Ask An Interview Coach: How To Answer “What Are You Looking For In This New Position” In An Interview

Interviews are overwhelming no matter how many you may have attended.
You are put on the spot, made to be vulnerable all in the name of pitching why you are the best person to be given the job.
This is why preparation is key and one of the ways that you can prepare for an interview is by going through the common interviews question that employers ask.
One of the questions that come up in almost every interview I have attended is “what are you looking for in this new position” or “what are your exceptions in this particular role?”
It’s impossible to not feel like the interviewer is testing you with this question; after all what else would you want in a position except what that particular one is offering?
However, you don’t want to tell the recruiter this. When an interviewer asks you this question, they are looking to gauge your interest in the position and what really drove you to apply for the job except the money.
In short what they are asking is, are you really the perfect fit for this position? Will I hire you and then Esther Kamau, a professional interview coach at Corporate Staffing Services.
The recruitment process contrary to what job seekers believe costs a lot. No one wants to spend their time interviewing someone who is not a fit for the job or waste company resources on a candidate who isn’t sure what they really want,” she adds.
“So then how do you answer this question in a diplomatic way?” I asked.
1. Begin with your skills
While this question is about you, you also need to see it from the employer’s perspective.
Sure, the position is exciting since it really pays well and you get to manage others and take leave days whenever you want but that won’t impress anyone.
Your skills will.
“Show the hiring manager that you possess the skills they are looking for and mention how you are looking for a perfect place to utilize them and believe that that position will offer you that.”
A good answer she says would sound something like this;
“Over the past few years and in my current or previous role, I have really honed my skills in business development and branding and I am looking for a position where I can continue utilizing these skills as I develop others.”
2. Explain what motivates you
“Any employer wants to hire a candidate who is motivated by something more than a salary. “
Explain this motivation by addressing it openly. Describe to the hiring manager in detail what motivates you to do what you do and how you see that playing a role in the position”
You can phrase your answer like this;
“Something that is important to me right now is that this particular position allows me to not only market a company but interact directly with clients. I am always motivated to see how my work impacts not only the company but others as well.”
3. Bring out your long term goals
As I mentioned earlier, the recruitment process takes a lot. It’s an investment in the person you choose to hire and just like business no one wants to see their investment just up and leave.
Structure your answer around this by showing how you are not only an investment in the now but the future. Show that the company is you ideal place to work even though you only plan to last there for a year or so.
And your answer can be;
“Professional development is one the key things that I take serious and invest in hence the reason why I am looking for a position where I can grow since I am hoping that I will be able to take up managerial responsibilities in the future.”
4. Sum it up with something about the company
When all is said and done, at the end of the day, you will be working for that person. In as much as you are looking to grow professionally; you need to show them that you really want to work for them.
Depending on how long your answer is, it is advisable to sum everything up by ending with how excited you are about the company and why.
And a perfect answer would be;
“To wrap it up, it is in my best interest to get a position where I get to utilize my skills and make an impact that I can actually see. Of course this position is just a part of the equation. Being at a company where I can actually grow and work towards something that I have a passion for matters to me too.”
The ball is now in your court
How you answer this question depends on the position you are interviewing for. You might emphasize on your skills or skip to the part where you talk about your long term goals but whatever you choose the same structure applies.
Just remember that with this question, the secret is to be honest and consider the employer’s perspective.
“When you know what you are doing and how to hack it, an interview doesn’t have to be a daunting task. And of course we are always available to go the extra mile to ensure that you get to position yourself as the best candidate in any interview.”
Click on this link to learn more about the “GET HIRED NOW” One on One Interview Coaching.