by Aimee Mendel

Created on: September 27, 2008   Last Updated: June 30, 2010

Ask and You Shall Receive...The Job

The Question: wow do I get myself hired? The answer: I sell myself! And not simply in the ordinary sense. Anyone can walk into an office for an interview dressed well, give the boss the notorious "firm" handshake, and walk back out feeling confidant. It takes truly knowing that "I have what it takes to do this job, and I can do it better than anyone else who might apply!"

Now, more so than in recent years, we must truly fight for our jobs. Not just to keep them, but to earn them in the first place. It is time to convince ourselves that each of us is it: the teacher, the lawyer, the mechanic, the program director, etc.

Firstly, we must convince ourselves that the job at hand is what we want. Let's face it; there is nothing worse than fighting tooth and nail for a job only to decide "eh, maybe I don't want to be the big shot of "X" division at "Y" company after all..."

Second stop, selling! Tell your interviewer(s) who you are, what you bring to the table, why you want the job, and what you have that equips you to do said job. Tip: this is a great time to flaunt that amazing ability you have to talk about yourself. Come on! How often are you allowed to talk about all of your positive qualities? We know you have them!

Lastly, and most importantly, ask for the job. How will your prospective employer know just how badly you want this job unless you ask for it? When you thank your interviewer for his/her time, it is imperative that you give that "firm" handshake, give sincere thanks, and finish the interview yourself by informing your new boss that you are looking forward to bringing your knowledge and know-how to his/her company, and you will expect a call in the coming work-week.

Knowing what you want, selling yourself, and asking for the job are three sure steps to landing that dream position! If you want it, and you know you can do it, it is as good as yours. Truly believing in yourself and your own abilities are the first steps to the confidence that it takes to walk into an interview and take the job with you. And that is what can happen. You should be able to walk in, sell your skills, and walk out with your head held high knowing that you just asked for exactly what you want.

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