Top 10 Ways to ASK FOR THE JOB in an Interview!

Let’s get real, my good people ─ when you are job hunting you are not begging for a handout. You have to remember you are legitimately offering an organization you experience, energy and time in exchange for employment. The truth is, many hiring managers actually LIKE hearing you WANT the job. It shows them honesty, enthusiasm and eagerness. And it’s flattering.

Is this a tough question to ask? Of course! We're afraid of rejection, and sometimes we are just shy. Or maybe we feel we are being too forward and they will take us the wrong way as being arrogant or obnoxious, or the worst-case scenario ─ DESPERATE.

The goal in an interview is to make it a friendly conversation between two peers. How do we do this? By finding the common ground and working together to solve the positive or negative problem that has led this company to have the need to hire. And the better you get to know your interviewer, the easier it will be for you to find the right words to ask for. And in this day and age with LinkedIn, there really is no excuse to not do your research.

To get you started, here are 10 variations on the theme of “how to ask for the job” that I found on line. They all pretty much say more or less the same thing. Go ahead and read them and see if one of them sounds a little bit like you. Try it out, change it, make it yours, memorize it if you have to, and then say it at the end of your next job interview. Good luck!

1. “I think I could do a lot for your company and that we could work well together. Have I given you all the information you need to offer me the job?”

2. Summarize your qualifications and then say, “That’s why I think I’d be a good fit for this position. Is there anything I haven’t covered?”

3. “I’m certain this is the job I want. What can I do to convince you that I’m the right person for this position?”

4. “I’m very interested in this job. Is there anything preventing you from offering me the job right now?”

5. “I am truly interested in the job. What is the next step for consideration? When will you be making a decision? Are there any questions I have left unanswered?”

6. “I feel my background and skills are a good fit for this position, and I’m very interested. What is the next step?”

7. “I am really interested in this job and working with your team. Do you have any more questions for me?”

8. “This job sounds perfect for my skills and experience. I’d really like to work with you and your team.”

9. “I would love to work for your company. I think I have a lot to offer, such as 'x' and 'y'. What is the next step in the hiring process?”

10. “After what I’ve learned about you and your company, I’m confident I’d be a good fit. I hope to hear from you soon.”

Last thought: This should go without saying but here it is anyway: You should only “ask for the job” if this is a job you’re sure you want, and are prepared to accept right on the spot. (As always, be sincere, be enthusiastic, be courteous, be honest, and be yourself.)

Now go get ‘em my fabulous Job Seekers!

Stacie Renna is an Executive Recruiter | LinkedIn Expert from Manhattan and current Certified Executive Resume Writer, CARW and Certified Employment Interview Coach, CEIC. To speak directly with Stacie regarding hiring her for any of her services that include — Resume Writing | LinkedIn Profile's | Career Enhancement & Outplacement Job Search Workshops: email her directly at [email protected] or visit her website at www.rennacareerservices.com.