10 Ways to Answer "Why Do you Want This Job?" + Sample Answers!

Job interviews may seem nerve-wracking, but not if you prepare for them. Researching possible interview questions can help calm your nerves. One of them is this common yet loaded question: “Why do you want this job?” 

One common, but tricky, question you might face is: "Why do you want this job?"  It's more than just a simple question—it's a chance for you to explain why you're a good fit for the job and why you're excited about it. 

Answering this question allows you to showcase your knowledge of the company. Also, it lets you describe your motivation and goals for joining the organization. Preparing a compelling response helps you stand out from the competition. If you want to confidently tackle this question and leave a lasting impression, read on. 

• Understanding the question
• Top 10 Ways to Answer “Why do you want this job?”
• Preparing your answer
• Delivering your answer
• Following up after the job interview
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Understanding the question

Why do employers often ask this? It's not to catch you off-guard but rather to gain insights into several key aspects:

• Your research: Have you checked out their company and the job?
• Your preferences and motivations: What parts of the job or company do you like?
• Your career goals: Does this job match your goals and what the company wants?
• Your contributions: What do you think you can add to their business?
• Your commitment: Will you stick around in their company?

This question helps employers know if you're ready, interested in the job and if you'd fit well with their team.

A common mistake when answering the question is to focus on what the company can offer you, such as salary or benefits. While these are important factors, it's better to emphasize how you might contribute to the organization. This shows how your skills and long-term goals align with the business objectives.

A compelling answer should highlight your passion, fit, and desire to contribute to the company's success. It should also demonstrate your understanding of the organization's mission, culture, values, and market position.

Also read: How to Get a Job You’re Unqualified for in 10 Smart Ways

Top 10 Ways to Answer “Why do you want this job?”

Here are some tips and sample answers to help you stand out during the interview:

1. Show how the position aligns with your career plans

Aligning your goals with the company's shows a natural fit, indicating genuine interest and a dedication to personal and professional growth. Emphasize how hiring you can be a mutually beneficial experience for both you and the company. This will highlight your passion for a meaningful career aligned with your aspirations.

Learn about the company's core values, strategic direction, and business goals. Reflect on your career goals, skills, and experiences to find areas of overlap.

Focus on specific aspects of the company's goals that resonate with you. Explain how your skills, experiences, or future ambitions align with these objectives. Highlight your unique strengths and contributions, demonstrating how hiring you can be a mutually beneficial experience for both you and the company.

Sample answer: My ultimate goal is to become an editor-in-chief of a lifestyle magazine. I know it’s still a long road for me as a fresh graduate but I want to get off on the right foot. That’s why the opening for the editorial assistant position caught my eye immediately. I know that the skills I would learn here would help me get closer to my dream.

2. Highlight your passions and hobbies and how they relate to the job

This technique is two-fold: it conveys your enthusiasm for the job while showcasing your interests. Connecting these two elements demonstrates to hiring managers that you are naturally passionate about the job. 

Being passionate often means you're motivated, engaged at work, and more likely to stay invested in the company's long-term success. 

Stay updated on industry trends by following blogs, publications, and thought leaders. Share stories about your passion for the industry. Talk about times you did well in past jobs or got extra qualifications.

Ask the interviewer thoughtful questions about the company's industry position, plans, or specific challenges. This shows your interest in the industry and the company's role in the market.

Sample answer: I grew up in a household with great cooks. It’s a passion that’s been instilled in me ever since I can remember. Eating and preparing food brings me joy. It would make me very happy to make a living as a chef for this restaurant.

3. Display your knowledge about the company’s achievements

Complimenting the company can be a powerful tool in your job search. When you express sincere praise, it significantly boosts your likelihood of securing the job. This demonstrates the keen interest and enthusiasm that employers seek in their candidates. 

By doing so, you distinguish yourself as a standout candidate, emphasizing your genuine passion for the role beyond just monetary considerations. This positive approach showcases your commitment to contributing to the company's success and can leave a lasting impression on hiring managers.

Sample answer:

I was impressed by your company’s growth in such a short time. After I read that you won “Independent Agency of the Year” two years in a row, I knew right away that I would learn a lot by working here. At the same time, I want to offer the skills I learned from my internship abroad and grow with this advertising agency.

4. Express how the company’s values and mission are similar to your own

If you find a company that shares your vision, use it to stand out. Matching your values with the company's goals shows your commitment to shared objectives, promoting teamwork. This not only boosts your professional image but also deepens your connection with the company's mission, making your work more satisfying and valuable. By linking your goals with the company's values, you create a strong partnership that sets you apart and contributes meaningfully to the company's success.

