Waiting for the perfect job to land in your lap? That is not going to happen. If you want that dream job, you’ve got to ask for it — and ask the right way.
This post will walk you through exactly when, where, and how to do it so you can land the position you really want.
3 ways to ask for a job
There are three basic approaches to submitting a job application: apply online, reach out via email, or apply in person. Regardless of your chosen method, being proactive, confident, and prepared is essential. The right approach can make all the difference in landing the job you want.
1. Apply online
Most companies post job listings on their website or an online job board. If you see a posting that fits, apply online. It’s the fastest way to connect your credentials to the open position.
But don’t stop there.
Follow up with a note to the HR or hiring manager. If you don’t have the recruiter’s name, check the company’s website or LinkedIn to find a contact. Send a quick email to introduce yourself and mention you’ve applied.
Ask for your application to be considered and see if they’d discuss the position on the phone or answer questions via email. It can’t hurt to stand out from the flood of online applications companies receive.
Be sure to check if the job posting prohibits calls or emails. If so, don’t violate this rule. Instead, look for a personal contact at the company who might introduce you to a hiring manager or put in a good word.
To strengthen your application, it’s important that you have a resume that truly stands out. If you haven’t already, watch my YouTube video on how to craft a winning resume to make a lasting impression.
2. Write an email
Even if there aren’t any active job listings for the position you’re seeking, you can still email a prospective employer.
- Search for companies you’d like to work with and explore their websites to learn about their hiring process and company culture.
- Browse the list of owners, partners, managers, and supervisors to find the right person to contact.
- If you know someone at the company, ask if they can help you connect with the right person.
Before writing your email, research the recipient’s career path, professional experiences, and education to find a way to connect on a personal level. For example, if you both attended the same undergraduate program, mention it in your email.
Start with a brief introduction: who you are, why you’re writing, and the role you’re interested in. Highlight why you’d be a good fit, including your education, relevant skills, and experience. If you have relevant credentials like licenses or certifications, mention them. Keep the email short, focusing on the most important skills.
Mention that you’ve attached your resume, thank them for reading, and ask for an interview in person or by phone. Sometimes, these “cold call” emails are forwarded to HR. If you want to connect with the person directly, consider asking for an informational interview.
Ensure your email is clear, concise, and professional. Use a subject line that matches your purpose, such as “Request for Informational Interview From Recent State University Graduate Jane Doe.” Include a signature line with all your contact information.
3. In person
Sometimes, the best way to apply for a job is in person, especially in hospitality, retail, and other public-facing or seasonal roles, or when a job is advertised with a storefront sign or online directive to apply in person during certain hours.
Make a good impression from the moment you walk in. Plan what you’ll say, introduce yourself, inquire about available positions, and ask for a job application.
Come prepared with all the information needed to fill out a typical job application, such as a list of references who have agreed to support your job search and the names and addresses of former employers and schools attended.
Dress appropriately — you never know if the person you meet could be your potential boss. Be ready to interview on the spot if requested.
When applying in person, your social skills will carry as much, if not more weight as your resume. To increase your chances of a positive in-person interaction, check out my YouTube video on improving your social skills to help you make a strong impression and confidently engage with potential employers.
When should you ask for a job?
Timing is everything. You need to position yourself to connect with hiring managers, HR personnel, recruiters, and anyone else with the power to hire or recommend you. The key is to be proactive.
When a business advertises that they’re hiring
The easiest job-hunting target is a company publicly advertising open positions. Start by listing companies you’d like to work for and visiting their websites to find their careers or jobs page. If needed, check the footer or “About Us” menu.
Bonus tip: even if companies don’t have a separate careers page to apply, almost all of them have a ‘contact us’ page, so you can always send in an application or a request to speak to a hiring manager directly. Best case, you might land yourself an interview, worst case, you would have created a connection that you can follow up on in the future.
You can also search for specific companies on popular job boards such as Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn, which often feature a wide range of positions from entry-level to executive roles, depending on the stage of your career.
At job fairs
Job fairs can offer loads of opportunities for job hunters who know how to distinguish themselves from the rank-and-file attendees.
One of the benefits of attending job fairs is that you can accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. With several attractive employers under one roof, you can meet multiple potential employers in just a day.
Companies that devote the time and resources to sending recruiters to job fairs are often ready to hire people on the spot or set up interviews.
To make the most of your time, do advanced research on the companies that will be there and be prepared to show off your knowledge. Dress professionally and bring plenty of copies of your resume to share with potential employers.
At networking events
Look for networking events where people in your field will be in attendance. Opportunities to network present themselves at conferences, trade shows, seminars, round tables, lunch-and-learns, and professional association meetings, to name a few.
If there’s a chance to mingle with people who can help in your job search — even at informal gatherings like a happy hour — take it.
Networking events offer the opportunity to mix business with social interactions. Don’t be afraid to talk with a possible employer or ask for career advice from people you meet.
While outright asking for a job may not be appropriate, you can exchange business cards and ask to set up an informational interview or meet for coffee to discuss career matters.
Often, hiring managers are happy to engage with prospective employees at networking events. One of their primary reasons for attending may be to connect with promising new talent.
With informational interviews
The informational interview is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door with a specific company or field. It allows you to connect with someone who can help advance your career while learning about potential opportunities.
The purpose is to learn from someone who knows what it takes to succeed in a particular job or career.
In an informational interview, you’ll typically ask about the experience or education needed for a position and how to get started in the industry, especially if you’re new, changing careers, or just out of school. You can also ask if the industry is growing and whether there are openings that fit your skills.
Think of an informational interview as a “soft sell” opportunity to promote your background and skills and share details about your qualifications and goals. This takes finesse, so practice with a friend if you’re new to one-on-one networking.
You won’t directly ask for a job, but you’ll aim to leave with a valuable connection and insight into existing or future job openings.
After a successful job interview
Sometimes, the best way to secure a job is after a successful interview.
Often, the interviewer will say something like, “Thank you for your time. We’ll be in touch,” or, “We’ll get back to you soon with the next steps.” Your instinct might be to thank them and go home, sending a polite follow-up note. Instead, why not ask for the job right then? It can’t hurt, especially if the interview went well.
Try saying, “I’m now more certain than ever that I can bring value to your organization and the position. If you agree, is there anything preventing you from extending me an offer?” Even if you don’t get an offer immediately, you’ve shown enthusiasm to join their company, which is always a plus.
Change your career and your life
Pursuing a new job can be exciting, especially if you approach the process with the attitude that opportunities come to those who ask for them.
Whether you’re looking for your dream job or a way to increase your income, it’s always a good idea to know how to ask for the job you want. To explore other skills to help you search for a job, check out my book, NYT Bestselling Book, I Will Teach You To Be Rich, where you’ll learn:
- How to negotiate salary and benefits like a pro once you land the job.
- Strategies to expand your professional network and connect with key decision-makers.
- How to confidently approach your career, setting yourself up for long-term success and growth.
To start, you can download the first chapter directly to your device:
