Most job seekers use the Internet with its myriad job portals or the employment sections of local newspapers to get the latest information on companies and job openings. While these are undoubtedly the best job search techniques available when looking for a job, many job seekers prefer to send their resumes along with a cover letter to companies that have not advertised any openings.
However, there are many factors to consider before deciding to apply similarly. Before deciding on this approach, it is best to consider the positive and negative aspects of it.
Two ways to apply
Job seekers have two options before them. First, they can visit the website of the companies they are interested in. Companies often give their postal address on their websites. Once they’ve found the right address, job seekers can send in their resumes along with a cover letter and wait to hear from companies. Second, they can personally take their resumes with a cover letter to local businesses and let prospective employers know they are interested in working for them.
Advantages of this approach
The advantages of applying for unadvertised jobs are many. You put yourself in an advantageous position by simply submitting your resume to companies that have not advertised any applicants. When this company has an opening, you can post an ad or simply browse through their stack of existing resumes to find the right candidate. If you’re lucky, the resume they select could be yours.
When you apply for unadvertised positions, you create a favorable impression of yourself as someone who can take initiative, which is exactly what you want. You want potential employers to be happy with you and especially with your desire to take a position with their company.
Disadvantages of this approach
While some employers view an application for an unannounced job as showing initiative, others may feel the exact opposite. If you send your resume to an employer who doesn’t like receiving an application for a job you haven’t advertised, you may create a bad impression of yourself. Some companies see such applications and resume them as spam.
The biggest downside to applying for unadvertised jobs is the time it takes to get a response. You will have to wait until there is a vacancy in the company. The company could advertise or browse through their existing collection of resumes.
Although there is a strong chance that your resume will be selected, you don’t know when it might happen. You could hear from the company in a week, a month, or even a year after submitting your application. It could also turn out that you are no longer looking for a job when you get an interview call from that company.
Despite these drawbacks, you will not suffer any loss if you send your resume to companies that have not advertised any vacancies. You may also be surprised by a quick and unexpected response from the company.
So, as you can see, there are several pros and cons to applying for an unadvertised job. You have to decide for yourself after carefully weighing the pros and cons. Take all these factors into account before deciding once and for all.
