How to Ask Someone To Keep You In Mind for a Job

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.

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 someonewhy 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.