It is common for candidates to get stuck on a perfect answer when they hear the interview question “Why do you want this job?” While it may seem straightforward, it is in fact one of the most vital questions since it tells you about your goals, aims, and the basic understanding of the firm.
In this post, we will demonstrate how to answer the “Why do you want this job” interview question and impress hiring managers, you will also learn about why interviewers ask this question, and practical examples are given on how to answer “why do you want this job” interview question.
Also See: How To Answer “Why Should We Hire You” Interview Question (+Examples)
Why Do Interviewers Ask “Why Do You Want This Job” Question?
Before we dive into how to answer the “why do you want this job” interview question, it is necessary to know why interviewers like asking this question as it is one of the most asked questions during job interviews.
The reason why you are asked this question is because interviewers or hiring managers want to assess:
- Your understanding of the company’s mission and values
- Your genuine interest in the role
- How well you’ve researched the organization
- Your potential for long-term commitment
Step-by-Step Guide to Answering “Why Do You Want This Job?”
A good answer has the outline of three main points:
- Understanding of the role: Show that you understand the responsibilities of the position you applied for.
- Alignment with your career goals: Describe how this position will contribute to your career development.
- Connection to the company: Prove you have investigated the company and that you are a good match with its mission and culture.
Step 1: Understand the Role
Start by stating clearly how you comprehend the responsibilities of the job. Mention specific tasks or skills listed in the job description that excite you.
Example:
“This role requires me to understand the intricacies of managing a team of customer service representatives and how to see that our support is ever-improving in terms of customer satisfaction.”
Step 2: Great Fit For Your Career Goals
Next, expand on the reasons why this particular role will help you achieve your longer-term career goals. This proves that you are searching for growth potential and not merely for a paycheck.
Example:
“I would fit in this position as it is an exact match to my career goals as it will allow me to apply management skills and my desire for improving service offered to customers.”
Step 3: Bridge it to the Company
Lastly, demonstrate that you have researched the company a little. Mention aspects of the company culture, mission, or recent achievements that resonate with you.
Why Do You Want This Job Example Answered?
Let’s connect all the steps so far together and make a complete cohesive answer:
“This position suits my objectives and competencies. In this regard, I recognize that this involves supervising the customer service employees and optimizing the support workflows. I possess a good understanding of customer service management and a desire to improve the customers’ experience further; hence, I can add considerable value. Also, I have been observing your company for a while and am very pleased with your passion for growth and sustainability. Most of all, the recent launch of your eco-friendly product line caught my attention, and I would love to work for organizations like yours.”
Let’s see other examples of how to answer “why do you want this job” interview question below:
Example 1: Entry-Level Position
“My interest in this position particularly stems from the fact that it relates more to my passion zone of [industry/field]. I have cultivated competencies in [key skills] during the course of my studies and internships. I believe that [Company Name] is above its peers because of its stance on [aspect of company’s mission]. It is also very encouraging to know that there is a team focused on [company values] and I will be able to grow with them as a professional.”
“This organization is recognized globally for the technological products you produce, and my background in technology and product development makes me quite interested in this position. I noted that last year several prizes were awarded to this company for the newly created software, and I would want to be in an innovative, team-oriented, and very active company like yours.”
Example 2: Career Advancement
“Having worked in [related field] for [number] years, I would like to try something new. What’s more interesting about this position is how it uses my [specific skills] and develops leadership. I am impressed by the [Company Name] proactive stance on this challenge faced by the industry and am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully.”
Example 3: Career Transition
“After [number] years in [previous industry], I am ready to move into [new field], which is an exciting shift for me. This position aligns with my career aspirations as it involves the utilization of my skills in [relevant skills]. I really appreciate [Company Name]’s approach to [aspect of company’s mission]. It is clear to me that I can offer the team something unique.”
Tips And Best Practices To Answer: Why Do You Want This Job And Why Should We Hire You?
- Be specific: Tailor your answer to the job and company.
- Show honesty: Share genuine reasons for your interest.
- Keep it concise: Aim for a 1-2 minute response.
- Use the STAR method: Structure your answer using Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
- Practice your answer: Anticipate this question and rehearse your response.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your answer stands out for the right reasons, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Being vague: Specificity showcases your genuine interest and understanding of the role and company.
- Focusing only on yourself: While it’s important to mention your goals, don’t forget to highlight how you can benefit the company.
- Lack of research: Generic answers suggest a lack of effort; always tailor your response to the specific company and role.
- Only saying what’s in it for you: You may want this job because you want to learn more about programming or improve your programming skills. That’s great, you just have to say what you stand to gain too
Also recommended:
What is Your Greatest Weakness Question And Answer In Job Interviews (+Examples)
How To Answer “What Are Your Salary Expectations?” In An Interview (+Examples)
Conclusion
Knowing how to answer the “why do you want this job” interview question effectively can make a significant impact on your interview success. By demonstrating your understanding of the role, aligning it with your career goals, and connecting it to the company’s values, you can craft a compelling answer that will leave a lasting impression.
Ready to ace your next interview? Start practicing your answer today and watch as you move one step closer to landing your dream job.
Good luck!