July 4, 2006Asking for an Interview
“ABC Widgets” used to contract services with my company, but now they are forming their own team. I am very interested in being part of that team. Although I have not met the decision maker/hiring manager of the other organization I do know who the person is. Everyone knows about me and my skills sets are just as applicable to the other organization. I’m confident that my work quality, ethics, etc. is known… how do I approach the other manager at the ‘competing’ business for an interview? I feel like I’m not speaking up enough. I don’t want to wait too long and then be told ‘you should have spoken up’. Yet at the same time I don’t want to appear ‘needy’.
Meryl Responds
I’m curious why you think a company would consider you needy for suggesting you have the skills they are looking for. I prefer the words confident, professional, and astute enough to recognize an opportunity when you see one.
I’d say,
I’m impressed with your operation and would like us to consider my becoming a member of your team. Please add my name to your list of qualified applicants for interview. I’m confident my skill set would be a great asset to your team.
You may want to add,
Please keep my inquiry confidential, of course.
Mainly, I want you to drop the needy idea. It’s clear you have confidence in your skills and yet there is a reluctance to ask for what you want. It’s part of being a professional.
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You’ve heard of ‘head hunting’ – where executives are actively sought to switch allegiences? In this case, it is you doing the head hunting.
I don’t thinnk there is anything wrong with taking the front foot and letting this firm know that you would be interested in joining their team. I am sure they would respect your actions in taking the lead and would maintain confidentiality until you were ready to make an announcement.
Comment by Rebecca Hardman — July 5, 2006 @ 5:21 pm