Copyright 2006 Ed Bagley
7) Why are you interested in this position?
When you are an accountant and you are applying at an accounting firm, it is pretty obvious why you are interested; you are interested in using your acquired education, skills, and knowledge in your career field.
However, maybe the position is a cashier for a store and you just want a job; you do not have a brilliant answer to offer. Not to worry. Do not discount very basic answers such as “I need to earn money to support myself and/or my family,” or “I want more out of life, and I need to work if I am going to have a better lifestyle for my family.” Employers like employees who need to work; such employees are more apt to be dependable, responsible and productive.
8) Why do you want to work for us?
Here you should be specific in your answer. There may be thousands of accounting firms with positions to offer, but it is now a question of “why us”?
Research the firm as best you can. Phone book ads often contain great information, such as how long a firm has been in business, what it specializes in, who are the key members of the firm, and whom they hope to serve.
Depending upon what you learn at the library, and from other local sources, possible answers might be:
“You have an expanding firm, and I believe there will be opportunities for me to prove myself and grow with you,” or
“Your firm is one of the oldest and most respected in our community, and I want to learn from, and be associated with one of the best,” or
“I believe you will reward people according to their value to the firm, and I am willing to prove my value to you,” or finally
“Your specialty happens to be my area of career interest.”
9) Why should we hire you?
Here you must be straightforward and confident about your ability and what you have to offer. Say, “I believe I am qualified and can do the job.”
Amplify this answer by stressing your strong points, such as your appropriate education, specialized training, proven experience, skills and abilities.
Do not say you can do any job. You do not know that for a fact, and, more important, the person interviewing you