Do I have 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.

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