The power of a spontaneous application

I have found this Swiss radio podcast very interesting, so I have translated it into English for a broader audience.?It matches my experience as a manager of a mid-sized pharma company.

A recent study on the?Swiss labour market?shows: More than half of the employers surveyed consider?unsolicited applications?when selecting employees. That's quite a lot. And such?spontaneous?or?unsolicited?applications, as they are also called, have even more advantages: An application in which the employee takes the reins himself indicates a?high level of motivation. Also, you don't have to stand up to hundreds of competitors.

Furthermore, one has got oneself into the conversation. If there is no vacancy, many bosses put captivating applications in a pool they can fall back on if necessary. What is also possible: The application receiver knows someone looking for a precisely such coworker and passes the letter on.

The?disadvantage: Spontaneous applications are time-consuming. Because they must attract the recipient's attention and therefore be individualized and tailored to the company.

That's how it works:

1. Consider which job you want and why this company can offer it. Make a note of your strengths.
2. You can find out about the company online or with acquaintances working there.
3. Based on this information, create a (fictitious) job profile. Imagine what a job advertisement for this job would look like. This will help with the letter of application.
4. Make a note of a few questions and call the company. Find out where to send your application. Talk to this person and ask your questions.
5. Send your letter of application, including your CV and references.
6. Call and check if you haven't heard anything after about ten days.

The particular challenge:?The application letter

In this letter, you?must sell?yourself. The recipient must feel like reading on and getting to know you.?General phrases?such as "Herewith I apply"?have no place?in an unsolicited application. Instead, it is best to answer the following questions:

1 Why me??Imagine yourself, write about your?experiences?and?qualifications, and highlight your?strengths?and?achievements.

2. Why this company??Explain?why you want to work?in this company.

3.?Why both of us??Write why you and your dream company fit so well together.

Remember to include the information you received during the telephone conversation in your letter. For example: "During yesterday's telephone conversation, you told me that you were in the process of setting up a new quality assurance department. This fact motivated me even more to introduce myself to you. Because..."

Don't be shy and sell your strengths.?Also, propose a meeting within about ten days.

The right time

The best is the?end of the month. An employee in the company has resigned, and a position becomes vacant. Unsolicited applications during holidays are less suitable. There is a great danger that the person responsible will be present and aware of the application.

PS: The fine difference

Spontaneous?application?is often used as a synonym for a?blind?application. This needs to be corrected.?

Blind?applications are applications on good luck, which are sent in masses and impersonally formulated. On the other hand, spontaneous applications are?explicitly?assigned to a?contact person?and?individually?adapted to them. The latter is, therefore, much more likely to lead to success.

Credit:?https://www.srf.ch/sendungen/ratgeber/richtig-gemachte-spontan-bewerbungen-sind-effizient