"Passion" in Work

[Paragon Fury]

So while going through the joys of looking for a new job again, I keep running into the one question/attitude that keeps dogging me and annoying the piss out of my when I have to answer it:

"Why do you want to work here?" "Why do you think you're a match for this position?" Or some variant of that flavor of question.

Why? Because I need money, and you have money. You need things done and I'm capable of doing said things. Is this not good enough?

I never really had a "passion" for anything. Work is work is work. It puts food on my table, allows me to go do something I want to do occasionally and occupies my day so I actually do something semi-productive. The only preference I have for work is "How difficult is it?" and "How much does it pay/provide?"

But the recruitment agencies and interviewers always make a big about jobs being a "match" or "the right fit".

Combined with the ridiculous requirements some places list for jobs (I've seen an entry level position requiring 8 years of prior experience while looking recently) its a wonder anyone ever gets hired for anything.

 

[MysticSlayer]

One thing I liked about the interview I did with Walmart is that they waited until after I was already employed before asking the question. That way it was really just curiosity on the part of the manager, and no one was ashamed to just say "money" as the response. Oddly, that was the only job I interviewed for that I didn't have a generic answer for the question.

To me, the question is just asking for a ridiculously generic answer that's not really honest. Occasionally I might apply somewhere where I have an actual reason for wanting to work there, but most of the time I'm really just looking for work. I understand that passion is good, but try to get an understanding of that person's work ethic in general. That will tell you a lot more about how passionate they'll be towards the job as opposed to "why do you want to work here?"

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

I'm always torn about saying it's "for the experience" because it sounds like I don't give a fuck or I'm doing it for the lolz. But when you are of a certain age and the job is somehow relatable to your career then it's easy to say it's for your CV.

 

[Tiger King]

depends what type of job you are applying for I guess.
If I was applying for a job in my field, I would say that it's because I have a keen interest in X and wish to broaden my skills/knowledge in that particular area.

i dunno why we have to go through the charade of pretending that a job we apply for will become our lives, especially when the people interviewing you must know a large percentage of what you will tell them is bullshit.

Last interview I attended was quite good though, I brought along a portfolio of jobs I have worked on and my qualifications which is all they wanted to see. None of the pointless questions like

"give us an example of when you compromised with a co worker on a disagreement"

Didn't get the job though
alas, an older guy got it due to the 'experience trumps all' law.

 

[DementedSheep]

I hate those questions to especially if a job at a warehouse or bloody McDonalds. Because I have burning passion for the food or packaging industry? no, I just want money. No one dose these job for any other reason.

 

[nariette]

Of course, you want to get a job so you can have money. They know this, perhaps they want to know how badly you want the job if you tell them a beautiful lie like "I want to help the world". What I think, they want to know what made you choose their company over a similar one. For example when you apply for a job at Burger King, why didn't you choose for Pizza Hut? I would like to know that if I was employing people.

 

[Rose and Thorn]

I agree that is super fucking annoying, but you know what I hate more than that question? "What three words best describe you"? AHHHHG, I hate that one, it leaves me dumbfounded. Even if it didn't take me a few minutes to come up with a semi-accurate answer of course I would have to lie, most people would lie to that question, if they were honest they wouldn't get the job. Why ask the stupid question then? They want you to lie.

So if a job wants to know why you are passionate about the job you are applying for, just lie.

 

[Scarim Coral]

I'm guessing whatever your answer is, it will reflect on your attitude. I mean yes the realistic answer is money but that only mean you will ditch them when another job arise with better pay (well ok it also depend if other stuff more suited to you like the location and the work enviroment is any better). In another word they don't want a greedy person per say or rather has an outlook that isn't revolve around money.

 

[Idiosynthcratic]

Say you want to make your life better. Not being broke makes your life better.

