How to Ask for a Job Application

How to Ask for a Job Application How to Ask for a Job Application When the economy is doing well, many companies  -  especially those in the hospitality and retail sectors  - expand their outreach to prospective applicants by posting help wanted signs at their businesses. Applying for one of these jobs has some advantages: you know there are open positions and you may be able to get hired right away. Depending on the type of job youre applying for, stopping by an  organization to apply  in person  can be an excellent way to make a positive impression and to secure a job, provided you go about it the right way. When to Apply In Person for a Job Many employers in the retail and hospitality sectors expect  job applicants  to apply in person. So do employers who hire for summer and part-time jobs. Applying directly to the employer can be a good way to get your application noticed. In a way, asking to  make a job application in person is like engaging in a mini job interview. At the very least, you’ll have a chance to impress a potential coworker and you might even  get to meet the boss. It’s essential to prepare just as you would for an interview. Make sure that you’re all set to make a positive impression. Heres guidance  on  what to bring with you to apply, what to wear, what to say and how to follow up after youve applied for the job: What to Wear Its important to  dress  appropriately and to  ensure  you  have  a polished and  professional appearance when you make your inquiry. In general, you should dress a bit more formally than would likely  be expected  as  standard at your target organization. When in doubt, it is better to overdress than  to underdress. Take the time to dress appropriately because your first impression can make a big difference when it comes to getting hired. How to Introduce Yourself The easiest way to ask to  make an application is to figure out what youre going to say ahead of time. If youre nervous  then  practice. Prepare a  short 15-second introduction(also known as an elevator pitch) to garner the interest of whomever you first meet. Your introduction should mention your interest in working with that employer. For example, you might say: Example #1 Hi, Im very interested in any office jobs which may be available for college students. I am a detail-oriented business major with strong computer skills and experience  of interacting with the public, from my admissions job on campus. Could I please pick up an application  form if one is required or drop off my resume? Expand Example #2 Im very interested in a summer job, could I please have an application to fill out? Expand Example #3 Hi, I am Annie Leonard and Im interested in applying for the job thats posted on the front window. Would it be possible to get an application  form  please? Expand Manners Matter When youre asking for an application  form, handle it the same way as if you were  arriving for a job interview. Make sure you show respect to any receptionist or another seemingly low-level employee because they may have the power to decide on the spot whether you should be considered for any vacancies. Smile warmly, look the person in the eye as you greet them, and exude enthusiasm. Everything else being equal, a polite, friendly and motivated candidate will receive greater consideration. If you were hiring for a job, wouldn’t you want to choose a person who seems pleasant to be around? Also review this list of things you shouldnt do when youre job searching, so youre sure to make the best impression. When to Fill Out the Application  Form You can either fill out the application  form right away or take it with you and return it when its complete. If the employer has space for candidates to complete application  forms,  they  may  invite  you to  complete  the  form  on  site. Otherwise,  you  could complete  the  form  nearby  (say  in  a  café) and return with your completed application when youre done. Be sure you have all  of the information you need, including your education and  employment history,  and  references. Bring two  of  your own  pens in case the first runs out of ink. Another option is to pick up the application  form and complete it later. Its fine to take the application back  home and return it another time. If you do, youll be able carefully and  accurately to  complete it  and to  make sure there are no errors. Ask a friend to proofread your work to make sure you haven’t overlooked any errors. In-Store Job Application Systems Large retail employers may have  hiring kiosks  instead of paper applications. With this type of system, you  make  your application  on a computer in the store. For example,  Walmart and Target have hiring kiosks in all of  their stores. Be sure you have all of  the information with you that youll need to apply. How to Follow Up When youve submitted a job application but havent heard from the employer, it can be a good idea to  follow up. Stopping by to check on the status of your application will show that you are interested in the job and will give you another opportunity to make a good impression.