One of the most common questions in any job interview is “Why did you choose/apply for this job?” As an interviewee, it can throw you off-guard if you didn’t prepare beforehand. It's important to be strategic while answering this question as it can be a make-or-break situation when it comes to securing the job. Here’s how you should go about it. 

Why Do Recruiters Ask “Why Did You Choose this Job?” 

The two main reasons why recruiters ask this question are your motivation and organizational fit. Recruiters want to know whether you are motivated enough for the specific role. They also want to understand whether your ideas and values align with the organization's. 

The question also allows them to assess your long-term career goals, skills, and preparedness for the position. It provides an insight into your character, vision, and suitability for the organization in the long run. 

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How Do You Justify the Choice? 

Now, if you’re in an interview and asked this question, you will need to justify why you chose or applied for the job. It's granted that you cannot say stuff like you like the salary or the designation. While these certainly can be motivating factors, recruiters want to know the in-job aspects that interest you or align with your skills and aspirations. Keep the following points in mind while justifying your choice. 

- Highlight your research on the company and the position 
- Show opportunities for growth 
- Highlight your potential impact and contribution to the organization 
- Personal connection 
- Show eagerness, enthusiasm, and commitment to the role.

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How to Answer “Why Did You Choose this Job?”

Let’s dive into the real deal. How do you answer the question? Let’s look at a step-by-step option that you can follow. 

A Positive Opener 

There’s a saying that “First impression is the last impression”. Starting the answer with a positive opinion about the company or the job would create a good impression. It will help grab their attention and set a positive tone for the discourse. 

Point Out Key Interests 

Do detailed research on the role and note down the key interesting points that got you interested. Tell them how certain aspects of the role align with your interest and how you hold a genuine passion for the role. 

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Match the Interest with Your Skill 

Being interested alone won’t cut it for you. Tie up the interests with your skill set. For example, if you point out data visualization as your point of interest for a certain position, make sure to highlight relevant skills like Power BI and Tableau along with it. The key here is to play on your strengths and skill set. 

Demonstrate Understanding of Organizational Values 

The next approach would be to show them how the organizational structure and values resonate with you. For example, reference certain organizational initiatives or approaches that made you interested in the company. 

Do the Homework 

Show the recruiters that you’ve done your homework on the organization. Do a detailed analysis of the organization, its competitors, or the role itself. Highlight the key factors that stood out to you and how they motivated you to pursue the said role. 

Read more: Why Backbenchers are Often More Successful in the Professional World

Show Long Term Commitment 

You should conclude your answer by reaffirming your long-term commitment to the position. Organizational loyalty is still a big thing in Bangladesh. So it's important to show the recruiters that you’re here for the long run and are committed to the shared vision of the organization. 

What Not to Say When Asked “Why Did You Choose this Job?” 

There are a lot of ways to mess up when answering this question. You should be most careful about the following pitfalls. 

- Focusing only on organizational benefits and salary 
- Skills mismatch 
- Being generic 
- Lack of organizational knowledge 
- Speaking negatively about the previous workplace 
- Not asking follow-up questions 
- Lying.

Read more: How to Customize Your Resume for Each Job Application

Final Words 

“Why did you choose this job?” – This seemingly simple question can be a deciding factor in today’s cutthroat competitive job market. While it may sound simple, this one question essentially sheds light on a person’s eligibility for the position and value proposition for the organization. The best approach to answer this question would be to thoroughly research the organization and prepare a trial answer beforehand. Because it’s better to be eloquent and detailed rather than being vague. 

Read more: What is Your Desired Salary? How to Answer Recruitment’s Trickiest Question