There are many reasons that someone is looking for a job, but what you actually tell the employer during your interview makes a HUGE difference. It could be the deciding factor of whether they hire you or go onto the next applicant. This is something that needs to be taught to teenagers. Granted, most fast-food places do not ask a teenager why they want to work there, not that I remember anyway. They either hire you (98% of the time) or they don’t. There is not usually any kind of formal interview. But as we get older, there will be regular interviews with this type of question being asked. As you have grown and graduated high school, most of you would rather not work at a fast-food establishment, but sometimes have no choice. In that case, you will be asked the question, “Why do you want to work here?”
Why do you want to work here, is one of the most asked questions at job interviews no matter what the industry is. How you answer this question could definitely be the deciding factor of whether or not you get the job over all of the other applicants. If you are new to the job market, then your answer is a pretty simple one; “I am entering the workforce and have chosen this establishment to gain job skills, work ethic, and to earn/save money.” Highlight your positive aspects; punctual, friendly, open to work any hours/shifts, always perform tasks to the best of your ability, etc. NEVER say; “because I have to” or “because there is no other place to work.”
When you are applying to fast food, this is a tricky question, because your answer will normally never be the truth. People usually do not want to work in fast food, they are doing it because there really is no other option at the time or because they have no job experience at all. I will guide you through this touchy question the best that I can.
How do you answer, “Why do you want to work here?” (McDonalds)
How you answer this question is going to depend on how old you are, how many other jobs you have had, and what job experience you have. So, let’s begin with a high school student who has never had a job. If you have an interview and you are asked the question, “why do you want to work here?” Simply state that this is your first job and that you are applying to earn your own income, save some money before college, and start learning skills to be out in the real world. DO NOT say that it is because it is the only place to work or that you have no other options. If you have had a job or two or four and you have applied at a fast-food establishment, give them the honest truth as to why. You are between jobs, you are supplementing your income, you are going back to work after extended time off. Which are normally the main reasons why adults are resorting to working in the fast-food industry.
Why do you want this job and why should we hire you?
This answer will go hand in hand with the above. Everyone has a reason for applying and everyone has positive aspects about themselves that they can bring to the job. Honesty is the best policy in everything in life, except for this. Again, you do not want to say anything like; I have no other options, because my parents are making me work, or because you are the only place hiring. You want to state that you want the job because you are wanting to earn money and save money before college. You are in between jobs, you are retired and want to still work with the public, or you are supplementing your income. As for the question, “why should we hire you?” Give the prospective employer your positive attributes. You are friendly, you are willing to work any shift, any day, you learn quickly, and get tend to get along with everyone.
What would you bring to the team?
This is another way to ask, “why should we hire you?” Do not say, “I don’t know.” Think of the positive things about yourself. Tell them that you would bring good teamwork skills. If you play any type of sports you know how much teamwork can help during a game. It is no different at a job. If the team doesn’t work well together, then things tend to fall apart and not get done correctly or quickly. Besides, bring teamwork skills, you can also say that you will bring a positive attitude to the team. You will bring organization, laughter, and hard work to the team. Think positive!! The questions may throw you off guard at first, but take your time in answering them. Again, it could make a difference in whether or not you get the position.
Conclusion
When you go in for a job interview, think positive. State the positive things about yourself, the reason you are applying for the job, what you can bring to the job/team, and what prompted you to apply for that particular position. You don’t want to ‘lie’ but you also do not ever want to state that you are applying for the job because you have no choice, because your parents are making you work, or because they are the only organization hiring. No one wants to work in the fast-food industry, because of all the negativity surrounding it, but it is honestly not a horrible place to work. I have worked at three separate fast-food companies and it is not as bad as some individuals make it out to be. It is all in your approach and your attitude.