It’s one of the biggest questions job seekers face: how to politely and effectively ask for an interview.
The whole job hunt process can be incredibly intimidating, and asking a potential employer for an interview is no exception.
Fortunately, there are a few tried and true methods for getting your foot in the door.
In this article, I’ll be taking you through 10 great examples of how to politely ask for an interview.
From utilizing the power of email to crafting the perfect letter, these tips will help you get the attention of your prospective employer and increase your chances of success.
I’ll start by discussing the importance of researching and preparing for your interview request. We’ll then explore the different methods you can use to get your request noticed.
From there, I’ll dive into the 10 great examples that can help you make your interview request stand out.
By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge and tools necessary to construct an effective and efficient interview request that will help you get closer to the job of your dreams.
So, let’s get started!
10 Great Examples of How To Politely Ask For An Interview
Asking for an interview is one of the most important steps in the job search process. It is important to make sure that you are polite and professional in your request, as this can help to ensure that you get the interview that you are hoping for.
There are many different ways that you can politely ask for an interview, and here are 10 great examples of how to do just that.
- Make a Phone Call
- Send an Email
- Follow-Up
- Ask for a Referral
- Connect on Social Media
- Research the Company
- Network
- Cold Call
- Ask for an Informational Interview
- Use Your Connections
1. Make a Phone Call
You can always call the company directly and ask to speak to the hiring manager. This can be a little intimidating, but it’s a great way to make a personal connection.
Making a phone call to ask for an interview is a polite and effective way to connect with a company.
First, start with a warm introduction, and explain your interest in their organization and the job you are interested in.
Clearly state the purpose of your call and the job you are interested in. Ask if there is a time that would work for you to have an interview, and be sure to provide contact information in case the interviewer needs to reach you.
When the interviewer responds, thank them for their time and express your interest in the job.
Finally, ask if it would be possible to discuss further details in an interview. By making a phone call, you will show the company that you are serious and motivated, and this can be seen as a sign of respect.
Additionally, you can ask questions about the company, the role, and the team, and this will demonstrate that you are well informed and eager to learn more.
2. Send an Email
Asking a company for an interview is a polite way to demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in a particular position.
When sending an email to ask for an interview, it is essential to include certain elements to ensure that you present yourself in the best light possible.
The goal of the email should be to provide a professional introduction of yourself and your qualifications, to explain why you are interested in the job, and to express your enthusiasm for the position.
Begin your email with a proper salutation and address the email to the hiring manager, if possible.
In the body of the email, explain why you are interested in the position, list any qualifications or experiences you have that relate to the job, and offer to provide any additional information necessary.
Conclude the email by expressing your appreciation for their time, and include a way for them to contact you to arrange an interview.
Additionally, make sure to proofread your email to ensure that there are no typos or grammar errors.
Asking for an interview via email is a polite way to introduce yourself to a potential employer and show them why you are the right candidate for the job.
3. Follow-Up
Following up is essential. If you haven’t heard back from the company after a few days, it’s a good idea to send a gentle follow-up email.
Sending a follow-up email to ask for an interview is a polite way to reach out to a company and express your interest in the position.
When you compose your email, ensure that you are professional and respectful by including the hiring manager’s name, stating the position you are interested in, and expressing your enthusiasm for the role.
Additionally, you should briefly explain why you are qualified for the job and why you would be a great fit for the position.
Be sure to thank them for their time, include your contact information, and attach a copy of your resume. This will show the company that you are motivated and serious about the opportunity.
Also, it is important to be mindful of the company’s timeline and remember to follow up at an appropriate time.
After sending the email, it is also useful to give the company a call as this can be a great way to make a lasting impression.
Following these steps is a polite and effective way to ask for an interview and demonstrate to the company that you are the perfect candidate for the job.
4. Ask for a Referral
If you know someone who works at the company, don’t be afraid to ask for a referral. Your contact can put in a good word for you and help you get your foot in the door.
Asking for a referral to request an interview is a great way to demonstrate your politeness and respect for the company.
When asking for a referral, it is important to take a few steps to ensure that the company will take your request seriously.
First, do your research and find a person in the company who can vouch for you. This could be a former colleague, a friend, or someone you have worked with previously.
Once you have identified a contact, make sure to reach out to them in a polite and professional manner.
Explain why you are interested in working with the company and provide clear, concise reasons why you are the right fit for the job.
Asking for a referral is a polite, professional way to request an interview. Doing your research beforehand and being prepared for the interview will go a long way in showing the company that you are serious about the position.
5. Connect on Social Media
LinkedIn is a great tool for job seekers. Reach out to the company’s hiring manager, or send a connection request to someone you know at the company.
Connecting with a company on social media can be a great way to ask for an interview.
It is polite and professional to reach out to them via social media and communicate your interest in the position that they are hiring for.
