There are so many standard opening line interview questions like the “Tell me about yourself” opener, “Why do you want this job?” is also likely to come up in one of the standard questions and even if t does not, it is important that you still answer this question in your spiel.
Why does the interviewer ask you this question and why is it important?
Most experienced interviewers always ask a question that is important in the hiring process. Some question may seem meaningless but there is a hidden agenda in the interviewer's mind, which is important to determine a candidate's suitability not only
Your answer is being immediately evaluated by the interviewer in determining your skills and your genuine interest in the job, and how you would be able to contribute to the team and the company.
The interviewer wants very specific answers. So when they ask you “Why do you want this job?”, he/she is NOT just asking you “Why do you want to be an analyst?”, but they are asking you “Why do you want THIS analyst position in THIS company ?”
They want to know what encouraged you to apply for this position and within this company specifically.
Below are 3 steps to answer this question effectively
Step 1: Brag About Your Research Prior to attending an interview, your research about the company, the role and it's people culture is extremely important. You do not need to make it sound like you just found about the company through an overnight study.
Share about how you have known and followed the company closely. Mention about news articles and media reviews that you have come across, people that you have spoken to - both past and present employees (and genuinely speak to them). Draw a comparison between the company and its competitors. Your excitement about the company, the job role and it's team will be evident from your pitch.
Key point is to sound enthusiastic and not boring.
Step 2: Skills and Experience Analysis Once your research presentation has been completed, your understanding of the education, skills and experience mentioned in the job description versus your own, makes an important transition comparison.
It is very important that you position yourself as "plug and play" as opposed to someone who needs a few weeks or a month of training to fit into the role. Share the common education, skills and experience that you have gained in your career that will be a huge benefit into transitioning into the position. Keep your presentation short and pay attention to the interviewers interest and body language. Remember talk facts and not just general information - Highlight practical examples when talking about this point.
Step 3: Your Career Progression It is important to share progression and your future as well - Your past (Research-Step1), your Present (Skills and Experience-Step 2) and your future (Career Progression-Step 3). By talking about your future and how you align the the next stage of your career, helps the interviewer understand that this is not just a stepping stone for you to use and move into another company, but progress into the next level (medium-long term progression) within the organization. Also make sure the interviewers understands that you are here to stay long term.
Comments