What to Say When You Call the Store After Applying (With a Phone Script)

For many part-time jobs, the first real test is a phone call — either you call to apply, or you follow up after sending a resume. A short, polite call in keigo makes a strong first impression. Prepare it once and you can reuse it for every store.

Before you call

• Call during off-peak hours — for food/retail, mid-afternoon (14:00–17:00) is safest.
• Be somewhere quiet with good signal. Have a pen, your schedule, and the job ad ready.
• Know the job title and where you saw it (Townwork, Indeed, a poster, etc.).

The script

When someone answers, give your name and reason for calling:

• 「お忙しいところ失礼いたします。アルバイトの募集を拝見してお電話いたしました、〇〇と申します。 採用ご担当の方はいらっしゃいますか。」
• (“Sorry to bother you. My name is ___ and I'm calling about your part-time job posting. May I speak to the person in charge of hiring?”)

When connected to the right person, state your request clearly:

• 「〇〇の求人を拝見しました。ぜひ応募させていただきたいのですが、まだ募集はされていますでしょうか。」
• (“I saw your posting for ___. I'd like to apply — is the position still open?”)

If they invite you to interview, confirm the details and repeat them back:

• 「かしこまりました。〇月〇日〇時に、履歴書を持って伺います。よろしくお願いいたします。」
• (“Understood. I'll come on [date] at [time] with my resume. Thank you very much.”)

If you are nervous about keigo

You do not need perfect Japanese — politeness and clarity matter more than fluency. Three phrases carry most calls: 失礼いたします (excuse me), お願いいたします (please / thank you), and かしこまりました (understood). Write your script on paper and read it the first few times; it is completely normal.

After the call

• Note the date, time, and interviewer's name immediately.
• Prepare your rirekisho and print it before the interview.
• Arrive 5–10 minutes early with the resume in a clear file inside a white envelope.

Need the resume itself? Build a part-time one in minutes on the arubaito resume page, then open the editor to fill it in.