Elizabeth Nientimp, the director of brand design for General Mills, was asked by Inc. magazine (in its May 2012 issue), “What are the most important considerations when designing food packaging?”
Her answer:
“Three things. First, make it simple. Resist the urge to tell consumers everything about your brand on the front of the package.”
Allow me to interrupt Ms. Ninetimp.
A couple of months ago I was at a career fair. There were thousands in attendance. One would-be candidate came over to me and handed me his resume and cover letter.
I took one look at the cover letter, an eight by 10 single spaced sheet covered from top to bottom with his employment story and told him, “It’s too long. No one is going to read it.”
“But it’s all important,” he replied. “No one is going to read it.” “But it’s important. You have to know this.” “It’s too long!” “It’s important.” “Give it to me.”
I didn’t read it. When the crowd eventually cleared, the gentleman at the booth next to mine, a hiring manager from a Fortune 100 company, asked me, “Remember that guy with the long cover letter?” “Yup.” “He didn’t listen to me either!”
Keep your cover letter short. No need for more than five paragraphs and no paragraph longer than a sentence or two.
The position you are applying for and where you heard about it.
Why you should be considered.
The answers to any questions asked (presuming you're replying to an ad).
Reference to your resume.
An appreciative close.
And that’s it. Simple.
But let’s get back to Ms. Ninetimp.
“Make it special. Understand what makes your brand unique, and own it.”
That’s the second paragraph.
Why should you be considered for the position and not any of the hundred others applying for it?
What makes you so special?
What’s that one thing you did that sets you apart from the crowd?
It’s your elevator pitch. Own it.
Let’s let Ms. Ninetimp finish.
“Finally, make it personal. Know your key consumers and what motivates them; let them see themselves in the brand.”
And that’s the key. The fellow with the long cover letter was only interested in himself. That was his focus: Look at how great I am! Your focus has to be on the employer and what she wants.
Because the answer to the second paragraph question, "Why should you be considered?" is also the answer to the question, "What can I do for you?"
And if that’s your attitude, what you can do for the employer, and not what the employer can do for you, your half way to a job offer.
Job offer advice image from Bigstock
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
Bigstock
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
Bigstock
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.
Elizabeth Nientimp, the director of brand design for General Mills, was asked by Inc. magazine (in its May 2012 issue), “What are the most important considerations when designing food packaging?”
Her answer:
“Three things. First, make it simple. Resist the urge to tell consumers everything about your brand on the front of the package.”
Allow me to interrupt Ms. Ninetimp.
A couple of months ago I was at a career fair. There were thousands in attendance. One would-be candidate came over to me and handed me his resume and cover letter.
I took one look at the cover letter, an eight by 10 single spaced sheet covered from top to bottom with his employment story and told him, “It’s too long. No one is going to read it.”
“But it’s all important,” he replied. “No one is going to read it.” “But it’s important. You have to know this.” “It’s too long!” “It’s important.” “Give it to me.”
I didn’t read it. When the crowd eventually cleared, the gentleman at the booth next to mine, a hiring manager from a Fortune 100 company, asked me, “Remember that guy with the long cover letter?” “Yup.” “He didn’t listen to me either!”
Keep your cover letter short. No need for more than five paragraphs and no paragraph longer than a sentence or two.
