Expert advice from Women For Hire, the leading recruitment services firm for professional women [front flap] [body text] Asking the essential question at the right moment is a skill, one that any woman can master quickly. And it is a powerful tool that can get women more of everything they want in the workplace. Take This Book to Work identifies questions that every woman should master, with expert advice on each question, including: * How to ask for the things you really want, such as more responsibility, references, work schedule flexibility, and more * How to tailor your body language and voice to be at their most persuasive * Which details will best support your request, and how to organize them most effectively * What not to ask and why * And so much more! This is a user-friendly guide jam-packed with all the guidance every woman needs to approach her next request with courage, confidence, and success. "This book gives you the most practical and valuable advice for getting exactly what you want and deserve at work." --Kelly Ripa "So many of us have struggled to find the right words and inspiration to get what we want in the workplace. This book can truly change that for you! No-nonsense, concise, and compelling." --Robin Roberts, coanchor, Good Morning America "The ultimate guide for nice girls who want to get ahead---practical, engaging, clear, and helpful. Don't miss it!" --Barbara Corcoran, founder of The Corcoran Group and author of If You Don't Have Big Breasts, Put Ribbons On Your Pigtails Tory Johnson and Robyn Freedman Spizman are the coauthors of Women For Hire's Get-Ahead Guide to Career Success . Johnson is the founder and CEO of Women For Hire, the nation’s only producer of high-caliber career expos connecting professional women with leading employers. Johnson is also the Workplace Contributor for ABC News’ Good Morning America . She lives in New York City.  Spizman is the author of The Giftionary and Make It Memorable, and a consumer advocate and well-known television and radio personality who lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Take This Book to Work Money Getting Hired How to Ask If a Company Is Hiring It's helpful to have information about a particular company's current hiring needs, whether it's from online postings, newspaper advertisements, or even an employee of the company who knows what her department is looking for. However, not every company has a career section on its Web site, advertises its openings, and keeps you updated on its needs. In fact, many small and medium-sized companies don't do any of this. So how do you ask if they're hiring or have openings?  WHOM SHOULD YOU PURSUE? If there's a company you've been eyeing, do some research on its struggles and its potential for growth. Online searches, media coverage, and industry-specific networking may reveal a lot about the needs and strengths of a particular company. That information could indicate opportunities for employment.Additionally, in your daily newspaper, you may read about a company that is expanding in your city, and this information could spark your interest in exploring possible positions. You might walk the mall and discover a new store that's about to open and will need to make hires.Let's say that you are thinking of looking for a new position andfind yourself at a party or industry event. The conversation is so fascinating that you start dreaming about joining their organization. In such a case, you can say, "While I'm not yet actively searching for a new position, I'm so intrigued by what your company is doing. Might you suggest the right person for me to connect with to determine what possibilities exist for employment? I'd welcome the chance to see if there's mutual interest."Announcements about new appointments to senior positions are a good way to spot potential openings. While you might not have seen any openings for a particular publication, you recently read that a new editor-in-chief was named at a great magazine. Send a note congratulating her and inquire about work. "I was delighted to read about your appointment since I've been a subscriber for several years. I know that every new manager likes to make her mark by bringing in fresh talent. I'm hoping you'll be willing to consider me for some writing assignments once you're ready to plan your first batch of articles."The bottom line is to be alert and aware of the information and people you encounter. This can lead to a range of opportunities even if a specific position isn't obvious from the onset. When you spot something you'd like to pursue, don't make the mistake of sending a generic letter addressed to no one. You must determine to whom your inquiry should be specifically addressed. Call the receptionist or head of human resources at the company that has piqued your interest, and ask her who is handling hiring decisions. If you're told that there are no current needs, try reaching out to the person who heads up the division yo