Everyone who has ever been to a job interview knows the inevitable: Why should we hire you? And why exactly do you want this particular job?
With the former, you can go on summarizing your incredible soft and hard skills. Then point out all the measurable improvements you can make across all sorts of key performance indicators for your hopefully new employer. However, the latter question goes at something deeper. It goes for your soul. Your employer wants to know that there is a personal connection, some kind of internal drive that will make you put in extra long hours, jump in and help whenever needed, outperform yourself and your coworkers while being an awesome team player, handle stressful situations with grace and of course all while being pleasant and happy. (A good friend in Germany still got away with answering that the company seemed stable and a good employer. That would not cut it here in the US).
The notion that this kind of dedication is necessary for absolutely every job is remarkable and speaks as much to your employer's unwritten expectations that your actual job description is but a rough guideline and has no real bearing on workload. But this question is so important, and often one of the top deciding factors, that I've seen applicants really pull out all the stops. I saw one finalist for a C-level position even produce some tears in order to convince us that the story about her father was such a driving force in her life that she'd be eternally dedicated to this job. (She did not get the job as half of the committee thought it was fake, the other half absolutely loved the story.)
The thing is, you will really only be able to be that stellar of a performer if you've truly made your "calling" your job. Then, the more work the better. Weekends? Let's do some more work. Holiday? Darn it, you're keeping me from doing what I love. Oh wait, let's ignore you.
I'm in the incredibly lucky position to feel about my work like that. And I've seen this same unquestioning, passionate dedication in the people I work with. Next to actual ability, professionalism is what survives the fads of the day. There is a 17 year old working student with the demeanor of a customer service director with 20 years experience. I see civility, care, and thoughtfulness as well as fun and positive energy in the interactions with one another as well as the horses.
Now, when I'm "interviewing" for a job, I get asked to ride a horse and bring out the best in her or him. By that time, my references have already been checked. I'm extremely thankful for those early adopters, the coaching and the opportunities I've been given. When I work, someone is watching. By the next day, someone has already told the owner how the horse went. It's a very small world. And one that I would like to continue building my life in as a positive force for horses and their people. And there's no tear jerking story on why that is. I was just born with that desire to ride. My parents can't tell a horse from a mule.
Today, a well known equine bodyworker in the area treated a horse that I had been working with for a few months and confirmed what I had been feeling: That the horse had improved immensely. That's what drives me. That's my big pay off. That's what lets me believe that all those other things that will need to happen, like having a horse I can show so I can train and improve and build my skills will also happen in due time. One stride at a time. And that's exactly why that's the only job I've ever wanted.
