Is there such a thing as a ‘magic’ question when interviewing for a job, or even when you are hiring someone to join your team? What if you could ask or answer this one question to land any job, or ensure you are hiring the very best candidate?
Yes, that question is “Why do you do what you do?”…. your answer defines you!
Consider this: Apple has access to exactly the same information as everyone else. There’s no secret knowledge they have that other computer companies don’t. But they’re the only computer company that has people lining up for days for their new products – but it’s not because they’re better.
It turns out there’s one crucial question you need to ask yourself to put yourself in the same field as the very best companies in the world, and instantly stand out in a field of candidates with similar skills and experience all vying for the same job. In a TED talk that’s clocked up over 6 million views, author and motivational speaker Simon Sinek reveals what it is.
What is your ‘why’?.
Sinek identifies the ‘Golden Circle’ of what, how and why. While Sinek uses organisations as an example, it’s also true of individuals. Most people can identify what and how they do things, he says, but the why is more challenging to answer – but also the most important. The ‘what’ and ‘how’ is the same as all the other candidates, but your ‘why’ sets you apart from countless other candidates and demonstrates your passion to hiring managers.
Read on to see why job seekers who know their ‘why’ are more appealing than those who don’t.
What does ‘why’ mean?
Imagine the following conversation playing out a dinner party, networking event or job interview.
What do you do?
I’m an accountant
How do you do it?
I use a range of tools to numbers and balance the books.
Why do you do it?
Umm…
Your why is the fundamental reason to pursue one career path over another. It’s your specific passion for your work, your purpose and beliefs. It’s your underlying motivation, beyond financial gain. Thinking back to the example of Apple, their ‘why’ according to Sinek is challenging the status quo, which they achieve through beautifully designed, easy to use computers, and by communicating this mission, they get people to wholeheartedly buy into their products.
Your why is the ultimate thing you need to communicate to a hiring manager – so first you need to discover it. Think about what gives you satisfaction, what makes you happy in your work and what gets you out of bed in the morning.
So, let’s replay that last question again:
Why do you do it?
I believe that sound financial guidance is empowering for individuals and organisations.
Much better.
Why all professionals need a why
“People don’t buy what you do. They buy why you do it,” says Sinek.
Only you can know why you chose your career path, strive to achieve great results, and aim to excel in your field. People tend to accomplish their best work when they are passionate, engaged, and rewarded by their career, so it really pays to spend time figuring out your purpose.
Your why gives you purpose and fulfillment. Without it, it is that much harder to achieve professional dreams and build a career that you’re invested in. This is not only great for job satisfaction, but it also helps hiring managers choose a team that will stay engaged longer and produce better work – so showing them your motivational drivers will signal in an interview that you’re a strong potential candidate.
What to do with your why
When you understand your why, it becomes the guiding principle for your career choices, both while job searching and in a role. It reflects your values, attracts the right kinds of opportunities, and determines the ‘how’ and ‘what’ of your behaviour.
Importantly, gaining clarity on your motivations means you can then weave them into your personal brand – across your CV, LinkedIn, and most importantly, in job interviews. Once you know your why, you can more easily communicate this in person to the hiring manager. The person on the other side of the table will recognise the drive and authenticity behind your words, which will really help you stand out from the pack.
Takeaways
- Your purpose – or ‘why’ – is fundamental to what makes a successful business or career
- Most people can describe what they do, but necessarily why they do it
- Having a strong why helps you achieve career satisfaction and signals to hiring managers that you’re a good hire, because people who are motivated by a strong sense of purpose typically stay longer in roles and do better work
- Once you’ve determined your own why, make sure you communicate it throughout your CV, LinkedIn profile and job interviews
© 2017, Paul Simms, – Wright Executive. www.wrightexecutive.com.au
Paul Simms is an executive recruiter with 19 years of experience across the Australian and UK markets. He is the founder of Wright Executive a specialist business within the Accounting and Professional Services sector. If you would like to contact Paul, please email psimms@wrightexecutive.com.au or connect via LinkedIn here
© 2022, Paul Simms, – Wright Executive. www.
Paul Simms is an executive search recruiter with 25+ years of experience across the Australian and UK markets. He is the founder of Wright Executive Search, a specialist business within the Executive Search & Accounting Recruitment sector, and is considered one of Australia’s most respected Executive Search Firms.
If you would like to contact Paul, please email psimms@wrightexecutive.com.au or connect via LinkedIn here
I like this simple question Paul. It is one that needs reflection and not usually answered well if you don’t know why you do what you do. I am going to use it more in my coaching.
Thanks Don, I really value your input and and perspective, and I’m honoured that you will use this in your superb coaching, thank you so much!
Paul