What the interviewer wants to know
When you hear this question for the first time (especially if you’re unprepared), you might think that the hiring manager wants to know more about what you want in your next job. To some extent, this is true: the employer should definitely ensure that your career goals align with the needs of the organization.
However, this question is actually more about measuring how well you understand the company, its mission, and its operations.
How to answer the question “Why do you want this job?”
Use this question as an opportunity to “sell” yourself to the employer. When thinking about your answer, first focus on the strengths of the employer (which you will know if you’ve done research on the company). For example:
- What training and growth opportunities do they offer for someone in your professional field?
- Why do other candidates want to work for them instead of their competitors?
- How has the employer contributed to its industry or community?
After establishing the context for your answer – the appeal of the employer – you should highlight what you can bring to meet their needs.
A good way to think about this question is to fill in the blanks: “Working for you will give me the opportunity to build my experience and skills in __, __, and __ as part of an inspiring and rewarding environment based on what I’ve heard about your company.”
Once you have tailored your answer to this question, make sure to practice saying it out loud. It might help to have a friend or family member pretend to be the interviewer asking you the question. In fact, this is a great way to prepare for a variety of interview questions.
Examples of the best answers
Unsure how to answer this important question? Here are some of the best job interview answers when an interviewer asks you why you want the job. Customize these answers to fit your own circumstances and the job you are applying for:
- Sample Answer 1: I want this job because it emphasizes sales and marketing, which are two of my strongest skill areas. In my previous role, I increased sales by 15% in an industry that was considered stable at the time. I know I can bring my sales and marketing expertise to this company and help you continue your years of growth.
- Sample Answer 2: I realize this company is in a growth phase. I also read on your website and in some press releases that you plan to launch several new products in the coming months. I want to be part of this work as the company grows, and I know my experience in product development will help your company successfully launch these products.
- Sample Answer 3: I have worked as a dental assistant in a children’s dental clinic for the past six years. Not only do I have experience working with children, but I also enjoy it. Working in your office that serves children and teens would allow me to use my skills with an age group I love. This is the kind of work environment I would look forward to coming into every day.
- Sample Answer 4: This job fits what I have done and enjoyed throughout my career. It offers a mix of short-term projects and long-term goals. My organizational skills enable me to successfully manage projects and complete both types of assignments.
- Sample Answer 5: I want this job in your store because I know I would excel at it. I love interacting with people and helping them. I also have two years of experience working as a cashier in other stores. I am a regular customer at this store, so I would love to apply my skills in a store I believe in and support.
- Sample Answer 6: I have admired this company’s strategies and mission for years. I loved the focus you place on building a relationship between your company and the surrounding community, and it has brought you success everywhere you have opened an office. These are the values that I admire greatly.
Tips
To Give the Answer
Conduct thorough research about the company. Interviewers will be listening to your response to see that you have done your homework on the company. Make sure to know some basic information about the company and the job. You may want to read some recent articles about the company to understand its goals and current projects. Also, be sure to reread the job posting. That way, when you answer the question, you can mention specific aspects of the company and the role that excite you.
Be specific about why you are a good fit. Be specific about what makes you suitable for this role. To prepare your answer, make a list of the job requirements (as outlined in the job posting), and then mention any requirements that align with your skills and experience. In your answer, highlight some abilities that qualify you for the position and provide successful examples from your previous jobs.
Emphasize what you can contribute. Your answer should also emphasize what you can contribute to the company – what you will bring to the position? Mention any skills or work experiences that make you a unique and strong candidate for the job. If possible, use numbers to express how you add value to the role. For example, if you saved your previous company a certain amount of money, mention that and say that you would like to do the same for this company.
What Not to Say
Avoid reasons that center on you. Even if they are true, do not mention salary, working hours, or commute duration as primary reasons for wanting the job. Remember to focus on how you can benefit the company, rather than how the company or job could benefit you.
Do not recite your resume in length. While the examples mentioned here hint at the candidates’ experience, they do so only to illustrate how they have the number of years of experience mentioned in the “minimum qualifications” section of the job posting. A long description of your work history shifts the focus greatly onto you. Again, the main focus should be on the hiring company and the value you can bring to them. Be selective and concise in the elements you choose to share from your work history.
Potential Follow-Up Questions
Why should we hire you? Why are you the right person for the job? What is your career goal?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the toughest interview questions? “Why do you want this job” is likely on the list of tough interview questions. Other tough interview questions include “What is your greatest weakness?” and “What was the most and least rewarding part of your last job?”
What Interviewers Are Looking For
Generally, interviewers are looking for qualified candidates who have the skills and experience to perform well in the job required. For candidates at the start of their careers, interviewers are looking to see if the candidate can grow in the role. Interviewers are also looking for people who will fit well into the company and will be easy to work with.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/why-do-you-want-this-job-2061202
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