How to Ask for a Job Interview

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

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The job search process is one that requires skill and good timing. Learning how to appropriately ask for a job interview can put you ahead of others in the job market. Taking the initiative to ask for an interview can help you make a unique impression on potential employers.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Choose Potential Employers

Step1

Take several hours to make a list of potential employers based on an online job search at a site like Monster (see Resources below).

Step2

Create a chart of information that includes phone numbers, email addresses, names of human resource contacts and other pertinent data. Be sure to leave room for writing in the date of your call and the outcome of your inquiry.

Step3

Clear one whole business day to make all your calls. Make sure you are available to be contacted by phone and email if potential employers need to reach you.

Make Contact

Step1

Call potential employers to ask for an interview. Usually, you will contact someone in the human resources department or the head of a small company. Try to time this in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon, when business is typically slower than first thing in the morning or late in the day.

Step2

Ask if the company is currently hiring. If so, forward a resume via email or fax.

Step3

Leave your contact information, even if the company is not currently interviewing candidates, so that you can be reached in the future.

Get Ready for Your Interview

Step1

Confirm your interview the day before your appointment. This includes double-checking the address and name of your contact person, as well.

Step2

Choose an appropriate outfit for your interview. Typically, this is business attire, consisting of a matching suit jacket and pants (or a skirt for women), a collared shirt and sensible dress shoes.

Tips & Warnings

Many job search Web sites can help you gather a list of potential employers. You can often find contact information and protocol for each business' human resource practices online through Internet job search services.
Employers are not allowed to discriminate against any applicants who have physical disabilities, so you should feel free to apply for any and all positions that your are interested in.