 

[senordesol]

As someone who has conducted interviews and has asked (and been asked) this question, my answer for you is this:

I know you're doing it for the money. I know you feel confident that you're technically capable of doing the job. What I'm gauging is your attitude. Are you the sort of person who's going to ***** about staying late? Are you the sort of person who's going to ditch the instant a better opportunity comes along? Are you interested in getting better at what you do? Is there somewhere outside of the applicable position I might be able to put you later? I want to get a sense of your hopes and aspirations without you getting into a long-winded speech about how you want to be an artist and just need the money to pay the bills before you make it big at the gallery.

Hiring and replacing people is a major pain in the ass in terms of paperwork, training, establishing work pace, setting up benefits, building access, and providing equipment. So once you do it, you want to be reasonably assured that you're not going to have to do again for a while; and the best way to do that is to gauge an applicant's attitude as well as aptitude.

 

[Flatfrog]

As someone who has conducted interviews and has asked (and been asked) this question, my answer for you is this:

I know you're doing it for the money. I know you feel confident that you're technically capable of doing the job. What I'm gauging is your attitude. Are you the sort of person who's going to ***** about staying late? Are you the sort of person who's going to ditch the instant a better opportunity comes along? Are you interested in getting better at what you do? Is there somewhere outside of the applicable position I might be able to put you later? I want to get a sense of your hopes and aspirations without you getting into a long-winded speech about how you want to be an artist and just need the money to pay the bills before you make it big at the gallery.

Hiring and replacing people is a major pain in the ass in terms of paperwork, training, establishing work pace, setting up benefits, building access, and providing equipment. So once you do it, you want to be reasonably assured that you're not going to have to do again for a while; and the best way to do that is to gauge an applicant's attitude as well as aptitude.

But if it *is* a McJob, the absolute best answer is therefore 'because I'm an extremely dull person with no ambition'. Because surely anyone else *would* prefer something better to come along.

 

[senordesol]

As someone who has conducted interviews and has asked (and been asked) this question, my answer for you is this:

I know you're doing it for the money. I know you feel confident that you're technically capable of doing the job. What I'm gauging is your attitude. Are you the sort of person who's going to ***** about staying late? Are you the sort of person who's going to ditch the instant a better opportunity comes along? Are you interested in getting better at what you do? Is there somewhere outside of the applicable position I might be able to put you later? I want to get a sense of your hopes and aspirations without you getting into a long-winded speech about how you want to be an artist and just need the money to pay the bills before you make it big at the gallery.

Hiring and replacing people is a major pain in the ass in terms of paperwork, training, establishing work pace, setting up benefits, building access, and providing equipment. So once you do it, you want to be reasonably assured that you're not going to have to do again for a while; and the best way to do that is to gauge an applicant's attitude as well as aptitude.

But if it *is* a McJob, the absolute best answer is therefore 'because I'm an extremely dull person with no ambition'. Because surely anyone else *would* prefer something better to come along.

Well, I don't hire for McJobs, so I can't comment on that. What I would want to know -however- if (hypothetically) I were hiring for a McJob is be reasonably assured you're not going to be spitting in anyone's food, are going to show up to work sober, and won't splash hot fry oil on your coworkers.

I imagine, however, even if you said "I want a position where I can perform at or above expectations everyday and still have enough mental energy to go home and focus on school/personal projects/my band/etc." that wouldn't be a deal breaker.

As an interviewer, here's what that tells me "When I'm at work, it doesn't matter if it's drone business, you'll have my best and you'll get no problems from me because I will value this job."

 

[Gaius Livius]

I find it ridiculous too. Ugh and "Personal statements"...they are so dishonest and make you feel like you have done something bad due to having to be really disingenuous and twist the truth behind overly complicated wordings. I don't understand why it can't be good enough to be fully qualified, have the right work ethic and turn up to an interview dressed appropriately and showing you put some pride into things. It just encourages a culture of blagging to ask for more. Why must it be a requirement to purposely put yourself on a pedestal and say "Look at me and why I think I am great"?. It doesn't reflect the true thoughts and ambitions of someone at all. It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't basically a requirement to lie or stretch the truth.

