Your resume was strong enough to earn an interview. The interview is going well and coming to an end. You like the job, your would-be boss, and the company. Now, you need to be clear to your interviewer that you really want the job!
A hiring manager and fellow blogger in the careers space, Alison Green, emphasizes the importance of showing your interest in the job: "I want someone who wants the job — someone who's going to be excited to get an offer, who would enjoy coming to work, who isn't going to leave in a year."
So, before you leave the interview, you need to make it crystal clear you want the job (If you indeed want it). Here are three things you can say without going overboard or appearing desperate.
"The job is right for me and I'd like to know what the next steps are."
This is the direct approach. It's assertive and gives you an idea how deep into the process the employer is and how long you might wait for a call or second interview.
"I'm very interested in the job. Do you have any concerns about my ability to do it?"
This feedback approach gives the interviewer an opportunity to ask any questions that entered their mind during the interview, and give you a chance to answer on the spot. This sends a clear message that you want to leave them with as complete a picture of you as possible.
"How do I stack up against the other candidates you've interviewed?"
If the interviewer responds with something like "I'm very impressed with your background and how you presented yourself today," know that you did well. If the response goes something like "I'll get back to you after we complete our interviews," then you might not have wowed them. Ideally, you want them to say something like "You're a top candidate" or "We'll be in touch within the week."
There are no guarantees how things will turn out. But if it comes down to either you or another well-qualified candidate, the fact that you’ve expressed enthusiasm and a genuine desire for the job could swing the decision in your favor.
What question do you like to ask at the end of an interview to see where you stand? Tell us.
RELATED LINKS
5 Things You Should Say in Every Job Interview
3 Questions to Ask Your Would-Be Boss at the Interview
What NOT to Say at the First Job Interview