Quick Tip: Want the Job? Then Ask for It

Quick Tip: Want the Job? Then Ask for It

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A recruiter told me about a client of hers who was interviewing for a job at a great company.

The client was completely excited about the opportunity—at least, when she spoke to the recruiter after her interview.

But when the recruiter asked the company for feedback, she heard something that surprised her. The company loved the candidate. Her skills and experience were perfect. But she just didn’t seem interested.

It sounds silly, but the truth is that many candidates fail to show their enthusiasm for the job when it counts. But playing hard to get during the interview process is a risky game

Most often, candidates fail to do one thing: ask for the job.

Worried you will seem desperate? Or destroy your negotiating power? The key is in your attitude. How your request will be received depends in large part on how you deliver it.

Here are some tips:

Time it right. You have to use your judgment here. You want to ask at the end of an interview, but it is not always the case that you should at the end of the first interview. Take your cue from your interviewer—if the conversation ends with the manager saying he will call you in soon for a second round, you can respond with more enthusiasm than if the interviewer is vague. But at the end of a second interview, you should feel good about asking for the job.

Watch your language. Your words are important. If you don’t want to appear desperate, don’t—ever—say you ‘need a job.” Or even say, “I really want this job.” You don’t want to be pushy, either. Never say you are the best candidate, or imply that the company needs you or your help (let them draw that conclusion).

Instead, be real. And what is real is that you believe you are a good fit and that you want the job.

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