The best way to stand out in an interview is to be genuine but show some actual enthusiasm (Not really over the top and obviously fake enthusiasm). I mean things like sitting up properly and making eye contact, not following some massive script you set up and going on for ages, having a solid handshake etc. It's also a good idea to make sure you don't talk too fast.

 

[senordesol]

I find it ridiculous too. Ugh and "Personal statements"...they are so dishonest and make you feel like you have done something bad due to having to be really disingenuous and twist the truth behind overly complicated wordings. I don't understand why it can't be good enough to be fully qualified, have the right work ethic and turn up to an interview dressed appropriately and showing you put some pride into things. It just encourages a culture of blagging to ask for more. Why must it be a requirement to purposely put yourself on a pedestal and say "Look at me and why I think I am great"?. It doesn't reflect the true thoughts and ambitions of someone at all. It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't basically a requirement to lie or stretch the truth.

The best way to stand out in an interview is to be genuine but show some actual enthusiasm (Not really over the top and obviously fake enthusiasm). I mean things like sitting up properly and making eye contact, not following some massive script you set up and going on for ages, having a solid handshake etc. It's also a good idea to make sure you don't talk too fast.

It isn't good enough to simply 'be qualified', because someone's probably staring at a whole stack of resumes from 'qualified' people. If you even get an interview, chances are they think you could probably handle the technical aspects of the job. But of all the people I'm interviewing, why should I pick you? Why do you deserve a paycheck more than the other Tom, Dick, and Harry?

Again, it's a gauge of attitude. I'm not sure how to describe it other than to give an example of people who were too stupid to lie to me. I had this one interview where, when I asked 'why do you want to be here?' he started complaining about the 'politics' of his previous job. What that tells me as an interviewer is "this is a man who places more emphasis on being accommodated, than bearing the things that are universal in the working world." Do office politics suck? Absolutely. I remember I had a manager in another department basically tell me he thought I couldn't do my own job.

Here's the thing: I could have taken that personally and started a feud, or I could resolve to prove him wrong. I now work under him, so guess which option I went with. A candidate has to be able to 'handle the bullshit' that comes with working. He has to be able to give the 'correct' answer, even if it isn't the truthful answer, because in business you rarely get anywhere for 'just doing your job', it's your ability to handle the adversity; the difficult questions; the difficult people that'll get you somewhere.

 

[Bara_no_Hime]

So while going through the joys of looking for a new job again, I keep running into the one question/attitude that keeps dogging me and annoying the piss out of my when I have to answer it:

"Why do you want to work here?" "Why do you think you're a match for this position?" Or some variant of that flavor of question.

Why? Because I need money, and you have money. You need things done and I'm capable of doing said things. Is this not good enough?

Gods, I know right?

I absolutely hate that question. I always have to make up some bullshit answer before I go to the interview (or on my application letter) and fake being just thrilled about the prospect of whatever shit they want me to do.

"Yes, I desperately want to teach intro level English at your shitty community college. I'm here because I'm passionate about my community, not at all because the glut of PhDs during the Recession has made it impossible for an MFA to get full time teaching positions at four year colleges anymore!"

Fucking shoot me now. Ugh.

 

[Rolaoi]

I'm pretty sure they're aware the job is shitty. It's an entry level job for a person they don't even know. They know you're not going to be there forever; it's not the first time they've hired someone. They know how the gears turn.

I've worked shitty jobs, but I got through it because, when I had downtime, I would learn to do things that actually interested me that pertained to my work. I also told the people above me that I had ambitions beyond that. It got things done. I showed that I gave a shit because I wanted to get somewhere, and they found someone willing to work for that. No one cares about some Joe whose field of view doesn't extend past next week's paycheck and working out the ideal ratio of bitching about their work to pretending to work for the check.

 

[Vegosiux]

It isn't good enough to simply 'be qualified', because someone's probably staring at a whole stack of resumes from 'qualified' people. If you even get an interview, chances are they think you could probably handle the technical aspects of the job. But of all the people I'm interviewing, why should I pick you? Why do you deserve a paycheck more than the other Tom, Dick, and Harry?

