The Ultimate Guide to Answering the Job Interview Question: Why Are You Interested in This Job?

How to craft a compelling answer to the “Why do you want this job?” interview question

Job hunting can be a challenging task, especially if you have been out of work for some time. After submitting numerous job applications, you might feel like accepting any offer that comes your way just to secure a paycheck.

Unfortunately, during the interview process, you cannot respond to the “Why do you want this job?” question with an answer like, “Because I need the money.” This is one of the most common interview questions, and your interviewer is seeking a more compelling and convincing response.

Whether you’re job hunting while unemployment or employed and seeking a better opportunity, answering this question effectively is vital to success. Below are insights into why this question is asked and tips on how to prepare an excellent response.

Why interviewers ask “Why do you want this job?”

When an interviewer asks this question, they’re looking for several insights into your candidacy and motivations, such as:

• Your interest in their company and the position you’re applying for
• Your passion, vision, and work-related goals
• Your compatibility with the company culture and the team dynamics

Crafting a compelling and effective answer

To craft a persuasive answer to the “Why do you want this job?” question, you must take into account the interviewer’s perspective and what they’re looking for in a top candidate. Here are some ideas to help you develop a great response:

• Research the company thoroughly, including its culture, mission, and values. Based on your findings, align your response with their goals and vision.
• Identify your unique skills, achievements, and passions that make you a perfect fit for the position. Don’t shy away from talking about your accomplishments and how they align with the job requirements.
• Show enthusiasm for the job by talking about how it aligns with your short and long-term career goals. Explain why this job opportunity is vital to your professional development.

In conclusion, the “Why do you want this job?” question is an opportunity to showcase your interest and qualifications for the role. By preparing well and addressing the interviewer’s concerns appropriately, you can differentiate yourself from other candidates, increasing your chances of landing the job.

The Importance of Your Response to “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

When it comes to landing a job, one of the most common questions asked by hiring managers is, “Why do you want to work here?” For job seekers, this question may seem straightforward, but in reality, it is loaded with deeper meanings. Here are a few things that the interviewer is likely looking for in your response:

Company Knowledge: The interviewer wants to see how much research you have done on the company. This includes understanding its core values, mission statement, and how your work values align with the company’s.

Career development: The interviewer wants to determine if the position is a good fit for your current skill level, and if it will help you progress to the next level in your career. They want to make sure that you are neither overqualified nor underqualified for the role.

Team Contribution: The interviewer wants to understand your value proposition, what transferable skills you bring to the table and how you will contribute to the team. Make sure that you communicate why you will be a reliable contributor.

Take these factors into consideration when crafting your response. A good answer should tell a story about your career aspirations and how the company fits into your plan. This will give the interviewer a clearer understanding of who you are as a professional, increase your chances of making it to the next stage of the hiring process and help you land the job that you desire.

When Interviewers Ask “Why Should We Hire You?”

During an interview process, job seekers can expect the question “Why should we hire you?” to be asked by their hiring manager. It is usually asked early on in the interview along with other questions such as “Where do you see yourself in five years?” or “Why did you apply for the role?”

If this question catches you off guard, you can always circle back to the topic later in the interview. This can be done by linking your other answers to the company and previous questions asked. By doing so, you can insert anything you may have forgotten to mention earlier.

For instance, you can highlight your achievements and say something like: “Building on my previous successes, this position offers a great opportunity for me to learn from your team and further develop my skills.”

It is important to note that interviewers may also phrase this question differently, such as “What excites you about this job?” or “Why are you interested in this company?” Be prepared to answer these alternate phrasings as well.

Crafting the Perfect Answer: How a Career Matrix Can Help

Job hunting can be tough, especially when it comes to answering the often-dreaded question of why you want a certain position. If you’re still unsure of your reasons, there’s a tool that can help you be more intentional in your applications: the Career Matrix.

By creating a Career Matrix, you can work out your rigid criteria for job applications and ensure that every application has a clear purpose. This technique will make it easier for you to confidently answer why you want the job, as you would not have applied if it didn’t meet your standards.

