What’s your story? Do you have one? When an interviewer asks you why you want a particular job, what do you say? Like it or not, the quality of your story (or lack thereof) is often a key factor in determining whether you make the cut. But all too often, job seekers think their stories are airtight when, in reality, they’re full of holes. Let’s take a look at the worst of the worst.
The “no story” story. The recruiter asks why you want to work in marketing and you respond by saying “Actually, I’m not sure what I want to do.” Wrong answer! Even if that’s the case, that’s definitely not something you want to share. Do your homework before the interview. Even if you’re not 100% sure, rank order your choices so, when asked, you can show the interviewer you have focus.
The “stepping stone” story. I see this one all the time. “Why do you want to be a (insert job title here)?” the interviewer asks. You respond “Well, I’d like to do this job for a few years, get some experience, and then move on to something else.” This is an interview killer. It’s like telling someone you’d like to hone your dating skills with them for a few years and that, once you’re ready, you’ll dump them for someone else. Look, even if you think you’ll want to switch jobs in five years, a lot can happen between now and then so full disclosure is probably not the best idea.
The “location” story. When asked why you want to work for the company, you respond by saying “I’m just really hoping to live in Montana to be close to my boyfriend or girlfriend.” To heck with whether or not it’s the right job or the right company, focus on convenience. Think about how that would work if, because of high gas prices, you were dating someone mainly because he or she only lived a few blocks from your house. How do you think that person would feel if you told them you were first attracted to them not by their intellect, good looks, or anything else; rather you were on the same bus route.
Before your next interview, look at your experience and skills and determine how they fit with the job. Then identify that “aha moment”–that time when you first realized you wanted to be an electrical engineer, a manager, etc. When you’re able to effectively tell your story, you’ll be that much closer to getting that second-round interview or that job offer.
everyone needs a story- particularly in a job interview situation. The question “tell me about yourself” or “why are you here?” gives you the oppotunity to tell the interviewer about who you are, what you stand for and how your background fits the job and organization.
Your answer should be 2-3 minutes long and it should be prepared and rehearsed ahead of time.
Here is an example:
I have a degree in womens’ studies from Colorado College. It wasn’t what I originally planned on majoring in. You see, in high school, I was very interested in environmental sciences and even had the opportunity to go to school in the Bahamas to learn more about the environment. Then I went to school. And, two things happened. First, I found out that I was more interested in environmental policy as opposed to the science side of it and I took a womens studies elecetive. Taking that one elective really changed my life. I always knew that the oppression of women was something that existed but I had no idea the extent. Since then, I have dedicated myself to women’s rights. I believe my background would be an asset to your organization. I also beleive that this position will help me to further my beliefs and give back at the same time.”