Working in recruiting and resume writing, I talk with lots of people looking for jobs. Often my first question is “What kind of job are you looking for?”, and let me tell you, I get some pretty terrible answers. My biggest pet peeve is when people respond with “well, anything.” I understand that money and jobs are what pay the bills, and there comes a sort of desperation with being jobless, (I’ve been there too) however there is an art to answering such a loaded question. Thus, I wanted to share with you the best way to answer “What kind of job are you looking for?”
A general rule of thumb is that if someone continues to ask you various questions about a topic, they are curious about your answer and trying to get more information from you. For instance, when I ask someone “What kind of job are you looking for??”, and they reply with “anything,” my follow up questions will generally look something like this:
- “What does your career path look like?”
- “Is there an industry you’re looking to work in?”
- “What kind of skills do you possess?”
- “Are you looking for a desk job or something different?”
If you give the “anything” answer and someone continues to ask you questions like these, please do not continue to answer with “I’ve done everything,” or “I’m open to anything.” If you do continue to provide open ended answers like these, all you are doing is cutting yourself off from job opportunities because your answers show lack of thought, enthusiasm, and creativity.
The best way to answer “What kind of job are you looking for?” is by giving facts and examples.
You can still be open to anything, but a better way to phrase it is something like this:
- “I’m really open to any job right now because I do need to make an income, however I have worked in x, y, and z, industries, and my specialties include a, b, and c.”
By giving direct examples of your past jobs and skills, you are giving the recruiter a better picture of where to place you. You can still be open to anything, but showing your strengths massively helps you achieve the position you desire. Placing an introvert in a sales position or placing an extrovert in the back office to file paperwork all day probably would not be the best idea, and recruiters/hiring managers can usually tell where someone will fit best, however if you don’t give them some information to work with, there is only so much they can do.
Show your interviewer/recruiter that you are worth the job opportunity and that you are enthusiastic about starting whatever job that may be. Similarly, if you aren’t on an interview, but happen to be speaking with someone who has connections in your industry, show them that you care, and you are someone they can recommend. The biggest fear most people have about recommending a friend or colleague for a position is that the person will fall short and this will reflect badly on their recommendation . Showing that you are motivated and have done your research will always get you far.
Still feel like you need an extra push towards the career of your dreams? Make sure your resume is effectively highlighting your skills and achievements. Reach out to me directly at michele@writestylesonline.com and let’s discuss how I can help you!
Awesome!!!
Thanks Seth! So glad you enjoyed it!
how can I answer this question if I am an undergraduate?
Hi Suditi, it’s the same concept whether you are in school or out in the workforce. I suggest thinking about what kind of experience you have, what kind of classes you’re taking in school, and where you want to take your career. If you’re not sure what you want to do, I would give an answer along the lines of this: “I’m currently studying X in school, and while I’m still exploring what I want to do for a career, I’m interested in gaining more experience in the realm of X.”
Hope this helps!
If I’m a fresher..how do I answer this sort of a question?
Hi Gina, are you asking about the question if you’re looking for an entry level position? If this is what you’re asking, I would discuss what kind of experience you’re trying to gain; i.e. “I’m trying to gain more experience in an office environment, so I’m open to various entry level office jobs where I can gain the experience I’m looking for.”
Hope this helps!
If am a graduate with a diploma in public administration and management but without any work experience how do i answer this kind of question?
Hi Barbie,
Thanks for reaching out! I’d focus on highlighting the skills you have and what you enjoy doing. You might consider saying something along the lines of “Given my education in public administration and management, I’d love a role that allows me to use my expertise in these areas, but understand that I need to work my way up from an entry level role in order to transition into a managerial position.”
Hope this helps! If you have any other questions, or are looking for support with your resume, please feel free to reach out!
How do I answer this question if I only have Level 2 Ncv and I don’t have any job experience and I have done short course for Computer Literacy
Hi Linah, I suggest focusing on your strengths. For example, if you enjoy interacting with others, you might explain that you’d like to leverage your ability to communicate and build rapport with people in a role where you’ll conduct client facing communication. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, (job experience) focus on the value you offer as a candidate!
How do I answer if I’m persuing my graduation and preparing for any other course
HI Neha,
I recommend explaining that and acknowledging what skills your studies have helped you build.
Very helpful article, thank you! And your responses to others have helped me to think through my own responses/pitches to those I am sending my resume out to now. Cheers.
So glad to hear it!
How can I give answer this question if I want to do farm work?
I would discuss your desire to work in agriculture and gain experience on a farm.