Unsolicited application

The first thing you do when you want to apply for a job unsolicited is the research phase. You can approach the process in several ways. We recommend that you start by researching knowledge online. Use Google - but also social media such as LinkedIn and Facebook. Whatever you do, we recommend that you have done your homework and have familiarized yourself with the company you are applying for a job with before you contact them with any questions.

Find job search inspiration from companies' archived job ads

In your research phase, it is crucial that you know if the company has other employees with the same or similar positions that you are interested in. A good idea is to take a look at the company's LinkedIn profile. Are there already employees who have the same functions you're interested in? Soak up all the information you can. It could prove to be of great importance to you when you start your unsolicited application.

In addition, we recommend that you take a look in the Jobindex archive. You might be lucky enough to find archived job ads from companies in other industries that match your interests and experience. In Jobindex's job ad archive you'll find more than 50,000 archived job postings to inspire you. The past job ads include all job types; full-time positions, part-time positions, student jobs and apprenticeships.

Remember to use your (virtual) network

Use your network and find out if you know anyone who works at the company. Before you start your application in earnest, find out if you know an employee you can ask for advice about the job. LinkedIn can tell you if you know someone who might know someone who works at that particular company. This includes what skills and specific job titles these employees have and what they highlight about their positions on LinkedIn. Remember to continuously work on your LinkedIn profile so that you are connected with everyone you have a professional relationship with. You never know if it turns out that your school friend or former colleague knows an employee at work. Read more about how to use your network in your job search.

Remember that you are always welcome to contact Min A-kasse's many skilled job and career advisors. They are ready to help you, no matter where you are in your job search.

Based on the knowledge you have acquired about the company, you can now start writing your cover letter. Read more about how to write a good cover letter here.

And remember the following advice: "Business owners are vain. Let it shine through that you know their business".

Make sure to supplement an unsolicited application with a phone call to the company and let your enthusiasm shine through. It's worth calling both before and after you send the application.

Once you've written your cover letter, you're ready for the next phase: contacting the company with any questions. In most job advertisements, you will find the name and number of the immediate manager. If your Linkedin research shows that you know someone who works at the company, it's a good idea to talk to them - before you contact the head of the department and future manager.

Ask good clarifying questions that help you nuance and target your application even more.

Based on the knowledge you have gathered about the company through conversations with the manager or others who work or have worked at the company, you now return to your unsolicited application. Correct it and fine-tune where it makes sense.

Have one of Min A-kasse's experienced job and career advisors read through your application and CV and get specific feedback on both.

This way you can make sure your cover letter and CV are razor-sharp. You can also correct silly typos or awkward sentences that appear unclear. Contact your nearest branch here and book a meeting to go through your application material.

Remember to adjust your cover letter and CV after you have received feedback from one of our job and career advisors.

You are now ready to send your application and CV. Make sure you submit it the right way. If you are asked to submit your application and CV through an HR portal, sending it as an attached PDF in an email will not work. If you are asked to submit e.g. educational documents, this is of course also important to remember.

Have you sent your application and CV a week or more ago but haven't heard anything from the company by email or phone? Then you should contact the company to follow up. It also shows your enthusiasm for the position and interest in the company.