This question, and its twin “Why our organisation?”, tests three things: whether you read the advert properly, whether you want this job or any job, and whether you are likely to stay. Recruiting is expensive. A panel that hires someone who leaves after four months has to start again, so it listens hard for a reason that is about this work, not about your situation.
- 1Open the saved advert and pick two things in it that genuinely interest you: a task, a project, a population, a system you would build.
- 2Link each one to something you have already done, with a place and a number. “You need X; I did X in Borama for 14 months.”
- 3Add one true fact about the organisation from your research, and say why it matters to you personally.
- 4Close with what you will bring and where you want to grow with them. One sentence each.
- “I need a job.” True for every candidate in the corridor, so it scores nothing and it worries the panel.
- “The salary is good” or “you pay on time.” The panel hears that you will leave for the next employer who pays ten dollars more.
- “It is close to my home.” A fact about transport, not about the work. Mention it last, if at all.
- “You are a big, famous organisation.” Flattery with no fact in it. Replace it with one specific programme or product.