Many people lack the proper experience for navigating the job market, especially as the world gets more modernized, and competition comes from all over the globe. No longer are you just competing against the best candidates in your town or city. Instead, you must beat out professionals from all over the country and – in some cases – other countries as well.
You may have heard the adage, “it’s all about who you know.” In many ways, this is still true. However, in the world of Facebook, LinkedIn, and other networking sites, who is to say who really “knows” anyone? Beyond that (even if you do know someone who’s hiring), how do you go about asking them the right way?
In the following article, we’re going to take a close look at how to ask for a job. Included in this will be a frank discussion about how to find the job you want (that you’re actually qualified for). We’ll also take a close look at how you can build your confidence and keep your cool when shopping for new opportunities.
Finding the Job You Want
The average person begins narrowing down their skills in grade school and high school. A person might be good at math or show aptitude as a writer. A person might be a great athlete or have a unique ability to assemble and disassemble complex objects. No matter the skills, many of us used these abilities to provide some sort of guide as to what we should do with our lives.
There are other people, whoever, who decided what they wanted to do based purely on their interests. They may have made this choice at a young age, or after an experience that left a big impression on them. For these men and women, their job pursuits are more of a passion or a “calling” than they are a practical pursuit.
The problem with both of these approaches is that they don’t take into account outside factors.
For the first type of person, being a great writer can be extremely saleable, but if they don’t get a college degree or live in a blue-collar area, their opportunities might be limited. The same goes for the second type of person. Sure, they might dream of being a marine biologist until they find out they’ll need years of fieldwork and a doctorate and still might not have a decent-paying job.
The point is: what you should do is not always what you want to do or even what you’re qualified to do. Instead, your dream job is often a mix between the two that requires a study of the world around you. In order to help you narrow down your search, we’ve come up with a list of tips for finding the job you want (and getting it).
Research Your Future First
As we just mentioned: all the skills or desire in the world can’t lend you a job if it doesn’t really exist or if you simply don’t meet the criteria. If you want to land a job, you need to find out what sort of jobs are available for people with your skills, what types of industries are growing, and what sort of jobs are in your specific area.
This point isn’t attempting to say that you can’t master new skills, get a job in a niche industry, or simply relocate, but you will need to factor all of those things into your plan for getting a job. So do your research, and make sure that you’re casting your net with purpose, intent, and – most importantly – a plan for what you want to catch.
Don’t Cast a Wide Net
Speaking of casting nets: there is one job search technique that many people tend to get wrong. Rather than trying to expand your search to include as many potential jobs as possible, you might do better by targeting the jobs and industries that for which you know you’d be a great fit. This point is where you can imagine that “perfect job” and go out in search of it.
Keep Close Track of Your Efforts
One of the areas where people tend to fail when finding the job they want is that they don’t keep proper track of their efforts. How do you plan to follow up with that dream job you applied to if you can’t remember when (or to whom) you applied? Don’t just send your resume out and pray for a return phone call, make a spreadsheet or two, and treat your job search like a job.
Listen to Advice
There is plenty of outdated advice on how to land a job, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t quite a bit of advice that still has tons of value to your search. Don’t be afraid to have some conversations with strangers about the local job market. You’d be shocked how often they’ll have insight into companies they work for, competitors, and up and coming businesses.
Ask Others What They Do
How many times have you met someone who loves their job? These people are rare, but they do exist. When you meet them, the best thing to do is talk to them about what they do, how they got into it, and what advice they might have for someone who wants to feel the same. Sure, you might not want to do what they do, but it’s a good idea to know how they got there, if only for inspiration.
Get Nuts About Networking
Even today, many professionals are still getting referred to jobs by friends, old coworkers, and even strangers. This process is called networking, and it is the lifeblood of the modern business community.
With men and women no longer seeking to work at one company for their entire career, networking events and websites have evolved to help facilitate mobility. If you want to have access to opportunities before they hit the job sites, you need to get out there and make connections with people. It may seem a bit awkward at first, but once you realize everyone is there for the same reason, it becomes much easier.
Consider a Job Placement Specialist
Most cities have staffing companies, recruiters, and other placement specialists that can find a job for you. In cases where you’re completely unsure of what you want to do or how to find the position you want, these professionals can often be a huge help. Though there Is usually a cost involved, the benefit of gaining access to their established network is often well worth it.
Preparing to Ask for a Job
Even armed with the best possible information, many of us will still find ourselves lacking the confidence needed to make the sort of impressions we want. Luckily, there are many different techniques that you can put to use that can help you appear confident and controlled when you get ready to ask for that job of your dreams. For example:
Eye Contact
Good eye contact is one of the most important techniques you can put into practice when speaking with interviewers, recruiters, and even colleagues. Maintaining eye contact, especially when you’re the one doing the talking, is essential to coming off confident and in control. You don’t want to overdo this, however, as it can make you come off as controlling and even creepy.
