10 Best Answers to “Why Do You Want This Job” [Interview Question]

Being able to give a good answer to the common interview question of “why do you want this job” will make a good impression on the hiring manager. The reason interviewers ask this question is that some people are content with a paycheck from just anywhere are unlikely to be motivated or ambitious. These people will just end up quitting, and that is expensive for the employer. The interviewer is looking for people who are a good match for the company values, are persistent, and will remain committed long-term.

Let’s look at five great tips for answering why you want this job, five mistakes you should avoid, and then review some excellent sample answers.

5 Tips for Your Answer

Following these job interview tips is a great way to show you are the best candidate for the job opening.

• Keep your answers concise. Don’t lose your main point with unnecessary information.
• Your answer should be about the company’s values and goals and why they appeal to you.
• Your answer should demonstrate that you have researched the company and understand the company’s mission.
• Explain that you have the necessary skills to match the job description and how your own goals are a good fit for the company.
• Deliver your answer with confidence. Remember, you are excited to work there!

5 Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these interview mistakes to make sure you get to the next step in the hiring process.

• Lack of eye contact or excessive fidgeting during the interview will make you appear unconfident and unprofessional.
• Being rude to any staff or other applicants you meet in the application process.
• Not asking questions. This makes it look like you have not researched the company or do not know the industry.
• Being critical or talking poorly about past employers, colleagues, or peers.
• Not paying close attention to questions. Listen to what an interviewer is asking and address their concern directly.

10 Best Sample Answers for Why You Want This Job

Here are ten different ways to deliver a great answer to the job interview question “why do you want this job?” that show you’re a perfect fit for the company’s culture.

Example #1: Getting Your First Job as a Graduate
As a new graduate, this is a great opportunity to turn what I’ve learned into practical skills so I can add value to the company. Your company has a reputation as a great place to work. It is also known for hiring professionals who are leaders in their fields. I want to work with and learn from these experts and to develop unique skills in my career field that will contribute to the company long-term.

Key Takeaways: This is a strong answer for a first-time job seeker as it highlights a desire to learn and states that you will be with the business long-term.

Example #2: Getting a Technical or Specialized Job
Having researched your company thoroughly, I chose this job because it’s a good opportunity to work with a great company that will be here for the long haul. Your company has a track record for developing new products that are commercially successful and you solve problems in creative ways. I want to be part of a team where my creativity and innovation are valued and serve the needs of the company.

Key Takeaways: This answer shows an interest in technical skill development and a desire to apply those skills to benefit the company.

Example #3: Building Your People Skills and Customer Service
As a people-oriented person, it is important to me to feel that my work has a positive impact on others and that I work somewhere where I can help others. Having reviewed your company online and on social media, I can see that your organization takes customer service seriously. This appeals to me because I want to work for a good company where the company’s values closely match my own. I believe I am the best person for this job as I can see myself growing with the company far into the future.

Key Takeaways: This is an ideal answer for customer service because it highlights that you have seen the company’s public profile and are aware of how customer service impacts the company’s public perception.

Example #4: Growing Your Skills With a Company
I want this job because your mission statement and company culture are a close fit with my own values. It is important to me to work at a company where I feel a strong connection with the business because we spend a lot of time at work. I want to work for a company where I can grow both professionally and personally long into the future.

Key Takeaways: This answer highlights the expectation of being at work a lot and that you want to develop and grow your skills with the company.

Example #5: Growing Company Sales and Developing Long Term Relationships
As a dedicated and driven salesperson, my dream job would be with a company that is going places, that sets challenging goals and pushes me to be my best. Your company’s mission is centered around new product development, and I want to help the company reach first place in any marketplace it enters. From my previous job, I have relevant work experience growing sales. If I receive a job offer, I will not need much time to get up to speed and make an immediate impact on the company.

Key Takeaways: This is a strong answer that demonstrates excitement and interest in growing the company in new markets.

Example #6: Transitioning Career or Building New Skills
I want this position as it offers an excellent opportunity to put my unique skill sets developed in my last position to work in a new role. I am seeking a job opportunity where I can develop new skills and contribute to the company’s mission for the long term.

Key Takeaways: Career transitions can be difficult. This discusses the application of previous skills to a new role while also showing a willingness to learn and adapt to the new position.

Example #7: Developing Professional Soft Skills
There are a few reasons why I want this job. First, I love the challenge of new opportunities, and I see this as a new challenge that I am excited to take on. Second, I want to develop my professional soft skills as a contribution to my own long-term career goals. In the future, I would like to consider a management position. Finally, because it is a great fit for my skills and interests, I know that I can be successful in this role.

Key Takeaways: The strongest answers are multi-part answers. This addresses taking on new challenges, the desire to develop new skills and states that the position is a close fit for your values.

Example #8: Seeking Opportunities to Develop Leadership Skills
I am excited about the opportunity to develop my leadership skills in this role. I am looking to be part of a company where I can provide value, grow professionally and contribute to the success of the company’s mission. I believe that I have the potential to be an excellent leader, and I am eager to put my skills to work.

Key Takeaways: This answer is good because it is direct and to the point, expressing a desire to move in a leadership direction and confidently stating that you are ready and capable for this challenge.

Example #9: Seeking Opportunities for Management Experience
I want this job because it would allow me to gain management experience. I am interested in a career in management, and this job would give me the chance to learn new skills and hone my existing skills. I am confident that I have the potential to be a great manager, and I believe that this job would be a good stepping stone towards progressing with this company in the future.

Key Takeaways: This answer shows interest in skill development towards a long-term goal of management. This is appealing to businesses who want to know you will stay with the company and improve your skills over time.

Example #10: Getting Promoted
There are a few reasons why I want this particular job. The first is I’m passionate about the work that this company does, and I want to help contribute to its success. The second reason is that I see this job position as an opportunity to progress my own career goals of professional growth and development to increase my value to the company. Third, I want to be promoted within this company and grow my career with it. I am willing to work hard and undertake training and development to reach this goal.

Key Takeaways: This answer directly confronts the intent to gain a promotion. Delivered confidently, this shows ambition and long-term commitment.

Conclusion

Answering this question well will set you apart from other applicants and give the interviewer confidence in you as a job candidate. The best way to do this and to be successful as a job seeker when interviewing for a new job is to be prepared. It’s a good idea to study the job description and research common interview answers. While the perfect answer is helpful, it is more important to make sure you don’t give bad answers. The right answer will explain what skills you have that will benefit the company, how your previous experience fits the company’s culture, and will show you are committed to the organization long-term. You can do this. Good luck!