How to Describe Why I Am Interested in a Job
Employers dangle any number of carrots in front of job applicants to get them interested in jobs, from paid time off to free candy and soda to educational reimbursement. But when applying for a job, it's not just about your interests. You have to portray yourself as free-candy worthy and make the employer interested in you as a potential employee. This is a shaky balancing act of describing yourself, your skills and interests while putting the company's needs front and center.
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Instructions
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Craft a cover letter that specifically lists topics related to the job and company offering the position. Instead of using a generic letter for all jobs, research the organization via their website -- which may have a larger job description posted -- and incorporate this language into your cover letter.
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Pick out one or several items that specifically interest you about the job and how they apply to your job search. When applying to a company renowned for its eco-conscious practices, for example, explain how you have volunteered at recycling plants and led the force to implement more green practices at your old job.
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Keep too-personal information to yourself. You may be interested in a position in public relations at your local Alzheimer's non-profit agency because your grandfather suffered from and eventually passed away from the illness, but you would be better served explaining that you seek to help promote the Alzheimer's message and support the organization's practices on getting the word out into the community for early testing.
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Tailor your resume to the job, just like you did with the cover letter. This doesn't mean making up related job experience, just reorganizing what you have and shining a spotlight. If you enjoyed using specific graphic design programs the job offer lists as requirements in their advertisements, those qualities should be prominently placed on your resume. Explain that you look forward to enhancing and applying the skills you already have to benefit the prospective employer.
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Phrase your interest in a way that benefits the hiring agent, not just yourself. While you may be interested in a job because of the high salary or flashy company car, your description of interest should include company-specific items such as the ability to participate in the award-winning mentoring system, living in close proximity so you'll always be accessible, liking the idea of getting in on the ground floor to help grow a new company or following in the footsteps of someone you respect at the organization.
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