Ask if a Business Is Hiring

Sometimes you just know when you want to work at a certain business, but it might not always be obvious if they’re hiring. Using social media networking sites can help you get that information if you’re shy about asking in person. An email also gives you the chance to tell the hiring manager a bit about yourself. Of course, asking in person can be the most effective, because it gives the hiring manager a chance to actually meet you.

Steps

Using Social Media

  1. Create a professional social media account. Creating a professional social media account, like one on LinkedIn, can be a great way to network with people. When the time comes, you can use that network to get info about other businesses.[1]
  2. Search for HR employees' contact information. Once you’re interested in finding out whether a specific company is hiring, you can use this type of account to search for employees who work there. It’s best to search for recruiters or hiring managers at the company, because they'll have the information you need.[1]
    • If you can't find the hiring manager or a recruiter specifically, look for employees at the company in the HR department. You can contact them and ask if they can point you in the right direction.
  3. Contact the recruiter or hiring manager. Once you’ve found a recruiter or hiring manager, send them a short message. Briefly outline your educational and work background and then ask if there are any open positions in your field.[1]
    • For example, you can write something like: “Dear Mr. Smith, I am interested in working for XYZ Plumbing, and I noticed that you are the hiring manager there. I am a certified plumber and have 6 years’ experience working as plumber for ABC plumbing, where I was promoted twice. I’d be very interested in knowing if your company has any current openings and how I might apply. Thank you very much for your time.”
    • If you couldn't find the recruiter or hiring manager and instead only found an employee of the company, ask them if they can put you in contact with someone in HR. You can say something like "Hi! I'm looking for any open opportunities at your company, and I was wondering if you could put me in contact with the hiring manager or recruiter." Try not to add too much information about yourself - this can overwhelm your contact, and it's not information they need unless they're in a position to make hiring decisions.

Emailing the Company

  1. Search for HR employees on the website. Most companies have websites which list their HR employees. It might take some searching to find exactly who you need to talk to, but don’t give up. Most HR departments have at least a general email address listed, and often list the email addresses of individual employees.[1]
    • If, despite your best efforts, you can't find the appropriate email addresses, call the company. Ask if they can give you contact information - preferably an email address - for the hiring manager or recruiter.
  2. Craft a polite email. Once you’ve found the email address of a recruiter or hiring manager, take some time to write a clear, polite email. You should use their title, explain who you are, and what type of position you’re looking for.[1]
    • For example, you could write: “Dear Ms. Johnson, I have loved shopping at Forever 18 for many years, and I have recently become interested in taking my love for the store to the next level by working there. I have five years of retail experience, including two years as a manager. Are there any current openings in your company? Thank you for your time.”
  3. Attach your CV or resume. Telling the hiring manger or recruiter you have certain qualifications is one thing. Attach your resume or CV to show your contact that you actually have those qualifications.[1]

Asking in Person

  1. Prepare what you’ll say. Asking about open positions in person is a little different than asking in writing. You won’t have time to revise what you say, so you should prepare ahead of time. Practice what you’ll say, including your education level, experience, and why you’re interested in that company.[2]
    • You might not get an interview right away, but if you have this information prepared, it can go a long way toward impressing a hiring manager.
  2. Dress appropriately. You should dress for these types of encounters the same way you would if you were going in for an interview. The first impression is the most important, and you want the hiring manager to take you seriously. It also shows that you’d reflect well on their company, since you dressed appropriately just to ask if there are any openings.[2]
  3. Ask for the hiring manager. Hiring managers are usually not out on the floor of businesses or stores. Ask the nearest employee – or the receptionist if there is one – if you could speak to the hiring manager. If they ask why, explain that you’re interested in any open positions at the company.[2]
  4. Shake hands. When the hiring manager comes out, act professionally. This means shaking hands, making eye contact, and being polite. Explain who you are, and why you’re there.[2]
  5. Bring your resume. The hiring manager may ask for your resume after they meet you. You should have at least one copy with you. If the hiring manager says there are no current openings, you can ask if you can leave your resume for future consideration.[2]

Warnings

  • If you’ve already made initial contact with a hiring manager, resist the urge to call over and over. If the manager says they’ll get back to you in a week, give them at least a week before you call to check in.
  • Make sure you know that business’s view on drop-ins. Some companies won’t even speak to people who come in to ask in person about jobs – they prefer that you use their website. Make sure you know for sure that dropping in or emailing is the way to go before you do it.

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-ask-for-jobwithout-asking-for-a-job
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 http://www.snagajob.com/resources/approach-a-manager-for-a-job/
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