How to Answer This Question in an Interview: Why do you want to work for this company? How to Interview Like a Pro

How to Intervieiw Like a Pro

What do you say when the employer asks you why you want to work for this company?

1. Don't mention money or benefits

Your answer should be about the company and not about you. The employer does not want to hear that you are thrilled with the benefits or that you think you can get a higher salary here.

The company wants to know what you can contribute and what you know about their operation.

2. Show that you have researched the company thoroughly

Many applicants don't know that much about the company. What little they do know is from the job description itself. Be sure you Google the name of the company to see what the current issues are and thoroughly search the website. You may be surprised what you can find, such as annual reports and surveys.

Here are some examples to show your knowledge.

A. I saw that you won the Sterling Prize last year and my experience is compatible with those principles.

B. I believe your engineering department is the best in the state and I would like to work on the _____ Project.

C. I read in your Annual Report that you are embarking on the ____Project. I have designed some prototypes that could be very helpful in developing this project

3. You can mention locale, but it should not be your first answer

Everyone would like to live in Hawaii or Florida or be near skiing so those really aren't good reasons. However, if your parents live in the area, that is worth mentioning but only as number 3 or 4.

4. Be Sincere

Don't say that this is your dream job unless it really is. If you have always wanted to work here, say so. Tell them that you wanted to get some experience elsewhere so that you could hit the ground running,

5. Show that you are the best-qualified for the position

You want to work for this employer because everything you have done up to this point has prepared you for this position. Then you can briefly go through some of your previous jobs and explain how the duties or experience have relevance to this job.

6. Be enthusiastic

Don't get crazy, but show your future employer that you are a good fit for this job and why.

7. Be careful about making suggestions.

Don't be hasty in making suggestions. If asked how you would do something, don't give a definitive answer. Say you would ask others what they thought and research thoroughly before giving an opinion. No one likes a know-it-all and if you give an off the cuff suggestion, this can backfire.

Mary Greenwood, Mediator, Attorney and Author of How to Interview Like a Pro, Winner of 13 book awards, How To Negotiate Like A Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Winner of 10 book awards, and How to Mediate Like a Pro, Winner of 13 book awards. Visit www.MaryGreenwood.org

How to Interview Like a Pro: When you are the Interviewer, Remember What it is Like.

The tables are turned

When you are interviewing a candidate for a position, remember what it was like to be interviewed. Even though this is a negotiation, it is important to have some empathy for what the candidates are going through and be fair in the process.

Here are some suggestions:

A. Let applicants know in a timely fashion when they are no longer being considered for the job.

I know that many employers do not contact applicants when they did not make the first cut or even after an interview. Even though Human Resources departments may be under-funded or under-staffed, I believe it is rude not to tell applicants they are no longer being considered for the position. I am old-fashioned about this, but it does tell a lot about a company that prides itself on its communication and it can't even send an email to applicants.

B. If there is a delay in the selection process, let the applicants know, especially the ones you have interviewed already.

I have made telephone calls to Human Resources after my own interviews and found out that: 1) the position is on hold indefinitely; 2) the position is no longer being funded; 3) the position is being merged with another vacant position; 4) the filling the position has been postponed until the next fiscal year; or 5) the supervisor of this position has left and no one knows whether it will be filled. So I think to myself, "when were you going to tell me?" The answer is, of course, "never."

As an interviewer, remember what it was like while you were waiting to hear whether you got a job offer. Everything is on hold in your life while waiting to see what happens. Keeping applicants informed is the right and courteous thing to do.

C. Always treat the applicant the way you would have liked to be treated.

There are certain positions where you need to know how an applicant reacts under pressure and that is legitimate. However, don't ask trick questions just to be funny at the expense of the applicant.

D. After Someone is Hired, Be a Mentor and Show the New Employee the Ropes

Remember when you were a new employee on the first day of the job. It can be intimidating, especially if no one tells you what is expected or what you are supposed to do. Assign a mentor or be one yourself so that the new employees feel welcome and have someone to ask when they have questions. This is a win-win because mentored employees are going to understand the position a lot more quickly than employees left to fend for themselves.

If you follow these golden rules of interviewing, you will still be negotiating like a pro.

Mary Greenwood, Attorney, HR Director and
Author, How to Interview LIke a Pro, winner of 13 book awards
www.marygreenwood.org