Be Still
If you fidget in your chair or make quick, nervous movements, you will almost always give your interviewer the impression that you’re anxious and untrustworthy. Try to make sure all of your movements are deliberate and calculated, especially when you’re listening. When talking, it’s OK to move your hands and show enthusiasm, but try not to push it too far.
Maintain Posture
Body position is a big factor when it comes to presenting yourself in a confident, professional manner. You want to make sure you’re maintaining “open positions.” Doing this means that your body is taking up more space, not less. Put your arms at your side and try to look comfortable. Don’t cross your legs or arms. Lastly, don’t slouch or try to make yourself look small – keep your spine and neck straight.
Interview the Interviewer
We include all of this supplemental information because there’s a lot that goes into asking for a job that people don’t always consider. In an interview situation, one of the best techniques you can use is to “flip the script” and start asking questions of your own.
In essence: you don’t want to act as if this is your only opportunity, but as if you’re searching for the perfect job. Doing this not only displays confidence but makes you seem like a much more reliable candidate because you’re showing interest in all the facets of the position.
Be Sure to Listen
There’s a big difference between waiting to talk and actually listening. Unfortunately, many of us struggle with this, particularly when we’re nervous. If you don’t want to seem awkward and tense, however, you need to be truly listening to the people with whom you’re interviewing or networking. Doing this is essential to being likable, and to keeping the conversation feeling natural.
Try to Find it Enjoyable
Of all the advice one might expect to get about interviewing for a job, this tip might be the most surprising. However, just like when you’re on a date or in another tense interpersonal situation, being able to smile, relax, and seem like you enjoy the process is key to looking confident. Practice this as often as you can, and the rewards will be huge.
Ways to Ask For a Job
So far, we’ve covered some of the techniques you need to embrace to find the job that’s right for you. We’ve also discussed some ways to appear more confident when asking for a job. Now, we’re going to focus directly on how to ask for a job.
Many of these tips can be used in conjunction with each other, while some are more generalized concepts that you need to add to your job-hunting repertoire.
For this section, pretend you’ve already decided what job you want and have the confidence and interview prowess that we discussed in the last section. In short: you’re sure of yourself and your qualifications and ready to land the job of your dreams.
Don’t Ask for a “Job”
Right out of the gate, this point seems like the antithesis to everything you would expect about how to ask for a job. Still, as we’ve hinted at, there is a lot of value in the information that you can glean from colleagues and friends in the industry in which you want to work. So, rather than seeming desperate and asking them to find you a job per se, ask them to spill the beans and give you some insider info.
In a way, this is like playing detective, as you’re essentially gathering information that will help you insert yourself into an interview. You might ask about the company culture or ask to meet the hiring manager for the department in which you want to work. Keep networking and keep asking for information that can be of value to you, and actually “asking” for the job won’t be necessary.
Aim High (in the Company)
If you want to put yourself in the right position at a company, you need to identify who has the authority to hire you. In some cases, job seekers will go even higher up on the food chain to bring a sense of power with them into the actual interview process. Either way, when asking for a job, you’re going to want to know who to ask.
This technique, again, relies on networking. Using web research, LinkedIn, and some detective skills, you should be able to identify who is in the best position to help you. From there, look to establish contact with them via email or – even better – a face-to-face discussion. Remember to aim for managers, directors, and other VIPs, even though entry-level people may be more accessible.
Make Connections with People That Do What You Want to Do
Sometimes the people who can prove the best resources when you’re ready to ask for a job are those who already have the position you want. For instance, if your goal is to become the next big salesperson at the multi-billion-dollar software firm, who better to give you advice than someone who already performs (well, preferably) in that role?
Depending on the job you want, you might be surprised how easy it is to find ways to interact with colleagues in a social or semi-professional setting. Use a little charm and meet these people. Talk to them about their jobs and their companies. In some cases, these men and women might even get bonuses for referring to you, which would make the whole process much easier.
Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out
As you can see so far, many of these techniques rely on you taking the initiative and establishing the first contact with people who can help you get a job. Doing this is a great way to circumvent the tedious resume process and get face time with the people who are in a position to help. Don’t be afraid to use e-mail or other messaging platforms to contact these people, whether they know you or not.
The key to effectively reaching out is to – again – not necessarily ask for a job but to ask these men and women about their careers, their plans, and their insights. Networking this way is effective because, in the end, successful people often feel good when they can pass along their advice to others. Encourage them to do so by making contact.
Build Relationships Before You Seek a Job
In a lot of cases, relationships are better when a close friendship precedes them. This is not untrue for professional relationships either. Again, this all comes down to networking, networking, networking. The modern business world is global, and someone in Australia might be just as qualified for a job you’re seeking as you are. The only way to beat the competition is to have a foundation already built.
