Hiring managers often ask this question to tell apart the employee that will try his/her best from the one that’s just drifting through life aimlessly and therefore finds everything meaningless. And often, people stumble in this question more than they think. The danger being here is that you don’t realize you’re stumbling. How do you answer this question then? We’ve prepared a few points you should note down to formulate your answer
- The job in question… isn’t your passion
Have you ever heard anyone saying, “I love strategic communication, it’s my passion!”? Well, it’s great if it is but if we’re honest that’s a very rare happening. To answer that the job you’re interviewing for is your passion will not only sound false and at best it will also put you on the spotlight even before you’re hired. You don’t want that pressure right from the get go. Employers aren’t gullible and they won’t believe you.
- KEY WORD: Introspecting
Just like any other exam, an interview is something you must prepare for. However, unlike a math exam, the answer really does lie within. So, think about what really makes you happy and why you love it. This will help you avoid answering this question vaguely or sounding to general like:
INTERVIEWER: What’s your passion
INTERVIEWEE: I just love music. It just makes my day
Generic answers will get you an automated email the next day(not necessarily but you get the point)
- Yes you’re passionate about it but… maybe not others
Passion, like time (for us Ethiopians anyways) is relative. What you’re raving about might sound like crazy talk to others. When talking about your passion consider your audience. If you’re comfortable talking about it to others and they’re willing to listen to you talk about it, then you’re on the right track. Otherwise, keep it brief.
- Make it engaging but not a lecture
If you’re passionate about something… um.. unique , like starting a stamp collection, do make it engaging but don’t get carried away and give a mini lesson on how stamps were first started in 1840 by Sir Rowland Hill(what a fun fact right?) and go on about the history of adhesive postage stamps. Everyone’s been through college not everyone likes lectures.
- Really look at the job description
Look we’re not saying you should twist your arm to make your passion about the job description. However, often times while pursuing your passion you might have learnt one or two skills that are important for the job description. For instance, if you love writing stories in your spare time, you have creative skills. If you’re into racing, you might have picked up time management skills. The point is to take this opportunity to showcase how good of a fit you are. But remember …. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES (unless it’s truly true) SAY THAT THE JOB YOU’RE APPLYING FOR IS YOUR PASSION!