How to apply for a job in person (walking in and asking)
Not every job is advertised online. Many shops, restaurants and businesses hire the person who walks in, greets them well, and asks politely. Here is how to do it right — so you make a great first impression.
Walking in and asking for work is one of the oldest and best ways to find a job — especially for shops, restaurants, petrol stations, salons and other small businesses. Many managers keep your CV on file, and when a spot opens, they may already have someone in mind that they met and liked.
It can feel scary to walk in and ask. But with a little preparation, you can do it with confidence. Here is everything you need to know.
Before you go: be ready
A few minutes of preparation makes all the difference — and a CV that shows what managers look for does half the work for you.
- Take printed copies of your CV. Take at least 3 to 5, so you can leave one at each place you visit.
- Know what job you are asking for. "Do you have any work?" is weak. "Are you looking for a cashier or a packer?" is much stronger.
- Bring your ID in case they ask for it.
- Charge your phone so they can reach you afterwards.
💡 No printed CV? You can make one free on Send My CV and print it at an internet café. Type MENU to start.
Start my free CV →Dress neat and clean
You are meeting a manager, even if you did not plan to. First impressions happen in seconds, so dress like you are ready to work.
You do not need fancy or expensive clothes — just clean, neat and tidy. A clean shirt and tidy trousers are perfect. Avoid a dirty t-shirt, a cap, or clothes that look like you are relaxing at home. Looking neat tells the manager: I am serious, and I respect your business.
Go at the right time
Timing matters. If you walk in when the shop is at its busiest, the manager has no time for you.
- Avoid busy times like lunch hour (12pm to 2pm) and month-end, when shops are full.
- Good times are usually mid-morning (around 10am) or mid-afternoon (around 2pm to 4pm), when things are quieter.
- Go early in the week if you can. Mondays and Tuesdays are often better than a busy Friday or Saturday.
What to say when you walk in
This is the part people worry about most. Keep it simple, polite and short. Here is what to do:
1. Greet warmly and ask for the manager.
"Good morning. Please may I speak to the manager?"
2. When you meet the manager, introduce yourself and say why you are there.
"Good morning, my name is Thabo. I am looking for work as a cashier or general assistant. I have brought my CV — may I leave it with you?"
3. Be polite, smile, and thank them — even if they say no.
"Thank you for your time. I would really appreciate it if you would keep my CV in case something comes up."
The manager may say there is nothing right now. That is okay — you are still making a good impression, and your CV is on file. Leaving a friendly, professional impression is never wasted, even when there is no job that day.
Be brave, be polite, keep going
You may need to visit many places before one says yes. That is normal — it is not a sign that anything is wrong with you. Every "no" brings you closer to a "yes", and every visit makes you more confident.
Try to visit a few places in one trip, so you make the most of your time and transport money. Dress neatly, take your CVs, and walk in with your head up. You have every right to ask for work.
💡 Smart tip: Travelling costs money, so try not to rely on going back in person. Before you leave, politely ask how you can follow up — for example: "Is there a number I can call to check in?" That way you can ask again by phone in a week or two, without spending more on transport.
What to do after you visit
- Keep your phone on and charged. Managers often call, not message.
- Answer politely if a strange number calls — it might be a manager.
- Keep applying to other places while you wait. Never wait on just one. And if the wait gets hard, here is what to do when you hear nothing back.
A friendly greeting, a neat appearance and a good CV in your hand can get you work that you would never have found online. Be brave — walk in, greet well, and ask. Your next job could be one visit away.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you really get a job by walking in and asking?
Yes. Many shops, restaurants, petrol stations, salons and small businesses hire the person who walks in, greets well and asks politely. Managers often keep CVs on file, and when a spot opens they may think first of someone they met and liked. Not every job is advertised online.
What should I wear when applying for a job in person?
Clean, neat and tidy — you do not need fancy or expensive clothes. A clean shirt and tidy trousers are perfect. Avoid a dirty t-shirt, a cap, or clothes that look like you are relaxing at home. Looking neat tells the manager you are serious and you respect their business.
What should I say when I walk in to ask for work?
Keep it simple, polite and short. Greet warmly and ask for the manager. Then introduce yourself, say what work you are looking for, and ask if you may leave your CV — for example: "Good morning, my name is Thabo. I am looking for work as a cashier or general assistant. I have brought my CV — may I leave it with you?" Thank them for their time, even if they say no.
When is the best time to hand out my CV in person?
Go when the shop is quiet — usually mid-morning (around 10am) or mid-afternoon (around 2pm to 4pm). Avoid lunch hour (12pm to 2pm), month-end and busy Fridays and Saturdays. Early in the week, like Monday or Tuesday, is often best.
How many copies of my CV should I take with me?
Take at least 3 to 5 printed copies, so you can leave one at every place you visit. Visiting a few places in one trip saves transport money. Before you leave each place, politely ask for a phone number so you can follow up by phone instead of travelling back.
Your next job could be one visit away. Get your free CV ready on WhatsApp →