How do you answer the questions " why do you want to join the... "

[CaptainPlanet]

What type of things do the employers want to hear ? For the online forms is this going to HR in general. What do they want to hear ? My reasons are very simple.

 

Do they want me to show I know about the organization ?

 

Or do they just want to see that I have some interest and motivation other than " theres nothing better to do" ?

[Lana0120]

I would say both. It's important to know that you want to work in said area, but they want someone who is enthusiastic about the firm who has done a lot of research etc.

[Batya33]

They want to know how you feel you could be an asset to, and add value to, their organization.

[itsallgrand]

Sometimes it's a good way to sift through the personality types too. Doormats, leaders, supporters...

 

To see whether you have a clue about the org and what they do; and if your values and goals fit with their needs.

 

Lots of things.

 

What do you plan on saying?

[CaptainPlanet]

* I have respect and belief in the rule of law.

 

* I want to contribute upholding said values.

 

* I have an interest in Australian well being on an international as well as local level.

 

* I want to be challenged and face a changing environment requiring problem solving.

 

* I want to develop, learn and progress.

[Batya33]

* I have respect and belief in the rule of law.

 

* I want to contribute upholding said values.

 

* I have an interest in Australian well being on an international as well as local level.

 

* I want to be challenged and face a changing environment requiring problem solving.

 

* I want to develop, learn and progress.

 

That's fine but you need to be specific as to how your skills will enhance the bottom line and otherwise be an asset to the company. I like to hear why someone is interested and why someone feels he or she can improve and learn at the company but that doesn't tell me how that person believes he or she can contribute to the bottom line.

[Siriana]

So Batya if I am persitant, self motivator and moral, how to pack that up into a decent answer to this question?

[Batya33]

Moral is a given - I wouldn't add that. As far as being persistent and self-motivated I would spin it on an interview with specific examples that reflect that persistence and initiative and the positive outcomes. In a cover letter if you do one I might describe how you are able to be persistent but in a team-like setting because persistence gets you nowhere if you don't play nicely with others. However, I would connect the dots to what this specific company does and what this specific position entails and how your persistence and initiative would be assets to this specific company.

[itsallgrand]

Are you applying for a specific job?

 

I guess, personally, I would just try to be more specific. Your response is quite general.

[CaptainPlanet]

Police force. Its very competitive I need a good answer.

[Batya33]

What very specific skills do you have and what specific experiences have you had that would be an asset to the police force - and how it would be an asset to you does not really count for that question. Many many people are persistent and self-motivated.