You might contact an employer you’d like to work for to ask if they have jobs available or to get more information about a job.

Writing to an employer

Whether you're writing to apply for a job or asking about future work, you want the employer to notice you. A good email or letter:

• has a clear purpose
• uses straightforward language and short sentences
• is clearly set out.

Asking if they have any jobs available

When you write to an employer to ask if they have jobs available:

• say straight away that you’re looking for work
• say why you would like to work for their business
• show that you already know some things about their business or the industry they work in
• include information about your skills, qualities and experience – but keep it short
• say why you would be a valuable employee for their business.

If you have a resume, attach it to your email or include it with your letter. Find out more about creating a resume.

Asking for more information about a job

If you want to contact an employer to get more information about a job:

• say which job you’re asking about. Use the job name and the reference number, if there is one in the job advertisement
• ask your question. If you have more than one question, you could put them in a list.

Tips for writing a formal letter

You might choose to write a formal letter rather than an email when:

• you’re writing a cover letter with a job application
• you’re writing to accept or say no to a job offer
• an employer has asked you to write about why you want the job.

It’s rare that you need to post a letter to an employer, but you will need to type it. You can then attach it to an email or print it out if needed.

The language in the letter is usually more formal than in an email.

Setting out your letter

The start of your letter should include:

• your name and address
• the date when you’re writing
• the name of the person you are writing to
• the position title of the person you are writing to
  (You can usually find out these details by phoning the business and asking who you should write to.)
• the name of the business
• the postal address of the business
• a greeting such as ‘Dear Ms/Mr…’.

The main part of the letter should include three or four paragraphs. These should cover things like your experience and why you want to work for them.

At the end of the letter, include:

• what you would like the person to do after reading your letter. For example, you could write:

Thank you for considering my interest in working for your organisation. I look forward to hearing from you.

• a sign-off such as ‘Yours sincerely’, followed by your name and signature.

You can find out more about writing a letter with an application at Writing a job application and cover letter.

There are also many free samples of letters available online.

Before you hit send

Before you send your letter, have someone else read over it. They might pick up small errors or suggest how to improve it.

Phoning an employer

If you tend to get anxious or nervous calling people you don’t know, it can help to prepare notes and set out a plan before calling an employer.

Before making your call

• Find out as much as you can about the business you’re calling.
• Write down the questions you will ask or the information you need to give.
• If you’re calling to ask if they have jobs available, write a list of your skills, qualities and experience.
• Think about what you’ll say if you reach voicemail. Prepare a short message.

Have everything you need ready, such as:

• your notes
• a blank notepad and pen, for taking notes during the call
• a glass of water – taking a sip of water during a phone conversation can help you feel less nervous.

Take a few deep breaths to help you relax, then call the number.

During your call

• Say your name and the name of the person you would like to speak to. If you don’t know their name, ask to speak to the manager or the person responsible for staffing or recruitment.
• Say why you’re calling, for example you’re looking for work or you’re calling for more information about an advertised job.
• Remember that it is okay to ask the person to slow down or repeat something you’ve missed. You can also take notes while the person is talking.
• At the end of the conversation, repeat any actions or follow-ups that you both agreed to, if there are any. Thank the person for their time.

If things get tricky during the call

• If you begin to feel nervous during the call, take some deep breaths. You can be quiet for a moment to gather your thoughts.
• If you still feel nervous it’s okay to ask if you can phone back at another time. This will allow you to get together the information you need.

After your call

• As soon as you get off the phone, make notes about the conversation.
• Write down the things you need to do and when you need to do them.

Calling to ask if they have jobs available

There are some extra things to note when you are calling to ask an employer if they have jobs available.

During your call:

• say why you would like to work for their business. This is a chance to show that you already know some things about their business or the industry they work in
• talk about how your skills, qualities and experience suit their type of business
• say why you would be a valuable employee for their business
• offer to send them your resume.

Getting help

If you have a Disability Employment Services provider, talk to them about any help you might need to contact an employer. If you are an NDIS participant, you can also talk to your NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator about employment supports.

If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can use the free National Relay Service (NRS) to help you make phone or video calls.