Any time you come across the question of what you are looking for in a job interview, you are expected to seize the opportunity and sell yourself in the best way you can.
In defining your best answer to the question, “why are you looking for a new job?”, this article will share the best tips for answering the question.
Let’s get on to what an interviewer seeks to know from you in every interview session without further ado.
Table of contents
What Does An Interviewer Seek To Know From An Interviewee?
The goal of every interviewer is to find out whether the interviewee’s goal matches that of the company. Therefore, your answer to any of the questions thrown at you should clearly state how your skills, interests, and experiences make you a better candidate for the job.
Additionally, employers also try to determine whether you’ll be a good long-term fit for the company. Are you looking for a chance to advance in a company, or will your plans take you to another soon? For example, if you’re a Registered Nurse and you’re applying to a company that requires Nurse Managers but doesn’t employ Nurse Practitioners, telling the hiring manager that you’re planning to use the continuing education benefit to go back to school for your NP won’t go sound well.
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How To Answer – What Are You Looking For In A Job?
“Why are you looking for in a job?” you may be asked during an interview. Interviewers are searching for a few crucial bits of information in your response. They’re probably interested in how much consideration you’ve put into starting your job search, why this particular employment opportunity appeals to you, and what you’re looking for in your future career.
Potential employers can discover a lot about you and if you’re a good fit from your answers to this question, so it’s best you plan ahead of time.
To make a good impression, concentrate on the positive reasons for why you’re leaving your current job and looking for something new. This is a great opportunity to emphasize your skills and abilities, and why you’re looking for a situation where you can use and improve them.
To start well, you have to:
1. Communicate your interests and goals
Be genuine and honest when communicating your interests and goals. Your interest should connect your preferences to the current interest of the company.
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2. Communicate your motivational level
Salaries and perks should not be the center of your response since most hiring managers expect that the person they are trying to hire is driven by more than simply a paycheck. Begin by discussing what inspires you in your career and how you envision the position or organization fulfilling these goals.
It is also critical that you do not speak negatively about a current or past employer, and that you explain your reasons for leaving in a good light. Reasons you might want to change employment that could be stated positively include:
- Wanting to find an opportunity that allows you to take on more responsibility and progress your career
- Looking to relocate
- Seeking a career change or a brand new challenge
- Dissatisfaction due to a company restructure that may have led to redundancy or a change of role
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3. Connect your answer to the company
This is where researching the job description and business may help you develop an answer that will wow your interviewers. Recalling information from your study’s job description or company lets you address how your abilities and history make you the best candidate for the position. Consider the question, “What do you want in a job?” Then, search for overlaps in what the company is looking for in a candidate and bridge the gap with your response.
4. Reveal long term goals
You do not need to have a five-year plan in place, but having an idea of the general direction you want to take your career, or areas you want to advance within, will assist with the basis of a response to what you are looking for in a new position.
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5. Never forget that you’re the best around
Answering this question is also your chance to remind them what you have to offer the company. Using instances of prior success, you may personalize your response to showcase the abilities you have and how you’ve demonstrated them.
What To Avoid During A Job Interview Section
Don’t Lie
Even though you want to show how you are a good fit for the company, you should not be dishonest. Always be frank with your answer since employers can easily tell when an answer is inauthentic. To avoid putting yourself in a fix, focus on real answers that also show that you will do well at the job at hand.
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Don’t Focus on the Money
Avoid making salary and benefits the focus of your answer. Responding that way puts the focus on your desires, instead of the company’s. It has a way of telling the employers that you aren’t concerned about the company’s growth but your individual growth.
Best Answer To “What Are You Looking For In A Job” Interview Questions
Let’s say you’re being interviewed for a project manager position and the question what are you looking for in the job is asked. Here’s a good example of how to answer the question.
“I’ve been refining my project management skills with volunteer opportunities and side projects, and I received my PMP last quarter. I’m looking for an opportunity where I can put those abilities to work for a mission I’m passionate about. I was also excited to read in the job description that this role will require regular presentations to key stakeholders—one of my key motivators is the ability to connect with colleagues and communicate my team’s work, so this is an especially exciting part of this opportunity.
Ultimately, I’ve learned a lot in my current role, but I’m looking for the next step where I can continue to grow and use the skills I’ve honed at a company I love, and this opportunity seems to be a great fit.”
Conclusion
Companies do not just want to know that you are looking for any job, they would like to know why you are specifically want to join their team. Therefore, it’s pertinent to do your research and have a clear answer that defines why you are looking for a new job.
References
- indeed.com – Interview Question: “Why Are You Looking for a Job?”
- inhersight.com – How to Answer: What Are You Looking For in a Job?
- ckscience.co.uk – How to answer – What are you looking for in a new job?
- thebalancecareers.com – Interview Question: “What Are You Looking for in Your Next Job?”
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