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Syndicated columnist
Q: I am speaking both as a frustrated hiring manager and as a job hunter. I've always said to the potential employer, "I want this job. It sounds interesting and challenging." The key phrase is, "I want this job." Of course, this must be based on a sincere desire for the position. As a hiring manager, I want to ensure that open positions are filled by qualified candidates whom I know undisputedly want the job. What is your view on the importance of this?
Nick's reply: WHallelujah! You are one of the blessed few who understand one of the simplest concepts in job hunting and hiring: The candidate has to say, "I want this job!"
Whether I'm headhunting, conducting workshops or writing, this is one of the cornerstones of my message. I can't emphasize it enough. What astounds me is that even top managers fail to realize how important those words are.
A sales executive who was job hunting argued with me that it's inappropriate to actually say it. He maintained that making such an explicit statement is awkward and that "it suggests the candidate has no class." I responded that failing to say you want the job indicates you don't have enough interest in working for the employer. It's a deal-breaker.
"Of course I want the job," the executive exclaimed. "The manager knows that. That's why I'm interviewing!" He didn't get an offer. What he didn't realize is that employers usually value motivation and enthusiasm as much as expertise. And they want to hear it.
It's interesting that so many people believe it is socially unacceptable to make a commitment when that's exactly what an employer wants.
Thanks for your note. It's good to hear from someone who has been on both the candidate's and the manager's side of the interview desk. I hope this serves as an important reminder to job hunters, and that it makes employers think twice about hiring people who aren't ready to look them in the eye and make a commitment.
Copyright 2008. Distributed by Universal Press Syndicate
Nick Corcodilos is author of "Ask The Headhunter: Reinventing the Interview to Win the Job" and the host of www.asktheheadhunter.com. He can be reached by e-mail at seattle@asktheheadhunter.com or at North Bridge Group, P.O. Box 600, Lebanon, NJ 08833. Sorry, no personal replies.
By Chris on August 25, 2008 8:15 PM
I recently applied to a positon that was posted on Monster. It's for an entry level position in a legal department of labor based union. The union that my father happens to be very active in. When I fould this job listing it was as if God himself had dropped it in my lap. It's perfect for me. It's challenging, it has growth potential and I would be helping someone other than myself. Needless to say, I want this job!
Unfortunately for me, my father got to tlking to eone at the office. And it turns out that there is a policy in pace that sipulates that family members of the union cannot be considered for any position.
When he asked around, people in the office didn't know that. In fact most were excited that I had applied. I still very much want this job. What, if anything, can I do?
By Elenoa on August 25, 2008 10:22 PM
You have to be determined and for goodness sake don't mention your father, your father does not have anything to do with this and don't bother mentioning him to them. If they do ask, just say no. I dont think they will do a background check to find out if your father worked for them.
You are the one who has an nterest in the job so go for it. Anyway good luck!
By Matthew on January 30, 2009 12:49 PM
Lying about your father's employment with the company could potentially harm you later on. If it is found out that your father works for them and that you lied, there goes your good recommendation letter.
By I really want this job! on April 15, 2009 10:14 PM
I have tried this, and not tried this. A college professor I had suggested I try it back in the day. I actually created a website, hopefully I will rank #1 soon for the term "I want this job"...we will see.