How to Write an Email Asking for a Job Vacancy in Four Steps (With Tips and Examples)

If you are looking for a new job, informing your professional circle is one way to learn about unadvertised positions that fit your skill sets. Sending an email to ask for job vacancies not only gives employers notice that you are looking for new opportunities but you may also have fewer competitors for the role if the company has not yet advertised the position.

Follow these steps to ask for a job vacancy through email:

1. Update your resume and list your career objectives

The first step is to update your resume to reflect the skills, experiences, and professional achievements relevant to the jobs you are looking for. After updating your resume, make note of any points you want to discuss in the email.

To plan your career objectives, write a summary of your resume, including the last three companies you worked for, your position and duties and responsibilities. Consider your ideal job titles and responsibilities, and suggest four to five employers you would love to work for and the ideal location.

If you are emailing a company, use the first paragraph to introduce yourself and highlight your interests. In the second paragraph, summarize your skills, experience, and education. The third paragraph should request for an interview or meeting to discuss with the company.

2. Email your general network

Once you’ve completed the content of your email, send it to acquaintances in your professional network. Use a general format for this email requesting their help in getting a specific job title in a particular industry. Mention your current position and employer, the duration of your current employment, and the role that interests you. Include a summary of your skills, experience, and qualifications outlined in your talking points.

3. Send specific emails to individuals and companies

After sending the general email to request job opportunities from your network, send specific emails to individuals in your inner circle and potential employers you would like to join. Unlike the general email, personalize this one based on your relationship with the recipient.

Use this opportunity to ask for specific requests, such as referrals, general advice, interviews, meetings, and other favors that can increase your chances of getting your ideal job. Potential recipients for this email are your former bosses, people at your dream company, and mentors.

4. Follow up and be patient

Follow up with the recipients of your emails if you don’t receive a response after a week. Be patient while following up and remain professional and friendly in all correspondence.

Here are tips to remember when asking for a job through email:

• Include only a summary of your transferable skills, experience, and education. Leave the crucial details of your credentials in your resume.
• Don’t exaggerate your qualifications and achievements.
• Avoid desperation. Position yourself as a professional looking for newer challenges and the lucky employer that will benefit from your exceptional skills and experience.
• Proofread and edit your email before sending it to establish a professional impression. Also, ensure that you get the correct title and contact information of the recipient.
• Remember to thank everybody who responded to your emails, even if they didn’t provide any leads or job opportunities.
• Include a professional subject line entry.

Here are examples of emails asking for job openings you can adapt for your own use:

General email asking your network for job opportunities

Hi colleagues,

I hope this email meets you well!

Most of you know I am in my fifth year as the Marketing Manager at JK Fowler. Recently, I decided to take on a more challenging role in the cosmetics industry and I’m using this opportunity to request contacts or leads.

I am interested in a senior-level marketing position in Austin, Texas. I would prefer a boutique marketing agency but would also be interested in heading an in-house marketing or sales team.

If you are aware of any vacancies or leads, please send them my way. I have included highlights of my experience, professional achievements, ideal roles, and a list of my desired employers. I have also attached my resume to this email.

I am grateful for your help and I wish you all the best in your professional and individual endeavors.

Sincerely,

Beatrice Shaw

Email asking for a job in a company

Inquiries About Position of IT Manager at Remington Securities

Dear Mr. Parker

I write to inquire about an opening for the position of IT Manager at your reputable organization. As a pioneer in AI-assisted e-commerce technologies, your company has always been a dream place of work for the brightest in the industry, myself included.

With over 10 years of industry experience, I have some rare experiences and skill sets as the lead engineer of Blackthorn Tower’s ground-breaking augmented reality software. My unique insights about the challenges of creating next-generation AI systems and their industrial applications sets me apart from even the best in the field.

I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with your hiring manager or someone in your IT department to identify how I can use my experience and expertise to help your company achieve its goals.

Sincerely,

Steve Lester