So how can you create your own Matrix? It’s simple:

Creating a Wish List for Your Ideal Job

When preparing to apply for a job, it’s essential to create a list of reasons that make the position attractive to you. Some things to consider when developing your wish list include your preferred salary range, the desired team structure, the proximity to customers/clients, access to training opportunities, potential for advancement in the company, commute time or hybrid work opportunity, ethics alignment with your own, strong company culture, flexible work schedule, challenging projects, and anything else significant to you.

Try BrainApps
for free

Get started

It’s crucial to focus on elements that make the job standout to you rather than including generic items such as “good benefits” or “a good boss.” Though these elements may be expected from every job, they do not offer further insight into your goals and values.

It’s essential to be thoughtful about which elements you share with prospective employers. For instance, stating that you’re interested in a job because of the salary offered may not be the best approach. Employers prefer candidates who are interested in the job for more than just monetary gain.

If you encounter difficulties while identifying what you want from your dream job, there are online courses that can help. For example, BrainApps offers courses that help candidates assess their strengths and weaknesses while identifying opportunities that best suit them. These courses can help you develop your wishlist and provide guidance for interview preparation.

Organize Your Priorities for Career development with BrainApps

Identify Your Preferences

When it comes to career advancement, it is important to have a general idea of your preferences. BrainApps, a personalized self-growth app, can help you identify these and steer your professional development in the right direction.

Sort Your List by Priority

Once you have a list of preferences, it is critical to prioritize them. Job opportunities vary in terms of the perks they offer, and you must know your dealbreakers to make informed decisions. If a higher salary is your top priority, you can use BrainApps to identify job applications or positions that offer higher paychecks.

Financial Goals and Work-Life Balance

Whether you want greater financial security, a college fund for your kid, or a new house, BrainApps can provide guidance on achieving these goals by aligning your priorities with your career options. Alternatively, if you value work-life balance, BrainApps can help you identify jobs that can accommodate this priority. You may have to make certain trade-offs, such as taking a pay cut or giving up the thrill of working at a startup, but BrainApps can equip you with the right tools to make the right choice and commit to a fulfilling career.

Ranking Your Jobs: A Tool for Understanding Your Preferences

One of the keys to a successful career is knowing what you want. You can start by using a simple ranking system to compare the job you’re leaving with the one you’re considering. To begin, make a list of your top priorities when it comes to your job and rank them from 1 to 10.

Let’s look at an example. Say your current job and the job you’re interviewing for have three categories: Work-life balance, Training opportunities, and Flexible work schedule. Here are the rankings:

• Job #1:
• Work-life balance: 5
• Training opportunities: 6
• Flexible work schedule: 3
• Job #2:
• Work-life balance: 7
• Training opportunities: 3
• Flexible work schedule: 6

Looking at the rankings, we see that Job #2 offers better work-life balance, but comes with fewer opportunities for training. This exercise makes it clear why you’re leaving one job for another.

It’s important to note that this ranking system is personal, and there are no right or wrong answers. However, knowing your priorities will help you make better, more informed decisions, both in your job search and in your career.

If you’re unsure about your rankings, reach out to human resources or the recruitment team at the prospective company. They may be able to help you clarify what the job offers, and help you create an accurate matrix.

How to Sell Yourself in an Interview

Whether you’re a fresh graduate or looking for a career change, acing an interview can be challenging. But with the right approach, you can convince interviewers that you’re the best candidate for the job. One of the ways to do this is by showcasing your skills and strengths in your answers, especially when responding to the common question, “Why do you want this job?”

To further develop your answer, start by aligning your job preferences with the company’s strengths. Talk about which aspects of the organization appeal to you the most and explain why you believe you can benefit from them. By doing so, you not only show that you’ve done your research but also demonstrate that you have a genuine interest in the company.

Next, take advantage of this question as an opportunity to sell yourself to your potential employer. If there’s an area where you think the company can improve on, mention how your skills and expertise can help them address this issue. This way, you’re not only showing your enthusiasm for the job but also highlighting your potential value to the organization.

Remember, a good answer to “Why do you want this job?” can set you apart from other job seekers and increase your chances of getting hired. So, take the time to prepare a compelling response that showcases your strengths and demonstrates your fit with the company.

Perfecting Your Response to “Why Do You Want This Job”

As a job seeker, you must be ready to answer the question: “Why do you want this job”. To help you craft a great answer, let’s consider some sample responses that incorporate all the relevant elements.

