Make inquiries in backstreet for jobs (5)
I believe the answer is:
tasks
'for jobs' is the definition.
('task' can be a synonym of 'job')
'make inquiries in backstreet' is the wordplay.
'make inquiries' becomes 'ask' (I've seen this in another clue).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'backstreet' becomes 'ts' ('st' backwards).
'ask' inserted inside 'ts' is 'TASKS'.
(Other definitions for tasks that I've seen before include "Assignments" , "Labours" , "charges" , "Missions" , "various jobs" .)