Is speculation in job applications a thing of the past?
I’ve heard from several recruiters that speculative CVs are no longer effective, but I’m not so sure I agree.
While sending out mass speculative CVs can feel like a fruitless endeavor, I believe there are valid scenarios where it makes sense:
- You know there’s an opening.
- You have a candidate who would be a fantastic fit.
- You can convey this succinctly in a brief message.
In such cases, the only potential drawback is the fee involved.
Often, this downside may seem significant, but if a hiring manager has had difficulty filling a role, they might be open to considering alternative candidates. Many of my clients have shared that they would consider a speculative CV if it closely matched their needs.
What are your thoughts? Are speculative CVs truly a thing of the past?
I think the notion that spec CVs are dead is a bit of an overstatement. While it’s true that the traditional “spray and pray” approach is generally ineffective, a more strategic and targeted effort can still yield positive results.
Networking Matters: If you’re connected to someone in the company or within the hiring team, it increases the chances of your CV being noticed. Personal referrals or recommendations go a long way in making sure it gets in front of the right people.
Tailored Outreach: As you mentioned, if you can pinpoint a specific role and make a case for why the candidate is a perfect fit, it demonstrates initiative and can grab the hiring manager’s attention. A well-crafted message can differentiate your approach from the generic submissions many candidates send.
Market Demand: In competitive job markets, hiring managers willing to consider speculative CVs, especially for hard-to-fill positions, can be beneficial. If they’re struggling to find the right talent, they may appreciate receiving a CV that meets their needs directly.
Ultimately, while spec CVs may not have the same weight as direct applications or referrals, they are far from obsolete—especially when they are precise, well-targeted, and accompanied by an introduction or context. It’s all about quality over quantity!