“Why do you want this job?” Sarah felt her palms sweat as the hiring manager leaned back in her chair, waiting for an answer that would either seal the deal or send her home empty-handed. This seemingly simple question had just turned what felt like a smooth interview into a make-or-break moment.
As someone who’s sat on both sides of countless interview tables, I’ve seen this question trip up even the most qualified candidates. Today, I’ll walk you through exactly how to craft an answer that not only impresses employers but genuinely reflects your career motivations.
Why employers ask “Why do you want this job?”
Employers use this question as a litmus test for three critical factors: genuine interest, cultural alignment, and long-term commitment. They want to distinguish between candidates who are genuinely excited about the role versus those who are simply looking for any paycheck.
Research from talent acquisition surveys indicates that approximately 78% of hiring managers consider this question essential in their interview process. The question helps them gauge whether you’ve done your homework about the company, understand the role’s responsibilities, and can articulate how your goals align with their needs. Candidates who provide generic, poorly researched answers often get eliminated at this stage, regardless of their technical qualifications.
Variations of “Why do you want this job?”
Interviewers often phrase this fundamental question in different ways to catch candidates off guard or to probe deeper into specific aspects of motivation.
- What attracts you to this position?
- What interests you most about this role?
- Why are you interested in working here?
- What drew you to apply for this job?
- Why do you think this position is a good fit for you?
- What excites you about this opportunity?
- Why should we hire you for this specific role?
- What makes you want to join our team?
- How does this job align with your career goals?
- What about our company appeals to you?
- Why did you choose to interview with us?
How to answer “Why do you want this job”?
The most effective approach combines three elements: specific company research, genuine personal motivation, and clear value proposition. Avoid generic responses that could apply to any company or role.
Step 1: Research the company’s mission, recent developments, and culture. Spend time on their website, recent news articles, and employee reviews. Look for specific details that genuinely resonate with your values or career aspirations. This groundwork allows you to speak authentically about why this particular organization appeals to you.
Step 2: Identify the role’s key responsibilities that align with your skills and interests. Review the job description carefully and pinpoint 2-3 specific aspects that excite you most. Connect these to your past experiences or future goals to demonstrate genuine enthusiasm rather than surface-level interest.
Step 3: Connect your career trajectory to this opportunity. Explain how this role represents a logical next step in your professional development. Show that you’ve thought strategically about your career path and see this position as more than just a job—it’s a deliberate choice that advances your goals.
Step 4: Demonstrate your understanding of the company’s challenges or goals. Reference specific projects, initiatives, or market positions that show you understand their business context. This proves you’ve done serious homework and can think beyond just your own needs.
Step 5: Quantify your potential impact. Where possible, mention specific ways you could contribute to their success based on your research and experience. This shifts the conversation from what you want to what you can offer.
Here’s an example of how I might answer this question for a marketing manager role at a sustainable fashion startup: “I’m drawn to this marketing manager position because your company’s commitment to transparent supply chains aligns perfectly with my personal values and professional experience. Having spent three years developing marketing campaigns for eco-conscious brands, I’ve seen firsthand how authentic sustainability messaging resonates with today’s consumers. Your recent B-Corp certification and the launch of your carbon-neutral shipping program show you’re serious about walking the walk, not just talking about sustainability. This role excites me because I’d get to combine my digital marketing expertise with cause-driven work that creates real environmental impact. Based on my research into your current social media engagement rates, I believe my experience growing Instagram followings by 300% for similar brands could help you reach your goal of expanding your Gen Z customer base while maintaining your authentic brand voice.”
This answer works because it demonstrates specific research, connects personal values to company mission, references concrete achievements, and offers tangible value to the employer.
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