December 15, 2022
Knowing what to say is half the battle. Whether you’re cold-messaging a recruiter on LinkedIn, walking into a business to ask about open positions, or reaching out through your network, the way you ask matters just as much as whether you ask at all.
The job market has shifted. AI-assisted hiring, Applicant Tracking System (ATS) screening, and the rise of remote and hybrid work have changed how companies find candidates and how candidates should reach out. But one thing hasn’t changed: people hire people they feel good about. These 11 tips break down exactly how to ask if someone is hiring so you come across as confident, prepared, and worth a second look.
Before reaching out, do your homework. Visit the company’s LinkedIn page, check the Jobs tab, and browse their careers section. If there’s an open role that fits, reference it specifically. It signals you’re serious, not just casting a wide net. If nothing matches, knowing what they do hire for helps you frame your message around how you fit in.
Shift from “Are you hiring?” to asking about the role itself. Try: “I’m really interested in [type of work] at your company. Could you point me toward the right person or process?” It signals genuine interest, gives the other person something specific to respond to, and makes a reply far more likely.
A vague connection request or an immediate “are you hiring?” rarely gets a response. Keep it short, specific, and low-pressure. Lead with something genuine about the company, then make an easy ask.
“Hi [Name], I’ve been following [Company]’s work in [area] and was impressed by [specific thing]. I’m exploring opportunities in [field] and would love to connect if there’s ever a fit.”
You’re not asking for a job. You’re starting a conversation.
Treat your email like a brief cover letter. Include a direct subject line (“Inquiry: Marketing Roles at [Company]”), one sentence on your background, a specific reason you’re interested in this company, and a low-barrier ask, such as a short call or the right person to contact. Address it to HR or a specific recruiter and keep it to two or three paragraphs.
Before you hit send, make sure your resume is polished and ready to attach. A strong, up-to-date resume does two things at once: it reinforces your message and gives the reader a reason to keep the conversation going. If you need help building one, My Career Advisor offers a free guided resume builder and cover letter tools — so you can have both ready before you reach out. It’s also worth using AI tools to optimize your resume for the role by mirroring keywords from the job description, which can improve your visibility if the company uses ATS screening.
For retail, service, skilled trades, and local businesses, walking in still works. Dress appropriately, ask to speak with whoever handles hiring, and bring a resume. Keep it simple: “I’m interested in working here and wanted to introduce myself. Is there someone I could speak with about opportunities, or the best way to apply?” If they’re busy, offer to come back. It shows you’re considerate, not just checking a box.
Don’t lead with what you need. The goal of networking is to build real relationships first. Engage with people’s content, reconnect with former colleagues through a genuine check-in, and when you’re ready to bring up your search, frame it as curiosity: “I’m exploring some new directions and would love to hear about your experience at [Company]. Would you have 20 minutes for a quick call?”
An informational interview lets you learn about a company, build a connection on the inside, and get on a hiring manager’s radar before a formal opening exists. Keep your request short and specific: “I’m exploring roles in [field] and have a lot of respect for what [Company] is doing in [area]. Would you be open to a 20-minute conversation?” Come prepared, listen more than you talk, and send a thank-you note the same day.
A referral can move your resume to the top of the pile, but it requires setup. Share your resume, be clear about what you’re looking for, and make it easy for your contact to say yes: “I saw [Company] is hiring for [role] and think it could be a great fit. Would you be comfortable putting in a word or pointing me toward the right person?” The easier you make it, the more likely they are to help.
Instead of talking about what you’re looking for, ask about what they’re working on. Listen for areas where your background is relevant, then bring it in naturally: “That’s actually an area I’ve spent a lot of time in. Is that something your team is hiring for right now?” It turns a job inquiry into a genuine conversation.
One follow-up after an initial outreach is professional and expected. Keep it brief, reference your original message, and restate your interest: “Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on the note I sent last week. I’m still very interested and would welcome a chance to connect when the timing is right.” The goal is to stay on someone’s radar without becoming memorable for the wrong reasons.
Many companies now use AI tools and ATS systems to screen messages before a human ever sees them. Use clear, specific language that mirrors the job posting, avoid heavily formatted messages, and be explicit about your title, skills, and experience. For remote and hybrid roles specifically, leading with strong communication skills and flexibility signals exactly what distributed teams are looking for.
Job searching is a skill, and like any skill, it gets easier with the right support behind you.
Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona offers free career resources through My Career Advisor, built for job seekers at every stage of the process. From resume building and interview prep to job fairs and one-on-one career coaching, it’s a no-cost resource designed for real people navigating real challenges. Visit the My Career Advisor website to get started today.
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