This is a question that you can almost count on being asked at your next
interview What the interviewer wants to know is “Why are you available?”
The answer you give could set the tone for the rest of the interview. For
instance, if you were to indicate that you were bored or burned out at your
last job, the interviewer would quickly become concerned about your
performance at this company. The question can be especially tricky if you've
had less than favorable conditions regarding your departure from a company.
Regardless of the circumstances that have caused you to move, or are causing
you to think about moving, you should be prepared to answer this question.
Below are examples of possible answers to this critical question. After
reading them try to determine which is the strongest answer.
(A) The company had a re-organization, and my department was
eliminated. The work had begun to dwindle so it was not a complete surprise.
I liked my job and the people I was working with so I had been hoping that
it wouldn't affect us but unfortunately we were all let go. I would like to
find a job similar to the one I lost.
(B) I am looking for a new challenge. I have been with my current
company for two years now and don't find the work as interesting as I once
did. I am looking for a company where I can take on new challenges and grow.
My current job is dead-ended for me.
(C) Since there are no advancement opportunities within the company,
I have decided it would be a good time for me to look outside. I have set
some career goals for myself that I could not achieve at that company. What
I am looking for is a job with a bigger company where I can contribute, but
also move on a career path that has more responsibility.
Have you selected the strongest answer? See if you agree with the advice
below.
The Strongest Answer
(A) This is the strongest answer, not
because of the lay off, but because it has an upbeat tone to it. You liked
what you did and were hoping it wouldn't happen. In other words, if it
hadn't been for something out of your control you would still be there. The
answer indicates a good attitude about an unfortunate incident.
The Mediocre Answer
(C) This is an ok answer. It is natural
to want to take on more responsibility. It is also acceptable to quit a job.
A skilled interviewer would follow up with a question about your career
goals and why you think you can achieve them at this company. Would you have
an answer prepared for that follow-up question?
The Weakest Answer
(B) This is the weaker answer because it
is trite. One of the most common answers to this question is that you are
“looking for a challenge.” An interviewer might be concerned that if you
were bored at your last job, you might find this job boring as well, or at
least not “challenging” enough.
There are no “right” or “wrong” answers to this type of question, but there
are ways of saying the same thing in a way that will make a stronger
impression. Before you head out to your next interview consider preparing
for this and other difficult questions. A little time spent preparing and
scripting of your answers before the interview will make a huge difference
in the way you answer the question during the interview. (Excerpts taken
from “Boost Your Interview IQ” – Carole Martin – McGraw-Hill 2004)
--------------------------------
Carole Martin is a celebrated
author, trainer, and an interview coach. Her books, 'Interview Fitness
Training Workbook' and 'Boost Your Interview IQ' (McGraw Hill) have sold
thousands of copies world-wide. Receive Carole's FREE job interview tips by
visiting her web site at:
http://www.interviewcoach.com
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