How To Answer 'Why Do You Want This Job' + 10 Powerful Examples

Job interviews are often nerve-wracking experiences for job seekers, especially when it comes to answering common interview questions like “why do you want this job?” This question is often asked by hiring managers to assess a candidate’s interest and fit for the position and organization. A well-crafted answer can help make a positive impression, while a poorly executed one can ruin your chances of securing the job.

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of answering the “why do you want this job” question effectively and discuss recent articles that provide guidance on how to do so. Whether you’re a seasoned job seeker or new to the job market, this post will provide valuable insights on how to ace this critical interview question.

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Why Do Interviewers Ask “Why Do You Want This Job?”

Before the go further, let’s try to understand why hiring manager asks this questions during the job interview.

Assessing Fit and Motivation

From the employer’s perspective, the answer to this question helps to assess whether the job candidate is a good fit for the role and the company culture. The interviewer may be looking for evidence that the candidate has researched the company and understands its values, goals, and products or services.

For example, if the company values teamwork and collaboration, the interviewer may be more interested in candidates who have previous experience working in a team environment and demonstrate a willingness to work well with others.

Standing Out from the Competition

Answering the “why do you want this job?” question effectively can help the candidate stand out from the competition. A well-crafted answer can demonstrate the candidate’s enthusiasm, skills, and qualifications for the job and company. It can also show the interviewer that the candidate has put effort into preparing for the interview and is genuinely interested in the opportunity.

Showcasing Skills and Enthusiasm

It allows the interviewer to evaluate the candidate’s fit and motivation for the position and gives the candidate an opportunity to showcase their skills match and enthusiasm. By preparing a thoughtful and tailored response, candidates can make a positive impression and increase their chances of securing the job.

Research and Preparation

Preparing to answer "Why Do You Want This Job?"

Before going into an interview, it’s essential to do your research and prepare for questions like “why do you want this job?” By understanding the job description and company’s mission statement, you can get a better sense of what the organization is looking for in a candidate and tailor your response accordingly.

Job Description and Mission Statement

Start by reading the job description carefully and identifying the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the position. This will help you understand the skills and experience that the employer is seeking. Additionally, reviewing the company’s mission statement or values can provide insight into the organization’s goals and priorities.

Key Factors

Next, identify a few key factors that attract you to the job and the organization. Consider the company’s products or services, its reputation in the industry, or any specific initiatives or projects that interest you. For example, if the company is known for innovation and cutting-edge technology, you may want to highlight how your skills can contribute to advancing the organization’s goals.

Company Culture

Lastly, researching the company’s values and work environment can give you a better understanding of the company culture and help you tailor your response to fit with the organization’s values. For instance, if the company values work-life balance, you could mention how the job aligns with your personal values and how you appreciate the company’s commitment to employee wellbeing.

By doing your research and preparing for the question “why do you want this job?” you can showcase your enthusiasm, skills, and knowledge about the organization, which can help make a positive impression on the interviewer.

Why Do You Want This Job? – Developing The Perfect Answer

Developing Your Answer for Why do you want this job

Crafting a strong response to “why do you want this job?” involves focusing on your career goals and showcasing how your skills align with the requirements of the position. Additionally, mentioning specific benefits or perks that interest you, such as health insurance or a clear career path, can help set you apart from other candidates.

Providing examples from your last job or personal life to this interview answer can also give the interviewer a better understanding of your qualifications and enthusiasm for the job.

Career Goals

Start by explaining your career goals and how the position aligns with them. For example, if you’re interested in a career in marketing, you could mention how the job responsibilities align with your experience and desire to learn more about the field. Be sure to tie your answer back to the company’s mission statement or values to demonstrate your knowledge of the organization.

Skills and Qualifications

Next, showcase your skills and how they match the requirements of the job. Provide specific examples of how you have used your skills in previous roles and how they can be applied to the current position. This can help demonstrate your capabilities and show the interviewer that you have the necessary qualifications to succeed in the job.

Benefits and Perks

You may also want to mention any specific benefits or perks that interest you, such as healthcare coverage or professional development opportunities. This can demonstrate that you have done your research on the company and are excited about what the organization has to offer.

