Wondering how to ask for a job? Assuming you really want the opportunity, keep in mind that the way that you go about phrasing your ask can make or break whether or not your request is effective.
Consider this list of potential phrases to say when asking for a job at the end of an interview – without sounding like you’re begging.
“After hearing you discuss the position, I remain confident that I’d be a great fit for it. I’d love to join your team to help you reach your goals.”
This first shows the interview panel that you were actively listening as they answered your questions, then reiterates your positive mindset as a confident candidate. By ending this phrase with an assurance of your interest in the job – particularly with an emphasis on how you can help the manager, team and company reach their goals rather than your own – you’ll make yourself a memorable potential new hire.
“The position sounds amazing, and I’m very excited about what the company is doing. I’d love to be seriously considered for this position.”
It’s important to show the employer that you believe yourself to be a great fit not only for the specific job, but also for the company’s culture. This wording accomplishes both ends, and finishes off with a strong assertion of your goal to get hired. If you’ve done your homework prior to the interview, feel free to expand on this by adding in a few comments about specific facets of the company’s approach and work environment that you particularly appreciate.
“After talking with you, I feel like we’d work really well together. Is there anything else I can tell you about my background to help convince you to hire me?”
If you felt a genuine connection and “click” with the manager and/or hiring committee, let them know that with this phrase. Even bosses like to be liked, and by suggesting that you’d enjoy working with the people who interviewed you, you’ll help create a bond that might seal the deal in hiring you. By ending this statement with an offer to share more about your credentials, you’ll project the confidence that managers like to see.
“I’m very excited about what you’ve explained you’re looking for in this position, because I feel I’m a perfect fit for it. Do you have a sense yet of when you’ll be making a final decision? I’d love to work with you and your team.”
Excitement and fit are what you want to emphasize at the end of your interview, as in this phrase. This language also helps lead the interviewers in the direction you’re hoping they’ll go: toward next steps in the hiring process, a decision to select you and hopefully a job offer.
“I’d love the chance to help you and your team reach the goals you’ve described, and I’m confident that I can bring a lot to the table with my background and skill set. I really hope we can work together.”
While it may feel uncomfortable to come out and directly ask for what you want, it’s important to remember that you’re bringing something valuable to the table: your skills and experience. If you keep this in mind, it can help level the playing field and boost your confidence as you prepare to ask for a job in person. With this phrasing, you’re emphasizing your expertise to the interview panel and tipping your hand to let them know how much you want the opportunity.
“Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.” – Maya Angelou
© Robin Madell. All Rights Reserved.