Job hunting tip: You don't need to ask for the job
Finding a new job can be a painful, tedious and humiliating experience. There's nothing like sending out hundreds of resumes and having only a few companies actually respond -- and then you go through the interview and hear nothing. It's disheartening and you can start to think, "Maybe they didn't know I wanted the job." In fact, I received this email from a discouraged job seeker:
I've been trying to figure out the best way to say "Hey HIRE ME. I'm the best for this position," without coming off rude, cocky, and/or arrogant. But I also don't want to look extremely desperate. I've tried doing it in a joking manner when they ask if there is anything question by saying "Why yes when do I start?", but I'm not sure if it is helpful. PLEASE HELP
First, you don't need to say, "Hire Me!" or do anything that says specifically you want this job. They already know you want this job. And you can't say you're the best for the position because, unless you sat in on the interviews with all the other candidates, you really have no idea. And no matter how you say you're the best, it comes across as pompous and (shockingly) naive. Yes, naive -- it tells the interviewer that you have no idea what the job market is like.
But, what should you ask when they ask you if you have any more questions? And how do you let them know you're really interested in this job and not just any job? Here are some tips.
Ask the magic question. This question comes from management guru, Alison Green: Thinking back to people who have been in this position previously, what differentiated the ones who were good from the ones who were really great? This question helps differentiate you as someone who really wants to understand the job and, when they answer it, it gives you the opportunity to follow up with why you would be truly great.
Don't focus on benefits. Lots of people respond to the "Do you have any questions?" with questions about days off, health insurance, and the potential for promotion. There is time for this in the negotiation phase of the job hunt. Asking now does make you look like you're not focused on the work, but on the benefits.
Ask what the biggest challenge is. Lots of job interviewers focus on the positives of the job -- after all, they are "selling" the company to you. So ask, "What is the biggest challenge I'd face in this job?" This makes them think and they also think you're smart for asking. Listen to the answer -- it may clue you in on whether you actually do want the job.
Express enthusiasm. "Thanks so much for this interview. I'm really excited about this opportunity because [good reason x that highlights your skills] and [good reason y that highlights your skills]. I hope to hear from you soon." You want to keep it positive. You want to emphasize how you fit. You don't want to say you're the best or even better than other candidates.
