The other day someone asked me what was the biggest mistake I’d ever made during an interview. Well, as a human we live and learn, but one thing stood out.

I’d failed to ask for the job. Not once, but twice. Let me explain.

Years ago I’d interviewed for a sales position selling textbooks to colleges. The interview occurred in Ohio during January, so I kept thinking of lugging a suitcase on rollers up some hill during the snow and slush of a mid western winter.

As the interview wrapped up, there was the perfect opportunity for me to share my enthusiasm for the position. To “ask for the job,” so to speak. But I failed to do that. I didn’t ask for the job because I truly didn’t want it, but that’s not my point.

The employer told me the next step. I was to phone her the next day for the result. My pride wanted her to want me, but my honesty couldn’t bring me to ask for a job I really didn’t want.

I called the following day. She said, “Randy, you were by far the best candidate I spoke with, but you never asked me for the job and I’ll never offer a job to someone who doesn’t ask for it.”

That’s been over 20 years ago, but I recall those words clearly. They came up a second time, but in that case it was a foregone conclusion I would get the job. Still, when my future boss said, “Well, Randy. Do you want this position?” It brought back memories of a previous mistake – a mistake I will never make again.

If you have a reasonable amount of interest in a position, NEVER leave an interview without reaffirming, in no uncertain terms, your interest in the position. I’d also add that you should leave with an understanding of the next step in the hiring process.

It’s not enough to merely show up for the interview. Employers have many candidates to pick from. The hiring decision largely rests on two factors. First, do you have the skills to perform the job? And second, does the employer “like” you? Do they like your attitude, enthusiasm, etc? Asking for the job can go a long way toward showing a positive attitude and enthusiasm. Try it next time!