Open application: when it is worthwhile and a template

What an open application is

An open application is an application sent to an employer without a public job advertisement. According to the University of Helsinki's career services, a large share of vacancies are hidden jobs that are not advertised publicly, which is why it is worth approaching interesting employers boldly.

An open application can be an email, a phone call, a visit to the company or a form on the company's website. Many companies collect open applications in their own system and go through them when a need arises.

In an open application you do not respond to a ready-made list of requirements but argue yourself what benefit hiring you would bring. That takes more background work than an ordinary application.

When an open application is worthwhile

You know exactly which company or industry you want to work in
The company grows, opens a new location or gets new customers
Much of the recruiting in the field happens through networks
You are looking for a summer job, an internship or a work trial
The company has its own open application form on its website

First find out what the employer needs

According to Job Market Finland's tips on hidden jobs, it is worth first crystallising your own skills and clarifying your goal: what kind of work you want and what motivates you in it. After that you can map interesting workplaces within a suitable distance, for example using a map application.

Look at the company's website, news, job postings and social media updates. They show which direction the company is heading in and what kind of expertise it has recruited before. A concrete observation at the start of your application shows that you have done your homework.

Target your application by showing what added value hiring you would bring. According to the career services' guidance, you do not need to meet all the requirements, but if you lack essential skills, think in advance about how you could acquire them.

Send to the right person

Find out who is responsible for recruitment or the function in question, and contact them directly instead of the general address. According to Työmarkkinatori's tips, you can call, send an email or visit in person.

If the answer is that there is no need right now, you can and should apply to the same place again later. You can also ask about the possibility of a work trial. It is worth updating your open application and CV regularly if they are in the company's system.

Template: open application

The text below is a fictional template. Keep the open application short, no longer than a page, and attach your CV.

Template – copy and edit

Subject: Open application, [desired role or team]

Hello [name of the person in charge],

I follow [company]'s activities and noticed that [observation, e.g. you are expanding to a new location]. I am writing because I believe my skills would be of benefit to [team or area of responsibility].

I currently work as [role] at [company or field]. I have [concrete achievement and its result]. I can also [skill related to the company's need].

I could help you especially by [a concrete way of adding value]. I am interested in [a permanent position / a project / an internship] and can start [date].

I would be happy to call next week and tell you more, or you can contact me. My CV is attached.

Kind regards

Maija Meikäläinen

[phone number] | [email]

Use your network

Tell your contacts what you can do and what kind of work you are looking for, and ask whether they know where your skills are in demand. This is one of the hidden-job tips from Työmarkkinatori, and a recommendation from an acquaintance can open the door to a conversation.

The paid CV and job application template from Tutkat.fi gives your application and CV a consistent look, but you can also write a good open application based on the example above. You can also get advice from the employment services in your own area.

Frequently asked questions

Who should an open application be sent to?

Preferably directly to the person responsible for recruitment or for the function in question, not to a general email address.

What do I do if the company does not respond?

Get in touch again, for example by phone, after a week or two. If there is no need right now, ask whether the application can be left on file and whether you may be contacted later.

Is it worth applying to the same company again?

Yes. According to tips from Työmarkkinatori, you can and should apply again to the same place later.

How long may an open application be?

The same principles apply as in an ordinary application: one page at most, with the CV attached.

Career Radar brings together the topic's figures, deadlines and services. Open Career Radar →

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Sources

The article is general information and does not replace the guidance of an authority, a lawyer or an adviser. Check up-to-date information from the sources.

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