Dear Employers,
Too many times we see on job postings the request to send an application along with “tell us why you’d be a great fit for us” – please stop asking this question at this stage.
Why? Because we haven’t even met yet! In many cases (not all), you’ve haven’t included much (or anything) about the culture of the company or even the details of the job.
Interviewing is a two way street – just as you’re interviewing the candidate – they are interviewing you (the company) to decide if they even want the job.
Asking the ‘fit’ question is fair – but only after both employer and candidate have had a chance to speak with each other (interviews – where you both get to ask cultural/fit questions) – so you can BOTH answer the question on whether the company or candidate will be a ‘great fit’.
2 Comments
So true – couldn’t agree more!!
I’m glad you posted this and hope employers will read and actually listen to your advice. I see this question a lot – especially on Craigslist where they don’t even have to provide a company name on their postings but ask this question along with asking for way too many other personal documents before even being invited in for an interview.