I think this question is paramount. In fact, I think it's THE key to finding your next great opportunity. I had a candidate recently answer this question in a way that gave me pause. “Well see, my unemployment runs out in less than two weeks so…” That was it, that was the entire response/reason this person gave me as to why they were looking at a particular position.
While I understand the unemployment situation and the need to find another role, I did expect additional details as to why THIS particular position was of interest to them. I expected something, anything, related to why they felt like they were a fit and why this specific company was on their radar.
We simply can’t run with the narrative, “well see, my unemployment runs out in two weeks, so…” It's not that we aren’t sympathetic to unique situations and it's not that our clients would ever turn away good talent. It's that this storyline is not going to cut it in terms of why someone would hire another person onto their team. No company that we work with wants to hear that the benefits are the main motivator for considering an opportunity.
What is your why?
Why this company? Why this role? Why this location? Why are you unemployed? Why have your last three positions been six months or less in tenure? Why would you consider such a drop in pay? Why do you, as an engineer, want to move into sales?
This isn’t an attack, this is preparation.
Answering these questions is key to your success when looking for your next role. An ill-prepared candidate is destined for failure. Hiring teams are designed to sniff out those who they don’t believe will be successful. Consider it a given that hiring managers will ask you why you want this job, why you’d leave your current venture, and/or why you’re currently not working.
Always be prepared with your why.
Written by: Rob Scherer, Vice President at Hunter Crown, LLC
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