Can I Have An Interview, Please?
Contributed by Jay Schroyer
If you’ve ever been on the job hunt for an extended period of time, then you know the excitement of finally locating a posted position that sounds like a perfect fit. You’ve got the skills, the experience and your resume reflects the position requirements like a full-length mirror. You know that if you get the interview, you’re a shoe-in. So all you have to do is write a stunning cover letter that won’t end up in the trash bin and you’re home free. Writing the perfect cover letter can be an agonizing process, but always keep this in mind: if your cover letter does anything, make sure you ASK for the interview. It’s too easy to assume that the employer wants to interview you. Yes, you’re qualified and talented. Did you want an interview? All you have to do, is ask.
Without blatantly and tastelessly tattooing the top of your cover letter with a boldfaced demand that screams “INTERVIEW ME,” there are subtle, but effective ways to weave your request into your cover letter. Not only is placement important, but so is the way you word your request. You have to pose it as a request that has already been affirmatively answered. For some, this kind of aggressive approach to a cover letter seems like the quickest way to get cut from the shortlist, but you have to look at it from an employer’s perspective. If you had a stack of fifty resumes on your desk to sift through, who would you interview? The most qualified, the most degreed, the longest or shortest list of references, or the person that assertively shows you what they want? Give the following a try the next time you send out a cover letter.
Where to Ask
There are really two places where you can effectively ask for the interview: in the opening of your cover letter or in the closing. The letter can open with something to the effect of, “I would like to meet and discuss my qualifications for this job position because...” Or in the closing with something like, “I look forward to our meeting to further discuss my qualifications.” You could even use both in the same letter as there is no harm in asking twice for something you deserve.
How to Ask
You’ve decided where in the letter you’re going to ask, so now you must decide how you are going to ask. The best way to ask is to do so--without asking. As you write your request, assume that you’ve gotten the interview. You could say something like, “I am available for an interview anytime during...” or “When we meet, I can fully describe to you my duties as a...” You can see that these two examples both contain presumptions that the interview is already a given. The only thing in question now is choosing a day and a time. As with any delicate operation, read it over a few times before you decide how to ask for the interview. You should sound confident, but not too pushy as it may turn some employers off.
Follow Up
Too many job seekers send off letters or e-mails and then cross their fingers, waiting to hear yea or nay. Chances are pretty good that if it seems like you’ve forgotten or are ignoring the letter you sent, then so is the person receiving it. You have to follow up on any request if you want to assure that it will be answered. Wait a week and if you don’t hear anything, send the addressee an e-mail to check up on your application and take the opportunity to ask again for the interview: “I will be available all of this week, so feel free to call me anytime to set up an interview.” If there is no e-mail you can try a phone call, but don’t even consider it if the ad specifically states “no phone calls.” You could try another letter at this point, but be careful as not to appear too brassy or eager. It’s easy to see how something as simple as requesting an interview can help separate you from the pack when applying for an open job position. Next time you write the perfect cover letter, make sure to check and see if you’ve asked for the interview. Only then can you call it perfect.
About the Author:
Jay Schroyer has worked in the client and customer service end of business for over five years in retail, advertising, and printing. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English writing and communication.
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