Saying “I Really Need This Job” Is Scaring Employers Away
TL;DR:
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Looking desperate will scare off hiring managers
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They want someone who really wants their job, not just any job
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The key: show how the job fits you
The Challenge We're Solving Today
What do you do when you really, really need a job but nobody will give you your shot?
It can be tempting to say, “Please, I really need this job,” or "I just need someone to give me a chance," especially when things are tough.
But saying that in your online comments or during an interview will do more harm than good.
Why This Matters to You
I was talking to a senior recruiter who said something important:
“Every time I hired someone who seemed desperate, they quit. They didn’t care about the job itself, just getting a job.”
Here’s the thing:
Hiring managers don’t just want someone who can do the job.
They want someone who wants the job and will stay.
They want someone who has done their homework, knows the role, knows the company, and can talk about all of that calmly.
If you sound desperate, they'll think you haven’t really thought about whether the job is right for you.
Common Solutions and Why They Might Not Work
You might hear advice like:
“Show how badly you want the job!”
But that can backfire becuase it sounds like:
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You’ll take any job
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You haven’t thought about what the job actually is
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You just need a paycheck
That doesn’t build trust.
✅ A Better Approach for You
Here’s what works better:
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Talk about what you like about the job – not just why you need it
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Show that you’ve done your homework – like learning about the company or team. Show them you know them
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Say how it fits into your bigger career path – show you want to grow there
***And this starts before the interview.***
You share “yourself” in every step. Your resume, your cover letter, your LinkedIn profile, and even your comments on social media.
Employers notice ALL of it.
They want to see someone who’s thoughtful, confident, and focused on finding the right job, not just any job.
Example:
Instead of saying:
“Please hire me. I really need this job.”
Try this:
“I’ve followed your work for a while, and I’m excited about the way your team does things. I've done work like this and would love to help your team and company grow.”
So, am I saying you're not allowed to feel desperate?
NO.
Feel your feelings, be human, keep it real.
"So Steph, what are you saying?"
Broadcast your value and your research, always.
Your Next Steps
Here’s what to do next:
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Think about what excites you about each job you apply to
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Share that in your resume, LinkedIn, and interviews
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Practice talking about the role and how it fits you
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Show up online the way you’d want a hiring manager to see you
P.s.
When you’re ready to stop applying to random jobs and start finding the right ones, my Career Change Accelerator will help. You’ll learn how to stand out by showing who you are, not by begging for a chance.
Let’s help you land something that lasts.
Hope you'll give this a try.
See you next week.
Steph Yesil
Find me on LinkedIn , Get My Career Change Kit , Book a 1:1 Call