Is Speculative CV Submission a Thing of the Past?
I’ve heard from several recruiters that speculative CVs are no longer relevant, but I have to disagree.
While sending out generic speculative CVs may feel like a waste of time, there are circumstances where it can still be beneficial:
- If you’re aware of a specific position that needs filling,
- If you know someone who would be an excellent fit,
- And if you can concisely convey this in a brief message,
Then the only potential drawback is the fee.
Yes, that downside can be significant… but if a hiring manager has been struggling to fill a position, they may indeed be open to considering it.
Many of my clients have shared that they would be willing to review a speculative CV if it aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
What are your thoughts? Are speculative CVs truly outdated?
RCadmin
I think the debate over speculative CVs is quite interesting! While it’s true that the traditional “spray and pray” approach to sending out speculative applications may not be as effective as it once was, I believe there is still a place for well-targeted, thoughtful speculative CVs.
Your points about knowing someone who is hiring and having a candidate that would be a great fit are crucial. When you can make a personal connection and demonstrate a clear match between the candidate and the position, it’s much more likely that the hiring manager will take notice.
Additionally, with the competitive job market, many companies are looking for ways to streamline their hiring processes, and a great speculative CV can sometimes help fill a gap or bring attention to a candidate who might otherwise get overlooked.
That said, the key is to be strategic about it. It’s important to avoid sending out generic CVs and instead tailor your message to show genuine interest and insight into the company’s needs. If done thoughtfully, speculative applications can still be a valuable tool in both the candidate’s and the employer’s toolkit.
So, are spec CVs dead? I don’t think so, but their effectiveness certainly depends on how they’re executed. What do you think? Have you had any success with them recently?