Speculative application in Switzerland

When an unsolicited application makes sense

arbeit.swiss recommends combining different methods of job searching and explicitly mentions unsolicited applications as a supplementary option. They can be particularly useful if you know exactly which field you want to work in and which companies are suitable for this.

An unsolicited application does not replace the search for advertised positions. First check the company's career page. There may already be a suitable posting or a dedicated form for unsolicited applications. In that case, use the designated method.

Choose a few suitable companies instead of a long list of recipients. Inform yourself about their areas of activity, locations, and possible fields of application. Use only reasons that you can verify on the official company website or another reliable source.

Source: arbeit.swiss – Bewerbungstipps · berufsberatung.ch – Eine Stelle suchen

Find the right contact person and the right channel

The official application guide from arbeit.swiss recommends a targeted, personal approach for an unsolicited application. Search on the company website for the HR department, team leader, or the person responsible for your area of activity. If no contact person is named, you can briefly check with the headquarters to find out to whom applications for this area should be addressed.

Do not ask in general, 'Do you have a position?'. Mention the area, the possible role, and your professional background. This way, the company can better classify your inquiry.

Do not send application documents unsolicited to multiple personal addresses of the same company. If an official application portal is available, you respect its requirements. For emails, use a professional personal address and a clear subject line such as 'Speculative application in the logistics department.'

Source: arbeit.swiss – Wie bewerbe ich mich richtig?

What belongs in the letter

The letter remains concise and individual. arbeit.swiss names the cover letter and the tabular CV as core elements of a short application. You can have additional certificates, diplomas, or references ready and submit them afterward, provided the company does not already require a complete dossier.

1. Why this company?

   Name a concrete, verifiable connection. General praise or copied advertising phrases do not show genuine interest.

2. For which area are you applying?

   Formulate a realistic field of activity or a possible position. "I am looking for any job" is hardly assignable internally.

3. What do you bring with you?

   Choose two or three actual experiences or skills that are relevant to this field. Support at least one of them with a concrete task.

Source: arbeit.swiss – Wie bewerbe ich mich richtig? · arbeit.swiss – Bewerbungstipps

Template for an unsolicited application

The template is only a structure. Company reference, field, and examples must be formulated truthfully and newly for each application.

After sending

Document the date, recipient, department, and sent documents. If after some time no feedback comes, arbeit.swiss allows a factual and friendly inquiry. Check beforehand if the company itself has specified a timeframe.

Ask briefly whether the application has been received and whether there is generally a need in your area. Multiple calls or messages in short intervals do not increase your chances. A rejection of an unsolicited application is not a statement about your general suitability; it may simply be that there is no current need.

Source: arbeit.swiss – Bewerbungstipps

Checklist before sending

• The career page was checked for suitable positions and requirements.
• The area of activity or possible function is clear.
• The responsible person or the official channel has been identified.
• The company reference is concrete and verifiable.
• The letter is individual and not a mass message.
• All skills and experiences are true.
• Resume and letter have clear file names and are available as PDFs.
• Additional documents are ready for a later request.
• Sending and feedback are documented.