When you go into a job interview, you can expect to answer the question, “Why do you want this job?” It may seem like an easy one, but even a common interview question can trip you up if you’re not ready, so you’ll want to prepare your answer.
In your response, you want to show that you've researched the company and can prove that you're a good fit for the job.
Key Takeaways
- Research the company and position so you can express what you think the job will entail and why you are interested in it.
- Review sample answers, and use them as a model for your own responses.
- Keep the focus on the company and its needs. Even though the question is asking about you, it's really an opportunity to share how you'd benefit the company.
What the Interviewer Wants to Know
Upon first hearing this question (especially if you're unprepared for it), you might think that the hiring manager wants to learn more about whatyouwant in your next job. To some extent, this is true: The employer definitely has to ascertain whether your career goals are aligned with the organization’s needs.
However, this question is actually more about gauging how much you know about the company, its mission, and its operations, as well as how the specific job aligns with your skills and goals.
Note
When interviewers ask, "Why do you want this job?" it's a different way of asking, "Why do you want to workhere?”
The interviewer wants to know if you have taken the initiative to learn about the company and to think about what attracts you to working for them.
How to Answer, "Why Do You Want This Job?”
Use this question as anopportunity to sell yourself to the employer.In thinking about your answer, first, focus on and list the employer’s strengths, which you can identify by researching the company. For instance:
- What training and growth opportunities do they provide for someone in your career field?
- Why do other candidates want to work for them instead of for their competitors?
- How has the employer contributed to their industry or community?
After establishing the context for your answer—the desirability of the employer—you should then highlight what you can bring to the table that will meet their needs.
Note
A good way to brainstorm this question is to fill in the following blanks: “Working for you would allow me to build on my experience and skills in ___, ___, and ___ as part of what I know would be a really inspiring and rewarding environment, based upon what I’ve heard about your company.”
Once you’ve customized your answer to this question, be sure to practice saying it out loud. It may help to have a friend or family member pretend to be the interviewer who asks you the question. In fact, this is a great way toprepare for a variety of interview questions.
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Watch Now: How to Answer "Why Do You Want to Work Here?"
Examples of the Best Answers
Not sure how to answer this important question? Below are some of the best job interview answers for when the interviewer asks why you want the job. Customize these answers to fit your particular circ*mstances and the job you are applying for.
Example Answer #1
I want this job because it emphasizes sales and marketing, two of my greatest skill sets. In my previous job, I increased sales by 15% in what was at the time considered a flat industry. I know I could bring my 10 years of sales and marketing experience to this company, and help you continue your years of growth.
Why It Works:This answer is extremely effective because it uses aquantifiable exampleof the candidate’s previous achievement in sales and marketing, and it reminds the interviewer that he or she can offer a decade of professional, industry-specific experience to the company.
Example Answer #2
I understand that this is a company on the rise. As I’ve read on your website and in various press releases, you’re planning to launch several new products in the coming months. I want to be a part of this business as it grows, and I know my experience in product development would help your company as you roll out these products.
Why It Works:This answer proves that the candidate has done their homework in researching the company online, as well as considering how they could practically contribute to current business and production initiatives.
Example Answer #3
I have worked as a dental hygienist in a children’s dental office for the past six years.
Not only am I experienced working with kids, but I also greatly enjoy it. Being able to work for your office, which caters to children and young adults, would allow me to continue to put my skills to use with a population I love. This is the kind of work environment I would look forward to coming to every day.
Why It Works:This answer demonstrates the candidate's passion and enthusiasm for their work, which is always a winning trait in a job candidate. It also subtly mentions their years of relevant experience.
Example Answer #4
This job is a good fit for what I've been doing and enjoying throughout my career. It offers a mix of short-term projects and long-term goals. My organizational skills allow me to successfully manageprojects and complete both kinds of projects.
Why It Works:This answer is solid because it lists thesoft skillsthat the candidate can contribute to the employer’s project initiatives, including versatility in being able to work on simultaneous projects.
Example Answer #5
I want thisretail jobat your store because I know I would be terrific at it. I love engaging with people and providing them with assistance. I also have two years of experience working cash registers at other stores. I am a regular customer of this store, so I would love to apply my skills to a store I believe in and support.
Why It Works:Here the candidate demonstrates personal familiarity with and admiration for the employer while also describing the selling points of her work experience and customer service skills.
Example Answer #6
I have admired this company’s successful strategies and mission for years. Your emphasis on creating a relationship between your company and the surrounding community has brought you success everywhere you have opened an office. That is a value I greatly admire.
Why It Works:This clearly shows that the candidate has researched the company’s mission statement and track record of community involvement, and it allows them to state how their own values align with the employer’s.
Tips for Giving the Best Response
Research the company indepth.Interviewers will be listening for a response that shows you've researched the company. Make sure you know some basic information about both the company and the job. You might want to read some recent articles on the company to get a sense of its current goals and projects. Also, be sure to reread the job posting. This way, when you answer the question, you can mention specific aspects of the company and position that appeal to you.
Be specific about why you’re a good fit.Be specific about what makes you agood fitfor this role. To prepare your answer, make a list of the job requirements (as explained in thejob listing), and then note which requirements fit your skills and experience. In your answer, highlight a few of the abilities that qualify you for the job and include successful examples from your previous jobs.
Emphasize what you can contribute.Your answer should also emphasize what you can contribute to the company—what will you bring to the position? Mention any skills or work experience that makes you a unique, strong candidate for the job. If possible, use numbers to express how you canadd valueto the business. For example, if you saved your previous company a certain amount of money, mention this, and say that you want to do the same for this company.
What Not to Say
Avoid reasons that focus on you.Even if it's true,do not mentionsalary, hours, or commute as the primary reasons you want the job.Remember that you want to focus on how you can benefit the company, not how the company or job can benefit you.
Don't rehash your resume at length.Although the sample answers here allude to the candidates’ experience, they do so merely to demonstrate how the interviewees have the number of years of experience listed in the “minimum qualifications” section of the job listing. Providing a lengthy work history places too much emphasis upon you; again, your primary focus should be on the employing company and the value you can bring to them. Be selective and concise in the elements of your work history you choose to share.
Possible Follow-Up Questions
- Why should we hire you?
- Why are you the best person for the job?
- What are your career goals?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the hardest interview questions?
"Why do you want this job" is likely on the list of challenging interview questions. Othertough interview questionsinclude, "What's your biggest weakness?" and "What was most and least rewarding about your last position?"
What are interviewers looking for?
In general, interviewers are looking for qualified candidates who have the skills and experience to perform well in the job at hand. For early-career candidates, interviewers are looking to see if the interviewee can grow into the role. Interviewers are also looking for people who will fit in well at the company and will be easy to work with.
