How to Ask for a Job

Ask for the job and get hired.

A job interview can be nerve wracking to an unprepared candidate, especially in a slow economy. However, a good dose of confidence goes a long way at the job interview. Asking for the job is a good piece of advice for job seekers, yet very few people know how to ask without looking overeager or desperate.

Instructions

Asking for the Job During the Interview

1. 

   Research the company before the interview. Find out everything you can about it and what you can provide as a potential employee. Prepare stories ahead of time that detail how you solved problems for previous employers and how you can solve similar problems for thiss company. Every time you can show the hiring manager you will provide a valuable service to his company, you are selling yourself.

2. 

   Include yourself in the corporate culture with your choice of words. Try something like "I can solve this problem for our company by doing A, B and C"; "We can save thousands of dollars by implementing a similar system that I did at XYZ company." The more times you can use us, our and we, the more opportunities the hiring manager will be able to see you already as a part of the team.

3. 

   Be ready to ask questions of your future employer. Because you have already researched the company, your questions may not be to find out more about the company. Instead, ask smart questions that will encourage your hiring manager to respond in your favor. For example, you can tell her about a situation at a previous employer and how you dealt with it. Then, ask "Will I be able to use my skills in a similar problem-solving fashion at our corporation?" Very often, the employer will be able to say yes and visualize you as already working for the company.

4. 

   Be ready to ask for the job as the interview wraps up. Give a brief review of all of the benefits you can provide to your new company and why you are the best fit for the position. Then, follow up with the most important question: "I believe that I would be a valuable asset to the team. I look forward to providing my services here and to growing with the company. Do you have all the necessary information to provide me with a job offer today?"

5. 

   Be prepared if the hiring manager is not able to extend a warm handshake and an enthusiastic welcome to the team. He may be required to interview all of the candidates before coming to a decision. Or, the manager may have more questions to be answered at your second interview. Also, you could receive a simple no. No matter what the outcome, thank the manager sincerely for his time and always send a follow-up thank you note. This could be the final bit of professional courtesy needed to secure the job.

Tips & Warnings

• Always dress for success at a job interview. Tailor your look to be a bit more professional than the current employees, but not as pulled together as the hiring manager. Smile and offer a firm handshake. Stand tall and do not be afraid of developing a rapport with your interviewer.

• Do not let nerves get in the way of a good job. If you feel yourself losing your cool, take a few deep breaths before continuing the conversation. Do not let yourself get overeager or needy. Your confidence in yourself and your abilities will shine through to your employer.