One of the top 10 interview questions you will face is “Why have you applied for this role / job/ position?” In this post you will learn why they ask it and how to answer like a pro.

Motivation is one of the key elements your interviewers will explore. They will want to know what has inspired you to make your application, why this post or job and they may ask questions about why you have chosen this a career and why this organisation.

You may have a myriad of reasons and in this post we will show you how to give a convincing and natural answer which ticks all the boxes. We also outline what not to say and what to avoid that can raise red flags.

Why They Ask This Tough Interview Question

The interviewers are looking for a team player who will be committed and dedicated. Their task is to find out what drives you when you seek a job and the reasons why you chose them.

Key areas they will be interested in are:

• What is it about the organisation that attracts you.
• What attracted you to the post, what was it that encouraged you to apply.
• Do you have a genuine interest in this position or some ulterior motive.
• What aspects are most important to you, what key areas first caught your eye.
• Do you understand what your responsibilities will be and how exactly you will fulfill them.
• How does it fit with your career plans, training and CPD.
• What criteria have you used for choosing a job.
• How well do your intentions align with their goals and requirements.
• Do your inner beliefs match their values.

As with all questions, their goal is to hear how you can answer questions in principle and articulate your thoughts. Keep in mind also they are also testing your Decision Making skills and looking to see the process you followed in coming to your conclusion to apply.

How to Answer: “Why have you applied for this job/role/position?

Positive Reason For Applying

There is a multitude of reasons you will have applied for the job, some positive and some best not discussed in the interview. In terms of the former let’s look at these from two points of view: the role itself and the employer:

The Job

In terms of the post itself positive reasons to apply may include:

• The variety and interest of the technical tasks involved.
• Increased level of client responsibilities, status and achievements.
• Opportunity to acquire new skills and develop professionally.
• Prospects for advancement and future growth.
• A chance to work on exciting or high level technical challenges.
• It’s a natural next step in your career, a logical step up.

The Employer

In terms of the employer we will look at this in more detail in the next lesson however in summary some key reasons may include:

• The company’s profile or sector it is involved in, its product range and growth plans, its reputation and pace of growth.
• Values that match your own.
• The employee policy and the quality of the staff.
• The valuable technical work it is doing perhaps in an area you have a keen interest.
• The range of services it offers.
• Potential for future advancement.
• The reputation of the organisation management and the quality of staff.

Use These 3 Golden Rules to a Brilliant Answer

When answering focus on 3 key areas for applying; how what you can offer will benefit the employer; how there is a perfect match with your skills and experience and how it fits with your career direction. Let’s look at each in turn.

1. How what you offer will benefit them

When answering it is important to show the interviewer what you have to offer rather than what you hope to get from the organisation. In this case, you will show the employer that you didn’t come here for money, status, or perks; rather that you are able to offer specific solutions to particular problems and tasks.

They have a problem, a vacancy and they are looking for someone to fill that gap, to fix that problem. Show that you have applied because you are that person.

So how do you do that?

Firstly you must do you research to find out why they are hiring. Discover what the job entails and what is required and you will be able to focus your answers perfectly.

Use the InterviewGold system to help you complete an employer needs analysis and skills match and when done you will know what points to emphasise in your answer.

2. A Perfect Match

Once again, use this as an opportunity to align your skills to the key competencies of the role. If good communication is essential, mention that you want to use these skills in this particular company, industry or sector.

While the salary or other benefits package may be attractive do not mention it as being a reason for applying.

3. Career Plan Fit

The recruiter is looking for someone who will is going to stay with the job for a considerable period of time, usually at least 2 years and may worry about your willingness to move should another attractive offer come along within that period.

The cornerstone of an answer to this question is to show that it aligns with your career progression. Show that you have chosen this role and employer deliberately rather than simply applying because it was the first job you saw.

Sample Answer to “Why have you applied for this job?”

Note: This sample answer will help you in terms of content, structure and format. However we always advise that you build your own answer using your own example otherwise you may be caught out if they ask follow on probing questions.

Use the most appropriate formula for structuring your answer such as ABC Formula and the Rule of Three – see InterviewGold system for how these work. Whatever you choose, ensure that you show logical progression in your career, ongoing continuing professional development and that each new application fits with your past roles and ultimate career aims.

Mistakes Candidates Make When Answering

1. Talking about what you want

For example saying something like this is not going to win offers.

The interviewer wants to hear what you are going to do for them, how you are gong to solve their problem. This should be the focus of your answer and only then should you add what you hope to get from it, such as new skills, training or the chance to work on more complex tasks or projects.

2. Being too vague

It is surprising how many candidates go to interviews without any knowledge of who the employer is or what the job entails. Conduct your research and practice your answer to result in success and avoid something like this.

3. Lack of enthusiasm

If you are not really keen why go to the interview? It will simply be a waste of time for all concerned.

4. Showing desperation

Even if true, avoid admitting that perhaps this is the only interview you have been invited to or the only job you think you have a hope of getting. Desperation is off putting to an employer as they will wonder why no one else wants you.

5. Mentioning salary and benefits as a reason

While the salary or other benefits package may be attractive do not mention it as being a reason for applying.

Avoid These Negative Reasons for Applying

Not all reasons for applying are going to score you points and in fact some could lose you the job.

So in summary here are some reasons not to be discussed in the interview room.

• You have been out of work for some time and are desperate.
• This looked like an easy job to get.
• They are offering a good salary and perks.
• You are hoping to get trained in a particular skill.
• Your agency has sent you along and you are not sure what the job entails.
• You haven’t heard of the company but it’s close to your house.
• You are at a crossroads in your career and this seems like a job you could sit in while deciding what to do next.
• This is a nice stepping stone to the job you really want.

By disclosing either a lack of knowledge in the job or lack of interest in the employer you show that you are not serious in your application. The risk is that you will not perform and will leave within a short space of time.

Get Your Target Job Faster With InterviewGold

Answering the tell me about yourself interview question perfectly is a skill, but one you can learn. It is like an elevator pitch and you should have it clear, polished and smooth.

With our easy online interview platform you will get expert answers to any interview or application question in minutes. Personalised to you, you will know what to say to get your target job. Plus you get accurate questions most likely to arise and expert advice from our interview coaches.

Best of all, it is tailored to your job, log in enter your target job and employer, select your sector and get accurate questions and answers plus tons of top advice. Over 20 sectors are covered including Accounting, Finance, Customer Services, Banking, Marketing, Sales etc.