Interviewers aren't just curious about your qualifications; they also want to know your motivation behind applying for the job. Providing a genuine and well-considered response to the question, 'Why do you want this job?' can significantly impact your interview, either undermining your application or greatly enhancing your chances of landing the position.
So, how should you answer when posed with, 'Why do you want this job?'
Why recruiters ask "Why do you want this job?"?
Recruiters ask "Why do you want this job?" to evaluate your enthusiasm for the role and to understand how well you align with the company values and objectives.
They are mostly interested in understanding your motivations for applying to ensure that you have a genuine interest in the job and the organization, rather than just seeking any job.
This question helps them know whether you've done your homework about the company and whether your professional desires and expectations are a good match for what the role entails.
Usually they are looking for candidates who are not only qualified but are also likely to be engaged and committed to contributing to the company's success.
If your reasons for wanting the job demonstrate a passion for the work and an alignment with the company's mission, you are more likely to be a productive and stable member of the team. Employers prioritize candidates who see the position as a meaningful step in their career journey, not just a paycheck.
You don't need to reveal every personal ambition, but your answer should convincingly explain why this job, at this company, is the right fit for you at this stage of your career. This reassures employers that hiring you would be a beneficial choice for both parties involved.
Common variations of "Why do you want this job?"
- What motivated you to apply for this position?
- How do you think this role aligns with your career goals?
- Can you explain what attracted you to our company and this specific job?
- What aspects of this job excite you the most?
- In what ways do you feel this position fits with your long-term career objectives?
- Why do you believe you are a good fit for this role?
- What do you hope to achieve by working in this position?
How to answer: "Why do you want this job?"
This question can be a bit awkward. You might feel like saying, "Because I need a job," and honestly, that makes sense. But that answer won’t help you stand out in an interview.
What the employer really wants to know is why you’re interested in this specific job and what makes you a good fit for it. Here’s how you can talk about that in a clear and honest way.
Talk about why you like the company
Even if you don’t know every little thing about the job, you can still explain what you like about the company. Maybe you like what they stand for, how they treat people, or the kind of work they do. This shows that you’re not just applying everywhere, you actually care about working there.
Explain how you can help the company
Think about what you’re good at or what you’ve done in the past that would be helpful in this job. Talk about how you want to be part of the team and do your part to help the company do well. This helps show that you’re serious and want to make a difference.
Show real interest in the job itself
It’s not just about liking the company. You should also explain what you like about the role. Maybe it lets you do work you enjoy or learn something new. Talk about what makes this job exciting for you and why you’d be happy doing it.
"Why do you want this job?" Example Answers
Example 1: You’re passionate about the field
"I’ve always been interested in this kind of work, and this job really caught my eye because it fits both what I enjoy and what I’m good at. I’ve been following your company for a while, and I really like how you’re doing things, especially your work on mention something specific the company has done. I’d be excited to be part of that and bring my skills in your skill or experience area to the team. It feels like the kind of job where I’d be doing work I care about every day."
Example 2: You like the company’s values and culture
"What drew me to this job is the way your company seems to truly care about its people and values. I read about your focus on something like teamwork, growth, or giving back, and that really lines up with what I look for in a workplace. I want to be part of a team where people support each other and care about doing good work, and from everything I’ve seen, that’s what your company is all about. It’s important to me to work somewhere that shares the same values I do."
Example 3: You’re looking for growth and new challenges
"This job seems like a great next step for me. I’ve been looking for a role where I can keep learning and take on new challenges, and this one really stands out. I like that your company gives people chances to grow and move forward, and I’d love to be part of that. I’m ready to take what I’ve learned so far and do even more."
Key Takeaways
When you're asked why you want the job, the goal is to show that you're not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely interested in this one. The best answers are honest, specific, and show that you've done some research.
Start by talking about what you like about the company. Maybe it’s their mission, the kind of work they do, or how they treat their employees. This helps show that you care about being part of their team.
Next, explain why the role itself interests you. Mention parts of the job that match your skills or that you're excited to learn more about. This shows that you’ve read the job description and that you understand what the work involves.
Finally, talk about how the job fits into your bigger goals. Maybe it helps you grow in your career, do more of what you enjoy, or take on new challenges.
Keep it positive, focused, and about them as much as it is about you. Show that you’re motivated, that you’ve thought this through, and that you're ready to contribute. That’s what really makes your answer stand out.
A simple structure to follow
- Start by explaining how the role connects to your interests and career goals. Talk about why it feels like a good fit for your skills and the kind of work you want to do.
- Share what you like about the company—maybe it’s their mission, culture, or recent work. Explain how you see yourself contributing and why you’re excited to be part of the team.
- Show that you’re ready to grow. Mention that you’re open to learning, adapting, and taking on new challenges as the company and industry change.
In short, show that you care about the role, believe in the company, and are ready to grow with them over time.
Things to avoid when answering this question
It’s important to show real interest in the role, but there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t say things like “I just need a job” or “I want to make more money.” These answers sound generic and don’t show any real connection to the role or company.
- Avoid unrealistic statements like “I want to be the CEO.” It’s great to be ambitious, but your answer should be grounded in the role you’re applying for.
- Don’t make it sound like this job is just a temporary stop. Saying things like “This will help me get to something better later” can make it seem like you’re not really interested in staying.
- Skip vague answers like “It seems like a nice place to work.” Be specific. Mention something you admire about the company—like their values, recent projects, or team culture.
Just stay focused on why this job, at this company, matters to you now. A thoughtful answer shows that you’re serious, motivated, and ready to contribute.
For More Information
Want to feel even more confident heading into your interview? Check out these related guides:
- How to answer: "What are your salary expectations?" Learn how to answer this tricky question that all HR interviewers ask during interviews.
- 9 Best Answers to "Why Should We Hire You?" In this article, learn how to craft a compelling response that highlights your value and sets you apart from other candidates.
- What to Bring to a Job Interview Here's everything you need to walk in prepared.
- Top 19 Questions to Ask in an Interview Make a strong impression by asking smart, thoughtful questions of your own.
- Best Job Interview Simulators Practice makes perfect: these simulators help you practice and improve your answers in a realistic setting.
