Speculative application

SPEK-yuh-luh-tiv /ˈspekjʊlətɪv/

Formal Neutral

What it really means

Sending your CV and a short letter to a company that has not advertised a job, asking if they have any openings. It works best for small businesses — many part-time and casual jobs are found this way.

Chinese explanation

主动投递：向没有发布招聘广告的公司寄送简历和简短说明，询问是否有职位空缺。对小企业最有效——很多兼职和零工就是这样找到的。

Example conversation

A: The restaurant isn't advertising, but I'd love to work there. B: Send a speculative application — drop your CV in and ask for the manager.

A：那家餐厅没在招人，但我很想去那儿工作。 B：主动投一份——把简历送过去，顺便问问经理在不在。

What you could say back

“I'll print my CV and go in this afternoon.”

Related phrases

CV Cover letter Careers fair

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.

Go deeper

Opening a UK Bank Account as a Newcomer Part-Time Work for International Students: Jobs, Rules and Pay UK CVs and Interviews: Conventions, STAR Answers and What Employers Expect

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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake