Sample Messages Asking About Available Jobs
Find effective sample messages for asking about job openings and learn how to write a strong inquiry letter that gets employer attention.
A job inquiry letter (also called a letter of interest or prospecting letter) is a message you send to an employer to ask whether they have any job openings—even if none are posted online. In other words, it's a proactive way to introduce yourself, show interest in the company, and get considered for future roles.
Not every position appears on job boards. Many companies fill their best jobs internally, through referrals, or before the listing goes public. That’s why reaching out directly can help you get noticed faster than waiting for a vacancy to be advertised.
Tip: Contacting employers before jobs go live is one of the most effective ways to uncover hidden opportunities. Many organizations appreciate initiative, and a clear, well-structured inquiry letter can put you on their radar for upcoming roles.
Even if the company doesn’t currently have openings, a professional inquiry letter can help you build a connection, keep your résumé on file, and make you a potential candidate when a role becomes available. Use the sample messages below as templates when reaching out and asking about job opportunities.
What to Say (and Not Say) When Asking About Job Opportunities
What to Say
- Tell the company you're interested and why, explaining what it is about the organization that caught your attention.
- Summarize your skills, education, and experience, and mention how they could help the company.
- Ask for an interview and let the reader know you'll follow up within a certain period of time.
What Not to Say
- Stick to the highlights and leave the details for your resume, which should be included with your letter.
- Don't embellish and run the risk you'll be tripped up by not-quite-accurate facts when you're questioned during an interview.
- Don't act like you're desperate—be confident about your skills and how they can help the company.
What to Say (and Not Say) When Asking About Job Opportunities
What to Say
When reaching out about potential job openings, clearly express your interest in the company and explain what specifically attracted you to it. Briefly highlight your key skills, experience, and education that make you a valuable candidate. Finish your message by requesting an interview and indicating that you plan to follow up within a certain timeframe.
What Not to Say
Avoid overwhelming the message with unnecessary details—save those for your resume. Don’t exaggerate or include information that could be questioned later during an interview. And avoid sounding desperate. Your tone should remain confident, honest, and professional, focused on the genuine value you can bring to the organization.
What to Include in an Inquiry Message
A job inquiry letter is essentially a short pitch of your value as a candidate. The structure should be clear and effective, so the employer immediately understands who you are and why they should consider your application.
1. First paragraph: Introduce yourself and explain why you're interested in the company.
2. Second paragraph: Provide a brief summary of your relevant experience, education, and skills — keep it concise.
3. Third paragraph: Request a meeting to discuss potential career opportunities and mention that you will follow up by email or phone within a few days.
If you already have a contact within the company, address your inquiry directly to that person. If not, the right recipient depends largely on the size of the organization.
For smaller companies, it’s often best to address your letter to the CEO or president, since top leadership typically plays an active role in hiring. In larger organizations, try to identify a department head or a relevant manager connected to the area where you want to work.
Always address your inquiry to a specific individual. Messages sent to generic inboxes like careers@company.com often go unread.
Note:
This is one situation where reaching out above HR or the hiring manager is appropriate, because you’re not responding to a posted job opening.
Should You Use Mail or Email?
Hiring processes happen mostly online now, but when you’re asking about potential unadvertised opportunities, a physical letter can stand out and may have a higher chance of being noticed. You should also consider LinkedIn outreach—many people, especially recruiters, respond faster through social platforms.
Note:
If the company operates remotely, email or a LinkedIn message is usually the most effective way to make contact.
Sample Inquiry Letters for Exploring Potential Job Opportunities
Here are example inquiry letters you can use as templates when reaching out to an organization about possible job openings. These samples provide a clear structure you can follow to introduce yourself, express interest, and ask about available roles that may not be publicly listed.
