How to Answer "Why Did You Choose This Job/Career?" (With Sample Answers)

by Fang Mei

Published at: December 15, 2023

Navigating job interviews can often feel like navigating a minefield, with each question potentially leading you to a misstep or a step closer to your coveted role. Among the array of interview questions, "Why did you choose this job/career?" is a mainstay in the interviewer's arsenal, poised to gauge your passion, commitment, and alignment with the company's values.

Your answer not only sheds light on your professional journey but also provides a snapshot of your motivation and foresight. It's a chance to convey a compelling narrative that ties your past experiences, current ambitions, and future aspirations to the opportunity at hand.

To construct an authentic and impactful response, focus on clear examples that demonstrate genuine interest and strategic thinking behind your career choices.

Why Employers Ask "Why Did You Choose This Job/Career"?

Employers are looking to understand your motivation behind choosing your career or the particular job you're applying for. They want to gauge if:

• Your values align with the company's mission and culture.
• You have a genuine interest in the field and position.
• There is a likelihood for long-term engagement and reduced turnover.

Here's what employers often infer from your answer:

• Passion: A desire that goes beyond paychecks suggests you'll bring enthusiasm to your role.
• Fit: Candidates whose career goals align with the company's path are more likely to thrive.
• Growth Potential: An understanding of your chosen field implies you're willing to develop further.

When constructing your answer, consider the following:

1. Highlight personal growth: how the role contributes to your career objectives.
2. Speak to the role's challenges: how they motivate you.
3. Reference company specifics: show that your choice was deliberate.

Remember, how you answer holds as much weight as the content of your answer. It's your opportunity to showcase that you're not only qualified but also committed and enthusiastic.

Crafting Your Response

When preparing to answer why you chose this career or why you are applying for this position, it's essential to tailor your response to showcase your strengths effectively. Your answer should reflect a genuine interest in the role and an alignment with the company's values and culture.

Highlighting Your Skills and Experience

Identify key skills that are most relevant to the job you're pursuing. Prepare specific instances from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these skills effectively. This can involve:

• A list of significant achievements relevant to the role.
• Any specialized knowledge or expertise you have in the field.
• Examples of past work that clearly illustrate these abilities.

It's beneficial to relate your skills back to the job description, ensuring you present yourself as the perfect fit for the role.

Demonstrating Enthusiasm for the Position

Your enthusiasm can be a powerful indicator of your commitment to the career. To convey your passion:

• Mention specific aspects of the job or company that excite you.
• Share anecdotes that show your long-term interest and dedication to the field.

Being explicit about your fascination with the industry or role can help convince interviewers of your genuine interest.

Aligning with Company Values

Employers are often looking for candidates who not only have the right skills but also align with their corporate ethos. When answering why you're applying for this position, consider:

1. Researching the company's mission and values beforehand.
2. Drawing connections between your own values and those of the company.

Your response should indicate that your professional values are in sync with the organization's culture, advancing the idea that you'll fit in and contribute positively to the team.

Mistakes to Avoid While Answering This Question

When approaching the question "Why did you choose this job/career?" in an interview, certain missteps can jeopardize your chances. Keep your response polished by steering clear of these common errors:

• Being Negative: Avoid speaking ill of past employers or jobs. Negative comments might signal a problematic attitude to potential employers.
• Over-Generalization: Your answer should be specific to your experiences and motivations. General statements like "I just need a job" don't express genuine interest or commitment.
• Revealing Too Much: While honesty is good, sharing too personal reasons for job choice can be unprofessional. Stick to job-related motivations.
• Excessive Flattery: Though positivity towards the prospective employer is beneficial, excessive flattery may come across as insincere.

Sample Answers

When you're asked "Why did you choose this job/career?" in an interview, your response should reflect your genuine motivations and align with the company's values and culture. Below are three sample answers that you can tailor to your experience:

1. Driven by Challenge and Innovation "I chose a career in software development because I'm driven by the challenge of solving complex problems and creating innovative solutions that have real-world applications. Working with cutting-edge technology and constantly learning new skills is something I am deeply passionate about."
2. Commitment to Helping Others "My decision to enter the nursing profession was fuelled by my desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. Providing compassionate care and support to individuals when they are most vulnerable is extremely rewarding for me, and it's a commitment that I take very seriously."
3. Passion for the Industry "I have always been fascinated by the renewable energy sector. The idea of contributing to sustainable practices and helping to shape the future of our planet's energy sources is why I pursued a career in this field. It's more than just a job; it's a mission that I am dedicated to."

Conclusion

Here's a quick checklist to help you navigate your response:

• Keep a positive tone
• Tailor responses to be job & industry-specific
• Balance honesty with professionalism
• Be sincere and avoid excessive praises

Remember, your answer should reflect your genuine interest in the position and align with the company's values and goals. Providing a well-considered response demonstrates that you are a thoughtful and serious candidate.

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