Examples

Finally, provide examples to support your response. Use concrete examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills, accomplishments, and dedication. By providing specific examples, you can show the interviewer that you are not only interested in the job but also have the skills and experience to excel in the position.

By developing a strong answer to “why do you want this job?” you can showcase your enthusiasm, skills, and qualifications to the interviewer. Be sure to tailor your response to the specific job and company, and use examples to support your answer.

Sure, here are 10 different personas with sample answers to the question “why do you want this job?” that showcase different approaches:

Sample Answers / Examples – Why Do You Want This Job

Please use the sample answer examples in this blog for your inspiration only. Good hiring managers can easily sense when a someone just googled and gives a canned or copy/paste example answer. Hire a coach if you need help – The best answers are always built on trust, being authentic is more important than sounding sophisticated.

1. Recent College Graduate

“I am excited about this job because it provides an opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience in a field that I am passionate about. From my research, I know that this company values employee development and has a great reputation for providing opportunities to learn and grow. I believe that my academic coursework and extracurricular activities have equipped me with the necessary skills to excel in this role and make valuable contributions to the company.”

2. Stay-at-home Parent Returning to the Workforce

“I am interested in this job because it allows me to apply my skills and experience in a professional setting while still providing flexibility for my family. From my research, I see that this company values work-life balance and has policies in place to support employees who need flexibility. I believe that my previous experience and dedication to providing high-quality work make me a strong fit for this role.”

3. Mid-Career Professional Seeking Growth

“I am excited about this job because it provides an opportunity to challenge myself and grow in my career. From my research, I see that this company values innovation and encourages employees to take on new challenges. I believe that my experience and skills make me well-suited for this role, and I am eager to contribute to the company’s success while developing my own career.”

4. Freelancer Seeking Stability

“I am interested in this job because it provides stable employment and the opportunity to work with a great team. From my research, I see that this company values collaboration and fosters a positive work environment. I believe that my experience as a freelancer has equipped me with valuable skills such as adaptability and self-motivation, which will make me a valuable asset to the team.”

5. Career Change

“I am excited about this job because it allows me to pursue my passion for [insert industry]. I have been working in a different field for several years, but I have always been drawn to this industry because of its [unique aspect]. From my research, I see that this company is a leader in the industry and values innovation and creativity. I believe that my transferable skills, such as [insert skill], and my dedication to learning and growing in this field make me a strong fit for this role.”

6. Entry-level Professional

“I am interested in this job because it provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience in a field that I am passionate about. From my research, I see that this company values employee development and provides opportunities for growth. I believe that my academic background and eagerness to learn make me well-suited for this role, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the company’s success.”

7. Experienced Professional Seeking New Challenges

“I am excited about this job because it provides an opportunity to take on new challenges and use my skills in a different setting. From my research, I see that this company values innovation and encourages employees to think creatively. I believe that my experience and skills make me well-suited for this role, and I am eager to contribute to the company’s success while learning new skills.”

8. Sales Professional

“I am interested in this job because it provides an opportunity to work with a great team and sell a product that I am passionate about. From my research, I see that this company has a great reputation in the industry and values customer satisfaction. I believe that my experience in sales and my ability to build relationships make me a strong fit for this role, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the company’s success.”

9. Technical Professional

“I am excited about this job because it provides an opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology and collaborate with a great team. From my research, I see that this company values innovation and fosters a positive work environment. I believe that my technical skills and experience make me well-suited for this role, and I am eager to contribute to the company’s success while learning new skills.”

10. Experienced Manager

“I am excited about this opportunity because it aligns with my career goals of working in a fast-paced environment where I can leverage my leadership skills to drive growth and success. From my research, I see that this company values collaboration and innovation, which is something I have fostered in my previous roles. I believe that my experience leading successful teams, my ability to think critically and solve problems, and my passion for driving business results make me a strong fit for this role.”,

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About the author: Ilam’s career in Technology and Financial Services spans more than two decades, characterized by leadership roles and vast international experience. He has managed large global teams, worked across five countries, and engaged with colleagues from over 100 nationalities. Through this blog, Ilam shares his diverse experiences and insights, aiming to contribute to and enrich the community.

How To Answer ‘Why Do You Want This Job’ + 10 Powerful Examples