How to Answer, ‘What Are You Looking for in a New Position?’

It’s impossible to feel anything other than trapped whenever this question is asked during an interview. What else is there to say when asked, “What are you looking for in a new position” in an interview? Although it looks quite simple, you must still be careful in how to respond. You need to be honest but at the same time diplomatic. To get you prepared for this tricky question, we are going to provide you with the best expert advice and some tips. Continue reading to learn the best ways to answer ‘What are you looking for in a new position?’.

Must Read: How to Answer Common Interview Questions?

Why Do Recruiters Ask Candidates, “What Are You Looking for in a New Position?”

We need to determine what the recruiter is trying to learn before we move on to creating your response to be as strong as possible.

Recruiters commonly inquire, “What are you looking for in a new position?” for two main reasons. First, They want to know if you are looking for certain opportunities and driven to take them on rather than just taking the first job you come across. You must demonstrate that you have a clear motivation for applying for this position. By doing this, you can demonstrate to them your drive and genuine interest in the job.

The other reason recruiters ask this question is to see whether the position fits what you are seeking and if you would work well with the staff at the organization. 

Also Read: How to Write a Cover Letter?

5 Tips to Answer “What Are You Looking for in a New Position”

Here are some of the best tips to answer this question:

Beginning With Your Skills

You must consider the hiring manager’s viewpoint even though the question is about you. Sure, you’d like your new job to pay very well, have a simple commute, and guarantee access to sleep rooms throughout all work hours, but it won’t impress anyone. Instead, go into detail about your skills and accomplishments—an area the hiring manager is certain to be interested in—and describe how you’re seeking a job where you can put them to work. 

Describe Your Motive

The majority of hiring managers desire employees that are driven by factors other than merely a wage. Address this issue directly to ease it. Describe your motivations and how you see them manifesting themselves in this role or business.

Relate to Your Long-term Objectives

No one hates to see their investment leave the building, and investing in people involves hiring them. It might be a good idea to discuss how you picture developing or furthering your career at a business that is the ideal fit if it fits with the flow of your response. Everything that shows you’re committed to the long term is advantageous (unless, of course, you’re expressly applying for a short-term position).

Be Honest

Don’t be afraid to be open about the aspects of your previous position that you did not like.

However, be sure to express all of your distastes in a professional manner; concentrate on what you would prefer to avoid mentioning any unfavorable feelings or remarks about your prior workplace.

In closing, Add a Couple of Words About the Company

As you’re winding up your reply, return attention to the corporation. If your answer is lengthy, it can be best to summarise all you’ve said before expressing your excitement for the firm and why.

Must Read: How to Answer, ‘What are Your Salary Expectations?’

Sample Answers “What Are You Looking for in a New Position”

Here are some of the example of this question:

Sample 1

In my next position, I would prefer to work more directly on projects. In my current work, I have loved speaking with clients, but I haven’t had the chance to take on more duties like managing deliverables and assigning tasks. I believe I am up for the challenge, and I hope my next position will provide me with the opportunity to do so.

Sample 2

I came to the conclusion that I should try to locate a job that is more in line with my career aspirations after spending a few years trying to make my last one work. Even though losing a job is never pleasant, I feel as though I have learned a lot and developed greatly. I’d love to share with you how I’ve changed and how the knowledge I’ve received can help the business accomplish its objectives.

Also Read: How to Answer “Why do you want this Job”?

Expert Advice on How to Answer “What are you looking for in a new position”

Let’s see what experts suggest before preparing for this question:

• First, Focus on your skills and achievements- Since the recruiter is more interested in learning about your abilities and accomplishments, make sure you emphasize all of the pertinent information.
• Describe your motivations and long-term objectives- this will help you make your point and convince the recruiter that you are in it for the long haul.
• Be sincere and diplomatic at the same time– do not be afraid to mention the things about your prior employment that you did not enjoy, but make sure to do it in a professional manner.
• Link yourself with the company- connect your responses to the organization in order to demonstrate that you are a fantastic fit for the team.

FAQs

It will be easier to prepare and concentrate for the in-person interview if you know how to appropriately respond to the question about what you’re looking for in a new position. Use these simple suggestions when responding to this question to demonstrate your excitement for the role and your conviction that you are the best person for the job. This was all about how to answer, ‘what are you looking for in a new position. Follow Leverage Edu for the best tips on how to prepare for your interview.