passion for creating unforgettable experiences align perfectly with your organization’s values, and I am confident that I can contribute significantly to your event planning efforts.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can help bring your event vision to life and support your business objectives. Please find attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your talented event management team.

Sample Cover Letter 12

Subject: Experienced Social Media Manager Seeks New Opportunity

With a strong track record of developing and executing successful social media strategies, I am writing to express my keen interest in joining your social media team. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to grow my social media presence, engage target audiences, and leverage social platforms to support marketing objectives and drive business growth.

My experience spans various industries, including [relevant industries], where I have honed my skills in social media management, content creation, community management, and social media analytics. I am adept at using social media tools and platforms to monitor trends, analyze performance metrics, and optimize social media campaigns for maximum impact.

I am particularly drawn to your company’s strong social media presence and its commitment to using social platforms to build meaningful connections with customers. I believe my creative approach to social media and passion for building engaged communities align perfectly with your organization’s values, and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to your continued success.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can help elevate your brand on social media and support your digital marketing efforts. Please find attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your dedicated social media team.

Sample Cover Letter 13

Subject: Experienced Accountant Seeking New Challenge

As a detail-oriented and highly analytical accountant with over [number] years of experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and auditing, I am excited to express my interest in joining your accounting team. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to maintain accurate financial records, ensure compliance with accounting standards, and provide valuable insights to support financial decision-making.

My expertise spans various areas of accounting, including general ledger management, financial statement preparation, tax compliance, and cost accounting. I am particularly skilled in using accounting software such as [relevant software] to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and ensure data accuracy.

I am drawn to your company’s reputation for maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity and its commitment to providing accurate and timely financial information. I believe my strong work ethic, attention to detail, and passion for numbers align perfectly with your organization’s values, and I am confident that I can contribute significantly to your accounting efforts.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can help support your financial operations and contribute to your organization’s success. Please find attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your respected accounting team.

Sample Cover Letter 14

Subject: Experienced Operations Manager Seeks New Opportunity

With a proven track record of optimizing operations, driving process improvements, and leading cross-functional teams, I am writing to express my strong interest in joining your operations team. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to analyze operational processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall performance.

My experience spans various industries, including [relevant industries], where I have honed my skills in operations management, supply chain optimization, inventory management, and project management. I am adept at collaborating with stakeholders across different functions to align operational strategies with business objectives and drive continuous improvement.

I am particularly drawn to your company’s commitment to operational excellence and its focus on delivering high-quality products and services to customers. I believe my strategic mindset, problem-solving skills, and passion for driving results align perfectly with your organization’s values, and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to your continued success.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can help optimize your operations and support your business goals. Please find attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your high-performing operations team.

Sample Cover Letter 15

Subject: Experienced Business Development Manager Seeking New Challenge

As a results-driven business development professional with over [number] years of experience in identifying new business opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and driving revenue growth, I am excited to express my interest in joining your business development team. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to develop and execute effective business development strategies that have expanded market share, increased customer acquisition, and boosted profitability.

My expertise spans various industries, including [relevant industries], where I have honed my skills in market research, lead generation, relationship building, and contract negotiation. I am particularly skilled in identifying untapped market opportunities, developing compelling value propositions, and closing complex deals.

I am drawn to your company’s reputation for innovation and its commitment to driving sustainable business growth. I believe my strategic thinking, persuasive communication skills, and passion for building long-term partnerships align perfectly with your organization’s values, and I am confident that I can contribute significantly to your business development efforts.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can help drive your business growth and support your strategic objectives. Please find attached my resume for your review. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your dynamic business development team.

A well-written cover letter is a powerful tool for tapping into the hidden job market and securing your dream role, even when it’s not openly advertised.

By showcasing your unique value proposition, demonstrating your genuine interest in the company, and aligning your skills and experience with the organization’s needs, you can make a lasting impression on hiring managers and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Use these 15 sample cover letters as inspiration to craft your compelling message and take your job search to the next level.