While it’s true that we’ve covered the importance of creating relationships with people several times over, we’re yet to focus on how you can create relationships with actual companies. Depending on your industry, there are often ways to insert yourself into company events or outings. You can also find ways to put your name and face in front of the people that matter. Do your research and attend whatever you can.
Show Up in Person
The one advantage you have over that super-qualified person from across the ocean is that you can show up on the doorstep of the job you want and hand-deliver your resume. This point isn’t to say that you shouldn’t also apply online, but there is a lot of strength in following up and letting someone at the company see your face.
Again, this technique relies on the strength of face-to-face communication, something that we’ve lost in the digital age. If you want to demonstrate that you’re tenacious and ready for that interview you’ve been cultivating, don’t be afraid to stop in and make that great impression.
Prepare an “Elevator Pitch”
The elevator pitch is a golden-age business tactic that assumes you’re in an elevator with the CEO of your company. You want to demonstrate your value and tell him or her all your great ideas, but you only have a few seconds before the elevator doors open and your opportunity walks away. Though the chances of this happening in real life are slim, it is still important to have a “pitch” for yourself.
Whether you’re in the interview already or networking with someone who’s in the position to help – there’s no escaping the fact that they’re going to ask you about yourself.
The formula for pitching yourself well is to first talk about your present situation and position, then mention how you got there and what you learned along the way. Lastly, talk about what you’d like to do in the future and why you’re looking for this specific job. Think of this as your verbal resume. Know it by heart and tweak it constantly to maximize its impact.
Do What You Can to Stand Out
In the dating world, there is a technique called “peacocking” that men and women use to stand out to potential paramours. As with countless other “dating” metaphors on this list, the same techniques can apply to your job search. However, rather than wearing a feathered hat to your interview, you want to make sure you’re standing out professionally.
Examples of how to stand out when asking for a job include having an animated video of your skills posted on your website. If you’re pursuing a position in marketing or advertising, maybe you should consider making a full-scale ad for yourself? Be clever, be creative, and make sure you’re doing something that will have a positive, memorable impact.
Get an Informational Interview
Informational interviews are not job interviews, so many job-seekers dismiss them as a complete waste of time. However, these meetings can allow you to employ dozens of techniques on this list and find out about positions that you might not see on job boards. After all, some experts estimate that 70% to 80% of jobs do not appear anywhere that non-employees can see them.
Informational interviews are essentially you introducing yourself, your skills, and your qualifications to a potential employer or to someone who has key contacts in your industry. It’s networking, but with a very professional and very direct approach. You can set these up via email, LinkedIn, or through mutual colleagues. Do well, and you’ll be one of the first people they call when a spot opens up.
Don’t Be Afraid to Offer Trial Work
No one should ever have to work for free, but that doesn’t mean you can’t offer trial work to secure a more lasting impression in your desired employer’s mind. Doing this doesn’t have to require a particularly official process, either. If you’re a designer, marketer, or other creative, sometimes all you need to do is identify a problem an employer is having and offer an execution.
You can also negotiate trial work on an internship or minimum wage basis (assuming you can afford it). As long and you can keep from sounding desperate, doing this can position you as a person who’s both set on the job they want and confident in their ability to perform it.
Tell (and Show Them) You Want the Job
If you’re already in the interview, there’s nothing wrong with clearly stating to the person that you want the position for which you’re applying. Like you would if you were writing a Cover Letter, do this by summarizing your qualifications and highlighting where you think you can step up your game (if applicable). Finally, ask the interviewer if they have any reservations or if there’s anything you haven’t covered.
We’ve mentioned time and again that there is huge value in confidence and being direct with interviewers and colleagues. Providing you can learn to separate what comes off as confident with what comes off as “cocky,” this alone might be enough to make you a memorable interview and a top runner for the job.
Ask About the Next Steps
There’s nothing wrong with asking what will happen after an interview is complete. Doing this not only demonstrates your value, but it shows that you’re interested in the position and looking at how to follow up. Most interviewees can’t wait to get out of that interview room the second it’s over, for fear of making a mistake. Confident interviews stretch their time and ask what they can do next.
In most cases, the interviewer will have a stock answer ready to go. They might say that they’ll be interviewing candidates for X amount of time or that they need to confer with their superiors. This point is where you need to ask if it’s OK to follow up or what else you can do to put yourself in a hirable position. Be confident and likable, not pushy, and their answers might surprise you.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s a lot more to how to ask for a job than most of you could have ever imagined. From tips and techniques on getting your “in” to ways to build confidence for the interview to ways to narrow down what job you want – it’s almost a full-time job to conduct a proper job search.
Accomplishing this isn’t very easy, of course, thanks to the fact that job searches are almost all national or even global. With tens of thousands of people ready to relocate to your area at the drop of a hat. However, if you follow the techniques on this list and act and speak with confidence, you’ll be sure to stand out from the pack.