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’.