Common Interview Query: What Are the Three Things Most Important to You in a Job?

When an interviewer inquires you what you look for in a job, they aren’t necessarily looking for a specific answer. They are generally looking to see what your priorities are and if you can put them into words. Any number of things can be put together to create a great answer to this question involving company culture, performance based rewards, teamwork, growth potential etc…..

Three significant things to keep in mind:

1. Try to be Authentic

Consider the factors that are more significant TO YOU in a job, do not just recycle standard replies.

2. Keep it Professional

Every answer should be about your capability to be a good worker. This is not the forum to voice personal aims.

3. Be Ready to Back it Up

You require being ready to engage in a discussion about the points you make if important.

What Are the Three Things Most Significant to You in a Job?

Bad Answer

“From any job, I would like easy work that I can complete without issues, a relaxed work environment and bosses that won’t blame me for things that I didn’t do.”

Good Answer

“Growth potential is the most significant thing to me in any role I accept. I look for good growth potential in terms of my own role within the company and specifically in terms of the company’s overall growth. I’d love to work for a company that is creative and always looking for new chances to expand. Secondly, I look for companies who’ve a positive and adaptive culture. And ultimately a healthy level of respect and trust. A positive workplace will create high levels of respect and trust amongst its workers. It is significant to me that my colleagues can respect and trust me just as I can trust my coworkers.”

The answers are fairly simple, but they deliver a positive message. You are devoted to the company. You need to work in a positive environment. You want to be seen as trustworthy. All of these depict positively on you and can be defended or expanded upon if required.

Other Potential Answers For Things That Are Most Significant to You in a Job?

If the sample answer above doesn’t sound quite right to you, you can also consider the following options:

Job is stimulating and challenging

Able to learn new things and develop your skill set

Achieve measurable results

Feel valued and a core part of the team

Chances to grow and progress within the company

Be part of a positive culture where contributions are appreciated

Learn from peers and supervisors

Acquire a healthy work/life balance

Figuring Out What Actually Is Important To You

Sometimes figuring out what is most significant to you is hard. You can come up with an answer for the employer from the list above but being clear in your own mind about what you need is a bit trickier. You can then select which elements you would like to share with an employer.

Salary & performance Based Remuneration

Location

Company Culture

Experience & Development

Network Development