One of the key questions an interviewer has for any working professional they interview, is why they want to leave their current employer to work for another company. If you are in this situation, one of your critical objectives during the interview is to communicate your passion for the company you are interviewing with. To do this effectively, you must understand what is distinct about the company, and then tie that to your strengths and/or interests. Consider these four areas as possible areas that might differentiate the company from others in its industry:
1) the company’s market position;
2) culture;
3) career opportunities;
4) products & services; and
5) management team.
Interviewer: Why don’t you tell me what it is about Global Inc that you find most compelling.
WEAK ANSWER
I have spent the last 3 years at Regional building strong sales and client management skills. As I look out over the next few years at Regional, I think my opportunities for growth are limited, particularly since I am interested in markets outside the U.S. Global is growing rapidly, and I feel that someone with my skills and experience could be a valuable asset in the company’s expansion.
STRONG ANSWER
I have spent the last 3 years at Regional building strong sales and client management skills. As I look out over the next few years at Regional, I think the opportunities for growth for me are limited, particularly since I am interested in markets outside the U.S. With 25% of it’s business now outside the U.S., Global is expanding internationally much faster than all of the other companies in the industry. More specifically I am interested in the Brazilian market where demand for widgets, the product I have sold very well for Regional, is very strong. Global has opened up a new office in Rio and I believe my sales, client, and product expertise would be a great asset in this new market.
Analysis
The Weak answer is disproportionately skewed to why the interviewee would want to leave her current firm. The answer would be much stronger with more specific information about how the interviewee’s interests and skills are well-aligned with Global’s needs.
In the Strong answer, the interviewee ties distinctive facts about the company’s positioning (international footprint, new market in Brazil) to her own skills and interests, and makes a strong case for why Global is a good fit for her.