Why Do Employers Ask the Same Questions at Every Interview?

You need a job because you need a paycheck. The employer needs a worker to fill a need. Despite this, the same rules apply to the interview and job seekers need to understand the employer's perspective to succeed in the interview and land the job.

By Matt Krumrie, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: September 21, 2009 - 1:50 PM

Dear Matt: I was laid off in October. I get asked the same questions at every interview - why do you want to work for this company? What interests you about this particular position? I need a job, that's why I'm interested! When I apply for jobs that I'm overqualified for I get asked why I'm interested in a position that I'm overqualified for. Do they think we are being picky when we just need a job and a paycheck?

Matt: I feel your frustration and I hear from many people who feel the same way. What you want to keep in mind during a job search is that it isn't about you, it's about what you can do for an employer. If you have been brought in for the interview, employers know your background. They see you as a possible candidate and at this point, each question is asked to test, challenge and see how you would fit in with the position and company. They want to get to know you beyond the resume. They want to know the person and what that person will bring to the company.

"Recruiters want to hear your thought process, judgment, how you react to things, how well you articulate yourself," says Elizabeth Laukka, an independent Twin Cities marketing and advertising recruiter.

Employers shy away from those who are overqualified because they are concerned that you're settling for any position and as soon as the market turns around, you'll be gone, says Caleb Fullhart, manager of commercial recruiting at the Plymouth branch of Visionary Integration Professionals. Companies pay thousands of dollars to hire, train and retain employees - employers want to ensure that the people they invest in will stay for the long run.

In other words - you might need a job, but the employer's obligation is to find the best fit for its company. To alleviate this, you really need to have a clear response as to why you feel this job will be a challenge for you and why you expect to remain in this position for the next few years. If you don't appear to care about being overqualified or about the company itself, good recruiters will see right through you and pass you by, says Fullhart.

No employer is under any obligation to hire you. Everyone knows why we work - to make a living - but those reasons aren't good enough for employers. They have a job to do too, make it easy for them by showing that your skills, experience and attitude are the right fit for the position they are interviewing you for. That - and only that - is your concern when interviewing.

Matt Krumrie is a freelance writer from Inver Grove heights, and has nine years of experience reporting on the employment industry. This coulmn will answer readers' questions. E-mail questions or subject ideas to askmatt@startribune.com.

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