Struggling with Interview Questions: How to Explain Your Shift from Private to Government Jobs?

Hi,

I have around 5 years of work experience in a private company, and now I am trying for a government job. In one interview, the interviewer asked me the reason for this big change.

I gave them the following reasons:

a. Job Security

b. Money is not a matter for me

However, they were not satisfied with the answer. What would be the best answer for me? Can you help me in crafting a better response?

Thanks in advance.

Dear Pranjuls,

Welcome to CiteHR.com.

In an interview, some subjective questions are asked to elicit an opinion and to gauge the attitude and beliefs of the person. Since such questions do not have definite, precise answers, the best answers are those which you consider to be true. However, at times, the interviewer may be looking for an "ideal" answer rather than a "true" answer. For example, in this case, they might be looking for an answer that reflects a sense of "patriotism", like:

"I have always wanted to serve the country in a meaningful way and a government job will provide me that opportunity and a sense of pride."

Warm regards.

Thanks for the reply. I'll start preparing myself by keeping your points in mind.

One more doubt is here. What should my reply be when the interviewer asks me to tell something about myself? What points should I include? Should I mention the reason for changing from the private sector to the government sector?

Dear Pranjuls,

When you are asked, "..tell me something about yourself.." your response should not include the reasons for change. Just tell them about yourself, starting briefly with your background and more specifically about your qualifications and experience. This question, although meant as an 'ice-breaker' to start the interview, sets the tone. The data about the person is already with the interviewers, but a good interviewer observes how the interviewee sees himself, describes, presents, and expresses himself. A skillful interviewee can put this question to his advantage by expressing his unique qualities, values, and attitudes in an appropriate manner.

While preparing, do not mug up your answers and rattle them in the interview. Nothing irritates an interviewer more than 'ready-made stock' answers lacking originality and truth.