In today’s job market, many companies require applicants to submit formal job applications through their website or portal. However, there are still ways to apply for jobs without going through the traditional application process. Here are some quick answers to key questions about applying for jobs without a formal application:
Can I apply for a job without submitting a formal application?
Yes, it is possible to apply for jobs without submitting a formal application in many cases. You can express interest and market yourself through networking, informational interviews, sending an inquiry email, and leveraging connections.
What are some ways to apply for a job without an application?
– Networking – Build relationships and make direct contacts with people at the company. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and reach out to your existing network. Making these connections can help you get your foot in the door.
– Informational interview – Schedule an informational interview to learn more about the company and role while also marketing yourself and building relationships.
– Inquiry email – Email the hiring manager or recruiter directly to express interest in an unposted opening or to get more information about opportunities.
– Referral – Leverage your network connections to get an internal referral from someone at the company. A referral can help you bypass the formal application.
– Direct outreach – Identify the hiring manager on LinkedIn or the company website and reach out directly via email or LinkedIn message. Introduce yourself and pitch your experience.
When is it appropriate to apply without an application?
Applying without a formal application can be appropriate when:
– The job is not publicly posted – You heard about an unposted opening through your network or directly from the company.
– You have a strong internal referral – A connection at the company recommends you and provides an introduction.
– It is a small company – Small companies often have less formal application processes and are open to direct inquiry.
– You have a relationship – You have already been interacting with the hiring manager through networking or informational interviews.
– The company encourages inquiry – Some companies state that you can send a resume and cover letter to apply.
In these cases, it shows initiative to reach out directly and can help you get considered faster than through an open application process.
What materials should I submit when applying without an application?
When reaching out directly without an application form, it is still important to provide the hiring team with materials to evaluate you as a candidate. Recommended materials include:
– Cover letter – This introduces yourself and communicates your interest and fit for the specific role and company.
– Resume – Showcases your relevant skills, experience, achievements and qualifications.
– Work samples – Portfolio, writing samples, projects, or other examples of your skills in action.
– References – Names and contact information for professional references who can vouch for you.
– LinkedIn profile – A robust LinkedIn presence allows the hiring team to further research your background.
Tailor any materials you submit to the specific job opportunity to make the best impression.
How can I find contacts at a company to help me apply?
There are several ways to find contacts at a company that can help you get your foot in the door:
– Search the company website for leadership profiles, the company directory, and the “About Us” page. Look for relevant managers and team members.
– Look up the company on LinkedIn and browse employees by function, location or seniority. Reach out to those who would be involved in hiring.
– Ask your network connections if they have any contacts at the target company who could make an introduction.
– Attend industry events, conferences or trade shows where employees might be present. Introduce yourself.
– Look for when company leaders and recruiters will speak at events. Attend to meet them afterwards.
– Follow company leaders and recruiters on Twitter or LinkedIn and engage with their content. This gets you on their radar.
Finding relevant contacts and making direct connections gives you an advantage over an impersonal application submission.
What are some templates and examples I can follow?
Here are some templates and examples to help guide your communications when applying without a formal application:
Networking email template:
Dear [Name],
I hope you are doing well! I wanted to reach out because I am extremely interested in [company name] and learning more about the culture and opportunities there.
I currently work in [your industry] and have experience in [relevant areas]. I would love to take you up on an informational interview to hear your perspective on [company name]’s approach to [relevant area], and discuss any advice you may have for someone interested in joining your team.
Please let me know if you would be open to connecting. I can work around your schedule – whatever time works best. Thank you so much for your time!
Best,
[Your name]
Informational interview thank you/follow-up:
Dear [name],
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me yesterday. It was incredibly valuable to learn more about [company name] and the [open role/team/projects] from you.
Our conversation reinforced my interest in contributing to [company mission/values/projects]. Based on my background in [relevant experience] and passion for [interests/skills], I believe I could add value to your team.
Please keep me in mind should any opportunities come up that fit my profile. I am eager to stay in touch and learn more. If there is anyone else you would recommend I connect with, please let me know.
Thanks again, and I look forward to staying in touch!
Best,
[Your name]
Direct resume submission:
Dear [hiring manager name],
I’m very interested in the opportunity to join [company name] as a [job title]. I believe my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for this role based on [1-2 relevant qualifications].
Please find my resume attached, where you’ll see I have [x years] of experience [job function] for [impressive companies] where I achieved [relevant accomplishments].
Beyond my qualifications, I’m drawn to [company name]’s commitment to [value proposition]. It is well-aligned with my passion for [relevant interest]. I would welcome the opportunity to bring my background to your team and contribute to [mission/goals] at [company name].
Thank you for your consideration. I welcome the opportunity to discuss further how I could hit the ground running in this role. Please let me know if there are any other materials I can provide to support my candidacy. I look forward to your response.
Best,
[Your name]
[Contact info]
What strategies help when applying without an application?
Some best practices when applying for jobs without a formal application include:
– Leverage your network. Tap into your contacts for introductions and referrals whenever possible. An internal advocate makes a big difference.
– Personalize all communication. Research the company/role and tie your background directly to their needs. Address the hiring manager directly.
– Highlight transferable skills. Even if your exact experience doesn’t match the role, call out adjacent skills that make you uniquely valuable.
– Speak to shared connections. If you have contacts in common, name drop them to establish legitimacy.
– Persist professionally. Follow up any outreach with patience and perseverance. Find opportunities for multiple touches when appropriate.
– Watch for unposted openings. Pay attention to new projects or initiatives that might demand additional hires.
– Ask for informational meetings. Don’t jump straight to asking about open roles. Build relationships first.
– Mind the details. Typos, formatting issues and other errors in your materials can ruin the first impression you’re trying to make.
What should I avoid when applying without an application?
Some pitfalls to avoid when reaching out for jobs without a formal application process:
– Sending generic mass emails to any email address you find
– Failure to research the company mission, values, and needs
– Overstating your qualifications or fitness for a role
– Applying to jobs that have been posted and require formal application
– Skipping personalization and using a template cover letter
– Forgetting to follow up after initial contact
– Asking about jobs or expressing interest before building rapport
– Pressuring contacts to submit your resume internally
– Seeming entitled to an opportunity without proper qualifications
– Making demands on the hiring manager’s time without checking availability
– Not taking “no” for an answer gracefully
Applying without an application takes personal savvy. Take care to avoid these missteps.
Conclusion
While most companies now use online forms and portals, applying for jobs without a formal application is still possible in many situations. By networking relentlessly, leveraging your contacts, and persistently and professionally showcasing your skills to the right people, you can get your candidacy considered. This approach takes extra effort but pays dividends by letting you make authentic connections and get noticed. With strategic relationship building and stellar application materials catered to the company’s needs, you can stand out from the applicant pool even without clicking “submit” on an application form.