Why Do You Want This Job And What Does It Really Reveal About You
Written by
James Miller, Career Coach
The question "why do you want this job" is more than just a formality; it's a critical moment in any interview or professional conversation. It’s a direct invitation to demonstrate your understanding, motivation, and fit for the role and the organization. Mastering this answer can significantly boost your chances of success, whether you're aiming for a new career, a spot in a competitive academic program, or closing a crucial sales deal.
Why Do Employers Ask "why do you want this job"?
When an interviewer asks, "why do you want this job," they're not just looking for a simple statement of interest. They're trying to uncover several key insights about you. Primarily, they want to assess your motivation, your genuine interest, and whether your values align with the company's culture and goals [^1][^2][^5].
This question acts as a litmus test for preparation. A well-researched answer signals that you've put in the effort to understand the role beyond its title and the company beyond its public facade. It helps interviewers gauge how you perceive the opportunity, ensuring you see it as more than just "any job" but as a strategic step tailored to your aspirations and their needs [^2]. They want to see how you connect your skills, experience, and career trajectory to the specific opening, revealing your potential for long-term engagement and contribution.
How Can You Prepare a Powerful Answer to "why do you want this job"?
Preparing a compelling response to "why do you want this job" involves a blend of thorough research and honest self-reflection. Start by deeply investigating the company—its mission, values, recent achievements, products/services, and culture [^2][^4]. Look beyond the website; explore news articles, LinkedIn profiles of employees, and Glassdoor reviews. Understand what truly makes this organization unique.
Next, dive into the job description. Identify the core responsibilities, required skills, and the impact this role has on the team or company. Reflect on your own career goals, personal values, and what genuinely excites you. What about this specific opportunity resonates with you? Is it the challenge, the industry, the potential for growth, or the chance to contribute to a particular mission? By clearly articulating what distinguishes this job from "any job," you demonstrate authentic interest and a clear understanding of your own aspirations [^2].
What Makes a Strong Response to "why do you want this job"?
A strong response to "why do you want this job" effectively weaves together your capabilities, enthusiasm, and understanding of the opportunity. Start by linking your unique skills, experiences, and achievements directly to the job requirements. Show how your background makes you not just a good fit, but an exceptional one [^1][^4][^5].
Next, express genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company's mission, products, or services. Be specific. Instead of saying "I like the company," explain why you admire their innovative approach to X or their commitment to Y. Balance passion with professionalism, ensuring your answer is concise yet specific. This question is also an excellent opportunity to integrate elements from other common interview questions, like "Tell me about yourself," by framing your career narrative in a way that naturally leads to your desire for this particular role [^3].
What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid with "why do you want this job"?
When answering "why do you want this job," certain pitfalls can undermine even the most qualified candidate. The most common mistake is providing generic or cliché answers. Phrases like "I need a job," "I like the salary," or "I want more challenges" without specific context fall flat [^2]. Interviewers are looking for tailored responses, not boilerplate statements.
Another common challenge is overcoming nervousness or a lack of preparation. Rambling, stammering, or failing to connect your points clearly signals that you haven't thought deeply about the question. Finally, avoid making negative references to past employers or roles. Focus on the positive aspects that draw you to this new opportunity, rather than complaining about what you're leaving behind [^2]. Keep your tone positive and forward-looking.
How Can Actionable Tips Elevate Your "why do you want this job" Answer?
Your Research: "I'm particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of its [specific admirable quality, e.g., innovative approach to X, commitment to Y]."
Skill Match: "My background in [relevant skill/experience] aligns perfectly with the responsibilities of this [Job Title] role, especially [specific responsibility]."
Personal Motivation: "I'm excited by the prospect of [what you hope to achieve or contribute] and believe my [personal quality] would thrive in your [company culture aspect]."
To truly excel at answering "why do you want this job," adopt a structured approach. Use a framework that combines your research, skill match, and personal motivation. For example, consider a three-part answer:
Practice your answer aloud multiple times. This helps you sound confident, natural, and articulate, rather than rehearsed. Always tailor your response to the company's specific values and the nuances of the job role [^1][^2][^4]. Prepare examples that demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm, perhaps a brief story of how your values align with theirs. Remember, the ability to articulate "why this opportunity" extends beyond job interviews; it's a core professional communication skill valuable in sales calls, college interviews, and other evaluative scenarios where you need to convey genuine interest and alignment [^3].
How Can Verve AI Copilot Help You With why do you want this job?
Preparing for an interview, especially for a crucial question like "why do you want this job," can be daunting. Verve AI Interview Copilot offers a powerful solution to refine your answers and boost your confidence. With Verve AI Interview Copilot, you can practice your responses in a simulated environment, receiving instant feedback on your clarity, conciseness, and enthusiasm. Verve AI Interview Copilot helps you identify areas for improvement, ensuring your answer to "why do you want this job" is compelling and tailored. Use Verve AI Interview Copilot to perfect your delivery and impress interviewers. Discover more at https://vervecopilot.com.
What Are the Most Common Questions About why do you want this job?
Q: Is "why do you want this job" the same as "why do you want to work here"?
A: Yes, these questions are interchangeable and aim to understand your motivation and fit for the company and role.
Q: How long should my answer to "why do you want this job" be?
A: Aim for a concise yet comprehensive answer, typically 60-90 seconds, balancing detail with brevity.
Q: Should I mention salary when answering "why do you want this job"?
A: No, avoid mentioning salary as a primary reason. Focus on the role, company culture, and your professional growth.
Q: What if I don't have much experience related to "why do you want this job"?
A: Focus on transferable skills, your passion for learning, and how your values align with the company's mission.
Q: Can I use the same answer for every "why do you want this job" question?
A: Absolutely not. Your answer must be tailored specifically to the company and job description each time.
Q: Is it okay to say "why do you want this job" because of the company's reputation?
A: Yes, but be specific. Explain what aspect of their reputation attracts you and how it aligns with your goals.
[^1]: Why Do You Want This Job? (With Examples)
[^2]: How to answer 'Why do you want this job?' during an interview
[^3]: How to Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" & "Why Do You Want This Job" (The Perfect Answer)
[^4]: Why do you want this job? - Michael Page
[^5]: How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”
