If you really want to work for "that" company, ask for the job!
Yes, be sure to ask for the job before the interview is over!
The thought of asking for the job during your interview may make you cringe or feel very uncomfortable. That’s okay. That's totally normal!
I know how you feel. You’re worried you’ll jumble your words, talk too fast, sound insincere, or come across as pushy. Of course you don't want to come across as pushy or arrogant. But just because you ask doesn’t automatically mean it will come across wrong. Maybe you’ve never considered saying this to the interviewer and now you haven’t a clue what to say or how to say it in a genuine way. This it totally understandable considering you don’t want to hurt your chances when it comes to the job offer.
Listen Up! If you don’t tell the interviewer you want the job, you’ll definitely hurt your chances of being considered. And here’s why… The hiring manager is looking to hire the candidate who is truly excited and eager to work for their company. When you clearly express (in a friendly, confident voice) that you want this position, the hiring manager will see your honesty and enthusiasm shine through. They’ll remember you and that you're serious about working for them. Remember, the hiring manager can’t read minds and won’t know if you really want the job unless you tell him/her. So if you know you want the job, speak up! Don’t let the opportunity slip through your fingers. This is your chance to sincerely express yourself. And, the hiring manager will take notice. The best time to ask for the job is at the end of the interview when the interviewer asks if you have any more questions.
Here are a few suggestions for how you can ask for the job in a genuine way:
- “Having completed several interviews, met a few of the employees and learned about the position and responsibilities, I can honestly say that I’d really like to work here. I want to bring my experience and skills to help your team meet their goals and solve problems. What are the next steps in your hiring process?”
- “I would just like to say that after meeting you and learning more about this position, I’m really interested in this job and working with your team. Do you have any more questions for me?”
- “I feel my background and skills are a good fit for this position, and I’m very excited about this opportunity. What are the next steps for consideration?”
- “I would love to work for your company and I think I have a lot to offer, such as….. What is the next step in the hiring process?”
Here's a great example of how a past client got the job by asking. My clients was interviewing for her dream job. At the end of the interview the hiring manager asked her if she had any more questions. She said in these exact words, “Yes, I have one more question. I really want this job, what do I need to do to get it?” Without missing a beat, the hiring manager said, “You just got the job!”