Sample Messages Asking About Available Jobs
Sample messages for asking about available jobs. Learn how to write a job inquiry email that helps you get noticed before positions are posted.
A job inquiry letter is a proactive way to reach out to an employer to ask about potential job openings—even if none are currently posted. Many great positions never make it to job boards because companies fill them internally or through referrals. By contacting an organization directly, you increase your chances of getting noticed before roles become public.
Note:
Reaching out early is one of the most effective ways to get on an employer’s radar. Many unadvertised opportunities can be found simply by initiating contact.
Even if the company isn’t hiring at the moment, a strong, well-crafted inquiry letter can help you make a positive impression for future openings. Knowing how to phrase your message—and what to avoid—can significantly improve your chances. Use the examples below to craft your own message when asking about potential job opportunities.
What to Say (and Not Say) When Asking About Job Opportunities
What to Say
Clearly express your interest in the company and explain what specifically drew you to the organization.
Provide a brief overview of your skills, education, and experience, highlighting how they can bring value to the company.
Request an opportunity to interview and let the employer know when you plan to follow up.
What Not to Say
Keep your message focused—save detailed information for your attached resume.
Avoid exaggerating your accomplishments, as any inaccuracies can easily be exposed during an interview.
Don’t come across as desperate; instead, show confidence in your abilities and the contributions you can make.
What to Include in an Inquiry Message
Ultimately, a job inquiry letter works like a professional sales pitch—you’re presenting your skills and value in a way that encourages the employer to consider you for future opportunities.
To make the strongest impression, follow a clear business letter structure:
- Opening paragraph: Introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the company.
- Second paragraph: Provide a concise overview of your key experience, education, and qualifications. Keep it short and focus only on the strongest points.
- Third paragraph: Ask for a meeting or conversation to explore potential opportunities. You can also mention that you plan to follow up by phone or email within a few days.
This structure helps you stay professional, highlight your value quickly, and keep the employer engaged.
When deciding how to address your inquiry letter, start with any existing connections. If you already know someone within the company, send your message directly to them.
If you don’t have a contact, the right recipient depends on the company’s size.
- For small businesses, address your letter to the CEO or company president, since they’re often directly involved in hiring.
- For larger organizations, look for a manager or department head in the area where you hope to work.
Always address the letter to a specific person. Messages sent to generic inboxes like careers@company.com rarely get attention and are less likely to be read.
Note
This is one time when bypassing human resources or a hiring manager can make sense because you aren't applying for a job that's been posted.
Should You Use Mail or Email?
While most hiring now happens online, a mailed inquiry letter can sometimes stand out more, especially when you're asking about positions that haven’t been advertised. At the same time, LinkedIn can also be an effective outreach tool, as many professionals—especially recruiters—are highly active there.
Note:
If the company operates remotely, reaching out by email or through LinkedIn is often the best and fastest way to make contact.
Sample Inquiry Letters Asking About Possible Job Openings
These examples can serve as templates to help you write your own inquiry letter when asking about potential job openings.
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. Contact,
For the past decade, I’ve followed your work and the achievements of [Employer/Organization Name] through interviews, news coverage, and online research. Your commitment to the media industry and your clear understanding of the vital role journalism plays in today’s fast-moving information landscape—along with your strong belief in the power of the press—are truly inspiring.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to develop my journalism skills across three very different publications. After graduating college, I began at a small-town newspaper, where I learned every part of the publishing process. I then advanced to a regional manager role within a media corporation that oversaw several small and mid-sized newspapers in the Midwest. Today, I serve as Chief Correspondent for one of the largest newspapers in the Southwest.
I would welcome the chance to speak with you, learn from your perspective, and discuss how my experience might be valuable to ABD Company. I am also interested in any potential job opportunities within your organization.
I will contact your office to arrange a convenient time to talk. I look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely,
Your Signature (if sending a printed letter)
Your Name
Inquiry Letter for a Recent College Graduate
This second example works well as a template for recent college graduates who want to reach out to a company with a job inquiry.
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. Contact,
I recently graduated with honors in Accounting from [university name], and I am actively seeking an opportunity with a top-tier accounting firm. Throughout my studies, I have researched national firms to understand where I could grow and take on meaningful challenges.
[Name of firm] has consistently been my top choice and a “dream employer.”
I am writing to ask whether you expect to have openings for interns or entry-level accountants soon. I am highly motivated to gain hands-on experience and am ready to work my way up within your team.
My academic background—supported by a 4.0 GPA—reflects strong skills in financial, corporate, managerial, and tax accounting, as well as auditing. I pride myself on attention to detail and always ensure my work is accurate, complete, and ahead of deadlines.
I would appreciate being included in your pool of potential candidates. I’ve attached my resume for your review. Please let me know if you need any additional information. I would welcome the chance to speak with you and learn more about opportunities at [firm name].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature, if printed]
[Your Name]
Letter Asking About Jobs at a Networking Contact’s Employer
This letter asks whether there are any available job opportunities at the company of a professional contact.
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. Hiring Manager,
My former colleague, [contact’s name], recommended that I reach out to ask about any available positions within your graphic design department.
I’ve admired [company name] for years—ever since the Brand X campaign. I always look forward to your new posts on Instagram, and I can often recognize your team’s work instantly when I see it elsewhere. (Feel free to test me during an interview!)
Currently, I serve as Lead Graphic Designer at [current employer], where I oversee a team of five to six designers and coordinate all project workflows. I’m highly experienced with Adobe Creative Suite, HTML5, and CSS. I’ve attached my resume and a few portfolio samples so you can review my work.
I would welcome the opportunity to contribute my skills to your team. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to the possibility of hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Signature, if printed]
[Your Name]
Include a Copy of Your Resume
Attach your resume so the employer can learn more about your qualifications and experience. Before sending it, review the document carefully. Small improvements—like switching to a clean font such as Arial or Calibri or using bullet points for clarity—can make your resume stand out. Whatever changes you make, be sure the formatting stays neat and consistent.
Make sure your resume uses one consistent font and avoid excessive bolding or italics so it stays easy to read. Also, tailor your resume for each job you apply to. Employers want to see that you’re genuinely interested in their position, not just sending the same resume everywhere.
More Ways to Get Noticed by a Company
Sending a letter alone usually won’t lead to a job offer. It’s a good starting point, but you’ll boost your chances by connecting with the company on social media (especially LinkedIn), setting up job alerts, and finding ways to engage with the company’s recruiters.
- Many jobs aren’t posted publicly, so reaching out on your own can help you find opportunities others may miss.
- Show genuine interest in the company, mention the skills and experience that make you a good fit, and confidently ask for an interview.
- Direct your message to the right hiring contacts, consider sending a physical letter for more visibility, and tailor your resume and message to each specific role.
Read more:
Cover Letter Template for a Resume
Sample Messages Asking About Available Jobs