First, you should research the company and see what kind of presence they have on social media.
You can then reach out to a representative of the company by sending a direct message, commenting on a post, or tagging them in a post.
Make sure to keep your message short and to the point, introducing yourself, expressing your interest in the position, and asking for an interview.
It is important to be respectful and polite in your communications with the company and to be sure to thank them for their time.
Connecting on social media to ask for an interview is a polite and professional way to demonstrate your interest in the company and the position.
6. Research the Company
Research the company and make sure you know as much as possible about its mission, values, and culture.
This will make you stand out as an applicant and will show the company that you’re serious about the position.
It’s important to properly research the company you’re interested in when asking for an interview. A polite way to ask for an interview is to first visit the company’s website and read up on its mission and values.
Knowing the company’s history, current initiatives, and goals can help you craft a compelling request to the hiring manager.
Additionally, reading any publicly available job descriptions can give you insight into the company’s culture, as well as the skills and qualifications they’re looking for in a candidate.
You can also look at the company’s social media profiles to see what kind of content they’re sharing and the topics they’re discussing.
This can give you a better understanding of their overall brand and the core values they prioritize.
Lastly, take the time to research the hiring manager’s background and familiarize yourself with their professional experience.
Doing this research shows that you’re invested in the opportunity and can help you craft an effective pitch when requesting an interview.
7. Network
Attend career fairs, industry events, and other networking opportunities to make connections with people in your industry.
Networking is an essential part of the job-seeking process, and it can be a great way to ask for an interview with a company.
The best way to network is to start by researching the company and the people in the organization you would like to speak with.
Then, reach out to them via email or LinkedIn, introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in their company.
Networking is a polite way to ask for an interview because it shows that you’ve taken the time to research the company and make a connection with the people you’d like to speak with.
It also demonstrates that you’re serious about the job and that you’re willing to put in the effort to make a good impression.
8. Cold Call
Cold calling is a polite way of asking for an interview from a company. It involves making a phone call to a company, introducing yourself and the position you are applying for, and then asking for an interview.
Cold calling is a great way to set yourself apart from other applicants, as it shows initiative and a willingness to take the extra step.
Ensure you explain why you are interested in the company and why you feel you would be a good fit for the job.
Finally, ask for an interview and explain that you would like to discuss the opportunity in more detail. It is important to be prepared for questions from the person on the other end of the line.
Have your resume, cover letter, and other relevant information ready. Cold calling can be intimidating, but it is a great way to get your foot in the door and show the company that you are willing to go the extra mile to get the job.
9. Ask for an Informational Interview
Asking for an informational interview is a polite way to get an interview from a company. The goal of an informational interview is to learn more about a particular industry, job, or company.
It’s an opportunity to meet with someone who works in the field and ask them questions about their career and the industry.
To ask for an informational interview, start by researching the person or company you’re interested in.
Make sure you understand the person’s background and the company’s mission. Then, reach out with a polite email introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the company.
Explain why you’d like to speak with them and why you think you’d make a great candidate. Be sure to research the company beforehand so you can ask questions that show you’re familiar with their work.
Also, remember to keep the conversation professional and be prepared to answer questions the interviewer may ask you.
Even if you don’t get an interview, an informational interview is a great way to make connections and learn more about the industry.
Don’t forget to make sure you follow up afterward.
10. Use Your Connections
Asking for an interview using your connections is a polite way to approach a company and get the attention of a hiring manager.
Firstly, you should make sure that your connections are reliable and have a good reputation.
If you know someone who works in the company you’re applying to or has worked for them in the past, it can be a great way to get your foot in the door.
You can reach out to them and ask if they can put in a good word for you, or even ask them to introduce you directly to the hiring manager.
Another way to use your connections to ask for an interview is to reach out to people in your network who may have an existing relationship with the company or may have worked there in the past.
These people can provide you with valuable insights about the company culture, the role you’re applying for, and the hiring process.
They can also provide you with an introduction to the hiring manager, which can be invaluable in getting your foot in the door.
Finally, if you don’t have any direct connections to the company, you can reach out to people in your network who may have contacts in the industry.
These people can provide you with valuable advice on how to approach the company.
By utilizing these 10 different avenues, you can make sure you’re making the best impression and getting the interview you deserve. Good luck!
Parting Words
Asking for an interview can be a daunting task for anyone, but it doesn’t have to be. By learning from these 10 great examples of how to politely ask for an interview, you can be confident in your request and secure the opportunity you’re looking for
Whether you’re a job seeker, an entrepreneur, or a freelancer, the tips included in this article can help you get started.
By studying these examples and making sure to keep your message concise and professional, you can create an effective request that will get you the results you’re looking for.
Remember, the key is to be polite, confident, and specific. Good luck!