Application Sections - Short Answer Responses
Some applications also contain a section that requires you to write / type short answers or a paragraph. Companies ask for these responses for several reasons:
- To find out if you express your ideas well in writing.
- To determine why you want this job.
- To determine your understanding of the job.
- To determine your strengths as they relate to the job.
- To learn more about your personality or character.
- To determine if you would work well with others.
If the application does contain a short answer section, there is usually only one question. Here are some of the questions that you might see on an application:
- Why do you feel that you would be a good fit for this job?
- What are your strengths as they relate this job?
- Why do you want this job?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- Describe any of your work-related skills, experience, or training that relate to the position you are applying for.
- Please describe one of your preferred activities (extracurricular, recreational, social).
- Describe a goal you set for yourself. How did you achieve that goal?
- Describe a situation where you worked on a team. Why was the experience successful or unsuccessful?
If you come across an application with a short answer question, make sure you practice before you write the actual response. Read the Short Answer Questions Worksheet for tips and practice!
