Candy is for Closers!
Guest Blog By Chris Wallace
Remember tagging along behind your mother or father in the supermarket? If you saw something you wanted, probably something with LOTS of sugar in it, you would tug at their shirt, stomp your feet, scream and outright beg them to buy it for you. You didn't win every time, but I bet you batted around .500.
The important lesson is that you would not have gotten the candy unless you asked for it. While begging is not encouraged as part of the interviewing process, the same principle can apply. It is not enough to just be "qualified" for a position or have "transferable skills" that match a job description. Applicants need to find a number of ways to set themselves apart, and a healthy dose of enthusiasm at the end of an interview will help.
If you feel strongly about the position and company, do not be afraid to tell your interviewer. You can replace polite interview clichés with more forceful language. For example:
-Replace, "What are the next steps in the process?" with "What else can I do to assure you that I am the right person for this job?"
-Rather than just ask, "What is the target start date for this position?" follow their answer with "I sincerely hope to have a spot in your group on that date."
-Don't just close with, "Thank you for your time today." Tell them, "I am very excited about this position and your company and I am asking you for a chance to prove myself."
Employers want to be wanted. They are not just looking for people who need a job; they are hoping to find someone who genuinely wants to work for them. If you truly want the job, tell them and you will make their decision a lot easier.
If you need a little extra motivation, just think of how much candy you can buy with your new salary.
Remember tagging along behind your mother or father in the supermarket? If you saw something you wanted, probably something with LOTS of sugar in it, you would tug at their shirt, stomp your feet, scream and outright beg them to buy it for you. You didn't win every time, but I bet you batted around .500.
The important lesson is that you would not have gotten the candy unless you asked for it. While begging is not encouraged as part of the interviewing process, the same principle can apply. It is not enough to just be "qualified" for a position or have "transferable skills" that match a job description. Applicants need to find a number of ways to set themselves apart, and a healthy dose of enthusiasm at the end of an interview will help.
If you feel strongly about the position and company, do not be afraid to tell your interviewer. You can replace polite interview clichés with more forceful language. For example:
-Replace, "What are the next steps in the process?" with "What else can I do to assure you that I am the right person for this job?"
-Rather than just ask, "What is the target start date for this position?" follow their answer with "I sincerely hope to have a spot in your group on that date."
-Don't just close with, "Thank you for your time today." Tell them, "I am very excited about this position and your company and I am asking you for a chance to prove myself."
Employers want to be wanted. They are not just looking for people who need a job; they are hoping to find someone who genuinely wants to work for them. If you truly want the job, tell them and you will make their decision a lot easier.
If you need a little extra motivation, just think of how much candy you can buy with your new salary.
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