Ever wonder why the people around you are getting promoted and you aren’t? Do you have a strange feeling management doesn't like or respect you? Concerned you aren’t seen as an asset to the organization?
Test yourself! Ask yourself the following to see if you are at risk of being a nobody to your boss:
Do you ever find out after the fact about a meeting that took place where a decision that directly affects your work was made without you being able to provide input?
Does your boss regularly tell you “Thanks, but no thanks” when you offer your help or a suggestion to improve something?
Do you think your boss has "favorites" in the office and there is no sense in trying to become one of them?
Have you ever had an element of your job taken away from you and given to someone else because your boss felt they were “better equipped” to handle it?
If you said "Yes" to one or more of these, then you may be fading away on-the-job…and that puts you at risk of losing your job if you don’t fix it!
Bud Bilanich and Deborah Shane joined me this week on "Career Reality TV" to discuss this topic. Here's a little information about my guests...
Bud Bilanich – Known as "The Common Sense Guy," he’s the author of Success Tweets. He is Harvard educated but has a down-to-earth approach to his coaching that comes from his roots in the steel country of Western Pennsylvania.
Deborah Shane – A career empowerment coach and author of the new book, Career Transition. She enjoys being able to share her personal experience, skills and qualities to help others grow, develop and thrive.
Watch the fourth episode of "Career Reality TV" below and you'll learn:
How to determine if you're invisible to management.
How to figure out what you can do to get the attention you want.
Plus, don’t forget to sign-up below to get weekly reminders about the show!
GET E-MAIL UPDATES ABOUT 'CAREER REALITY TV'
[This article has been updated since it was originally posted on March 23]
J.T. O’Donnell is the founder of CAREEREALISM.com and CEO of CareerHMO.com, a web-based career development company.Photo credit: Shutterstock
A common interview question employers ask during job interviews is, "Why are you interested in this position?" They want to know why you want to work at their company, and the specific motivation behind why you applied for the job (not that you need a paycheck).
To persuade the employer that you have a true connection to the company and a passion for the job you applied for, your answer to this interview question should start with, "I'm interested in this job, at this company, because…" and then list at least three reasons why you want to work there.
Here is how you should structure your answer to the interview question, "Why are you interested in this job?"
Example: "I'm interested in this job because I can see that, in this role, my skills could help solve this problem within your company. I also see an opportunity for me to learn and grow these skills, so we both would benefit personally, professionally, and financially. If I can come in here and solve problems and accomplish your goals, I know I can develop my career the way that I want to."
This part of your answer lets them know that you are excited about what you will be able to accomplish for them, while still emphasizing what they are getting out of the bargain. You need to sell yourself as a business-of-one who can provide a service better than the competition.
Reason #2 – Cultural Fit
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Your second reason when answering, "Why are you interested in this job?" also shows fit, but in a different way.
Example: "Also, I like the culture of this organization. From what I've heard and what I've been reading about the company, it seems like a great fit for my personality and my values. I really connect with your mission statement, and feel passionate about the work that you do."
This is a general answer, so if you can be more specific by actually naming a couple of things you've heard or read about the company's workplace culture that you like, it will help your cause. This is one area where your pre-interview research is critical.
Does this company value and/or provide resources for employee development?
Mention those things that truly speak to you and your values so your sincerity shows.
Reason #3 – Personal Fit
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Wrap up your answer to this interview question with something that personalizes it a bit more.
Examples:
"And this job is in a great location for me. I've always wanted to move here."
"And this job is only five minutes from my house, so eliminating the commute is a big plus."
"And I've always used your products, and I just love them. I am really excited about being a part of that."
Say something that gives you another reason of your own for wanting this job. This interview answer is a fantastic place to let your enthusiasm for the job show. It's very appealing to employers, and it gives them one more reason to hire you.
Download Work It Daily's FREE list of common interview questions here.
You'll have a very clear and thorough answer to the question, "Why are you interested in this job?" if you follow the formula above. Set yourself apart from the competition today!
Are you struggling to answer other common interview questions? We can help.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.