The Best Answer I’ve Ever Heard to the Dreaded Question at a Job Interview

I heard this story at a funeral. One of the deceased friends delivered a memory that many were not surprised to hear, given the dead man’s positive and cheerful attitude.

The story went like this: When this man was still at school, he would pass by a garage. Every day, he looked in and saw the employees working, whistling, and generally having a good time. There was lots of banter and a great atmosphere.

Then one day, shortly before he left school, he went into the garage and spoke to the Manager.

He told the Manager that he would really like to work at the garage.

When he was asked for his reasons, the boy replied: “Because everyone looks so happy here.”

Who wouldn’t wish to employ someone like that?

I related this story to a friend’s daughter. She was looking for a temporary job before going to University.

At the interview (it was a Supermarket in town), she was asked the dreaded question: “Why do you want to work for our Company?”

She changed it slightly and said, “Because everyone looks so busy and happy here.”

Needless to say, she got the job!

Even though this approach may secure a good position, it's always wise to research the company, find out as much as possible so that you can ask some relevant questions. If you already know someone who works for the company you can find out about the prospects for promotion.

If I knew anyone who was employed, or had been employed by this company, it was easy to contact them. People like to talk about themselves and their experiences. However if the position had not worked out for them, I would listen and then consider some relevant questions to ask at the interview (if indeed I was granted one).

One of the most important factors to consider is your stories of success in previous jobs, however minor. Its important that you can demonstrate to your new employer how you can 'fit in' with the team and help drive the Company to success.

Companies are always looking for fresh talent that can help them save money, improve efficiency or raise morale.

If you manage to secure a recommendation from one of your contacts, so much the better.

Personal presentation was also very important, a few days before an important interview, neat hair often required a trim. Shoes, if not new, needed to be repaired (nobody wants to look down at heel when they're trying to impress).

I did apply for a job where they had over 500 applicants because the prospects and salary were so good. I scored a success when relating a story about how I assisted a Middle Manager with his workload. The Manager at the centre of the story worked in the Audit Department, he was very stressed and overworked.

One day I took some files to him, he scowled at me and gestured to put them on a large pile of files on his desk.

I said to him "are you very busy at the moment?"

At that point he lost it, "Busy? Busy? Are you trying to be funny?"

"No" I confessed "but we don't have any overtime in our department and I wondered if I could work for you in the evenings and on weekends."

At those words he melted, I wasn't sure whether he was going to cry or kiss me. That day I saw a little boy being rescued from the monstrous demands of an overwhelming job.

The world is full of grumblers and bores, having a cheerful attitude helps with life’s challenges.

Thank you for reading to … The End