Sample answer: The work you do for the environment is one of the reasons why I want to work here. Like you, I believe that eco-friendliness should begin in your backyard. At home, I’ve dug out a compost pit where I put all my food waste, which fertilizes a small vegetable garden. Because we share the same advocacy, I feel that working for your organization will help us both make a difference in the communities we serve.

5. Highlight your skills to align with the company's needs

In today's job market, possessing essential soft skills is key. Whether it's teamwork, leadership, or critical thinking, let employers know you have them in abundance. To stand out, review the job description, identify key skills, and list experiences matching those requirements. 

Share impactful examples of how you've successfully used your skills, connecting them to the company's needs. This not only showcases your value but also demonstrates your ability to address the company's challenges. Mastering these steps ensures you're the ideal candidate for the job.

Sample answer: I'm excited about this opportunity because it combines the familiarity of my past role as a project manager for a website with the new challenges it presents. In my previous position, I honed skills such as time management, leadership, and problem-solving, using various tools to track progress. While the industry may differ, these transferable skills make me confident in my ability to contribute effectively to this role.

6. Be an expert on the company’s offerings

Show you know the company well by discussing its products and services. Express interest in their growth and share how you can contribute to enhancing what they offer. By demonstrating your understanding of the company's offerings, you convey genuine enthusiasm for the role. Highlight specific aspects that align with your skills, showcasing your potential to positively impact their product development.

Sample answer: I read the news about the new video game your company is developing. As a gamer myself, I’ve always been particular about the games I play. When I learned how unique your product is going to be, I thought it would be exciting to work here. I’d like to further develop my skills as a game developer in a company like yours that takes creative risks.

7. Share that you’re the company’s target market

If you're a consumer of your employer's offerings, you embody living proof of the company's successful branding and campaigns. It only makes sense to have you as part of their team since you're already convinced of the value and effectiveness of their products.

Share your firsthand experience as a satisfied customer for authenticity. Your endorsement reflects your belief in the company's products and positions you as a genuine advocate contributing to its success.

Sample answer: I've been using your lipstick and eyeliner since college. When I saw the marketing associate job opening, I seized the opportunity. Knowing your products well, I can effectively sell them. As a Gen Zer, I can also assist in reaching consumers my age, who, I've learned, are your target buyers too.

8. Be updated on company developments

Staying current with the company's news not only shows genuine interest but also sets you up for success when you link these updates to your strengths. Being informed about the company's developments demonstrates your commitment to making a meaningful contribution.

This awareness not only strengthens your candidacy but also highlights your proactive approach to aligning your skills with the company's evolving needs.

Sample answer: When I read an article about your product expansion, I immediately knew that this job is in line with my experience. As a food technologist, I’ve had experience in developing beverages for a variety of consumers. Now that you’re venturing into the same business, I can offer you my expertise.

9. Showcase your achievements

Utilize the opportunity to discuss your accomplishments in your previous role. This allows you to showcase your skills without coming across as boastful. Provide measurable achievements to give employers a clear understanding of your strengths. 

By quantifying your wins, you demonstrate the tangible impact of your contributions and underscore your value as a potential asset to the team. Additionally, emphasizing specific achievements provides concrete evidence of your capabilities, making your candidacy more compelling to prospective employers.

Sample answer: I'm drawn to this position because it centers around content creation, a field where I have significant experience. As a content manager in my previous role, I successfully increased website traffic by 40%. I'm eager to leverage my five years of expertise in content development and strategy to contribute to the growth of your team.

10. Be honest

If you're unfamiliar with the company, be honest but show you've taken the time to learn. Share what intrigued you and what you find impressive, demonstrating sincerity.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Generic replies: Avoid vague statements. Instead, tailor your answer to highlight unique aspects, like the company's collaborative work culture.
• Personal gain focus: Shift the focus to mutual benefits. Highlight how your skills benefit the organization, fostering a collaborative approach.
• Lack of knowledge: Research the company to tailor your response, showcasing your knowledge and commitment to shared values.

Crafting honest, informed responses enhances authenticity and makes a positive impression.

Sample answer: Honestly, I didn't know much about your company before coming across this job opening. However, after some research, I was really impressed. Your collaboration with top directors and the production of award-winning films caught my attention. As someone aspiring to be a filmmaker, I find this exciting. That's why I'm keen on applying for the production assistant role, bringing in my multitasking skills."

Also read: For the Win/Win: 9 Tips for How to Negotiate Salary in a Job Offer

Preparing your answer

Preparing your answer allows you to confidently describe your motivation and fit for the role and company. First, think about how your career goals, skills, and experiences might fit with the company's goals and business objectives. List out the specific reasons why you're drawn to the organization and how your skills and goals align with the business. 

