Diane asks:
“When I’m asked “Why do you want to work here?” the truth is “because I am unemployed and I really need money, I’ll take almost any job at this point.” How do I answer that with out it sounding like I’m putting the job down or desperate? I am desperate, but I’m not putting the job down, it’s just not the sort of job I see myself working for for more than a year or two.”
First, be careful not to get two very separate questions confused. There are lots of reasons why people want to work, and you don’t need to answer to why you want to work. The key here is in finding the right way to explain why you want this job. Obviously you want it, or you wouldn’t have applied and shown up to the interview! Examine why you want the job, then decide what about that reason will make you a great employee – that’s what this question is really about. The employer wants to know what’s motivating you — what about the job will get you out of bed and into work each day.
Some examples:
[Your reason] “I need the money”
[Translation] “I want to [insert goal here].” Chances are you don’t want all that cash to just bring it home and count it, so talk about the bigger meaning behind your paycheck (support my family, provide a stable income, put myself through school, etc.). That tells an employer you’re going to be a motivated, stable employee. Sure, you might move on if a bigger paycheck beckons at some point, but that’s pretty much to be expected — most people have an ideal dollar figure in mind that would prompt them to change jobs. If you stick around for a year or two doing your best work, many employers will be glad to send you on your way with a smile and a reference.
[Your reason] “I hate my job”
[Translation] “I want to explore other opportunities.” It’s safe to assume that employers know you’re not totally pleased. If you were completely happy with your current job, you wouldn’t be interviewing for this one. But whatever you do, don’t bash your job or your boss – it’s quite easy for the employer considering you now to imagine you’ll be saying the same things about them someday. Be gracious, grateful and professional when you talk about the opportunities and learning experiences of your last job.
[Your reason] “I’m bored”
[Translation] “I want to improve my skills.” Chances are you are bored because you’re not being challenged. Maybe it’s that you’ve been doing the same thing for a long time or you’ve mastered the tasks required in your current job. Don’t come off as cocky about how awesome you are, but instead be genuinely sincere about your desire to move on and learn new things while being grateful for what your last job taught you (even if all you learned was patience with repetitive tasks).
[Your reason] “I’m looking for my first job”
[Translation] “I’m eager to gain experience and learn how to be a great employee!” Note the exclamation mark – enthusiasm, eagerness and energy are a first-time job hunter’s best friend, and help to make up for the experience you lack.
While your situation may be slightly different than the examples, hopefully you can see how to apply them to your own reasons for wanting the job. Need advice? Ask away, we’re here to help!
About Amy White
Hi this is Alehra,
Im looking for a job bad.can you email me or call my cell phone?
Hi Alehra, check out our job search at http://www.snagajob.com to find the employers hiring near you – I’ve edited your comment to remove your contact information because we don’t want it getting compromised!
How do you answer this question? What are your weaknesses? Everyone has weaknesses but, you don’t want to let them know. So when it is job related, how would you answer this question. I always say that I am not perfect, but I really cannot answer this question. I am punctual, dedicated and go beyond my act of duty. Thanks,
We have a blog on exactly that question coming out soon Diane – stay tuned!
That’s one blog I would love to read. I’ve never been asked that question at an interview yet, but I did keep that question in mind. It’s hard to determine which questions a potential employer will ask. I keep a number of questions in mind. In my opinion, you’ve got to be prepared for anything.
The one problem I have is asking questions. I don’t know what to ask. It’s hard to determine that. I keep a few questions in mind, but sometimes I wonder if they’re the questions they want to hear.
Hi Sheila – here’s a link to our blog on asking good questions in interviews
http://www.snagajob.com/resources/questions-to-ask-in-a-job-interview/
Thanks for posting all this interview information.
I was recently asked ‘Tell me why you want to work here”.
I explained two reasons, one reason is my skill set and the other reason, my financial situation. I explained each reason.
Now that I read your blog I’m going to write out another response. If anyone has suggestions please help. I’m an older adult looking for part-time work; I have only had one interview so far. Suggestions please. thank you Mary
I had interveiw today, and that was the first question. My response was based on information i found on there website. Things i find important. They have a “Green Initiative”, theyve been established for 50 years, 6 locations, 200 products, and 1500+ customers. I need stability, and they have a track record of that. I also noticed they have only two open positions. I mentioned that, and told the interveiwer that showed me how satisfied their employees are. I was thanked twice in the interveiw for doing my research. Does that help you at all?
Great answers, Andy! By showing how much you’ve done your research, you showed the interviewer that you are passionate and very interested in their company. Good luck and please keep us posted!
