In our increasingly connecting world, we’re more likely than ever to hear about existing or forthcoming job opportunities. And some of those job opportunities may be exactly what you’re looking for.
But when you come across one of those interesting opportunities, it can feel awkward to ask someone to keep you in mind for that job.
To that end, this article is going to provide recommendations for how to effectively ask someone to keep you in mind for a job opportunity.
Note that the base assumptions of the article are that a) know the person that you’re asking to keep in mind for a job and b) that the job that you’re asking them about is on their team or at their company.
Contents
How to Be Prepared to Ask Someone to Keep You in Mind for a Job
The easiest way to ask someone to keep you in mind for a job is to be prepared to make the ask should the opportunity come up. And there are a few keys to be ready when the opportunity comes up:
Know What You’re Looking For
The first key to asking someone to keep you in mind for a job is to know what job you’re looking for. It’s important to be intentional about your career and what you want and knowing what you want that next step to be for you will help you keep your eyes and ears open for attractive opportunities.
Know How You Can Add Value
From that place of knowing what you want, you also need to understand how you can add value to that position. People shouldn’t want to keep you in mind for a position just because they know you. Ultimately, they will help you obtain a position because you can add value to them and their team. So be sure to understand how you can add value to whatever job you’re looking for.
Have an Elevator Pitch Ready
Based upon the previous two steps, you should have a quick elevator pitch ready to sell yourself when asking someone to keep you in mind for the job. This is a ten second pitch that you can deliver in person or via a message to tell someone why you’re interested and why they should keep you in mind for the job.
How To Make The Ask Someone to Keep You In Mind for a Job
Be Direct
When you do have the opportunity to ask someone to keep you in mind for a job, make sure to be clear and direct in your ask. Make it obvious that you’re interested in interviewing for the role and make it clear how you can add value.
Be Kind and Thankful
Additionally, when you’re asking someone to keep you in mind for a job, you’re asking them for their help and for a favor. So make the ask nicely, with no expectations, and be grateful for their time and consideration.
Ask for a Timeline and Follow-up
My final high level tip is to ask for a timeline about the role. Depending upon where they are in the process, you can ask when it will be posted, when they’re planning on interviewing, etc.
Once you have a timeline in place, take a mental note and then follow up with your contact closer of that time to request so that they help you take the next steps with the opportunities.
How to Ask Someone to Keep You In Mind for a Job Samples
Included below are a couple of samples that you can leverage the tips above ask someone to keep you in mind for a job. The examples can be used used either for an in-person ask for via online message
Oh, that’s interesting that your company is planning to add new folks to the customer service team. I actually have a lot of experience in people-facing roles and love helping people so think I could be a good fit. When is that job being posted and would you be open to keeping me in mind for the job?
I see that you posted a job hiring a recruiter. I’ve been working in recruiting for about five years now and have consistently exceeded my time to fill and hire metrics. I’m looking for a change and think I would be a good fit. When are you evaluating applications? I would be appreciative if you kept me in mind for the role.
Conclusion
Asking someone to keep you in mind for a job can feel awkward. But if you follow the tips above, and do it kindly and thoughtfully, it can be the starting point to opening the door for a great opportunity for you.
