| Many job candidates prepare well for the interview, | | | | sound cheesy to you, and you can change them to |
| connect well with the hiring manager, and then stumble | | | | whatever is more appropriate for you, but the thing to |
| at the end of the interview session because they're | | | | remember is that even the cheesy ones work. What |
| not comfortable asking for the next step. It feels | | | | they do is find out what's going on. Have you |
| awkward, or too bold, or even weak (as in, "if they | | | | convinced them to move you to the next step or not? |
| want to hire me, they'll have to ask me-I'm not begging | | | | Because if you haven't, you need to deal with it right |
| for the job"). That's not the way to look at it. Hiring | | | | there, before you lose your chance. If you have, you |
| managers will tell you that candidates who don't ask | | | | can stop right there and wait for the next step. |
| something about what the next steps are usually feel | | | | You might be thinking, "Isn't that a bit pushy?" It seems |
| that the candidate is really not all that interested, after | | | | like a "sales-y" thing to do. It even seems scary, |
| all. You have to ask for the job. | | | | because you're essentially saying, "Do you like me? Do |
| The job interview is a sales process. In this transaction, | | | | you want to go to the prom? Would you think about |
| you are the product and the hiring manager is the | | | | dating? How about getting married?" It feels personal, |
| buyer who needs a solution for his problem. You'd | | | | especially if they say no. And guess what? It IS |
| never pitch a product to someone and then fail to ask | | | | personal. But it's personal whether you ask it or not, or |
| for the sale (and if you would, you're probably not a | | | | whether you get a no or a yes. You need this job or |
| very good sales person). | | | | you wouldn't be in there. You deserve this job, and |
| And it's really not that hard. At this point in your | | | | you're perfect for it. And if you don't ask, you miss the |
| interview, as you're thanking them for the opportunity | | | | opportunity to deal with whatever objection they |
| and telling them how much you've enjoyed speaking | | | | have...and maybe it's a stupid, insignificant one. Maybe |
| with them, all you have to say is something like, | | | | they just think you live too far away and don't realize |
| "Based on our conversation, I think this is a fantastic fit. | | | | you'd like to move-or are moving anyway. Maybe they |
| Do you agree?" | | | | just think you don't have "X" experience-but you know |
| "Can you see me being successful in this | | | | that your "Y" experience transfers. The important thing |
| organization?" | | | | is that now you know exactly what's going on in the |
| "Have I convinced you that I'm the right candidate for | | | | process, and exactly what they think of you. |
| the job?" | | | | And, it demonstrates tremendous confidence, strength |
| "Is there any reason you wouldn't move forward with | | | | of character, pride, commitment, and just generally that |
| me?" | | | | you're not messing around here. It can be scary, but |
| "Can I count on moving to the next step in the | | | | every time one of my candidates or clients tries it, they |
| interview process?" | | | | are rewarded, and I know you will be, too. |
| These are all closing lines. And some of them might | | | | |