Before you apply for a specific job, you can ask for an informational interview. During this type of interview, you present questions. It's a research-type interview through which you can learn more about the company. You might contact the HR person and ask for a phone interview. Alternatively, you could connect with someone you know who works at the firm. Use professional social networks like LinkedIn or university alumni networks to find contacts within an organization. When asking these people for an interview, state that you are interested in learning more about the company and their particular role. Do not ask for a reference or job. Make a list of questions beforehand. If possible, research the person's role as well so you do not need to ask basic questions. For example, "What do you do?" shows you have not done your research. Rather, ask "what do you find most challenging in your analyst role?" In your cover letter, you can be polite and direct about wanting to ask for an interview. In your last paragraph, mention wanting an interview. Be appreciative rather than demanding. Do not name a particular date, though. You also might mention that you will call the recruiter in one week to enquire further. For example, you might write, "I am very interested in speaking with you as soon as possible. I would be available for an interview during the next two weeks." You also might try saying: "I look forward to learning more about [insert organization's name] needs and how I could contribute to your team. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to set up an interview." Thank the hiring manager for taking the time to review your materials. Close with a statement such as, "I look forward to hearing from you soon." HR workers can receive tens to hundreds of job applications for a single job. Make sure that your letter is tailored to the job at hand and shows your knowledge of the firm and how you can mutually benefit each other. See Write a Cover Letter for additional tips. List your contact information clearly on your cover letter and resume. Include your telephone number, Skype address, times available, and email address. You want to make the HR person's job as easy as possible. If you have not heard from a recruiter after seven to ten days, take matters into your own hands. Call the listed recruiter. Ask whether she has seen your materials. If the person has been busy, it is possible she has not had time to review your materials. Be very polite and ask for a potential timeline. If she has reviewed your materials, ask whether you could have an interview. She might not be able to give you an answer yet but at least you will know what your current status is. If there is not a listed recruiter, call the company's main office and ask for a transfer to the HR department. Open the conversation by thanking the hiring manager for taking your call. Ask if he has time for a quick question or two. Acknowledging that the hiring manager's time is valuable will convey respect. You might call and say, "Hello, my name is Martha Owens. I submitted an application for the program manager position last week. I was wondering whether it would be possible to arrange an interview in the coming two weeks." Do not make a follow-up call is if the job posting explicitly states that applicants should not call. You also can follow up via email. In many cases, this is not possible. But in some situations, like small, family-run businesses (e.g. ice cream shop, car lot, etc.), you might do well by visiting in person. Introduce yourself, say that you have sent in your materials, and ask whether they would have time to chat. People are busy and especially in smaller businesses, they don't always have time to process materials quickly. Although entering a new setting can be overwhelming, stay calm. Aim to be confident and relaxed and consider saying something like, "Hello, Mr. Smithie. My name is John Collins. I submitted an application to be an ice cream scooper last week. Have you had time to look at it?"
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Request an informational interview. Use your cover letter. Follow up via phone. Visit the workplace.

Use a sharp knife to cut an avocado in half, and remove the pit. Scoop out the avocado flesh from one half of the fruit, and place it in a bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork until it's fairly smooth. If the avocado is small, you may want to scoop out the flesh from both halves to use for your mask. You should have enough for a mask that you can spread all over your face. Once you've mashed the avocado, add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of plain yogurt, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of organic honey to the bowl. Use a spoon to fully combine all of the ingredients in a smooth paste. If the mask seems runny and you've only added half of the avocado, mix in some more of the flesh to thicken it up. The omega fatty acids in the avocado and olive oil help heal cracks between the skin cells that can occur when your skin is dehydrated. Honey and yogurt are soothing ingredients that help moisturize and soften the skin. When the mask is fully mixed, use your fingers to carefully spread it all over your face. Allow the mask to sit on your skin for 15 to 20 minutes so the omega fatty acids in the avocado and olive oil have time to penetrate. Be careful when you're applying the mask around your hairline. The honey can be very sticky if it gets in your hair. When you've let the mask sit on your skin for at least 15 minutes, rinse it off with warm water from the sink. Because the mask can be fairly sticky, you may want to use a washcloth to help remove it. Be sure to rinse especially well along your hairline.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary --
Mash up an avocado. Mix the avocado with the yogurt, olive oil, and honey. Apply the mask and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash the mask off with warm water.