How to Answer “Why do You Want this Job” in an Interview

I need the money, I want better benefits, I want a shorter commute, I want a less stressful job. All of these may be truthful answers to the question “why do you want this job”, but they are not correct. While a job’s benefits may be enticing to you, an employer will not be impressed by your answer if personal gain is your only interest. In reality when an interviewer asks why do you want this job, they are actually asking how will you be an asset to the organization, and how can they help you build yourself as a professional. 

How will you be an asset to the organization? 

To answer this part of the question you have to research the company by diving into their website, social media, review sites, and any recent articles that might be written about the organization. You need to have a clear idea of what the company does, how they generate revenue, their goals for the future, etc. Then, you can use this information to give an answer that communicates how you will help the company grow or facilitate their efforts. Also, showing the hiring manager that you already know about the organization communicates just how motivated you are to work with them. 

How can they help you build yourself as a professional? 

This part of the question requires you to look into the future rather than your present situation. Communicating how you need to leave you current job, need a higher paycheck, or want better benefits will only make you sound pessimistic rather than excited to work for the prospective organization. Go back to the job posting and read it carefully to have an idea of what new concepts and skills you will learn while on the job that will help you grow as a professional. Employers want to know that you are excited for the role and that they will benefit you as much as you will benefit them. Therefore, showing that the role will allow you to grow within your field will give them more reasons to consider you for the position. Also, showing your excitement will rub off on your interviewer and influence a positive first impression, further aiding you in the decision making process.  

Why do you want this job answers: 

So taking these two concepts into consideration, how should you answer the question “why do you want this job”? Here are some examples: 

I would like this job because the work conducted is almost identical to what I have been doing throughout my career, and at the same time, it gives me the chance to develop my skills and expertise even further. 

This is a great answer because: It shows that you are experienced enough to bring value, but there are concepts that you can still learn from the role. 

I noticed that your company is actively trying to establish a brand of trust to its audience, and I can see my professional expertise being a good asset to help you achieve that goal. Also, these experiences will allow me to develop my skills on brand management even further.    

This is a great answer because: It recognizes the company’s needs, provides a solution, and shows that the role will help you grow as a professional. 

The question “why do you want this job” is not as straightforward as it sounds. Instead of asking you about your present needs, it asks about your future goals for yourself and the organization. If you are able to communicate how you will benefit the organization and how the organization will benefit you, you can be sure that your answer will impress the interviewer and will assist you in landing the job. 

Written by

Jose Caceres

Marketing Manager

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