Is it ever acceptable to be up front about how much you need a job?

20 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 17,2022 at 10:51AM UTC

   I'd be careful because they might low-ball your salary. I understand desperation, yet I would do my best to not protray that in the interview.

2. AnonymousJuly 17,2022 at 1:23PM UTC

   If you’re going to reach out say something about how excited you are about this opportunity or something about the role. It is understood that people need to work to make a living but being too upfront about it could skew seem unprofessional or desperate which can viewed as weakness. I know it is BS, but it is unfortunately part of the game that has to be played.

3. AnonymousJuly 17,2022 at 5:35PM UTC

   Honestly, no. Try to stay calm. It's understood what times we're living in. It might be seen as a sign that you haven't thought things through about the details of the position and appear rushed. Keep your personal situation private during your job search. It could count against you.

4. AnonymousJuly 17,2022 at 8:53PM UTC

   You can certainly email HR and the hiring manager to emphasize that you are a strong fit for the job, enjoyed the interview process and are eager to fill this role.

   BUT: Do *not* express desperation. Desperation only reduce your chances of being hired or reduce the salary offered.

5. bethJuly 17,2022 at 9:52PM UTC

   Agree with these comments -- and it's important to remember that the company is hiring someone who is an ideal fit for the company, so all communication should focus on how hiring you benefits the company!

6. AnonymousJuly 18,2022 at 2:16AM UTC

   I did the same thing w/ my recruiting agency. My rep sent me to a small bank that before starting told me if they didn’t like me, they weren’t going to keep me. I think this bank had a bad rep and my recruiter sent me there b/c he knew I was desperate. (Guess what. They didn’t like me and I left for mental, emotional, and physical health reasons.)

7. AnonymousJuly 19,2022 at 12:45PM UTC

   Is your current salary competitive in your field? If not, you might try to negotiate with your current employer. However, any conversation needs to be about your worth to the company not your personal finances. Some employers shy away from staff with money problems because they are too distracted at work.

8. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachJuly 19,2022 at 12:52PM UTC

   Instead, I would be upfront about how much you are a GOOD FIT for the specific company/job instead of how much you "need" a job. It's totally fine to need a job, but the last thing an employer wants is to feel like someone is desperate and may not be a good fit in the long run.

   Think about it like a time when you've had someone try to desperately sell you something in a mall - it doesn't feel good! You want them to feel good about you and what you bring to the table instead of desperation.

   I help women with this all the time to land jobs and negotiate higher pay, here's my consult link if you want to see what it would be like to work together & you'll at least walk away with some things you can start focusing on NOW to present yourself as the perfect match for the jobs you're interviewing for, instead of desperate ! https://maeganmillercoaching.as.me/consultcall

9. AnonymousJuly 20,2022 at 12:21PM UTC

   If you sound desperate they will take advantage of that by offering you the lowest salary possible. Try to emphasize your skills and experience that will benefit them; you need a job, but you also want to be paid what you’re worth. Good luck!

10. Maggie StoneJuly 20,2022 at 12:43PM UTC

    I am sorry you are in a super stressful situation.

    Everyone applying needs a job, so I wouldn’t mention it. Desperation won’t help your case. Also, be very cautious about taking a position that is not a good fit out of desperation. I have fallen into that trap. I hope your husband is networking like crazy and looking for other opportunities too. Might not be a bad idea to consider a side hustle or second job.

11. AnonymousJuly 20,2022 at 1:45PM UTC

    I agree with many of the responses. Definitely keep the emotion out of it when searching, applying, interviewing, and accepting a position. Think about the fit and not what you "can" do, just because the money looks good. So many times I have interviewed candidates who say they "can" do certain aspects of the job, but I always tell them that there is a lot we all CAN do but is it what you WANT to do, because walking into a position with lots of aspects you "can" do only for the salary is going to make for a miserable experience. Another suggestion, do not use a phrase similar to "I need to make..." when the recruiter asks what your salary requirements are. That too sounds like the focus is personal (money) and not about the position. The company may view you as desperate, not focused, and temporary. Keep your search about the fit, opportunity, and development.

    Best wishes.