Hi,
What do you say when they ask “why cant we call your supervisior?” (i marked “no” to “can they contact”). The reason is, my boss is a total witch and i dont want her knowing that i am looking for another job? She is a hypocrite, rude, and she says she values honesty and doesnt like gossip, yet she is the first to go behind your back and tell everyone (customers, other employees, parents, etc) that you “dont want to work!” All because i had asked to cut my wkly hours down to 32 nstead of 40 bcause of some health issues. I get an amazing amnt of work done n the 32 hrs im there and she figures that with more hrs i will get twice as much done….not the case bcause then i’ll b n extreme pain and will do less work! Then she will say im the “best employee” she has!
Hi Rachel – It is perfectly acceptable to request they don’t contact your current supervisor. If you are asked why, simply tell them you don’t want your current employer to know you are searching for another job. If they insist, tell them you would appreciate it if they would only contact her if they are absolutely certain they are going to offer your the position. They may need her to confirm that you do work there or your current salary.
Expanding on this a bit: I’ve marked “no” for all past employers (even ones who I know would give good references). My reason is that I’m transgender and have transition, including changing my name, since my last job. I don’t want to have to out myself to either a prospective employer, or a past employers (especially since most of my jobs were 8+ years ago, due to disability). How should I address it if the question of why I’ve said “no” comes up?
I would do anything for a 40 hour a week job. Where I am at now, I am lucky to get 10 hours a week most of the time. I can understand you have health problems, I did too at one time.
This is definately very influential to know. It helps to know why certain questions are being asked during interviews. Keep it comming!
I interviewed at a major, high-end retailer and was asked this. I’d prepared for it, because it came up as a question that is asked in every interview by that employer. I feel I should note, they were not asking me generally why I applied to the job, but specifically why I had chosen their company itself.
I did acknowledge that the fact that they’re presently hiring naturally influenced my decision to apply there–which my interviewer laughed about good naturedly. I immediately added that I’ve noticed that the company is a socially conscious one (which is true), which is something I value, and that I would feel better working with a company like that than I would with a company that has questionable ethics. As she wrote down my answer, that was the part she noted.
I did receive a job offer immediately after the interview concluded.
My advice to prepare for this question is determine something you value and see if there’s a way you can link the company and that value, perhaps social consciousness, support–whether “verbal”, financial, or say merchandise–like donations of clothes or toys to shelters–for a cause you value, etc.
Great advice, Patrick! I know I’ve already said this, but congrats on the job! Hope you’ll share your story – http://www.snagajob.com/resources/share-your-story/ We love to celebrate success
. Thank you for giving our readers such great advice, I’ve noticed you been posting on a few of our articles and it means a lot that you are taking the time to share your wisdom! Please let us know how the new job is going!
Hi I was just wondering what I should do. I have applied for more than 11 jobs and I had only one interview and that was May 1 and she said come in the next day and work but she didnt have a shirt or hat to fit me and then she calls me fifteen minutes later and says they have more people to interview, and that she would call me if I had the job. I walk in there frequently and I just found out they finally hired someone new this month. That is the only interview I’ve had out of more than 11 applications since May and I don’t have any job experience because I’ve never been hired or worked and I was just wondering what I should do to try to get hired? Please any suggestions?
Hi Jennifer! I’ve never heard of a situation like that before. Regardless, you should never stop applying until you have been offered the job. I know 11 applications seems overwhelming, but in a competitive market you may find yourself applying to many more before you hear something. Make sure you follow up on your applications, this is important and is often overlooked. Employers tell us that following up in person can make a great impression. Check out this article, which breaks it down for you: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/following-up-in-person/.
We recently put together a video about how to find a job with no experience, check it out: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/video-series-no-experience/ and let me know what you think!
why do all jobs now days make you fill out a application online i liked it the old way going out and fiulling it out by hand and turning it in and talking to the supervisor right then and keeping track of my application by calling the company
Good am!
Why I want to work here? Let’s see, well I’m broke, and I’m so tired asking my cheap husband for money. How’s the for an answer? Lol
I have a question>> I hav’nt worked in 6yrs. I had knee surgery and the doc failed this procedure,so, long story short is I had it done over and it is fine now,like new. Im not sure if I
should tell the employer,where the position Im applying,requires that Im on my feet always. Thanku if u can help!
Hi Kathlee! You can just explain that you weren’t able to work due to medical reasons, you don’t have to go into specifics. Explain that everything is now fine and you are looking forward to going back to work. Have you thought about volunteering somewhere so you can add something recent to your resume? It can really make a big difference!