Employment Interviewing: Ask For The Job

We walk into an interview with the unspoken assumption that
the employer knows we want the job. Except for practice
interviewing or cold calling, we put out the time and energy
for an interview because we think the position is worthwhile
and will be a good fit.

The employer may be interviewing many people for one
position and has to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of
each candidate in a very short period of time. Quickly
jotted interview notes reveal doubts about certain
applicants and positive aspects of others. Whatever position
is involved, from unskilled work to professional or
managerial posts, employers overwhelmingly seek one major
attribute: they seek to hire someone who really wants the
position.

If you are unemployed (head hunter or promotional positions
provide a little more bargaining room), you need to make it
crystal clear that you want the job, that you are committed
to do whatever it takes, and that you are eager for the
chance to perform, to please, and to exceed all expectations
that have been outlined.

Often, applicants are afraid to seem too eager, thinking
that the employer will think that they are desperate and
consequently that the salary offered will be lower. They
play coy, stating that they need to think about it, that
they have other irons in the fire, or that they are weighing
different job offers. A lack of enthusiasm when pay and
benefits are mentioned, or a lackluster response to the
position's details, rarely results in a positive response.

Hiring managers or company owners believe that what they are
offering is a gift that anyone with sense would snap up in
an instant. If the applicant seems ambivalent about the
offer, it subconsciously suggests that maybe this position
isn't good enough. The manager/interviewer vaguely senses
that their own choice in working for this company may be
regarded as a mistake.

Ask directly for the job, even if you're unsure about it.
Display unabashed enthusiasm for this position, with this
company, at this time, and make it clear to the interviewer
that you want to start right away, eager to prove your
skills and competence.

More than one hiring decision has been determined by who
seemed to want the job the most - a classic marker of those
who will work hard and produce. If you decide later that
it's not for you, you can always decline but at least you
gave yourself a choice.