How to Answer: What brings you here today?
1. What brings you here today?
How to Answer
This question is a fundamental yet very challenging interview question to navigate. Your natural instinct is to think 'Well, you called me here for an interview!"
Digging deeper into the real question - the interviewer wants to hear about the excitement that you have for this job, and the opportunity to be interviewing with their company.
Hiring authorities often receive hundreds of applications per job posting, so it's a huge compliment to your skills that you were chosen for an interview! Now it is time for you to reciprocate and discuss why you are thankful for being here today.
Give a brief overview of why you are looking for a new opportunity, and why this role caught your eye. Show a full understanding of the responsibilities of this role by matching their skills request with the skills you offer.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"
Digging deeper into the real question - the interviewer wants to hear about the excitement that you have for this job, and the opportunity to be interviewing with their company.
Hiring authorities often receive hundreds of applications per job posting, so it's a huge compliment to your skills that you were chosen for an interview! Now it is time for you to reciprocate and discuss why you are thankful for being here today.
Give a brief overview of why you are looking for a new opportunity, and why this role caught your eye. Show a full understanding of the responsibilities of this role by matching their skills request with the skills you offer.
For example: "
Written by Rachelle Enns
Admin
"I am here today because I have a great interest in what your organization in achieving in the oil and energy space. I have a new diploma in oil and gas office administration and would love nothing more than to start my career in this industry with your esteemed organization."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Manager
"I am here because I know that my skills are an excellent match for your needs. When I initially read your job description, I saw a strong correlation between your needs and what I can offer. For example, I have experience in cross-departmental team management and am a six sigma black belt."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Marketing
"My blend of expertise in social media marketing and content writing is what brought me here today. I want to take these skills and blow away your expectations when it comes to this content marketing position. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to be here today. I have had an eye on your agency for some time now and was thrilled to be alerted to this opening."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Retail
"I have followed your brand for many years now and loved that you are a trailblazer in fashion. Working here would be a dream job for me, and I am very thankful for the consideration you are giving me today. I want to forge a long-term career with your brand."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Sales
"My love for sales, as well as my experience in your specific industry, is what has brought me here today. Your organization has an excellent reputation with clients and great ratings online which caught my attention as well. I want to work with you on building your new territory and training new sales teams. I know I can bring this territory to be the most profitable in the state."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Teacher
"I am a passionate educator and have a penchant for the arts. The fact that you are a private school with an arts focus is incredibly exciting to me. I appreciate the opportunity to be here with you today and look forward to highlighting how I will excel in this role."
Written by Rachelle Enns