Applying for a job when it's not posted (yet)

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

I am very interested in "penguins" (just an hypothetical, obviously). In our area, most people who like penguins and work with them (paid or voluntary) know eachother at least through Facebook or at social events. A few months ago, a paid job working with penguins and other flightless birds came up; I applied but never heard anything, and later a person got appointed without anyone being interviewed. Turns out the appointed person didn't work out, and is leaving at the end of next week. However, I do not know this officially- it's just one of these "word gets around" things. No job posting.

I would like to apply for the job. I know a couple of my friends already mentioned my name to the Board of Directors of Penguin affairs, but I am unsure if I should send them my resume, as there is no official job opening and they have my resume already from less than three months ago when I first applied.

- Should I apply officially, or just let word of mouth about my interest do its thing?

- If I apply, how do I word my cover letter? Should I just "send my resume again in case any jobs come up", or say "I heard you may have a job opening soon and wanted to let you know I am still available", or something else?

Somewhat related: when sending a resume by email as attachment, should the cover letter be a separate attachment, be in the same attachment, or be in the body if the email?

[Messybrownhair 251]

I don't have advice but I wish you luck! I love penguins! One of my lifelong dreams include hugging a penguin lol. They are so cute!!

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

LOl- thank you. It;s not actually penguin that I am talking about, but I do love penguins. I even visited Antarctica!

[Anh map 2,098]

Can any of your back channel source pass your resume along? That may be better politically than having you "apply" for an opening that isn't "public' yet.

[Messybrownhair 251]

Hahaha, I didnt see the hypothetical part till now! Now I feel stupid

[Moomin 292]

Apply again, new date on your application saying you're still very interested in THAT job, and why you qualify.

I know they keep applications on file but that doesn't mean they have to hire someone from that pile of applicants. Often, they put up a new job posting anyways and that's where you hopefully come into the picture at a convinient time.

Good luck.

Board of Directors of Penguin affairs

Hehehehe...

[dandk 72]

Somewhat related: when sending a resume by email as attachment, should the cover letter be a separate attachment, be in the same attachment, or be in the body if the email?

It would be best as separate attachment unless otherwise requested on the job posting to do within the body of the email. The reason being to do it as attachment is that your email may get forwarded to one person to another or one department to another, thus your Cover Letter within the body of email won't be so professional looking when it got printed by the hiring person.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I would send a letter re-introducing yourself and stating you had applied for the position of XXX on such and such a date. State that you wanted to let them know that you are still interested in working for the organization, because of (give your reasons why you like the work this organization does). State that you would like to be considered if a position does become available and that you would be happy to meet with them at any time for an interview. Ask them to please keep your resume in mind (and enclose a new copy) and remind them of some of your more pertinent skills that are relevant to this organization. It doesn't hurt to do a follow up on a previous application to let the employer know you are still available and interested - and to impress them again with your job qualifications. There are many jobs that get filled by someone being in the right place at the right time - and that is what you want to do in case they don't go through a re-advertisement of the position. You want to 'position' yourself into the front row for their consideration.

The cover letter would be the main part of the email with the resume as the attachment.

Good luck.

Edited July 28, 2012 by Kathryn41

[rayandmel 39]

I agree with Kathryn. I would not mention "knowing there may be a position coming up" You could send the wrong impression with that statement. I would express your interest in the company, what skills you would bring to the company and tell them you would like your resume to be kept on file "should" a position become available in the future. Good luck! I hope it all works out.