U.S. Work World
CAREER mini-lesson
How to Approach a Manager for a Job — "Are You Hiring?"
Most businesses only accept online job applications. But if you really w
ant the job, visit the store or 
restaurant to make your online application stand out. BE PREPARED by following these tips:
BEFORE THE VISIT
•  Read the company's website to understand the products. 
•  Prepare your picture perfect resume to bring to the visit.
•  Dress for the visit as you would dress for an interview.
•  Practice your introduction.  Say something nice about the      
business:  "Hello, my name is Alex Brown.  I think Walmart is  
an outstanding store.  I am interested in knowing if you have a 
job opening as a sales associate or cashier at Walmart."
•  Think of answers to three questions: Why do you want to work 
here? (Do not say "for the money) — What skills and experience do you have? (Talk about your 
  volunteer and paid work experience and school skills classes)   — When are you available to work?
•  EXTRA TIP:  Before you visit, call the business to find out the name of the manager, and the days and 
hours he/she usually works.  Then you may ask for the manager by name when you visit.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
•  Show your business-like attitude by never showing up during busy hours. 
 Visit during slower business 
hours.  Slower business hours are between 2-4 p.m. for restaurants and a
fter 4 p.m. for retail stores.
DURING THE VISIT
•  Ask to speak to the manager:  "Hello.  I would like to meet the manager."  If the worker asks why, say: 
"I am interested in a job and need to ask a few questions."  If you know
 the manager's name, ask to 
speak to the manager by his/her name:  "Hello.  I would like to speak to
 Mr. Jackson."  
•  When you introduce yourself, give the manager eye contact and smile.
•  Answer the manager's questions with energy to show interest in the job.
•  Give the manager a copy of your resume — to keep if the store is not 
currently hiring.
•  Thank the employer!  "Thank you for taking the time to talk to me about 
a job at WalMart."
QUICK CHECK
1. How do you make your online application stand out?  
2.  Before the Visit:  a) What do you read?  b) Why?  b) What do you prepare?  c) How do you dress for the 
visit?  d) Write down what you can say to introduce yourself to Mr. Green, manager of ACE Hardware 
Store, for a job as a stock clerk.  Say something nice about the busines
s.
3.  a) List 3 questions you need to be ready to answer.  b) Before your visit, why do you call the business?
4.  a) How do you show your business-like attitude?  b) What times are slower business hours?
5.  During the Visit:  a) Write down what you would say to ask to see the manager.  b) Why do you think it 
is important to smile when you meet the manager?  c) What do you give the manager?  d) Why?
6.  Write down what you say to thank the employer.  (Mr. Green of ACE Hardware Store)
College & Career Publishing. Permission to use with usworkworld.com subscription.