Page 176 - How To Answer Interview Questions (II)
P. 176
Job Interview Question 97
Why did you get into this line of work?
(choose this as a career)
This is not just a friendly, ice-breaking kind of question (any more than any other interview question
is). It’s true that they are asking about your motivations, interests and values:
Why do you do what you do?
What influenced your decision?
Do you have any particular talents that made this an easy choice?
Is this related to a life-long interest or hobby for you?
Think this question through just a little bit further, with the knowledge that the job search and
interview is a sales process, the hiring manager is the ‘customer’ and you are the ‘product,’ and
you’ll realize that what they really want to know is:
Are you interested in and enthusiastic about what you do? If so, you will be a better
employee who is more successful and produces more success for the company.
Why and how does this apply to your fit for the job? You need to connect the dots for them…
if you have a particular ability or talent that encouraged you to pursue this career, give an
example of how you have been successful using that talent.
For instance, here’s my answer:
