Buzz
Sometimes, you just have a strong desire to work for a specific company, but figuring out if they're currently hiring might not always be clear. Social media platforms can be useful for uncovering this information if you're unsure about directly reaching out to the business. Sending an email can also provide you with an opportunity to introduce yourself to the hiring manager. Of course, asking in person can be the most effective approach, as it allows the hiring manager to meet you face-to-face.
Steps
Sending an Email to the Company
Look for HR contacts on the company website. Many businesses provide details about their HR department on their websites. It may take some effort to pinpoint the exact person to contact, but don’t give up. Most HR departments offer a general email address and sometimes even individual contact information for employees.
- If you're unable to find the correct email addresses, give the company a call. Inquire if they can provide contact information, preferably an email address, for the hiring manager or recruiter.
Compose a respectful email. After finding the email address of a recruiter or hiring manager, take time to draft a clear and courteous email. Address them by their title, introduce yourself, and specify the type of position you're interested in.
- For instance, you might say: “Dear Ms. Johnson, I have been a loyal customer at Forever 18 for many years, and I’m excited about the opportunity to take my passion for the store to the next level by working there. With 5 years of retail experience, including 2 years as a manager, I would love to know if there are any open positions. Thank you for your time.”
- If it feels appropriate, you could also ask when you should follow up. This provides you with an opportunity to reach out again about the position. You might include, “Please let me know when would be a good time for me to check back about this opportunity.”
Include your CV or resume. Simply stating your qualifications is one thing, but attaching your resume or CV lets the hiring manager or recruiter see that you actually possess the skills you mentioned. You can also include links to your online portfolio, articles, or professional profiles, such as LinkedIn.
- Including a link to your profile can create a strong first impression and makes it easy for the recruiter to view your work. They may want to visit your profile after your initial communication.
- Always proofread your resume to ensure it’s free of errors or typos. Mistakes on your resume can quickly make a recruiter dismiss you as a candidate.
Leveraging Social Media
Set up a professional social media account. Research the social media platforms the company uses and create an account on those platforms. Having a professional account, such as on LinkedIn, can be a powerful way to network with others. As you build your network, you can later leverage it to learn more about other companies and opportunities.
- Remember to nurture your professional connections even when you’re not actively job hunting. Check in with former colleagues from time to time to see how they’re doing. This helps make your networking efforts more effective when you are searching for a job.
Look for HR contacts. When you want to know if a particular company is hiring, use your professional social media account to find recruiters or hiring managers, as they will have the information you need.
- If you can’t find a recruiter or hiring manager directly, try looking for people in the company’s HR department. Reach out to them and ask if they can direct you to the right person. It’s best to do this through a professional networking site like LinkedIn, as contacting employees on less formal platforms like Facebook or Twitter may not be well received.
Reach out to the recruiter or hiring manager. After locating a recruiter or hiring manager, send them a concise message. Summarize your educational background and work experience, then inquire about any open positions in your field.
- For instance, you could write: “Dear Mr. Smith, I am eager to join XYZ Plumbing, and I noticed that you are the hiring manager. I am a certified plumber with 6 years of experience at ABC Plumbing, where I received two promotions. I would greatly appreciate knowing if your company currently has any job openings and how I might apply. Thank you for your time.”
Inquiring In Person
Plan what you’ll say. Asking about job openings in person differs from doing so in writing. Since you won’t have time to refine your words, it’s important to prepare ahead of time. Practice your introduction, including details about your education, experience, and why you’re interested in the company.
- You may not be offered an interview immediately, but having this information ready will leave a positive impression on the hiring manager.
Dress appropriately. For in-person inquiries, dress as you would for an interview. Making a strong first impression is crucial, and looking professional signals to the hiring manager that you take the opportunity seriously. It also reflects well on the company, as it shows you care enough to present yourself well just to ask about open positions.
Request to speak with the hiring manager. Hiring managers are typically not on the store or business floor. Approach the nearest employee—or the receptionist—and ask if you could speak to the hiring manager. If they ask why, explain that you are interested in potential job openings at the company.
- If the hiring manager isn’t available, politely ask when would be a better time to return. In some cases, the employee you speak to may even provide you with an application.
Offer a handshake. When the hiring manager arrives, behave professionally. This includes shaking hands, maintaining eye contact, and being courteous. Introduce yourself and explain the reason for your visit.
Bring a copy of your resume. The hiring manager may ask for your resume after meeting you, so always have at least one copy on hand. If they inform you that there are no open positions, politely ask if you can leave your resume for future reference.
- Store your resume in a wrinkle-free, water-resistant folder to maintain its quality. Never present a resume that is folded, crinkled, or damp, as it leaves a negative impression.
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Current employees are often the best source of information about job opportunities at a company. If you know someone working there, ask them if the business is hiring.
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Although email is the most common communication method today, applying to more formal or traditional businesses, such as a law firm, may benefit from a handwritten cover letter, which can make you stand out.
Things to Keep in Mind
- If you’ve already reached out to a hiring manager, avoid repeatedly calling. If they say they’ll follow up in a week, respect their timeline and wait at least a week before calling again to check on your application status.
- Understand the company’s stance on in-person inquiries. Some businesses won’t entertain drop-ins and prefer you to apply through their website. Be sure you know whether or not it’s appropriate to visit or email before doing so.
