Whenever you get asked this question during an interview, it’s impossible to not feel like it’s a trap. What other answer can you possibly give for, “what are you looking for in a new position?” other than, “everything that this one has to offer?”
Please read on for more detailed information.
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What Are You Looking for in a New Position?
Here is an easy step-by-step guide on answering “what are you looking for in a new position“
Start With Your Skills
The question is about you, but you need to think about it from the hiring manager’s perspective. Sure, you’d love for your new job to pay extremely well, have a simple commute, and guarantee access to nap rooms during all work hours, but that won’t impress anyone. Instead, focus on your skills—an area the hiring manager is certain to be interested in—and describe how you’re looking for a job where you can put them to use.
Explain Your Motivation
Most hiring managers desire to work with people who are driven by factors other than just money. Address this worry directly to allay it. Describe what motivates you and how you can see that playing out in this position or company.
Connect With Your Long-Term Goals
No one likes to see their investment leave the building, and hiring people means investing in them. If it fits with the flow of your response, it might be beneficial to discuss how you envision developing or furthering your career at a business that is the right fit. Unless you are specifically applying for a short-term position, anything that shows you’re in it for the long haul is a good thing.
Wrap Up With Something About the Company
Bring the focus back to the company as you’re wrapping up your response. Depending on how long your response is, it might be wise to summarize everything you’ve said before expressing your excitement for the company and why.
Examples of the Best Answers
Here are some of the best examples of responses to inquiries about what you are seeking in your next position.
Example Answer #1
I’m looking for a job where I can put my writing abilities to use. I would be able to put my years of expertise as a successful grant writer to use at your company as a marketing assistant, and I would be able to write the kinds of materials I enjoy working on the most.
Why It Works: The emphasis of this response is on your experience and skills and how they will help the company. Emphasize how you meet the requirements listed in the job description in your response.
Example Answer #2
I’m looking for a position that will give me the chance to increase sales at an organization that is already successful, like yours. I’m looking for a chance to put the marketing skills I’ve acquired over the years to use motivating your sales team, boosting output, and expanding global sales.
Why It Works: By doing this, you’re demonstrating your understanding of the organization’s particular objectives and your enthusiasm for aiding in their accomplishment. By doing this, you’re demonstrating that you possess the knowledge and expertise required.
Example Answer #3
Working with a forward-thinking, prosperous company like your own excites me. I’m excited to use my technology expertise to streamline a company’s offerings for even more effective implementation.
Why It Works: In this response, you’ve shown how your experience will help the business succeed even more (while being careful not to imply that the business is already failing).
Why Do Employers Ask “What Are You Looking for in a New Position?”
What are you looking for in your next role? might be a question a hiring manager puts to you.’ during an interview to determine if your professional goals and interests align with the role they’re hiring for and the organisation’s values. Asking these types of questions can also help a hiring manager to assess the following:
Retention
Employers and managers may spend a lot of money and time on the hiring and training of new employees. Employers frequently favor hiring candidates they think they can retain for a few years. Being honest with the hiring manager can help you both if you’re looking for a job that will enable you to achieve your long-term objectives. For instance, a hiring manager may see a chance for you to advance your career within their company if your goals line up with the strategic objectives of the organization. This aids in lowering staff turnover and assisting them in retaining knowledgeable employees.
Personality
Your suitability for a role may depend on how well you mesh with the company’s culture, values, and current workforce. Workplaces offered by various organizations vary, and some workplaces might be more suited to your personality type. You have a greater chance of becoming a valuable team member if your personality is compatible with the organization’s culture, management style, and communication methods.
A hiring manager might want to know what traits are significant to you. To help you prepare and respond appropriately for the interview and to make sure the company is the right one for you, it is a good idea to research the culture and work environment prior to the interview.
Motivation
The hiring manager might be interested in learning how motivated you are to apply for the job or what draws you to the company in particular. Your natural satisfaction from completing a task or activity is referred to as intrinsic motivation. Because they are frequently more productive, receptive to learning new skills, adept at solving problems, and satisfied in their jobs, employers may look for candidates who are intrinsically motivated.
Tips for Giving the Best Response
Review the job posting. When preparing for an interview, review the requirements of the job listing. Make a list of your own interests and objectives next, being sure to note any overlaps. You can develop a compelling response to this question by analyzing the similarities between the two lists.
- Note
Take advantage of this chance to demonstrate to the interviewer why you’re a good fit for the position.
The focus of your response should be on your objectives and passions in relation to the position.
Make Your Response Specific to the Company. Because it will be customized for that particular job opening, your answer to this question will vary a little bit depending on where you interview. Answer the question in a way that demonstrates how you will help the business.
You could say that you enjoy working in a team environment and that is why you are looking for a job with a business that promotes teamwork and team projects. The interviewer will be able to tell that you will fit in well with the team-oriented culture of the business.
What Not to Say
Don’t Lie. Even though you want to show how you are a good fit for the company, you should not be dishonest. Employers can detect dishonest answers, so always be honest in your response. Pay attention to sincere responses that also demonstrate your aptitude for the task at hand.
Put less emphasis on money. Make sure your answer isn’t centered on pay and benefits. The emphasis is on your desires rather than the company’s when you respond in that manner.
Summary
Depending on where you are, your reply will vary. The general format will probably not change even if you highlight more than one skill or omit the section where you discuss your long-term objectives. Answering this question honestly is important, but keep in mind the hiring manager’s perspective as well.
