"Why do you want to work in the ------- industry?"
Discussion
How do you answer this question at interview for a graduate job? I'll be graduating in June with a technical degree, and I'm looking for a job in IT - wherever that may be.
Of course the company will expect me to always have wanted to work in their industry even though I'd not be carrying out the activities of their core business in my role. (and the way things are at the moment, if I picked an industry, I'd never get a job!)
Of course the company will expect me to always have wanted to work in their industry even though I'd not be carrying out the activities of their core business in my role. (and the way things are at the moment, if I picked an industry, I'd never get a job!)
It seems to be a very common question across different companies, as well as "who else have you applied to" where they start tearing into you if you answer with companies in different industries.
Munter said:
If ------ is porn though I'd suggest "Because I've been clear of venereal disease for almost 6 months now"
Toaster Pilot said:
How do you answer this question at interview for a graduate job? I'll be graduating in June with a technical degree, and I'm looking for a job in IT - wherever that may be.
Of course the company will expect me to always have wanted to work in their industry even though I'd not be carrying out the activities of their core business in my role. (and the way things are at the moment, if I picked an industry, I'd never get a job!)
Make it up. When I was interviewing for Grad IT positions in banks I had to make up some fresh reasons for each one. Look at their website for the company background, pick some points and base it on those.Of course the company will expect me to always have wanted to work in their industry even though I'd not be carrying out the activities of their core business in my role. (and the way things are at the moment, if I picked an industry, I'd never get a job!)
For me it was...
Question:
"Why financial services rather than oil, or consulting?"
Real answer:
"Because you pay 30% more and I won't have to work in aberdeen"
Answer given:
"IT has revolutionised financial services, there are very few industries where the quality of IT has such a direct impact on the bottom line blah blah blah".
Question:
"Why XXX bank"
Real answer:
"Oh, yeah, that's where I'm interviewing today. Thanks for reminding me."
Answer given:
"Impressive CSR programme really touches the inner lentil farmer in me, it makes me go all squishy inside when I think about what a caring, sharing bank you run here."
Get it?
It's basically a moron filter (as are most questions in grad type interviews) - all you need to do is show that you're not one by knowing a little bit about the company, a little bit about the industry, and be able to converse coherently on the matter for a few minutes 
Having been on the other end of the process as well (as the interviewer) I can now see how effective it is. The number of people who can't answer those questions is really quite surprising!
Which industry, if you don't mind me asking?
Having been on the other end of the process as well (as the interviewer) I can now see how effective it is. The number of people who can't answer those questions is really quite surprising!
Which industry, if you don't mind me asking?
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