Most job seekers allow their meetings to end ambiguously, with vague statements like: "We'll be in touch." No one is sure what that means. You can do better.
Thank them very much for the meeting and express interest and enthusiasm for working with them. For example: "I'm really interested in this opportunity and know I could do a good job for you." Or, "I'm sure I would be a real asset to you and your organization. This is just the kind of opportunity I've been looking for." Then, ask if there is any additional information they would like to have. Wait for an answer. Then, at a minimum, find out where you stand and what their next step will be. You can do this in several ways:
- Ask for a summary
- Ask what their next step is
- Ask for the job
Or you take a more assertive approach. You're not cocky or cute. But you would like to know what she's thinking.
Ms. Muffit, it seems to me that you have 3 choices? You could:
- Hire me right now
- Dismiss me right now
- Or consider me further.
"If you are not ready to make me an offer now, and you're not ready to dismiss me, then shouldn't we set up another meeting? Would you like to do that right now, or should I call and schedule our next meeting with your secretary?"
Another version of the summary is to ask where you stand in relation to the other candidates. If you can get that information, it could help you decide whether to go for the gold or think about other options.
You can also summarize your meeting by listing all the positives, such as the benefits you would bring, and ask for confirmation. If you decide to use this approach, be sure your manner is very diplomatic and gentle, so that you're getting little agreements and not sounding the least bit prosecutorial.
"You agree that I could make a significant contribution in the department, don't you? And that I could increase the efficiency of the operation? And that would save you money, isn't that right?"
Ask what their next step is: This is really the flip side of asking for a summary. Basically, you want to know where you go from here. It's the most common way for job seekers to end meetings, if they ask for anything at all. You'll also want to get some idea of their time frame so you can follow up effectively.
"Can you tell me what your next step would be? Do you have any idea when you're likely to be making a decision?"
You could keep the initiative by adding, "You don't mind if I check back with you in a week or so, do you? Which day would you suggest? Is the morning a good time to reach you, or would the afternoon be better for you?"
That might be a good way to end the meeting if you're very unsure of the organization and/or the kind of opportunity you would have there. The company might be so new that you haven't been able to get much information so far and you feel it's definitely premature to ask for the job. You might want to ask for another meeting so that you'll be better able to assess the opportunity.
Ask for the job: Closing - It May Be a Necessity? For some employers, your ability to ask for the job is a requirement. Sales managers, for example, insist that applicants ask for the job. Their reasoning is compelling. If the applicant won't ask me for the job, how will he ask the customer for an order? Sales managers are not the only employers who share this view. A geologist with a major oil company is one of many employers who believes - "If they're not interested enough to ask for the job, we're not interested in hiring them!" As an entrepreneur selling your services, you really cannot afford not to get a decision.
