When you’re looking for a new job, it can be tempting to ask for the position directly during an interview—especially if your interviewer seems enthusiastic about you and your skillset. However, while asking Do I have the job? might seem like an easy way to find out where you stand, it’s not only unprofessional, but it could also jeopardize your chances of getting hired at all if the answer isn’t what you want to hear. Here are five reasons you shouldn’t ask for the job during an interview.
1) Don’t Ask for the Job in an Interview
Most employers aren’t going to give you a job during an interview. That may seem like common sense, but it’s one of those pieces of advice that you don’t know until you know it. If you’re desperate for a job, your nerves might make it hard to focus on anything other than where you can get hired right away—but there are some good reasons not to ask for a job in an interview. If you start looking at job openings now and keep applying as often as possible, you’ll have a better chance at getting jobs when they come up instead of having to settle or act on impulse in an interview. Here are five reasons why asking for a job during an interview is never a good idea:
2) Don’t Wait Until the End of the Interview
Many job seekers think it’s a good idea to wait until they’re at or near the end of an interview before asking for the job. They think that asking too early might be considered inappropriate or presumptuous, but they are overlooking one important point: all of their competitors will ask for it too. By waiting until late in the process, you leave yourself vulnerable to losing out on what could be your dream job because you were afraid to speak up and ask for it!
3) It Shows Inconsistency
If you can’t answer yes to all of these questions, how does that reflect on your consistency as a candidate? Will it be easy for employers to see that you don’t believe in yourself or your abilities? These are all good reasons why asking for a job during an interview is likely to make you seem less qualified. Do you really want to look like a candidate who doesn’t know what they want? Probably not.
4) Companies Can Say No
It’s your job as a candidate to sell yourself during an interview, but you need to be strategic about it. Don’t ask for the job at any point during an interview—that way you can focus on selling what you have to offer without being perceived as desperate. Here are some times not to ask for a job: • At first introduction • Before or after interview • In response to a question (e.g., Do you want my resume?) • As part of thank-you notes
5) It Can Backfire
This approach can be interpreted as pushy and sales-y—especially if it’s done in a way that doesn’t fit your overall brand. Sales is an integral part of business, but job searching isn’t sales (even though you may use sales techniques when job searching). Don’t try to be someone you’re not by using a hard sell. Do what feels natural to you, which might even mean holding off on asking for a job until after one or two interviews. It’s important for candidates to demonstrate value before asking for anything.