Example 1:

“I’m excited about this job because it aligns with my passion for data analysis. I’ve been studying the company’s recent trends, and I’m convinced that my expertise in spreadsheet-based data visualization can contribute to its success. I want to be part of an organization that values innovation, which is why I felt compelled to apply for the position.”

Example 2:

“I’m drawn to this job due to its focus on teamwork and collaboration. I’ve always admired your company’s culture of inclusivity, and I’ve been seeking a work environment that would allow me to learn and grow while working alongside like-minded individuals. Additionally, I believe my extensive experience in Project management will enable me to make a significant contribution to your organization.”

Example 3:

“I’m enthusiastic about this job because I see it as an opportunity to merge my passion for Sales with my desire to work in the tech industry. The company’s track record of innovation in the field is inspiring, and I’m keen to contribute my expertise to expand your client portfolio. I believe that the company’s goals and mine are an ideal match, making me confident that I’d be an asset to your team.”

Remember to stay authentic and highlight your relevant strengths and accomplishments when answering such questions. Good luck in your job search!

Example 1: A Customer Service Position at a Telecom Company

“Your company has an impressive track record for customer service. As someone who values the happiness of others, I am eager to learn from the best in optimizing the client experience.

Furthermore, your emphasis on client relations aligns with my skillset. Being a people person, I am committed to meeting and exceeding customer needs. In my previous role, I consistently received five-star ratings from customers I worked with.”

What makes this response effective is that it shows a clear understanding of the company’s strengths, specifically in customer service, and how it benefits the individual’s goals. It also highlights the importance of customer satisfaction, which is a priority for the individual’s career goals. 

Applying for a Content Writer Role

When looking for a job as a content writer, it’s essential to highlight your skills and show how they’ll fit in with the company’s needs. In this example, the writer showcases their interest in the company’s expertise in long-form content and explains how they can bring value to the company.

The writer acknowledges that their previous experience focused more on shorter social media posts, but they are eager to expand their writing skills. By doing so, they show that they are motivated to learn and develop professionally, making them a valuable candidate.

The writer also takes note of the specific requirements that the company is looking for – the ability to synthesize and comprehend complicated information. They provide evidence of their experience in this aspect by illustrating how they’ve worked with health researchers to create easy-to-read web content.

The writer ultimately demonstrates their qualifications by showing their passion, determination, and a clear understanding of what unique skills they can offer to the company.

What Not to Say in a Job Interview

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, and sometimes you might accidentally say the wrong thing. Here are some things you should avoid saying when asked, “Why do you want this job?”

• “I’m only in it for the pay raise.” This makes it look like money is your main motivation, and that you don’t really care about the job itself. You can discuss salary later on in the hiring process.
• “I’m just using this as a stepping stone to my next job.” This can make it seem like you’re not really committed to the position and might leave soon. Talk about how this job fits into your long-term career goals instead.
• “I’m qualified for the role.” While this might be true, it’s better to give specific examples of how your skills match the job description. Prepare for “Tell me about a time when…”-type questions by thinking of concrete examples in advance.

Remember, the interviewer wants to see that you’re enthusiastic about the job and have thought seriously about why you’d be a good fit. Make sure your answers show that you’re excited to take on the role and contribute to the company’s success.

Mastering Job Interviews: How to Answer “Why Do You Want This Job?”

The job interview question “Why do you want this job?” can be daunting for many job seekers. However, it doesn’t have to be if you approach your job hunt with intention. The key is to curate a list of your preferences and dealbreakers so that you can be intentional with your job applications.

One effective tool to help you achieve this is the Career Matrix. By utilizing this tool, you can easily apply for jobs that align with your values and career goals. With thorough research of the company and position, having a clearly defined reason for wanting the job will not only impress the interviewers, but also demonstrate to them that you’re the right candidate for the role.

According to John, a successful Sales manager, “When I’m interviewing candidates, I look for those who can clearly articulate why they believe our company is a good fit for their career goals. Those who have done their research and are passionate about joining our team always stand out.”

By taking the time to understand why you want a particular job and ensuring it aligns with your long-term career aspirations, you’re much more likely to knock the interview out of the park and receive an offer that truly serves you as much as you can serve them.

Try BrainApps
for free

59 courses
100+ brain training games
No ads

Get started