How best to answer the question "why do you want to do this role"?

at11

i need to answer this question (a few sentences) and wanted to hear others opinions on how best to answer it?

e.g should i just say why i like the job duties/tasks

but what else would be important to include?

im unsure how much i should speak of assumed activities like "i am a strong communicator so would take pleasure liaising with fellow employees in various departments"

but the job may involve little internal/external communications

so could someone please help by outlining how one should answer the question

im very lost what i should specifically be saying besides the fact id like what id be doing every day

egoode

It's really an opportunity for you to show how enthusiastic you are about the role, the company and what skills you will bring to it.

Some examples, if you are going for a computer programmer role you could talk about how you love the problem solving aspect of the role. If it's for a sales role you could talk about why you like that specific company/product/etc and that you love talking to people and helping them to buy something that will make them look better/ or improve their lives (depends on product etc.)

AP007

Yes relate the answer to why you want the job so give examples of experience you have and how that will benefit them ad fit with the job description. Also why you want to work for the company. Do some research - are they expanding, are they at the forefront of what they do etc.

at11

thanks for the replies,
the job is for a junior underwriter but im struggling to state why i want this career,

in layman terms:
i want to start this career because im a business graduate and studying CII, i enjoy reviewing complex information and then making an informed educated devcision,i also take great pleasure in building and nurturing relationships, and liasing with others.

is this a good/strong answer?
also, how can i word this more formally while answering the question "why do you want to work in undeerwriting/insurance sector"

maybe i could comment on the stability acareer in insurance brings

tulip28

it's a good answer - but jiggle it up a little:

I feel that this role and opportunity within your company (flatter them) would allow me to develop my skills and gain valuable experience in the insurance sector. Together with my (list qualifications if applicable) problem solving abilities, the capability to digest complex information, I can make informed and educated decisions and believe that this position will enable me to strengthen those qualities.


Hope this helps!
x

egoode

I wouldn't mention anything about the stability of a career as really no industry is that stable including insurance!

As it sounds like you have just graduated and this is sounds like an entry level position for your qualifications I would refer to the subjects you have enjoyed most in your studies that relate directly to the role. As tulip28 says definitely flatter them for example if they are a household name company talk about wanting to work for a well known and respected company, maybe refer to something from their website like whether they have community programmes they are involved in, etc.

The most important thing in an interview particularly for junior roles is being enthusiastic as they are the people they feel they can train up eventually to bigger and better things.

lincroft1710

"I feel that this role is challenging and makes good use of my degrees in astro-physics and advanced chemistry. I am focused on the development possibilities and look forward to creating a new and positive dynamic.

In conclusion I am certain I am the ideal candidate for the position of Second Assistant Sanitaryware Hygiene Operative."

tulip28

Yep - be enthusiastic and confident! They wont expect you to know the world - but wanting to find out about it is key!

mattcanary

I'd say it is a risk to be too fawning - that can come across as a**e licking - I'd say some interviewers take exception to that.

Be honest - and say why you want the role. If you're attracted to the actual companyfor whatever reason, and not just the job you'd be doing then by all means say so and why - but I wouldn;t do it too shamelessly.

morganedge

Your answer sounds pretty good I'd say.
Much better than me. I find it difficult to pretend to be interested in whatever job im applying for. I try, but they often seem to be able to seee through me.
I have some friends who are brilliant in job interviews though, and just transform into a brilliant sycophant! Should get an oscar.

I remember my last interview, I was very nervous to the point where I found it hard to concentrate, and when he said to me ''why di you want this job?'' it actually sort of caught me off guard.

My answer was a little bit like Adam Sandlers characters answer in 'wedding singer' to the same question (for anyone who's seen that film!)

Pretty much ''I need money, and I think I could probably do this job''.

LOL. I'm the worst person at job interviews in the world

mattcanary

I'd say as well, that if you have to lie about why you want the job, then you're likely to hate the job if successful in the interview and appointed,

Getting nervous in the interview, and not thinking clearly - that's another matter, I'm very prone to that too.