Speculative application letter: complete example 2026
An example of a speculative application letter to send to a company that has not advertised any vacancies. It explains how to introduce yourself in a targeted way, name the role you are interested in and ask for contact without being pushy.
Example letter
Speculative application – Sales assistant for the [City] store
Dear HR Manager,
I am writing to offer my services as a sales assistant for your [City] store, even though I have not found any open positions on your website at the moment. I have known [Company Name] as a customer for years and I particularly appreciate the care you put into advising customers.
For the past three years I have worked as a sales assistant at [Current Company], a sports shop with an annual turnover of around €1.5 million. I handle in-store advice, the till, goods receiving and window displays, and in 2025 I was the top performer in my team for selling additional services.
I would like to bring this experience to a company like yours, where the customer relationship comes first. I am available to work shifts, weekends and public holidays.
I attach my CV and would welcome an introductory meeting, including with a view to future openings. Thank you for your time.
Kind regards
Short version for email or job portals
Hello, I am writing to offer my services as a sales assistant for your [City] store. I have three years of sports retail experience (customer advice, till, window displays) and I am available for shifts and weekends. I attach my CV and would welcome a meeting. Thank you.
Why this letter works
- It explains straight away why you are writing without an open vacancy.
- It names a specific role and location: the reader knows who to forward it to.
- It gives a concrete, verifiable result, not just a list of duties.
- It asks for an introductory meeting, which is easier to grant than an interview.
Who to send it to
- Look for the “Careers” or “Work with us” section on the company website, or the HR email address.
- On LinkedIn, find the HR manager or the manager of the department you are interested in.
- For shops and restaurants, handing it in person at quiet times still works very well.
Mistakes to avoid
- Writing “for any available position”: it sounds as if anything will do.
- Sending the same email in copy to dozens of companies.
- Not attaching your CV, or attaching it in a format other than PDF.
- Calling every day: one follow-up after 10-15 days is enough.
Frequently asked questions
Do speculative applications really work?
Yes, especially in small and medium-sized businesses and in retail, where many positions are filled without advertising. They work best when they target a specific role and location.
Should I follow up after sending it?
If you get no reply, you can send a short message after 10-15 days. After a second silence it is better to move on to other companies.
