Don't Underestimate This Word in Job Search
Just this week I read about the importance of “why” in two leading national business periodicals. As a result, this observation told me that this is something new that we all should look at-that this “why” word is becoming a trend.
Why? You may ask…I’ll tell you why.
The Power of WHY
Why is “why” so important? If an interviewer asks you why you want the job and you don’t have a solid answer, you’re sunk. Therefore, answering “why” questions can make or break you in the interview process. A little three letter word could kill your chances at landing that job that you want.
Let’s look at other why questions.
Why is there a gap in your unemployment record?
Why did you leave your last job?
Why are you changing careers?
All tough questions that need appropriate and spot on strong, reliable answers that will convince the interviewer why you are the right candidate for the job.
But, “why” doesn’t only affect the interviewee….”why” is just as important of a tool for the job seeker to use. Since you always should ask a question when the interview is over….go ahead and ask this probing why question and see how they answer:
Why is this position open?
Here’s another reason “why” is important. This an excerpt from INC. Magazine article written by Jason Fried in the June 2010 issue. The article is titled Never Read Another Resume, but he also addresses why.
“During interviews, we love when potential hires ask questions. But all questions aren’t equal. A red flag goes up when someone asks how. “How do I do that?” “How can I find out this or that?” You want people who ask why, not how. Why is good — it’s a sign of deep interest in a subject. It signals a healthy dose of curiosity. How is a sign that someone isn’t used to figuring things out for him- or herself. How is a sign that this person is going to be a drain on others. Avoid hows.”
I hope you found this post helpful and let me know “why” you liked it and not how it changed your life.
Talk soon,
Cindy
