Regardless of whether you’re a fresh graduate or have extensive experience, you’re most likely to face these interview questions:
“Why did you choose this career?”
“Why did you choose this job?”
The intent of the interview question is to make you think about how you might fit into the company culture and if this position is the right choice for you.
Employers want to understand your motivations for applying for the job to know if you plan to grow with the company long-term.
They want to discover your career goals or help you learn about yourself and what’s appealing and important to you in the particular role you’re seeking.
Lastly, it’s helpful to gauge your interest in the job itself and knowledge about the company and industry overall.
So, regardless of what, it’s a good idea to consider this when you start your job hunt.
This article will examine both good and negative answers to the question “why did you choose this job/career?” and will include word-for-word examples of each.
Article Road Map
How To Answer “Why Did You Choose This Job/Career?”
Let’s discuss how to answer this question now that you are aware of why hiring managers ask why you choose this job or a particular career.
The best answers to the question “Why did you choose this job/career?” generally require a little more thought and planning than spontaneous ones.
To successfully respond to the interviewer’s inquiries about your decision to apply for this particular position, follow these four steps:
1. Prior To The Interview, Do Some Research On The Company And The Job:
When asked “Why did you choose this job/career?”
It’s beneficial to be able to discuss the company with some assurance. It’s crucial to do some research on the company you would really like to work for and the position you really want to fill prior to your interview.
By demonstrating to the interviewer that you are knowledgeable about the business, you can demonstrate that you are aware of how well your values mesh with those of the company.
Also, it shows them how much you care about getting a position with their company rather than just any career.
Additionally, by researching the position and employment requirements beforehand, you may decide how your abilities can be applied or how you can achieve them.
You May Like:
2. Let Them Know You’re Interested.
It’s crucial to emphasize your enthusiasm for the position while answering the question, “Why did you choose this job/career?”.
You should be straightforward and succinct when expressing your enthusiasm or passion for the potential.
Explain why or how those specific characteristics or aspects of the job or company are significant or vital to you using specifics.
Describe how the job would give you a sense of purpose and how you would feel satisfied with the job you would be doing. Great stuff to reflect on include:
- Company reputation
- Leader reputation
- Alliance with the company’s mission, culture, and values
- Approval of and appreciation for the company’s products or services
- Interest in company initiatives (e.g., community involvement or training programs)
- Available company growth and development.
3. Explain How Your Skills Support Your Choice
Convince the interviewer of your determination to actively pursue your hobbies since it helps if your abilities complement your passion.
Showcase the steps you’re taking to build or enhance your talents for the position you want.
Additionally, you might be naturally talented in various aspects of several professions, such as making things, collecting and analyzing data, or promoting goods and services.
In light of this, your abilities may have inspired you to pursue a specific industry and this particular position, which can help the employer understand why you decided to apply for this job.
Tell the interviewer how your skills complement your desire for the position.
Because if you appear to care, you’ll exert more effort and conquer obstacles. When things get difficult, you’re more inclined to give up if you don’t seem to care at all. or show up late. or toss it off.
4. Identify The Variables That Influenced Your Choice
It’s beneficial to let the interviewer know who you are and why you are there, in addition to praising the corporate advantages and describing how your talents support the obligations of the position you’ve expressed interest in and showed interest in.
Include those elements that helped you reach your current situation and were good influences on your decision-making, such as individuals or events that gave you direction.
Anecdotes can be used to personalize your plea and paint a clear picture of your academic and professional trajectory at the conclusion of your response.
Telling a story can help strengthen or confirm your possible dedication to the position and connection to its goal, letting the employer know your response to the question, “Why did you choose the job?”
Examples That Answer The Question, “Why Did You Choose This Job/Career?
While there is no one right answer, some example responses will give you a starting point for forming your own answers that will let the interviewer know why you applied for this job.
Here are four examples that answer the job interview question “Why did you choose this job?”:
Example 1: When You Have A Connection To The Company
If you identify with a company’s mission, product, or culture enough to deliberately seek out their job board for an opportunity to work there, you should willingly share this information.
Here’s an example answer to use when you know someone currently working at the company or if you share similar charitable convictions or values with the company:
“Your company’s reputation is certainly a draw. I love what your organization does for the community, especially your participation in and sponsorship of the annual 5K event to bring awareness to and encourage responsible pet adoption. I’ve adopted two pets in the past three years, and it’s such a rewarding experience.
Additionally, I know a current employee of yours who works in the IT department and she truly appreciates the way your business values its employees. She told me about your different development and training programs you host several times a year, the company-sponsored employee birthday celebrations, and your excellent benefits package, which far exceeds the benefits offered by other area businesses in the industry.”
Example 2: Just Starting Out
If you’re new to the job force, there are ways to broach the subject that could cast your fresh and eager outlook in a positive light.
This example answer is best used when you first enter the workplace from college or other academic or skills programs:
“Just before graduation, I began a search for various firms within my field that I might like to work for. I came across a recent press release of yours announcing new technological advances in healthcare that you’re currently working on.
The work you’re doing was actually a primary focus for my thesis project, which I’m happy to share with you if you’re interested. It’s certainly a venture that’s close to my heart, and I would love to participate in what you’re doing here and put my education, knowledge, and ideas into practice.”
Example 3: Changing Careers
If you’re transitioning industries, you’ll want to frame it as a quest for an opportunity. This example answer is relevant when you transition from one career focus to another:
“As you can see on my resume, I recently left the legal industry to pursue a career in marketing. A friend and colleague of mine pointed out my natural talent for analyzing market data and projecting buyer trends.
Additionally, I attended a conference at the beginning of this year to enhance my marketing skills, specifically in copywriting, social media management, and communications. Leaving that conference, I knew I found my passion. I began assisting the marketing department within the law firm I work for to further build on my skills and solidify my decision to make a move to the marketing industry.
I know this position is the perfect fit for me, and I’m ready to make that change, apply what I’ve learned thus far and continue growing as a marketing professional.”
Example 4: Finding Your Passion
Passion for one’s job or company is always a good thing.
Here’s an example answer to use when you’re hoping to apply your passion to your career:
“Growing up, I always knew I wanted a job where I could help people every day. My teachers were so instrumental in inspiring me, encouraging me and making me feel as though I could accomplish anything. They taught me more than just academic knowledge, including life and social skills. I want to do the same for other children.
Your school, especially, seems to truly embrace the idea of helping children grow, learn and achieve in a safe and fun environment designed to nurture and guide rather than discipline and direct.
I love the ways in which you work to engage students in their education and the community and support them through life circumstances that extend outside the classroom walls, including your bi-annual fundraiser to supply impoverished families with books and supplies to help their children succeed.
I cannot envision a better fit for myself in which to follow my passion to educate and instill hope in our youth.”
Conclusion
Remember, it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to recruit and then train someone up for a job, so the interviewer wants to be certain you are going to be satisfied with your work.
By asking you the question why you chose this job/career, it allows the hiring manager to assess your motivations for the job.
I hope this article was helpful…..
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment…