Interviewing Question

[Redlass]

In the career development chapters of our textbooks, we always encourage people to ask for the interview in both their cover letter and a follow-up phone call afterward.

I've always found that bordering on rude and it comes very difficult to me. It sounds forced and it makes both me and the person I'm talking to uncomfortable.

What do you all think? Do you ask for an interview after sending a cover letter? If so, how do you do it so that everyone is comfortable and you're being assertive not awkward?

[quasar]

I don't ask for an interview. I provide all sorts of contact information and make it clear I'd be happy to hear from them, but out and out ask? ick.

Janice

[phoenixx]

I never ask for an interview - I think closing with a simple "I look forward to hearing from you" suffices for me in dealing with clients, potential clients and just about everything else.

Leslie

[Joubert[$]]

Yes, of course, you ask.

(You knew I was going to be different, didn't you?)

Always ask for the business, the sale, the job, the whatever. The worst that you can be told is no. I think that the mistake most people make is by presuming too much. I have people write me who say, "I will call you on such and such a date to discuss this..."

Well, good luck, bub. I'll be in Alabama then. But if the person simply said, "I am available to discuss this at your convenience and can interview in person at your offices on these dates or by telephone during these times at this number. Simply let me know which method you prefer so that we can explore our mutual opportunities."

An idea from the contrary side.