What to say instead of “do you have any job vacancies?”
Why it can fall flat
“do you have any job vacancies?”
People usually ask “do you have any job vacancies?” when they are testing the waters, but it is vague and easy to answer with a quick no. It also leaves the reader guessing who you are and what you can do.
Say this instead
- 01
Hello Nicole, I'm a customer support lead with six years' experience and I'm interested in roles at your company. Are you hiring for anything similar right now? I can send my CV if useful.
Recruiter / HR · Email
A first approach to a recruiter works well here because it states who you are and what you want, so they can answer fast.
- 02
Hi Dakota, I'm looking for operations roles in logistics. Are there any openings on your list that might fit? Happy to share my CV.
Recruiter / HR · Chat
Short messages with a clear target role tend to get read on professional networking sites, which is where this one fits.
- 03
Hey Caleb, are there any openings on your team at the moment? I'm thinking about a move and would love to hear what's coming up.
Coworker · Chat
Friendly colleagues or former colleagues suit this one, since they know the team and may hear about roles before they are posted.
- 04
Hi Imani, I'd like to talk about my next step here. Are any roles opening in the design team that I could be considered for?
Boss · Email
Moving internally is the goal here, and the message shows you want to stay while giving your manager something specific to answer.
- 05
Hi Ben, is your company hiring at the moment? I'm looking for a new role in accounts and would be grateful for any pointers.
Coworker · SMS
Friends or contacts you already text will take this well, and naming your field helps them think of the right opening.
- 06
Hello Mr. Kowalski, I've enjoyed working with your team on this project. Does your company have any open positions in marketing? I'd be keen to be considered.
Client · Email
Save this for a client when the working relationship is good and the project is not at a sensitive stage.
- 07
Hi Shalini, it's Kerry. Are you currently recruiting for any finance roles? I'm free to talk this week if so.
Recruiter / HR · SMS
A recruiter you have already spoken to will not mind this text, especially if quick texts are how you keep in touch.
Examples
Hello Ms. Fernandez, I'm a project coordinator with five years' experience in the construction sector, and I'm interested in joining your company. Are you currently hiring for coordinator or project assistant roles? I've attached my CV and can talk whenever suits you. Kind regards, Neha Sharma
Hi Jordan, I'm looking for a content marketing role and noticed your company is growing. Are any positions open on the team right now? I'd be glad to send my portfolio.
What to avoid
- Sending only the bare question, with nothing about who you are or what role you want, gives the reader little to act on.
- Asking for “anything” or “any role” makes you seem unfocused.
- Copying the same message to every contact without changing the name or company is easy to spot.
- If you aren't ready for your manager to know, a message to someone at your current employer could be forwarded to them.
- Pressing for a fast reply, or chasing someone who hasn't answered yet, tends to put people off.