Broadcast letter

A broadcast letter, also known as a broadcast cover letter or a general cover letter, is a type of job application letter not targeted toward a specific job opening. Instead, it is crafted to introduce yourself, highlight your qualifications, skills and experiences, and express your interest in working for a particular company or within a specific industry. Unlike a traditional cover letter tailored to a specific job posting, a broadcast letter is more generalized and can be sent to multiple companies or organizations simultaneously.

One of the primary reasons someone might use a broadcast letter when seeking a job is to cast a wider net and increase their chances of finding employment opportunities. By sending out a broadcast letter, individuals can reach out to multiple companies or organizations that they are interested in working for, even if there are no current job openings listed. This proactive approach allows job seekers to make a favourable impression on hiring managers or decision-makers within these companies, potentially putting them on their radar for future job openings or creating opportunities that may not have been advertised.

Additionally, a broadcast letter can be particularly effective for individuals looking to break into a new industry or transition into a different role. By showcasing their transferable skills, relevant experiences, and genuine enthusiasm for the industry or field, job seekers can demonstrate their potential value to prospective employers who may not have considered them otherwise.

The main thing you want to do with your broadcast letter is form a connection. You can end your cover letter letting the manager know you will follow up with a phone call in a week. This phone call could help you learn more about the company, their needs and remind them of your skills and availability.

Keep an eye out for news articles or LinkedIn posts highlighting when a company received new grant money, additional funding or is advertising that they are growing. This is an excellent time to write to the company, cite the article you read and connect your skills to the organization's needs.

This strategy can be effective for larger companies and works just as well for small retailers, not-for-profits and smaller organizations that may need to hire additional staff but haven’t had a chance to advertise yet.

Gain inspiration for your broadcast letter with cover letter formatting.

Next: Preparing for job fairs