Should I hand out my CV in person?

Most companies ask you to apply for roles online these days. However, there are still certain situations where you can hand in your CV in person. 

Tips for handing out your CV

It is common to hand in your CV in person when applying for jobs in shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs. If you plan to drop in your CV to a business, there are certain things to keep in mind.

Make a list of where you’re going to hand your CV in

It is a good idea to decide how far you are willing to travel for work before you hand out CVs. If you decide to apply to jobs that are not near where you live, consider how you will travel there each day. 

Once you have decided on a location, make a list of relevant businesses within that area. Google Maps can be a very useful tool when trying to find businesses to apply to.

Prepare your CV and cover letter

It is important to tailor your CV and cover letter for each place you apply to. To do this, look carefully at the job description and emphasise the skills or experience mentioned. 

For more information on preparing job applications, see our articles on how to write a CV and how to write a cover letter.

Prepare what you are going to say

When you call in to a business, it’s best to politely ask to speak to the manager and hand your CV directly to them. If they are unavailable, you can ask if there is a more convenient time to come back, or hand it to the person you are speaking to.

While you might simply hand your CV to somebody and leave, it is possible that the manager will want to have a conversation with you there and then. It’s a good idea to plan what you will say if you have the opportunity to speak with a manager on the day. Think about how you will introduce yourself and what skills and work experience you would like to mention if asked. 

Follow up with a phone call

It is a good idea to phone the business a few days later to ask if they have had time to consider your CV. This is especially important if the manager wasn’t there when you dropped in. It is best to phone outside of their busiest hours. For example, if you are contacting a restaurant, try to avoid phoning them at lunch time.

Keep trying

Job hunting can be stressful. It can be challenging to apply for jobs and not receive a response. If you are finding it difficult to look for a job, you are not alone. It is important to remember that it can take time to find a job and that there is support available if you need assistance with job seeking.

If you have been trying to find a job but are not receiving any responses, your local Intreo Centre may be able to connect you with opportunities and advice.

Some of the following articles may also be helpful:

• Tips for finding a job online
• Alternative ways to find a job
• How to improve your skills and employability
• What to write on your CV if you don’t have much experience

For personalised advice on finding a job, you can also speak with a trained Youth Information Officer through our Youth Information Chat: 

Need more information?

We are here to answer your questions and talk through your options. Our online chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm. Chat to us now about your situation.

• Chat now to a trained Youth Information Officer
• Or leave us a message and we will email you back