‘Why Do You Want This Job?’ Is a Trick Question—Here’s How to Answer It Right
Have you ever walked out of a job interview feeling like you completely bombed the “Why do you want this job?” question?
You’re not alone.
This question seems simple, but it trips up many candidates because generic answers won’t cut it. Interviewers are looking for more than surface-level enthusiasm—they want to know:
✅ If you’ve done your homework.
✅ How well your goals align with the role.
✅ Whether you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity.
You might also hear this question framed in different ways, such as:
“What makes this role the right fit for you?”
“Why do you want to work for us specifically?”
“What drew you to apply for this position?”
No matter how it’s phrased, the intent is the same: to assess your alignment with the role and your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Here’s how to craft a standout response:
Step 1: Research the Company
Before the interview, gather as much information as you can about the company. This research will allow you to tailor your response effectively.
Here are 3 key areas to research and what to look for:
1️⃣ Mission and Values:
Look for the company’s mission statement and core values on their website.
Check if they’ve been featured in articles or awards for their work in areas you care about.
2️⃣ Projects and Initiatives:
Identify recent projects, product launches, or company news.
Find something specific that excites you, like a new product or a charitable initiative.
3️⃣ Culture and Team Dynamics:
Glassdoor: Pay attention to recurring themes in employee reviews. For example:
Positive themes like “collaborative environment” or “opportunities for growth.”
Negative patterns that might raise red flags, such as “poor leadership” or “no work-life balance.”
Social Media: Look for posts showcasing employee engagement, team-building events, or company values in action. These can give you insights into the culture beyond the corporate website.
💡 Tools to help you research:
LinkedIn: Explore the company page and its leadership team.
Glassdoor: For reviews, salary insights, and interview experiences.
Google News: Stay updated on recent announcements or projects.
Example:
“I’ve been following [Company Name]’s journey, and I admire how you’ve [specific achievement or value]. It aligns closely with my own passion for [related value or skill].”
Step 2: Align Your Experience
Connect your skills and experience to the role’s requirements. This shows you’re not just interested but also qualified to make an impact.
Example:
“In my previous role, I led a team through [specific project or challenge], which directly relates to [key responsibility in this role]. I’m excited to bring that experience here to help [specific goal].”
For different industries or functions, tailor your examples:
Tech: “I’ve developed scalable backend systems, which aligns with your need for improving platform performance.”
Marketing: “My experience launching data-driven campaigns would support your goal to increase customer acquisition.”
Step 3: Show Your Enthusiasm
Let your excitement shine through! Interviewers are drawn to candidates who are genuinely motivated and eager to contribute.
Example:
“What excites me most is the opportunity to [specific opportunity]. I’m confident this role will allow me to grow while contributing meaningfully to the team.”
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
1️⃣ Generic Responses:
Why it’s bad: Saying “It’s a great company” shows a lack of research and doesn’t differentiate you from other candidates.
2️⃣ Focusing Only on Yourself:
Why it’s bad: Statements like “I need a new challenge” highlight what you want but don’t show what you’ll bring to the company.
3️⃣ Overselling Without Specifics:
Why it’s bad: Vague claims like “I’m a great team player” lack credibility without examples to back them up.
Sample Answer
Here’s how you can put it all together:
“I’ve admired [Company Name] for its innovative approach to [specific area]. In my last role, I gained experience in [specific skill or achievement], which directly relates to [key aspect of the role]. I’m excited about this opportunity because it aligns with my passion for [specific value], and I look forward to contributing to [specific goal].”
Conclusion
Answering “Why do you want this job?” is an opportunity to stand out, but it requires preparation. Research the company, align your experience, and show your enthusiasm with specific examples.