The unsolicited application

Apply unsolicited – the competition is less, and many companies see it as a help that saves them time and money.

Why unsolicited?

• Less competition: Fewer people apply unsolicited
• Saves the company time: A full recruitment process is expensive
• 47% say email to a manager is the best method

The structure is the same

The format is the same as for a solicited application:

1. Motivation: Why does the company interest you?
2. Professional match: What can you offer?
3. Personal skills: What are you like to work with?

The challenge: No job posting

The hardest part of an unsolicited application is that you don't have a specific posting to base it on. But there are good methods:

1. Find a previous posting

You can often find old job ads in Jobindex Archive. Search for the company's name and click "Archive".

This gives you a better starting point for targeting correctly.

2. Call the company

Preferably call the manager in the department you want to work in. Use contact information from a previous posting if available.

Say that you're interested in a future job and would like to send an unsolicited application.

Good questions:

• "What is typically important to you when hiring?"
• "Do you have exciting projects coming up?"
• "Do you know if there will soon be a need for more employees?"

Also ask how they prefer to receive an unsolicited application – maybe they want a link to your LinkedIn profile or just your CV.

3. Focus on your key competencies

When you write, focus on your strongest competencies. They can be reused in multiple applications.

Use them in the headline and show how they can create value – for example, in upcoming projects you've heard about.

Motivation without a job posting

It can be difficult to describe why you're applying for a position that doesn't exist. But you can show motivation for using your competencies at that particular company.

Tell them:

• Why you want to be part of their workplace
• How your abilities fit their way of working

Should you even send an application?

When you have a good conversation with a manager, ask if an application is even necessary.

Some companies just want to receive your CV. But remember to include a motivated profile text with contact information.

You can also write the key points in an email along with your CV.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not calling first: It's often the key to success
• Being too generic: Research the company
• Forgetting follow-up: Take responsibility for the next step yourself

Practical tips

• Search Jobindex Archive for previous postings
• Call the manager in the relevant department
• Focus on your strongest competencies
• Show motivation for the company, not just the job
• Take responsibility for follow-up

Try it yourself

1. Find a company you'd like to work for
2. Search for previous postings in Jobindex Archive
3. Find contact information for a manager
4. Consider: What can you offer them?

Frequently asked questions

Next step

Now you know how to apply unsolicited. In the final guide, you'll learn how to use AI to write your application.