SKILLS SHAPE • APPLICATION TOOLKIT

Speculative Letter Builder

Create a professional email or letter to introduce yourself to an organisation — even when they aren't advertising a job.

WHY SEND A SPECULATIVE LETTER?

Don't wait for every opportunity to be advertised

A speculative approach lets an employer know who you are, what you can offer and what type of opportunity you're looking for. A strong message should be short, professional and specific.

01 Who you are A short and confident introduction.
02 What you can do Your relevant skills and strengths.
03 Evidence An example that demonstrates your ability.
04 What you're looking for The type of opportunity you'd like to discuss.
1
THE ORGANISATION

Who are you contacting?

2
YOUR INTRODUCTION

Who are you?

Keep this short. Explain your current situation and the direction you are interested in.

3
YOUR VALUE

What can you offer?

Focus on a few strengths that would matter to an employer. These can come from employment, education, volunteering, projects, caring responsibilities, sport or other experiences.

4
EVIDENCE

Show what you can do

Don't only say you're good at something. Give the employer a short example that demonstrates it.

5
YOUR ASK

What are you looking for?

Be clear without sounding demanding. You might be interested in employment, an apprenticeship, work experience, volunteering or simply a conversation about future opportunities.

6
CONTACT DETAILS

Finish your message

Ready to build your speculative approach?

Skills Shape will turn your answers into a professional email or letter that you can edit before using.