Seeing as I don't actually know Tom, Dick or Harry, I can't tell you why I'm a better choice than they are, because I simply can't know that. All I can tell you is why I consider myself a good choice. But that wouldn't be the answer to "Why do you want this job?". It would be appropriate for "What can we expect from you if you work here?"

And then I would tell you "Well, I firmly adhere to the notion that 'good enough' isn't good enough and if it's worth doing, then it's worth doing it well."

For example.

 

[Parasondox]

Yeah I agree, I hate that question.

Why do you wish to work here?

In my head: Money
What I said out loud: To gain experience and develop new skills at this workplace.

Surprisingly enough, some interviewers would accept the answer "cause I need money to support...", because they understand that with the majority of people looking for work, money is the main motive. Yes, there are other answers you can give and I agree with many of the other post that it also depends were you work. If it's a certain manual job, money would be the likely top answer.

 

[senordesol]

It isn't good enough to simply 'be qualified', because someone's probably staring at a whole stack of resumes from 'qualified' people. If you even get an interview, chances are they think you could probably handle the technical aspects of the job. But of all the people I'm interviewing, why should I pick you? Why do you deserve a paycheck more than the other Tom, Dick, and Harry?

Seeing as I don't actually know Tom, Dick or Harry, I can't tell you why I'm a better choice than they are, because I simply can't know that. All I can tell you is why I consider myself a good choice. But that wouldn't be the answer to "Why do you want this job?". It would be appropriate for "What can we expect from you if you work here?"

And then I would tell you "Well, I firmly adhere to the notion that 'good enough' isn't good enough and if it's worth doing, then it's worth doing it well."

For example.

Fair enough, it's an honest answer...but you have to realize it's a weak one. The interview is your chance to stand out -- to sell yourself -- to convince your potential employer that you're the best choice for the slot. If your strategy is to convince him that you're merely adequate, then you better hope the people you're competing with convince him that they're inadequate. You may not know who they are, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to convince them you're the best.

I used to be frustrated by the same exact question before I became a Manager, so don't think I don't know where this comes from. But once I was put in the position to hire people, I finally understood.

Not every applicant was coming from the same direction. Some told me: "I've been out of work for a while, and I think this is a good position to get me back into the industry." some have straight-up told me "I just moved here, and this is something I can do." others still have told me "I have experience in other aspects of this field, but this aspect is the fastest growing and it's worth it for me to learn it."

All of these give me insight into what I can expect from an applicant, without directly asking them "What can I expect from you?" because, honestly, that's a throwaway question. By asking 'why do you want to be here?', depending on that answer, I can pursue certain follow-up questions that give me greater insight into the applicant.

 

[Vegosiux]

Fair enough, it's an honest answer...but you have to realize it's a weak one. The interview is your chance to stand out -- to sell yourself -- to convince your potential employer that you're the best choice for the slot.

I do not like that expression. It's dehumanizing.

If your strategy is to convince him that you're merely adequate, then you better hope the people you're competing with convince him that they're inadequate. You may not know who they are, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to convince them you're the best.

Maybe. But maybe, to get the right answer, you have to ask the right question...

I used to be frustrated by the same exact question before I became a Manager, so don't think I don't know where this comes from. But once I was put in the position to hire people, I finally understood.

Not every applicant was coming from the same direction. Some told me: "I've been out of work for a while, and I think this is a good position to get me back into the industry." some have straight-up told me "I just moved here, and this is something I can do." others still have told me "I have experience in other aspects of this field, but this aspect is the fastest growing and it's worth it for me to learn it."

All of these give me insight into what I can expect from an applicant, without directly asking them "What can I expect from you?" because, honestly, that's a throwaway question. By asking 'why do you want to be here?', depending on that answer, I can pursue certain follow-up questions that give me greater insight into the applicant.

Fair enough for your case, but I'll note that it looks to me that it really depends on just where "here" is.