What are the Best Ways to Answer “Why do You Want This Job?”

The answer you give can make or break your chances of getting the job, so it’s important to think carefully about your response.

Date
11 Feb 2023
Author
Barbara Best
Reading time
≈5 minutes
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One of the most common questions asked in a job interview is “Why do you want this job?” It may seem like a simple question, but it’s one that requires careful consideration and preparation. The answer you give can make or break your chances of getting the job, so it’s important to think carefully about your response.

Research the Company

The first step in answering the question “Why do you want this job?” is to research the company. This will give you a good understanding of the company’s culture, values, and mission, and allow you to tailor your answer to align with these important factors.

You can start by visiting the company’s website, reading through their mission statement and values, and learning about their products and services. You may also want to look for press releases, articles, and other information about the company to get a better understanding of their recent developments and future plans.

Align Your Goals with the Company’s

Once you have a good understanding of the company, you can start to align your own goals and aspirations with those of the company. This will help you to craft a compelling answer to the question “Why do you want this job?”

For example, if the company values innovation and creativity, you may want to highlight your own innovative ideas and approaches to problem-solving. If the company is focused on growth and expansion, you may want to emphasize your own drive and ambition, and your desire to be part of a company that is growing and achieving great things.

Show Enthusiasm

When answering the question “Why do you want this job?” it’s important to show enthusiasm for the position and the company. This can be achieved by speaking positively about the company, its products and services, and the opportunities it offers for growth and development.

It’s also a good idea to highlight your specific skills and qualities that make you a strong fit for the role, and how you’re eager to put these skills to work in a challenging and rewarding role.

The Bottom Line

When answering the question “Why do you want this job?” it’s important to be prepared, thoughtful, and tailored in your response. By researching the company, aligning your goals with those of the company, tailoring your answer to the job requirements, and highlighting your passion for the industry, you can craft a compelling answer that will set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing the job.

Tailor Your Answer to the Job Requirements

It’s also important to tailor your answer to the specific requirements of the job. Review the job description and requirements carefully, and think about how your skills, experience, and qualifications align with the role.

You may want to highlight specific experiences from your past that demonstrate your ability to meet the requirements of the job. For example, if the job requires strong project management skills, you may want to talk about a specific project you managed that required strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

Highlight Your Passion

Finally, it’s important to highlight your passion for the industry or field in which the company operates. This will show that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re genuinely interested in this particular role and the opportunities it offers.

For example, if you’re applying for a job in the tech industry, you may want to talk about your love of technology and how you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and innovations in the field. This will show that you’re truly passionate about the industry and committed to growing and developing your skills.

“Why do you want this job” answer example

Here is an example answer to the question “Why do you want this job?”:

“I am extremely interested in this role at XYZ Company because I am passionate about the industry and I believe that the company is at the forefront of innovation and growth in this field. I have been following the company’s progress and recent developments, and I am excited about the opportunities for growth and development that the company offers.

Additionally, I have several years of experience in [relevant field or skill] and I am confident that my skills and qualifications align well with the requirements of this role. I am especially drawn to the challenges and responsibilities outlined in the job description, and I am eager to use my skills and experience to contribute to the success of the company.

Overall, I am deeply committed to this industry and I believe that this role at XYZ Company offers the perfect combination of challenges and opportunities for growth and advancement. I am confident that my passion and qualifications make me an excellent fit for this role and I am eager to join the team at XYZ Company.”

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