Then, prepare examples from your experiences or achievements to prove these statements. Rehearse your response to the question, and practice your delivery. This helps you sound confident and natural during the interview.

Delivering your answer

The delivery of your response is just as important as its content. How you answer significantly impacts the impression you make on the interviewer. A strong delivery makes sure that your response is memorable, which might increase your chances of securing the job. Here's how to deliver a compelling answer:

Project confidence and enthusiasm

Projecting confidence in your body language and tone of voice might enhance your overall delivery. Share your excitement and passion for the company and position through your words and tone. Speak enthusiastically, and showcase your genuine excitement for the opportunity.

Respond to cues

Pay attention to the interviewer's reactions and cues. If they seem engaged or interested in a particular point, take the chance to elaborate. If they appear to be looking for a shorter response, try summarizing your reply.

Seek feedback

It helps to practice either in front of a mirror or with a friend or family member. Seek their feedback on your tone, pace, and overall impression, and improve your delivery accordingly.

Following up after the job interview

Following up after an interview keeps you on the interviewer's radar. It shows that you value the opportunity and appreciate their time and effort. Ideally, your follow-up message should be concise and to the point.

Send a personalized thank-you email within 24 to 48 hours of the interview. Start by expressing your gratitude and highlighting what you enjoyed about the conversation. This shows attention to detail and is a great way to build rapport with the interviewer. 

In the message, reiterate your interest in the position and briefly emphasize why you believe you're a strong fit for the role and the company. Take the chance to follow up on any memorable points or topics discussed during the interview. End by reaffirming your commitment to joining the company. Or, share your excitement at the prospect of working together in the future.

Here are some examples of follow-up messages:

Example 1

Dear Ms. Flores,
I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for taking the time to interview me earlier this week. It was truly inspiring to hear about the innovative projects and collaborative culture that make your organization stand out. 

The conversation we had about empowering women in the workplace further solidified my interest in joining your team. With my strong background in human resources and people management, I'm confident I can be a valuable contributor to Womad Holdings Ltd. Thank you again for your time, and I look forward to the possibility of working together.

Best regards,
María Cristina Suarez 

Example 2

Dear Mr. Castillo,
I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks for the chance to meet with you and the team yesterday. The passion and dedication that your team demonstrated for the mission of Medinet Incorporated truly impressed me. 

The insights you shared during the interview confirmed that my nursing experience and passion for helping others makes me a strong fit for the registered nurse role. If there are any additional questions or information you need from me, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you once again for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
Agustin Benitez

Example 3

Dear Ms. Pascual,
I appreciate the opportunity to interview with your company yesterday. Our conversation left me even more excited about the prospect of joining your team. The NewHomes project in particular resonated with my passion for rehousing vulnerable communities. 

I believe my unique skills in both facilities management and social service are a great match for this role. I look forward to hearing about the next steps in the hiring process. Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
Isabel Leon

Conclusion

"Why do you want to work for us?" is an important question interviewers use to test your knowledge and interest in the company and role. It's also a chance to showcase your work ethic, express your enthusiasm, and demonstrate how your skills and aspirations align with the company's goals. A compelling response sets you apart, improving your odds of advancing to the next stage in the hiring process.

Need more help with preparing for that big interview? Try our Interview Practice Tool.

Ready to land your dream job? Then #LetsGetToWork by creating or updating your profile. For more jobs, visit JobStreet or download the JobStreet app on Google Play or the App Store.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. What is the interviewer looking for when they ask this question?
   ⁠Interviewers use this question to determine if you've done your research and find out how much you know about the company. Plus, they want to check if you're a good fit based on your skills, values, and experiences. Finally, they might look at your delivery to gauge your interest, sincerity, and excitement for this job.
   ⁠
2. How do I research the company?
   ⁠Look at the corporate website and annual reports. Follow the company on social media, and read related news articles and press releases. Contact current employees on professional networking platforms to learn more about the company's culture, goals, and values.
   ⁠
3. How do I align my goals with the company's goals?
   ⁠First, understand the company's objectives by researching its mission, values, and long-term vision. Think about how your skills, experiences, and career aspirations can help the company. Then, explain the connection between your goals and the value you bring to the company in achieving its objectives.
   ⁠
4. How do I showcase my fit with the company culture?
   ⁠Research and understand the company culture beforehand. Then, discuss specific experiences or initiatives that show your ability to thrive in a similar work environment. Also, ask questions that explore the company's culture to express your genuine interest in being a good fit. 
   ⁠
5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when answering this question?
   ⁠Avoid focusing solely on what you stand to gain or giving a generic reply. Instead, personalize your answer by emphasizing the mutual benefits. Showcase the skills and experience that you can offer the company.