Job interviews can be a daunting experience, especially in today’s ever-changing job market. With the rise of remote working and Zoom interviews, the hiring process has become more virtual, with some employees even meeting their supervisors for the first time on their first day or later. Despite these shifts, recruitment experts believe they’ve cracked the code on what to say to impress potential employers.
Anna Papalia, an interview specialist, shared her expertise on TikTok, revealing what she considers the “only good answer” to a common interview question. In her video, she states: “Most people get this answer wrong because they focus on the wrong things. They tell the company all the things the company can do for them. But the worst thing people say is, ‘I want to work here for the benefits.'”
Breaking it down for her 1.1 million followers, Anna explained: “When you’re asked in a job interview ‘why are you interested in this position?’ or ‘why do you wanna work here?’ There is only one good answer to this question and that is, ‘I can solve your problems.'”
She emphasizes that a job opening is a problem that a company needs to solve. By positioning yourself as the solution, you significantly increase your chances of getting hired.
She further advises that if asked ‘why do you want to work here?’ during an interview, avoid simply stating that it seems like a great company. This isn’t what employers are interested in hearing. She elaborates: “They don’t want to hire people that just wanna work there. They want to hire people that they know this will be a great challenge for them that will further their career, that will help them solve their problems.”
Instead, she encourages job seekers to: “Tell them what you can do on the job description and give them examples from your current position. Tell them that I have done X, Y and Z in my current role and I’m very excited about taking on the challenge here.”
By focusing on the value you can bring to the company and how you can solve their specific problems, you shift the conversation from what the company can do for you to what you can do for the company. This approach positions you as a valuable asset and significantly increases your chances of landing the job.
Remember, the next time you’re in a job interview, focus on showcasing your abilities and how they align with the employer’s needs. It’s not about the benefits; it’s about the solutions you can provide.
