One thing about me? I’m relentless.

So when I see a company I know I’ll be perfect for, I’m not waiting around for a LinkedIn post or a “We’re Hiring” banner.

Instead, I’ll figure out how to ask a company if they are hiring and scavenge LinkedIn for the HR Director until I have a meeting with them on my calendar.

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How To Ask a Company if They Are Hiring (Without a Job Posting)

You might be wondering how to ask a company if they are hiring if there’s no job listed at all. 

Is it even possible to get a job IN PERSON these days? 

Actually, yes! In fact, 70%-80% of jobs are not posted online.

The fact is that companies often get employees through word-of-mouth, networking, and proactive candidates like you every day.

With a little bit of confidence and these 3 steps, you can absolutely handle it.

Step 1: Do Your Homework

Before you reach out, know your stuff. You want to come off as thoughtful, not like you’re spraying résumés like confetti.

✔ Mission & Values: What drives them? If their mission is all about community, don’t talk about your love of working solo in a basement.

✔ Recent Wins: Have they launched a killer campaign or product? Mention it. It shows you’re paying attention.

✔ Identify the Decision-Maker: This isn’t a scavenger hunt. Find the HR manager, department head, or even the CEO for smaller companies.

RELATED: How to Get a Job Fast

Step 2: Know Who To Contact for Job Opportunities

To email the right person, you’ll want to target someone involved in hiring or leadership. Here’s how to identify them:

• HR Manager or Recruiter: Responsible for hiring decisions.
• Department Head: If you’re applying to a specific area (e.g., Marketing Director for a marketing role).
• Founder/CEO: For smaller companies, they’re often hands-on with hiring.
• Someone on the team you’d like to join: They can guide you or refer you internally.

How to Find Their Contact Info:

• Company Website: Look for an “About Us” or “Team” page; they may list staff names and roles.
• LinkedIn: Search “[Company Name] + [Role, e.g., HR Manager]” to find potential contacts.
• Hunter.io: A tool to discover professional email addresses.
• Generic Company Email: Use if all else fails (e.g., hello@company.com or careers@company.com).

Bonus Tip: If you find a LinkedIn contact, but not their email, you can send a polite connection request with a short message that leaves room for genuine conversation.

Try this message:

“Hi [Name]! I love what you said in your last post about [synopsis from their recent post/the company]. I’m a [fact about you that connects to their company values or a recent experience you had that ties into their post]. I’d love to connect and learn more about [your journey at (Company Name) or where I can contribute as a (your skill set)!]”

LinkedIn Connect Request Example:

“Hi [Name]! I really enjoyed what you said in your last post about [educating clients on managing market volatility during election years. I recently had a conversation with my brother-in-law about the uncertainties in the bond market and how they relate to investing, especially in areas like crypto. He was hesitant at first, but I managed to convince him to stay cautious]. I’d love to connect and see if there are any opportunities at [Company Name] where I can apply my skills as a [Financial Analyst].”

Use This Email Sample:

Subject: Excited to Contribute to [Company Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well! My name is [Your Name], and I’ve been following [Company Name]’s work on [specific project or mission], which deeply resonates with my experience in [your field].

In my role at [Previous Company], I [highlight key achievement]. I specialize in [skill] and am passionate about [specific value they align with]. I’d love the opportunity to bring that to your team.

Are there any current or upcoming roles where my skills could make an impact? If not, I’d still love to connect and stay in touch for future opportunities.

Thank you for your time! Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

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Step 3: How to Follow Up

No response? No problem. Follow up in a week:

Subject: Following Up on My Inquiry

Hi [Name],

I’m following up on my previous email to get back to the top of your inbox. I genuinely believe my skills in [specific expertise, e.g., driving engagement through creative storytelling, optimizing processes] could help [Company Name] achieve its goals. I’d love the chance to discuss how I can bring value to your team.

Is there a better time or way to connect?

Thanks again for your time!

Best,
[Your Name]

RELATED: How I Used ChatGPT To Write An Interview Follow-up Email Format

What If They Say No?

Take it like a champ and keep that door open:

Subject: Thank You for Your Response

Hi [Name],

Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate your time. I admire [specific aspect of the company], and I’d love to stay connected for any future opportunities.

Is there a preferred way to stay in touch?”

Best regards,
[Your Name]

How To Ask for a Job FAQS

How do I ask for a job in person?

Walk up, be confident, and ask directly if they’re hiring. No fluff, just:

“Hello, are you hiring?”

(If they say, “yes, we are”):

“Excellent. Is there anyone here that I can talk to about that today?”

I recommend going when they open. That’s usually when a manager is there, and it’s slower, so it’ll be less of a hassle for them. They might even have time to meet with you. Bring a copy of your resume, either tailored to a specific job posting or a generic version that highlights your aligned capabilities.

How do I ask if a job is still available?

“Hi, I’m checking if [position] is still open?“

(If they say, “yes it is/you need to apply online”):

“Thanks, I’ll do that tonight! Is there a manager I could speak to briefly about the position? I’m hoping to introduce myself and hand-deliver my resume, ya know, to get a literal foot in the door.”

Why do companies post jobs if they’re not hiring?

Sometimes they’re building a talent pipeline of qualified candidates to prepare for future needs.

How do I know if a place is hiring?

Look for signs: if they’re short-staffed or you see new faces, it’s a good bet they’re hiring. Or just ask!

When the time comes for your job interview, make sure you ask these 10 questions!

About the Author:

Hey, I’m Rayla! Let’s digitally shake hands…

I’m a Career Coach and HR Professional who is living for the chance to show you how to develop the tools you need to get a new job or promotion quickly and with confidence.

If you liked these tips and are impatient for more, here’s how we can connect:

Connect with me on LinkedIn! I’m spilling all the hiring (and firing) secrets that HR doesn’t want you to know.  

Binge-read my blog. If you need help with job search strategy, personal branding, resumes, career change, interview prep, or building confidence… grab a cup of coffee; you’ll be here awhile.

Download my free Weekly Planning Calendar. Get a better work-life balance or create a routine so you can apply for jobs quicker and more efficiently.

Get a breakdown of how to Upgrade Your LinkedIn Profile to get more jobs.

Snag this guide to nail your interview with these 10 Questions to Ask in a Job Interview.

Easily apply for any job with my Upgrade Your Resume Masterclass.

Recruit me as your 1:1 Career Coach. I can look over your resume, do a mock interview, or help you get the confidence to negotiate that $10K salary increase.

Anything else? Fill out my contact form or email me at hello@rayla.co.