Interview Questions “Why did you apply for this position?”
January 28th, 2006 by Jennine
If you come across this question, “Why did you apply for this position?”, whatever you do, don’t mention money, hate your current boss or anything that can put you in a negative light. A positive spin is needed to be placed on any negative reasons for leaving. It is a similar response to “Why do you want to work for us?”, with slight variations.
If you are looking for another job because you’re current employer is difficult to work with, then say “you feel that your skills are being undervalued in your current workplace and feel that this position offers new challenges that can only improve your knowledge and experience”.
If it is money related - then lie 
No employer wants to hear a future employee admit that they are money motivated, even though everyone is. At the end of the day we all need money to make ends meet, but your employer wants to believe that essentially you are working for them, because you want to not because you have to.
So, when you are first posed with this question, your research should be able to help you out with this response. Tell them that this role offers:
- An opportunity to utilise skills and experience in a challenging environment;
- It is the type of role that you have been seeking as you will be extending yourself mentally;
- A chance to use and improve key skills (make sure the skills are relevent to the job specification);
- it’s an opening for career advancement with a progressive company that encourages training and self improvement.
With these types of responses you are telling them that you have a plan to move up the career ladder, you believe that they are a great firm to work for and you have the skills and abilities to do the job that they require you to do. This makes you and them look good.
Remember flattery will get you everywhere - as long as it’s in moderation.
0 Responses to “Interview Questions “Why did you apply for this position?””
Leave a Response