12. EMILY KIKUE FRANKJuly 20,2022 at 2:13PM UTC

    If you're really anxious about money, look into gig jobs or contract work. You can reach out to HR and re-state your interest in the job, but talking about how much you need it will be off-putting, like being on a first date and talking about your biological clock ticking and needing to have babies soon.

13. Melissa VerdoniJuly 20,2022 at 2:25PM UTC

    Never

14. AnonymousJuly 20,2022 at 2:38PM UTC

    i think many people have touched on it. As a recruiter, added emotion can be considered a flag for us not to move forward so I do caution against. I think following up, showing interest are ways to help show you are interested in the position in a professional way. Just be sure to stay professional and to remove emotion as that can negatively impact your chances.

15. Angie MartinJuly 20,2022 at 2:45PM UTC

    Is there any way to secure a raise in your correct position?
    I wouldn't raise red flags by sounding desperate, but also would follow up with any interviews where the position is a good fit. Right now is definitely when your partner needs to be putting out feelers as well. You may need to find a second job or side gig for the time being as well.

    Getting too pleasing with recruiters or prospective employers definitely could have a negative effect, but you can stay positive by letting them know your availability and interest.

16. AnonymousJuly 20,2022 at 3:28PM UTC

    goodness, I feel like I want to give you a hug!

    I think your question is valid, and demonstrates your sincere concern about now and the future too; you and your partner are under alot of stress!

    Oddly, I think..in a way..it's okay to be authentic about your needs--but if you sound overly emotional or desperate (which is how you're privately feeling)--that won't come off well. No one wants to hire a basket case (and many people are worried). So,. It's okay to say that you really like ABC company and would consider it an honor to work for them. That you are sincerely looking for growth opportunities and are anxious to improve on your skill set etc. If you sound shaky/tearful/fearful, etc...it will come off very wrong and the HR folks will pick up on your vibe. That's not good. AS much as I like to honor authenticity and sincerity, I don't want to hire someone who is living and working on the edge of fear (we are all doing that these days, or at least many of us are!). Chin up, buttercup. As your friend, I also want to suggest that you FACE the mounting fears at home, the POSSIBLE layoff of your partner, and current expenses. You are not a victim, though it feels that way! we are all circling around the drain right now with rising fuel/energy costs...rents going sky high, etc....You can master this crisis instead of it mastering you. Think back to your great grandparents; tough folks who went thru the Great Depression. Look hard at how emotionally you are reacting to "What Ifs" right now (such as, "What if he gets laid off? OMG")....I want you to be strong in handling fate ; your anxiety is talking alot right now, and that needs to be mastered before trying to figure out your job situation. (I also agree with others that it's time to ask for a raise! )

17. Liz MilneJuly 20,2022 at 5:44PM UTC

    You do deserve a huge hug and that payrise. However, the world of business is cold and uncaring and any sign you give of being desperate for the job will

    a) put them off hiring you at all OR

    b) encourage them to think that you're so desperate for work you will work unfair hours, accept a lower wage, or some other unethical thing.

    It will be hard, but put on a cool, calm and collected face, emphasise your value to them, and let them become desperate to hire you instead.

    Good luck xx

18. Audrey KirschJuly 20,2022 at 6:00PM UTC

    Unfortunately, if you appear to be desperate, you open yourself up to being paid less and to being put in a tough work environment. Extra work, abusive behavior, etc. could come your way, because you make it known how badly you need the job. Don't open yourself up to that.

19. AnonymousJuly 20,2022 at 7:48PM UTC

    Perhaps tell the company how much you would really like to work for them - making it about how important they are to you. I told a recruiter once, I REALLY want this job! It was a position that I felt was perfect for my skill set. She, recruiter, knew I wanted the job, but, once she realized how much I liked the company, she really pushed for me. Sometimes it does help to say how much you like the company and want the position. You might put it that way - making them, the company, important and it is paying them a compliment.

20. Christi MillerJuly 28,2022 at 1:22PM UTC

    Try stating you are really interested in the role, feel you would be a great fit, and list the reasons your skills for their needs perfectly. This will show the company they can solve a problem without you looking desperate.