Can you send resumes to businesses not posting?

[Neuro]

I am wondering if this is something that is ok to do and if so how do I go about wording the cover letter to reflect the inquiry. I was thinking of taking the phone book and sending resumes to all the print / design businesses in the area to see if I can find something. There haven't been very many posting for jobs in this area on Monster, Careerbuilder, Hotjobs and other local websites. Just looking for some opinions on this. Thanks in advance for any advice!

[defjoe]

Of course... I have gotten a freelance job out of that when I needed it the most (a layoff). sometimes you can spark them to hire cause a lot of companies put it off cause they don't have the time to look thru tons of resumes that they would get if they ran and ad. so if they get yours and you fit the bill you will get a call and have a good chance of getting a job.

'I will become the most powerful Jedi ever!'

[snypa]

if you have to send to a company that's not posting, one way to word a cover letter is to say you were attracted to the firm by some of the work they've done adn then site some examples. it's never worked for me, but i've never tried it. sounds good though, right? imo, usually sending to everyone doesn't work. just find the places you'd want to work at.

...spending a dime, while earning a nickel

[uncle carbunkle]

tailor your cover letter, like snypa said. and promise to call them at xyz day at xzy time and then do it. DO IT. this way, even if they're not hiring, you now know somebody at a design firm. then, keep in touch every few months or so. networking. *gag* hate it, but it works.

luck!

greetings, earthlings. take me to your dealer.