Why did you apply to work for our company?
The assessment vendor is asking you to tell them why they should hire you while they study your behavior to ascertain if you are speaking with conviction. They'll do this by evaluating your verbal and non-verbal cues for signs of honesty and confidence and whether you can identify what sets you apart from the other applicants. The goal is to provide a compelling answer that highlights what excites you about this specific opportunity with this company and your confidence that you are an ideal candidate.
Before your interview, take some time to learn more about the company's business principles, values, mission, and goals. These will help you outline what makes the company appealing to you as a potential employer. Go the extra mile by reviewing their news or media webpages, resources, or blogs, and read up on anything relevant they would expect their employees to be versed in. Show up to your interview as a trusted resource for company information. Showcase your work ethic through how fully prepared you are for this opportunity.
How you answer will tell them whether you specifically want to work for them or are simply trying to find any job anywhere that reasonably fits your skills. Spend time determining how they stand out as an ideal employer for you. Research their competitors and how they set themselves apart from each other, and align your answer accordingly.
"I chose to apply to Company ABC for many reasons. In addition to its positive reputation in the tech industry, I appreciate that Company ABC puts efforts into closing the gender gap in the tech sector. The company's programs have trained thousands of women to upskill and pursue lucrative careers in tech. Company ABC knows that empowering women makes sense for the economy and the growth of the tech industry. This awareness is one of the most compelling reasons I want to be part of this team. I'd look forward to the many opportunities for me to contribute while being able to proudly say that I work for an organization that supports women in tech."
Your goal is not to fool the algorithm into thinking you are telling the truth when you are not. That approach will rarely work. Instead, prepare by aligning your experience, values, career goals, and interests with the elements of what this company, its culture, and this opportunity offer. In other words, research yourself as much as you research the company and this position, and create an argument as to why you are an ideal candidate for this job. This will help convince the algorithm of your sincerity to advance you through the selection process.
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