The art of the spontaneous application

When you are looking for an internship, an apprenticeship or a job, it is usual to focus on publicly available job offers. You feverishly explore all the sites listing recruiter ads, you choose to apply and you hope. This process is completely legitimate and unavoidable.

However, it must be recognized that the competition is tough, as everyone is applying for the same offers that are available, and you can sometimes feel like you are drowned in the crowd. So is that really the only option available to you? Could other paths be considered in parallel? Applying where there is a need is one thing, but why not applying spontaneously also where you want to?

Perhaps you know companies that inspire you, whether by their core business, their societal mission, the sector of activity or any other criterion that once made you think:” I would like to work for them ” or even simply” They are in my field of choice, I would be comfortable in their home ”. But maybe you said to yourself” If one day they recruit, I try! ”... Why wait?

Nowadays, companies can be seduced by a Curriculum Vitae, by a profile, and decide to give it a chance. Indeed, for today's recruiters, it's no longer just a question of filling the workforce, but of finding the right talent, those that bring real added value to society, those that are a perfect match. Your professional experience, however modest, can already make a difference.

Moreover, we note that the job market has evolved and that recruitment is no longer limited to a traditional application or to vacancies published on websites and job boards. Co-optation, headhunters and professional social networks (LinkedIn) have changed the landscape and revealed a real hidden market. Applying for offers published on public sites is essential, but alternating with a spontaneous application has become the norm to show motivation and explore new possibilities.

So, if you are ready, on to your resumes! Remember to ask yourself, “Have I taken good care of my application and my resume?” and here are some tips to succeed in your spontaneous applications by putting all the chances in your favor of landing a job interview:

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1- The right target

When you decide to submit your application spontaneous, you need to convince the potential recruiter that you are an ideal candidate for the company. To do this, start with good target the companies you like, taking into account your type of post and of your area of expertise. It will then be easier for you to convey your motivation for this spontaneous offer. Also take the opportunity to apply for a job in the company of your dreams: think big, you have nothing to lose!

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‍2- The right contact person

Try as much as possible to get the name and/oremail address ofthe recipient that it is a good idea to contact the human resources department (such as DRH Or the recruitment officer) or to the closest person in the case of a small business. No need for your sent resume to go through the generic company email, from mailbox to mailbox, to maybe get lost or end up in the wrong place. Prepare a Application email adapted and if necessary, a Support email to detail your motivations. Do your research and aim for the right thing.

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3- Take care of the presentation

An application accompanied by a cover letter for a spontaneous application must be flawless. Pay attention to the Writing your emails, in terms of content as well as in form. Make sure that The purpose of the spontaneous application be original and that it can attract the attention of the recruiter in a few seconds. Try to captivate him from the first few lines so that he wants to continue reading. Since the spontaneous application has largely been democratized, and the recruiter does not have to respond to an urgent need, you need to interest him, that he wants to take the time to read to the end!

Pay particular attention to Do not make spelling mistakes. It cannot be said enough: for a recruiter, receiving a motivation email or a cover letter that contains a mistake every three words is not acceptable. This can tarnish your professional image; be sure to reread Carefully each line, this allows you to earn points.

Also consider Update your resume and cover letter : make sure that they are up to date and adapted to the company. As with many things, the “codes” governing these documents change over time, so feel free to review them regularly to stay relevant. In addition, a spontaneous application is supposed to demonstrate your interest in a company that you like. So, writing a cover letter for a spontaneous application should be somethingunique and personalized for the recruiter.

The look and layout of your updated resume may differ depending on your field of activity and the job offer, be creative! In the same way, personalize your cover letter by putting your professional experiences and your professional project forward according to the company and the position: this way, you will be able to better propose your application and stand out. Also, remember to include any required attachments in your shipment.

Finally, remember that a polite phrase is essential at the end of a message. It must be professional, like the classic greetings: “Please accept, Madam, Sir...” or “Waiting for your answer...”.

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4- Professional social networks

Today it is better to have a profile on a professional network like LinkedIn. For many recruiters, sourcing consists in particular in consulting databases and online profiles, which makes LinkedIn an essential asset for your visibility. It's useful for networking, getting recommendations, and clearly displaying your Level of studies and your personality, while ensuring an online presence.

The opportunities offered by professional social networks in terms of job search should not be overlooked. Today, it is one of the ways that recruiters can assess whether a person's profile is suitable for the company they are recruiting for, while respecting the Data protection law and freedoms and by ensuring the data protection.

In addition, it is also a very effective platform for getting in touch with people in your field of expertise. Even if they are not looking today, that may change tomorrow and they will know where to find you. Complete your profile carefully, following our tips on how to best take advantage of LinkedIn.

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5- Relaunch your spontaneous application

At Grimp, we always talk about the follow-up of applications: it is also essential when you decide to submit a spontaneous application. Let a few days pass and revive the recruiter, this will show him your seriousness and your motivation. You have applied, you have sent a version of your CV adapted to the position, you have taken care to personalize your cover letter in order to properly convey your interest in the company concerned. Perhaps the recruiter will answer you quickly, or even confirm the application received... But if that is not the case, do not panic! Maybe he's just busy or not actively looking. So wait a few days and contact him again to get his feelings on your file.

Finally, if your application sent does not bring you the expected result, do not be discouraged. At a minimum, your Application process will have allowed the recruiter to have your information at hand in their application file. When a new position opens, he will be able to think of you.

In any case, your efforts will pay off eventually; stay positive, persevere and don't hesitate to send a spontaneous application regularly to maximize your chances. Also, take advantage of the feedback from recruiters to improve yourself. You can even adjust your spontaneous application letter and your resume with each new submission, in order to highlight your strengths and strengthen your confidence.

Continue to apply with confidence and take full advantage of the feedback you get from recruiters to improve. Regardless of your status in the recruitment process, that you want to send your application for a CDI, a CDD, an internship or a work-study program, the art of making a spontaneous application will no longer hold any secrets for you! Make sure you're ready For an interview in order to highlight all your assets, explain why you would like to join the company and get the application for a position that suits you.

To your resumes and cover letters!

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