How To Explain Why You Want a Certain Position
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“Why do you want this position?” A commonly-asked interview question that may stump you. With a little research, soul-searching and strategizing, your answers can not only be well-prepared, but also authentic. All successful interviews require some planning and preparation and so does this popular question.?
The Great Resignation continues, and you’re in the midst of job seeking and have finally landed an interview.?
As you begin your preparation for the interview, you start running through all the topics and inquiries that may be thrown your way, from previous employment history to weaknesses and strengths.?
But one of the most commonly asked interview questions is “Why do you want this job/position?”
Prospective employers are interested in finding out why exactly you’re particularly interested in their company, yet it can be a question that stumps some candidates. If you’re aimlessly applying to roles or simply lost track (both valid reasons), it may be hard to place your finger on “Why?” a certain position sparked your interest.
Your answer, good or bad, could be the determining factor for whether you’re hired or even moved to the next interviewing stages.?
The key to any interview is preparation, research, practice and authenticity. Let’s explore how you can best answer: “Why are you interested in or applying for this position?”?
Your job prospects may depend on it — but don’t despair, two career experts are ready to help.
Why Employers (or Recruiters) Ask “Why Do You Want This Position”
Believe it or not, some people apply for jobs, sit in an interview and completely fail to do any basic preparation. If you’re lucky, the odds may be in your favor, but probably not. Most employers want to hire passionate, yet self-assured employees, whose values and personalities align with the company.?
The question “Why do you want this position?” is an opportunity for you to shine, showing all the value, strengths and desire to grow that led you to the actual interview.
It’s also the moment for you to advocate and explain why a certain position best suits you. If a company is already hiring for multiple positions, they want to know what exactly, beyond your resume.?
Employers and recruiters are trying to assess if you fit the role applied for and if you’ve done adequate research into the company. They’ve already determined on paper that you fit the role, now’s the time to make a human connection and seal the deal. Additionally, it’s a perfect way for employers to determine if a candidate will potentially stay in the position or the company longer.
“Once you get to a job interview, though, the whole picture changes. Employers are looking for qualities in their new hires that are never listed in the job ad. They want to meet people who are self-directed and responsible,” Liz Ryan , founder and CEO of Human Workplace , wrote for Forbes . “You will bring out those qualities through your answers to the job-interview questions and also through the questions you ask in your interview.”
She also explains that stories told during job interviews will automatically cause your qualities and traits to shine through — if you let them.
And this question can be asked at any point during the interview process, but most interviewers use it to set the tone at the beginning or gauge your enthusiasm for the role towards the end.
How to Answer The Question
I spoke with Jalonni Weaver , a talent acquisition analyst at Slalom , who’s also known as the “Recruiter Friend”. She actively shares advice and personal testimonials on LinkedIn about her experience as a recruiter and working professional. Now, she explains how best to answer employers and recruiters who are interested in learning more about your intentions as a candidate.
“When it comes to explaining to a recruiter or employer why you want a specific position, make sure you have done your research on the position as well as the company,” says Weaver. “Also, know what's on your resume and if you have transferable skills know what those are and how they relate to the role you are applying for.”
And the research aspect she brings up is integral.?
We’ve previously discussed how job seekers can dig deeper into a prospective employer when exploring the importance of positive workplace culture and how to evaluate it . Go beyond the company’s website, read online reviews, reach out to former employees and ask strategic questions during the interview.?
That way, if you’re asked about your interest in a certain position towards the end of the interview, you’ve gained a better understanding of whether it’s really to your liking and how best to answer.
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When answering, Harvard Business Review (HBR) advises going beyond the basics, like wanting to work because you need a job, the company benefits or searching for a stepping stone to “bigger and better things.”?
By doing so, you’ve neglected to give a meaningful response — again, you need to make a human connection. Show some passion, company knowledge and hunger for that position, whatever it may be.
Example Responses:
Will Rippetoe , a seasoned career coach and expert in job searching, has some useful answers prepared for you, should the question arise: “Why do you want this certain position?”
While answers tend to vary from organization to organization, role to role, and person to person, it’s still important to have a basic response built out ahead of time. Here’s what Rippetoe shares:?
“There are a few elements to consider that should help you consistently answer this question well:
1. ‘I have a great background and have already delivered the key performance indicators (KPIs) that this role is looking to deliver. As a result, I am confident that I would be able to contribute right away.’
2. ‘This is where I want to be 5+ years from now and how this role fits into that path.’
3. ‘This is why I’m interested in your specific company from a cultural/ values/ mission perspective (if applicable)’.
4. ‘This is why I’m interested in your specific company from a product/service perspective (if applicable)’.
Hit on as many of those items as possible and you’ll be in good shape.”?
I would also like to note that Response 2 focuses on growth, something that can sometimes be misinterpreted as a candidate just wanting to find “bigger and better”. However, note how Rippetoe incorporates a span of time and focuses on a certain position or role’s place in one’s career path. It’s a smart answer.?
You may be planning to leave a company if another “better” opportunity arises, but that’s not something you need to disclose when answering this question.?
The example responses can also be used to answer similar questions, such as “Why are you applying for this position?” or “Why are you interested in this position?”
Even before accepting an interview for a certain position or company, remember that you’re not required to do so.?
If you know deep down that a position is not the best fit for you, then why bother with an interview or screening with a recruiter??
Save yourself (and others) valuable time and energy to pursue the roles that matter most to you. You’ll find that your answer to “Tell us about why you want this position?” will be more authentic and honest because you actually align with the role.
Prepare for your interview with these #GetHired Live videos featuring career strategist Madeline Mann and career and confidence coach for women of color Jasmine Escalera, Ph.D .
Top Takeaways?
Don’t be stumped by such a commonly-asked question anymore. Here’s why:
Expert in Sales and Marketing Strategy
2 年Before every interview you have to do your homework
Features and Disability Freelance Writer | Blogger| Content Creator | Accessibility Consultant
2 年Thanks for this well written and useful post. I have stumbled in an interview with this question. Reading this post has given me some tools on how to handle it better in the future.
Office Manager | Business Development Coordinator
2 年In the current employment market, it is extremely difficult to remain upbeat for every application submission, follow up email, and recruiting interview when most often ghosting is the norm. If given a second interview the amount of time which has passed can sometimes turn into many weeks. Thus, the entire objective is to gain favorable employment to acquire favorable pay to afford the basic necessities of food, housing, clothing, and transportation. However, if the prospective candidate is currently employed the objective is not as critical, but the question is outdated, in my opinion. It compares to being asked today, where do you see yourself in five years? Alive. Many of us just squeezed through to this side of a pandemic and rushed vaccine process. Instead, ask how I could contribute to the company's overall success, if I'm a current customer, or even if offered employment would I be willing to participate in the company's professional development class/courses.
Order Processing Specialist
2 年Thanks for sharing