Applying for a role that doesn't exist yet (and I don't know if it ever will..): good tactics or daft?

[HeroShrew]

My work experience is in a fairly specialist area. The place I currently live has very few opportunities in this field. I've had a couple of short-term jobs since I had 19mo DS where I used transferable skills, but they didn't work out. I don't think I could feel fulfilled until I'm back in the industry I love and know best.

A high-profile job is being advertised in this field. Way beyond my experience, but it's the kind of role that might well need an assistant, and that would be a great re-introduction for me into the industry in my area.

Should I send in my CV speculatively to the person advertising the more senior role, or is this bad form? If anyone has any advice or tactics I'd be really grateful :)

Go for it - you are putting your hat into the ring.

Ask for work experience first and then suggest an assistant?

Go for it - why not? I think if I were advertising such a role I would be impressed with the initiative - as long as you make sure you phrase the covering letter so that they know you are proposing yourself as an assistant, not applying for the role itself.

I don't think it's bad form but if they are recruiting the senior position then they won't be looking for an assistant for a while.

They can only say no!

Also meant to say that if once you know that the position has been filled apply again to the new person. If the role is very specialised presumably good people are hard to come by too

Thanks everyone. Stealthsquiggle - good point about making it clear that I'm not after the top job.

The senior position is a brand new role, so it might be that they would benefit from getting an assistant in to set up the office etc so the new CEO can start seamlessly. As you've all said, I can but ask.

Compo, I'd love to be able to volunteer for work experience, but we couldn't afford childcare that way. That's a point for the "Big Society grumble" thread, I reckon :)