One of the most frequently asked question during an interview is – ‘Why did you apply for this job?’
A lot of people become extremely nervous about answering this question. Many reasons run through your mind, but you know you need to be as eloquent as possible in identifying your reasons for applying.
1, Being positive about the move
If you’re coming from a job that you have come to strongly dislike, it is essential to not focus on the negatives of leaving but on the positives of a move. For example: ‘My current position no longer offers the chance to progress. I’m really looking for a role where I can further develop my skills and expand my knowledge base.’
2, A fresh challenge
If you’re going to use this approach to answer the question, be careful. While it’s more than ok to want to freshen up your working life or aim for a bigger salary, be aware that some employers may see you as someone who gets bored easily. A good answer for this would be: ‘I have been in my current position for 3+ years and unfortunately it’s no longer possible for me to take on any additional challenges, within the company. I look forward to new opportunities and a chance to prove myself in a fast-paced environment.’
3, Slowing the pace
On the opposite end of the scale, you could be looking for a position to slow your fast-paced lifestyle down. Again, this approach needs to be answered with care. You don’t want an employer to assume that you’re tired of working hard and want to sit back and relax. An appropriate answer could be: ‘I’ve been customer and client facing for most of my career which is both demanding and rewarding, but I’m ready to move in to a behind-the-scenes role. My experience in particular areas will make me a valuable addition to your company.’
4, The straightforward answer
Did you come straight out of education in to a job you thought you wanted and realised you were wrong? That’s perfectly ok! You can be completely honest with your interviewer by saying the following: ‘I came straight out of education in to an internship. That led to a job in my current field where I have since realised that my energy would serve me better in a role like this. My qualities and experience would be a great asset to your company and its message.’
5, Department move
When you’re not necessarily looking to leave the company you work for, but your ambitions far outweigh your current role, it can be as easy as moving to a new department. Internal promotion or movement happens all the time and this is probably the easiest one to answer: ‘I love working for the company and my current role has taught me a great deal about the industry. I believe that a move in to this department would be a great career move and an exciting change of pace.’
Being confident in answering this question can be just the ticket to securing that new position! Think about why you’re looking for a move and hopefully you can incorporate some of these wise words in to your answer.