Why Do You Want This Job?

Transcript

Presenter: At some point during your next job interview, the recruiter will no doubt ask you, "Why do you wanna work for us?," "Why do you want this job?" or "What makes you a good fit?"

But to give a great answer, you'll need to have done some homework.

Start by gathering as much information as you can about the company and the role. Look closely at the job description, check the organization's website and their social media pages. Think about what caught your eye when you first came across the role. Was it the great office space, the organizational culture, or specific career opportunities that the role presented?

Once you're in the interview, demonstrate your knowledge of the company, its history, its values, and its mission, and make clear how your own values and career goals align with these.

Don't be afraid to acknowledge the challenges of the role, but show the interviewer how ready and enthusiastic you are to meet those challenges. And be sure to pinpoint exactly how your skills and experience make you the best person for the job.

If you wanna learn more about how to answer tricky interview questions, check out our website, mindtools.com.

More Tips for Answering "Why Do You Want This Job?" in an Interview

When Does This Question Normally Come Up?

This question is usually one of the first interviewers will ask you, alongside other questions like, "Tell me about yourself, " or "What do you know about the company?"

It's one of the key opener questions that interviewers like to ask to gauge your knowledge of the job and provides a great "jumping off point" from which you and the interviewer can explore the job criteria and how your skills and experience match up to it.

Why do Interviewers Ask This Question?

When an interviewer asks you this question, what they're really trying to understand is how much you know about the company, and how you think the particular role you're applying for fits into the company's key goals and direction. They also want to explore how the job fits in with your own personal career plan, how you think it will develop and challenge you, and why it appeals to you.

How Can I Prepare?

The interviewer is likely looking for someone who can add value to the role and the company, and who wants to grow and progress within the company.

So start by looking at the key requirements of the role and think about the specific skills and experience you have that fulfils each aspect. Also, take a look at the company's mission statement, as well as its values and objectives. Are they things you could passionately work toward? How do your own personal values align with those of the company?

Do some brainstorming beforehand as well. Ask yourself things like:

• Why do I want this job?
• How does it fit in with my existing skills and knowledge?
• What are the key challenges of the role? And how am I equipped to meet them?
• How will the role help me to achieve my own personal career goals?
• How will the role further develop my skills and experience?
• Why does the company appeal to me as a great place to work?