The same situation holds true for the job seeker. The credentials you bring to a position might be perfect for the job. You make a good appearance, answer all the questions smoothly and with substance, yet don't get the job cause, like the salesperson above, you haven't asked for it.
There are many ways of asking for a job without sounding overly aggressive. Actually, asking for a job you want is a continuous process. The thank-you letter you send after the first interview should also include a statement of your continuing interest in the job for which you're being considered-a line like "I have even more interest in the job now that we've had a chance to meet and talk about it. I would like very much to further pursue the possibility of working for you and the company, and look forward to a chance to discuss that in the near future."
If, after your final interview, you are convinced that you want to work for the company, say so. I remember years ago when a man came to our offices as an applicant for a controller's job with our organization. I decided that he wasn't right for it, and suggested that we might find him a good position with another company. He looked me right in the eye and said, "Mr. Half, I want to work for you, and will consider any position you might be able to give me."
No one had ever said that to me before. The end result was that we did find a spot for him, and he turned out to be a loyal and productive employee for many years.
Because employers and interviewers are nothing more than human beings, they deal from the same base of insecurities that you, the job seeker, does. Some are reluctant to offer a job because they don't want to be turned down. Some employers operate on the assumption that a candidate must make it plain that he or she wants the job before it will be offered. If you don't say that you want the job, you'll never have an offer from this type of an employer.
Avoid high pressure. You can gracefully ask for it by saying, "I know you have a number of good candidates to consider, Mr. Smith, but I do want you to know that I would like very much to work for you here at the XYZ Company. I know I'll be able to contribute something positive, and I assure you if you do hire me, I won't let you down."
I guarantee you one thing: if you take this approach for a job you really want, you'll stand out, because unless all the candidates you're competing with have also read and followed this article, few will be that direct in asking for the job.
Asking for what you want shouldn't be confined to getting a job, however. People fail to achieve many things, personally and professionally, throughout their lives because they don't make it clear what they want. People mumble an order to a counter person then complain that they got mustard instead of mayonnaise. When people in a relationship fail to let each other know what it is they need and want, they seldom gel and very often the relationship suffers for it.
In business, a boss can't be expected to be a mind reader. If you feel you deserve a raise or a promotion, and you have the tangible evidence of performance to back you up, you must ask for it. The worst that can happen is that your request is denied, but it will stay in your boss’ mind and perhaps trigger a future raise quicker than otherwise. If a new position opens up within the company that you would like to be considered for, you must make your desire known to those who can put it into effect.
In line with asking for what you want is being sure that you communicate your needs and wishes properly. Again, for that the need to sharpen our communication skill comes into play. Most people make their wishes known an indirect, circumspect manner and then don't understand why their request isn't acted upon. How many letters do we receive in a lifetime that are filled with vague unnecessary phrases and go on at length, the actual reason for writing the letter buried somewhere in all the extra matter? An effective letter begins with a simple statement of why the letter has been written in the first place. Then it goes on to provide material to substantiate the request.
The same holds true in speech. It is so frustrating to sit with someone who wants something that could be stated in six or eight words, yet spends minutes getting to the point.
That doesn't mean you have to be blunt or rude. But be direct and let the other person know precisely what you want. If it's a job, say you want it. Your chances of getting it will be enhanced.
The exact language you use in asking for the job will vary from person to person. Obviously, a direct statement like "I really want this job" will be handled nicely by certain people. For others, it might smack of indicating undue need, even desperation. Here are some other ways to ask for the job that not only accomplishes that goal but indicates to the employer your level of enthusiasm and confidence:
- "I just want to say that if you hire me, I won't let you down."
- "You'll always be able to count on me."
- "I'll always give you more than you expect."
- "Hire me and I can assure you I'll do an excellent job."
- "I'm anxious to prove to you that I can handle this job...and more."
- "I want this job, and I assure you, you won't be sorry if you hire me."
- "This job fits my background and abilities to the T."
