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Most people only apply when they see a perfect job posting. They wait until a role matches their exact background, then scramble to get their application in before the window closes. But some people do something different. They introduce themselves to companies before the perfect role even exists. They submit what's called a general application.
A general application is basically a company saying, we are open to good people even if we do not have the perfect role posted yet. You are not applying for one specific job. You are introducing yourself. You are saying, this is what I do well, this is how I tend to add value, and this is where I could see myself contributing when the timing lines up.
Companies use these to stay connected to talent outside of a hiring rush. Sometimes the right person shows up before the role exists. Sometimes a need pops up fast and they want to pull from people they already trust or remember.
When someone reviews a general application, they are asking simple questions. Do I get what this person does. Do they understand our business. Can I picture where they might fit if something opens up.
When someone reviews a general application, they are asking simple questions.
1. Do I get what this person does? 2.Do they understand our business? 3.Can I picture where they might fit if something opens up?
A general application is not wishful thinking. It is a quiet way of positioning yourself early, before the scramble starts.
7 Companies Open to Your Application
Remote and hybrid opportunities
Catalant
General Interest Application
Boston or Remote, US
Pioneer of Consulting 2.0. Connects leading companies with vetted independent consultants and former operators.
Strong Fit If You Have
Consulting background • Platform operations • Talent matching • Client success • Marketplace experience
Cents
General Interest Application
Remote, US
Leading business management system for laundromats, wash & fold, and dry cleaners. Software and hardware solutions transforming operations.
Strong Fit If You Have
SaaS experience • SMB operations • Product operations • Customer success • Hardware/software integration
Aleph
Keep me in mind!
Americas, Remote
AI-native platform for Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A). Operating in an established software category with multi-billion market potential.
Strong Fit If You Have
FP&A experience • AI product knowledge • Enterprise software • Financial systems • Strategic finance
Ad Hoc
General Interest Application
Remote, US
Technology company empowering organizations to deliver scalable, impactful digital services. Creating products that transform experience of government.
Strong Fit If You Have
Government tech • Agile methods • Digital services • Product development • Civic technology
GridUnity
General Interest Application
Remote
Industry leader in interconnection life cycle management. Delivering software solutions that accelerate transition to sustainable, resilient energy future.
Strong Fit If You Have
Energy sector knowledge • Climate tech • Infrastructure software • Project management • Renewable energy
Inc. 500 Fastest Growing
ShipHawk
General Interest Application
Santa Barbara, CA or Remote, US
One of Inc. 500's Fastest Growing Companies. Building careers in a startup with culture that is changing the world.
Strong Fit If You Have
Logistics technology • Supply chain • SaaS • High-growth startups • Operations
Smallstep
General Interest Application
Remote First
Internationally distributed, remote-first company. Work reasonable, flexible hours and utilize technology to accomplish goals asynchronously.
Strong Fit If You Have
Remote-first experience • Distributed teams • Asynchronous work • Security/infrastructure • DevOps
How to approach these applications:
Write a brief summary that sounds like you explaining your work to someone at a coffee shop. What do you do well. How do you add value. Where could you plug in.
Skip the generic cover letter. Show clear judgment, clear outcomes, and clear sense of where you belong in the organization.
I'm not a recruiter, so apply directly with the company. If a link doesn't work, go to the company's careers page and search for "general application" or "general interest."
Jacqueline
P.S. A general application is a strategic positioning move. You're getting in before the scramble starts. Keep in mind, I'm not a recruiter if you see a company that you're interested in apply directly.
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