In this article, we are going to answer one of the most common question that you are likely to be asked in any job interview –“Why do you want this role?”
This is a great chance to stand out and get a serious advantage over other candidates.
For a great answer, you will need to prepare yourself. Good preparation can also focus your search for a job. Which necessary if you aim to success.
Even if this question didn’t come up, you should certainly know the reasons you want this job. So how are you going to figure this out?
1. Make a list of the five things you are looking for in a job
Money is almost always on this list. So write down how much money you wish to earn in a new role. Think about what other items are important to you. Maybe it would be something from this list:
- Dealing with customers face to face.
- Work schedule and preferences.
- Company stability.
- Being a team player.
- Training/learning opportunities.
- The good reputation of a company.
- Working with specific tools or technologies.
- Rapidly developing company.
- Growth opportunities.
- Diversity in your work.
This list is an exercise for yourself to build your personal answer for this job interview question, not necessarily to share with your employer.
2. Prioritize the items on your list
Rank your list from the most important to the least.
3. Compare your former (or current) role with the role you are being interviewed for
After ranking your list, give a score to your former/current role on a 1–10 scale for every item on your list. This will help you to get a clear picture of your current role. It is also a great reminder of why you are looking to move to a new role.
Once you finish ranking the list for your former/current job, try to rank also the role you are being interviewed for based on the same list. Mark those items which the new role fits into your preferences.
Build an Amazing Respond Based on the Employer’s Needs and Your Requirements
At this point, you already know what matters to you and how this role fits your needs. But what is important to your employer?
Retention is a serious issue for many companies. It can be very time consuming to an employer if the leave rate is high. So clearly the employer will try to check if you are a good fit for them.
Most employers will look for:
- Enthusiasm about the company and the position.
- long term employee.
- Match for the corporate culture of the company.
And with your response, you want to demonstrate those things.
Don’t let it be known that the salary or some other conditions are the main reasons you want the role.
Those reasons will not show you are a good fit for the role and definitely will not impress the employer.
Examples for Answers
A good answer to this question could be:
- I came to realize that repeating the same things daily isn’t what I want as I enjoy challenges in a fast-moving environment. I also see myself as a team player who prefers to build connections. Based on everything you have said, I would be a contact person with YonderTours customers, resolving their issues. So each day would be diverse and fascinating. I would have a chance to connect with customers and also build a long-term connection with them.
- I am looking for a workplace where I enjoy the work I do and can also develop into other roles. I am good within my field, but there are always more updates coming out. I would like that the workplace will allow me to constantly learn and develop my potential in other areas as well. Knowing you sponsor two weeks of training every year and noticing that the majority of the people I’ve met so far working here more than three years confirm to me what I thought — we share the same values.
TIP: “we share the same values” is the best line to finish with!
A great statement to close your answer will be –
A great workplace is one where the employees are excited about coming into, and it is what this role offers.
By doing this exercise at the beginning you will get a better understanding of yourself and choose a career based on what is important to you. You could respond well to that job interview question, but also find this awareness you develop very valuable in the future.
Keep your lists and update them from time to time. You can do it once a year. This exercise will help you get a promotion or your next job.