Inquiry Letter Asking About Possible Job Openings (Text Version)
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
Date
Contact Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
For the past decade, I’ve been following both your professional achievements and the growth of [Employer/Organization Name] through articles, interviews, and online research. Your leadership in the media industry—and your commitment to high-quality journalism in today’s fast-paced information landscape—continues to stand out.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to develop strong reporting and editorial skills across three very different publications. After graduating, I began at a small-town newspaper where I quickly learned the full process of producing timely, accurate news. From there, I advanced to a regional manager role for a media group overseeing small to mid-sized newspapers across the Midwest. Currently, I serve as Chief Correspondent for one of the largest newspapers in the Southwest.
I would welcome the chance to speak with you about where my experience could bring the greatest value to ABD Company and to learn whether there may be potential opportunities within your organization.
I will follow up with your office to arrange a convenient time to talk. I look forward to connecting with you.
Sincerely,
Your Signature (for mailed letter)
Your Name
Inquiry Letter for a Recent College Graduate
Your Name
Your Address
City, State Zip
Phone
Date
Contact Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State Zip
Dear Mr./Ms. [Contact],
I recently graduated with honors in Accounting from [University Name], and I am currently exploring opportunities with leading firms known for strong professional development and high standards. Throughout my studies, I have followed [Firm Name] closely, and it consistently stands out as a top organization where I would be honored to begin my career.
I am writing to ask whether your team anticipates openings for intern or entry-level accountants. I am highly motivated to contribute, learn, and grow within your organization.
My academic background (4.0 GPA) reflects strong capability in financial accounting, auditing, management accounting, corporate accounting, and business tax. I take pride in delivering precise, well-reviewed work ahead of deadlines, and I’m eager to apply these skills in a real-world environment.
Attached is my resume for your review. I would appreciate being considered for any future opportunities and would welcome a conversation to learn more about the roles at [Firm Name].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Letter Asking About Jobs Through a Networking Contact
Your Name
Your Address
City, State Zip
Phone
Date
Hiring Manager
Title
Company
Address
City, State Zip
Dear Mr./Ms. Hiring Manager,
I’m reaching out at the recommendation of [Contact Name], who suggested I contact you regarding potential opportunities within your graphic design team.
I have long admired [Company Name], especially your creative direction and memorable campaigns. Your work has a distinct style that I instantly recognize, and I closely follow your new releases across social platforms.
Currently, I serve as Lead Graphic Designer at [Employer Name], where I manage a team of 5–6 designers and oversee the full lifecycle of multiple creative projects. I’m proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, HTML5, and CSS. I’ve included my resume and selected portfolio samples for your review.
I would welcome the opportunity to bring my experience and creative approach to your team. Thank you for considering my inquiry — I look forward to the possibility of connecting.
Best regards,
Your Name
Resume Advice
- Include your resume with your inquiry letter.
- Use a clean, professional layout — stick to classic fonts (Arial, Calibri).
- Avoid switching fonts, overusing bold/italics, or clutter.
- Keep formatting consistent across sections.
- Tailor every resume to the job: highlight skills and experience that match the company and role.
- Employers respond best to candidates who show genuine interest in their position, not just any opening.
More Ways to Get Noticed by a Company
Sending an inquiry letter is a strong start, but it’s rarely enough to secure a position on its own. To increase your visibility with a company you’re genuinely interested in, expand your outreach: engage with the organization on social media (especially LinkedIn), set up job alerts, and look for opportunities to connect directly with recruiters and hiring leaders.
Key Points
- Many opportunities never reach public job boards. Proactively reaching out allows you to uncover roles that haven’t been advertised.
- Demonstrate clear interest and value. Communicate why you want to work with the company, highlight the strengths you bring, and express your interest in a conversation or interview with confidence and professionalism.
- Target real decision-makers. Address your message to people directly involved in hiring. When appropriate, consider sending a physical letter — it can stand out. Always tailor your resume and outreach to the specific company and role.
Read more:
How to Include Contact Information in a Cover Letter
How to Choose the Right Salutation for Your Cover Letter
Sample Email Cover Letter for a Volunteer Position
Cover Letter Template for a Resume