Why Did You Choose This Career?

 

Why Does The Interviewer Ask, “Why Did You Choose This Career?”

Employers want to hire applicants who will stick by the company for a long time. The interviewers ask this question out of interest to understand your motivations behind choosing this career. It is one of their ways to comprehend how much research and planning you did to make your career selection. 

So, to make the deal, you must be honest and give an impressive answer that makes you unique from the other candidates.

Sample Answers: Why Did You Choose This Career?

Here are some different ways to answer the HR interview question, “Why did you choose this career”:

You Developed An Interest With Time

At a point in school or college, we are encouraged to choose activities that interest us. The main reason behind these choices is our overall development. Many people generate interest in one particular thing. 

So, if you are one of those people who developed an interest in a specific thing over time, this is how you can answer, “Why did you choose this career?”:

I chose Art as an elective subject for extracurricular activities in high school. Over time, I was deeply interested in drawing. I learned various aspects of lines, shapes, colours, and how you can depict the emotions of an object on a piece of paper. 

It was that time when I knew I wanted to be an artist. With time I kept practising, applied for online courses, did better, and chose this as my profession. This field encourages me to learn more about the field and always brings out the best in me.

Your Family/Friends Encouraged You

It happens very often that our career choices are influenced and inspired by our family or close friends. To answer this question, you can talk about that particular person and how they encouraged you to choose this career path. 

A simple answer to “Why did you choose this career?” can be like this:

Since childhood, I have bonded with my maternal uncle, a software engineer. His skill in different programming languages has always fascinated me to learn more about it. We used to talk for hours about how engineers work. 

I started learning basic programming principles and later found my interest in it. I knew I could see my career in it, and my uncle guided me to make the right decision. I completed a BTech degree and gained experience in making applications. Throughout, I always knew this was my dream career.

A Movie/Documentary/Book Encouraged You

Books and movies are always the best companions. It inspires so many of us in many different ways. Watching or reading about other people’s lives, getting motivated to do the same, etc. However, it cannot happen without having the passion and persistence to achieve it. 

So, when HR asks you, “Why did you choose this career?” you can reply like this:

I was a theatre child and loved watching movies, documentaries, and reading books. With time I started writing and always dreamt of becoming a good writer. Today when I see myself, I know there is no other profession I would choose but this.

It Gives You Satisfaction

Many people get confused between monetary accomplishments and job satisfaction. However, from a long-term perspective, job satisfaction and motivation are two essential aspects that keep you going.  

Hence, when someone asks, “Why did you choose this career?” you can simply mention growth scope, motivation, etc., to justify your explanation. Here is an example: 

I have always found the scope and job satisfaction in banking, and from day one, I knew I wanted to become a banker. What keeps me satisfied is the growth, fixed working hours, teleworking, job diversification, etc. I believe it is one of the most powerful jobs in today’s world that offers numerous opportunities to employees, and it is one of my reasons to choose this profession.

Your Teacher/Mentor Encouraged You

We all have a person in our lives who we look up to. It can be our teachers, mentors, professors etc. Teachers are always good supporter who encourages students to do better at every step in life.  

So, when the interviewer asks, “Why did you choose this career?” you can simply answer like this:

My economics professor has been an incredible support throughout my college times. I used to love logistics, trades, exports, imports, etc., and I always wanted to build my career as an economist. She gave guidance and encouraged me to pass the hurdles with confidence. She has been my greatest support, and I am here today because of her.

What Not To Say In Answers To “Why Did You Choose This Career?” Job Interview Question

Here are some things that you should take into consideration and not mention during the interview:

• Avoid mentioning the money element when you discuss the story behind choosing the career path. It can make you look money-focused, who can quit the job for a higher-paying opportunity. 
• Do not mention any points like, “I joined the company because they offered remote job opportunities and flexible working.” It may lead the employing manager to believe that you joined the company because of the perks it offered to the employees. 
• Avoid responding that you struggled to find the job, and one of your contacts recommended it to you. It will make you sound like you chose this job out of convenience and lack of interest.