When to Ask About a Job: The Ultimate Guide

There is no typical workplace romance. Every relationship is different and unique to each individual involved. However, one thing almost all workplace romances have in common is that they are both extremely stressful and demanding. Job seekers must be prepared to devote their time and energy to finding the perfect match, while employers are looking for loyal and committed employees who are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to give the company a competitive edge.

In most cases, employees begin their search for a new job with little to no idea of what is expected of them. After all, what is a job interview if you don’t know what you are supposed to say?

You may be wondering when is the right time to ask about a job. Let’s examine the various scenarios and determine the best moment for you to bring up the subject.

Immediately After You Are Introduced

One of the most awkward and uncomfortable situations you can find yourself in is after you have been introduced to someone as, “Steve, this is John. John, this is Steve. We work together.” The person you are talking to may not want to start a conversation about work with someone they just met, especially if they don’t know your work history. This can make you appear pushy or desperate.

An alternative is to say nothing and leave the conversation. This doesn’t mean you should walk away from a potential employer; you just have to figure out how to tactfully end the conversation without appearing rude or aggressive.

During Your First Meeting

If you and the person you are meeting have already established some sort of a connection and you both seem to be getting along well, you may decide to bring up the topic of a job during your first meeting. However, it is extremely important that you approach this topic sensitively and respectfully. Your goal is to appear open and sincere, but not too eager. The following tips will assist you in appearing professional yet not overbearing:

• Ask about the position you are interviewing for. This shows that you are interested yet not too pushy. You can also ask about any other positions available in the company.
• If you are applying for more than one position, divide your questions into a few separate interviews. This shows that you are organized and make adequate preparations. It also demonstrates that you are not only interested in one job; you are interested in several.
• Be prepared to discuss what your weaknesses and strengths are. This shows that you are being honest and open. Weaknesses can be turned into strengths if you know how to use them. For instance, if you are lacking in confidence, you can use this as a strength by citing previous experiences that taught you to be bold.
• If you have a specific question about the company or position, ask it before the interview even begins. This shows that you have done your research and know exactly what you are talking about. Questions that you have actually uncovered while doing your research can also be turned into questions for the interview. For example, if you found out that the company is owned by an Italian company, you could ask the interviewer if he is related to the family that owns the restaurant chains that you are familiar with.
• Look the person you are talking to in the eyes and appear open and sincere. This will help you appear more professional.
• Avoid small talk and chatter during your interview. Wait until after the interview to make small talk. It shows that you are not that kind of person and that you have more important things to talk about. Your goal is to appear approachable and friendly, not to impress the person you are talking to with your big talk.
• Try to make every interview as professional as possible. Look the person you are talking to in the eyes and let your body language do the talking. This will make you appear more approachable and intelligent.
• If you are in a particularly anxious or nervous situation, you may decide to ask about a job during your lunch break or at the end of the day. In most cases, the person you are talking to will be more relaxed at the end of the day, which is when you should approach this topic. However, lunch breaks can be awkward, so if you have a question about a job, ask as soon as you can.
• You can also ask about a job during a break or at the end of a work session. This shows that you are interested yet not too pushy. In most cases, the person you are talking to will be more relaxed and willing to discuss a job at this time.
• When you find out that the person you are talking to is moving to a different city, try to have a farewell lunch or meeting. This will appear very genuine and not like you are trying to rush the conversation. It shows that you have cared enough to say goodbye and that you are not just trying to hurry up and get the job. This also shows that you have been thinking of the person you are talking to and are not just using them to get something you want.

During Your Last Day Of Work

If you and the person you are talking to have already established some sort of connection and rapport, you may decide to approach this topic last thing on your last day of work. This is best done before you even begin packing up your belongings. The following tips will assist you in appearing professional yet not overbearing:

• Look the person you are talking to in the eyes and appear open and sincere. This will help you appear more professional.
• If you have a question about the company or position, ask it before you even begin packing up your belongings. This shows that you have done your research and know exactly what you are talking about. Questions that you have actually uncovered while doing your research can also be turned into questions for the interview. For example, if you found out that the company is owned by an Italian company, you could ask the interviewer if he is related to the family that owns the restaurant chains that you are familiar with.
• Pack only what you need. You want to look organized and prepared, not like you are rushing to finish up and leave. This also shows that you are not that kind of person and that you have more important things to do than just rush through work to finish your last day.
• Establish a short list of questions you need to ask. This will help you appear prepared and organized. It also shows that you do your research and know exactly what you are talking about.
• Try to make every interview as professional as possible. Look the person you are talking to in the eyes and let your body language do the talking. This will make you appear more approachable and intelligent.
• If you are in a particularly anxious or nervous situation, you may decide to ask about a job during your lunch break or at the end of the day. In most cases, the person you are talking to will be more relaxed at the end of the day, which is when you should approach this topic. However, lunch breaks can be awkward, so if you have a question about a job, ask as soon as you can.
• You can also ask about a job during a break or at the end of a work session. This shows that you are interested yet not too pushy. In most cases, the person you are talking to will be more relaxed and willing to discuss a job at this time.
• When you find out that the person you are talking to is moving to a different city, try to have a farewell lunch or meeting. This will appear very genuine and not like you are trying to rush the conversation. It shows that you have cared enough to say goodbye and that you are not just trying to hurry up and get the job. This also shows that you have been thinking of the person you are talking to and are not just using them to get something you want.

The key to appearing professional and not appearing desperate is by being the most prepared person for the interview. This shows that you have done your research and know exactly what you are talking about. It also shows that you are not that kind of person and that you have more important things to do than just get a job. This is the best moment to ask about a job because it shows that you have been thinking of them and are not just using them as a way to get something you want.

No matter when you ask, if you approach the topic of a job sensitively and professionally, you will appear to be a much more appealing candidate. Just remember: Be realistic, yet honest.