How To Tell an Employer That You Really Want the Job

Updated September 30, 2022

While it may seem obvious to always tell a potential employer that you want the job you are interviewing for, it may not always be easy. There are a few steps you can take to ensure that the employer knows you are interested. Learning how to tell the employer that you want the job can not only improve your chances of getting hired, but it can also promote good interviewing strategy habits that may help you get your next job in the future. In this article, we explain multiple ways you can tell your employer that you want the job, and ways you can do so without even saying a word.

Why is it important to tell an employer you want a job?

Besides possibly making a good impression on the employer, telling the employer you want the job has other benefits, including:

It can encourage them to select you for the job

Telling the employer you want the job is a bold strategy to implement in an interview. It may appear straightforward to some employers, or bold and attractive to others. Depending on the employer, such a tactic may seem more forthcoming than the type of position they are offering requires, so you might evaluate if a bold statement is appropriate for your workplace setting.

It can put many attractive interview habits into practice

Establishing with the employer that you want the job may help you adopt many good interview practices along with it. For example, if you ensure to the employer that you want the job, you must also display certain confidence. Telling the employer you want the job also displays amazing initiative, a quality valued by employers no matter the profession. Below are other qualities you might use when asking this question or employing methods to communicate your message:

Boldness
Eagerness
A strong work ethic
Sociability

Taking measures to ensure you want the job may set you apart from other candidates.

While some employers may find the gesture forthcoming, others may see it as distinguishably genuine. Such an honest, transparent question may leave a good impression on your employer. Regardless of the shortlist you are in for the position is short or long, being genuine with your intentions may at least set you apart from all those who choose not to take that initiative. The display of initiative on your part may only improve the employers' opinion of you, and leave a lasting impression that may help you when the selection process is underway.

I really want this job: How to show interest during an interview

Telling your employer you want the job can be more than simply saying that single sentence. The gesture speaks through your actions, attitude, demeanor and level of preparation and research you've done surrounding the company. The following steps may help you get your message indisputably communicated to your employer that you are interested in this position:

1. Connect yourself to the company and your employer

Employers often look for enthusiasm and passion among the candidates on their shortlist. Aligning your actions and statements with the company mission could help an employer see the uniqueness and dedication in your application and time with them. Genuinely showing passion and belief in the product or in the companies' mission statement can definitely improve your likelihood of being selected. Ways of doing this could include:

If available, ask for a company-decorated product such as a pen or magnet.
When appropriate, telling the employer about how you enjoy or use the products that the company produces.
Showing appreciation for an observable decision that was recently made by the company.

2. Complete any optional application steps

Often, portions of the application process are labeled as optional. Some of these include:

Cover letters
Portfolios
Query letters
Printed resume
Printed business card

While listed as optional, preparing an additional cover letter or portfolio for your application when optional is a great way to communicate to your employer that you care. A printed resume is a convenient measure for your employer that takes little time or preparation to do. A business card where applicable shows that you are a professional with standards and thoughtful presentation.

Adding a portfolio to your application when optional shows you are proud of the work you have produced and want to take any opportunity to show how this work can excel the company's goals. Cover letters and query letters, when made with genuine effort and unique for every application, may make you stand out from hundreds of applicants who either neglected to use a cover letter, or relied on a prefabricated one used in multiple applications.

3. Clarify that you want the job

One method that will definitely tell the employer that you want the job is to say that you want the job. While this may seem obvious, it may become challenging to accomplish in an interview. Specific signs may show that it is acceptable to outright say that you want the job during your interview:

A casually dressed or demeanored employer
The position is in an inherently social and relaxed environment.
The interview is preformed over dinner or another social event.
You are already well-aquainted with the employer or organization.

Examples of asking also include:

"I'm honestly looking forward to working with this company."
"You all seem like a great team, and I'd be honored to work with you."
"I'm very interested in the job, but do you have any concerns as to how well I can perform?"
"The work I'd be involved with sounds interesting, I'd love if you could tell me what some next steps are going to be."
"So when will I be hearing feedback?"

4. Openly ask the interviewer about how the process went

One straightforward way to ensure your employer knows you are interested is by asking openly how the interview you just had went. Not only does the question show you are interested in the direct results of the interview, but it also presents the employer with a memorable ending to the interview, which is rare.

At the very least, this method alone can make you stand out from among other applicants. The question can show the employer that you have a great deal of initiative and are not afraid to ask questions you want answers to.

5. Merge with the culture

One of the most important things to an employer concerning new hires is how they will align with the pre-existing team. Employers don't want to welcome dysfunction into their workplace, so as a potential team member, it is within your best interest to connect yourself with the existing team as much as you can. No matter how amicable the hire, accepting another employee into the workplace initially costs more than the employee relieved. A helpful way of showing you are interested in the position is by showing why hiring you specifically would be easy for the company.

Before your interview, researching the company beyond the surface level you can gain from an internet search can be extremely helpful. Tour their grounds, talk to their employees, watch videos containing any recent statements the company has made, or advertisements they have posted. Becoming familiar with company policy and the general cooperation atmosphere may help you seem easily hirable during your interview.

Another quality employers will see as a signal of your eagerness is your eagerness to be a leader. Leadership traits are inherently valuable in interviews, and to display them may also promote and solidify the idea to the employer that you are ready and looking forward to the job being offered. Ways you can show leadership traits in your interview include:

Having a confident but humble attitude.
Complimenting any mentioned company decisions or current objectives.
Adding small, unobtrusive suggestions to any conversation concerning policy. (Ex. "I love workflow process, it'd be great if it became more expedited by...")

Tips for getting the job you want

You can take other measures to let your employer know that you want the job, many of which don't involve any additional talking. Other tips to consider during your interview include:

Wait for the interview to come to a relative close before making any advances.
Be honest and confident with your statements.
Plan your thoughts and what you will say before the interview.
Show enthusiasm.
Show how similar your skills are to the existing team's.
Send a genuine thank-you letter.
Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Research the company thoroughly before the interview.
Ensure you display good nonverbal communication, such as a firm handshake and proper appearance.
Consider giving a short last pitch before you leave the interview.