By Kent Johnson

It's been said that you can have anything you want in life if you're willing to ask for it, including the job or career of your dreams. Now I know this sounds simplistic, and there's more to this strategy that just walking into an employer's door and telling them what you want. But you'd be amazed at what you can get get by simply asking.

When we're children, before we've developed insecurities and inhibitions, we're not afraid to ask for anything. If we want a toy, we ask for it. When we want to stay up and watch TV beyond our bedtime, we ask for it. And it at first we don't succeed, we usually keep asking until we get what we want (or end up with some very angry parents).

So why then does it seem so difficult for people to ask for what they want as adults?  I talk to people all the time who tell me that they'd love a different job in their company, but they're afraid to ask. Or they'd like to go back to school and finish their degree, but they're afraid to approach their spouse with their ambitions. 

All of us are conditioned as we grow older to fear rejection, or the unknown, and this applies to career and job decisions as much as anything else. And so many people stay in their present jobs, year after year, even though they'd be much happier and more fulfilled doing something else.  

If you've got a job interview coming up, or you're considering asking your current employer for a promotion or a different position in the organization, you can map out a strategy for broaching the subject without making it sound like an outright plea for job.

One way to do this is to just put the facts on the table. State in no uncertain terms why you'd be a perfect match for the job and this employer. 

Here’s an example:

“Let me thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. Throughout our conversation, I've learned a lot about the dynamics of your company, its history and culture, and the responsibilities of the position. I think you'll find that your requirements are a perfect match for my experience -- everything from my ability to manage a marketing campaign to my skills in bringing  in new leads and new business.  I'm excited about participating in the rest of the interview process, and I look forward to being a part of your team."

Another approach is to speak as though you've already landed the job and you're a part of the team. By using works like "us," and "we" during the conversation, you bring yourself into the interview's mind, allowing him or her to visualize you as a part of the organization.

For example:

"I'm glad we could speak so honestly today. I'm looking forward to working with the other members of the organization. I think we've got a great team in place, and with this new project, I think our company will be in a great competitive position for years to come."

And if all else fails, you can just lay your cards out on the table and simply ask for the job.

Something like:

"Thanks for the opportunity to interview today. I've very interested in the position, and I hope I can join the team. Is there any more information you would need to offer me the job?"

This may sound a little forward, but you'd be surprised at how effective it can be. In fact, some interviews report that they're disappointed when the applicant doesn't ask for the job. 

Job interviewing is a lot like dating in that way. If you never ask for what you want, you're not likely to get it. But you have to ask intelligently, courteously, and you have to ask people who are in a position to help you.

As the old saying goes, ask and you shall receive.

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