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How do you answer 'why do you want this job?
What does your answer to a job interview say?
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Apr 24, 2024 · How can I make my answer to "Why do you want this job?" stand out from other candidates? Stand out by being authentic, showcasing your knowledge of the company, and articulating a clear connection between your skills, experiences, and the job requirements.
- The Job Aligns With Your Career Ambitions. One great response to “Why Do You Want This Job” is sharing that the responsibilities or level of the role match where you are at in your professional journey.
- You Have a Particular Skill Match. This response requires a previous understanding of the current skillset on the team. You can prepare for this question by directly asking the hiring team, “What skills are the current team missing that you are looking for in a new employee?”
- You Wouldn’t Require Training. Sometimes a company is just looking for someone who has checked every box because they don’t have the resources to train someone or ramp them up over a month.
- Fits With Your Desired Career Path. Looking for promotion in title or responsibility in a new job? Take note of job titles while you are interviewing for a new role.
- Overview
- Why employers ask the interview question "Why do you want this job?"
- How to answer "Why do you want this job?"
- 3 example answers to “Why do you want this job?”
- Best practices for answering "Why do you want this job?"
When you attend a job interview for a new position, an interviewer may ask you why you want to work for the hiring organization. You can reflect on the company's needs and your own career goals to form an effective answer. Understanding how to answer this question during an interview can help you improve your employability and distinguish yourself ...
Hiring managers ask this question as a way of assessing if a job candidate is the right fit for a certain position. They can ask this question to determine if a candidate has the motivation and professional skills to perform well in the role and complete their expected tasks. They may also want to learn if the candidate is familiar with the company's values and if their personal values align with the organization's larger goals.You can prepare for an interview by forming a response to this question in advance. If an interviewer sees that you have already considered your reasons for applying, you may be able to leave a positive impression. This might be one of the first or last questions a hiring manager asks during an interview, so you can expect it at any point during your interview.
Related: How To Ace Your Final Interview
1. Do your research
The first step in preparing a good answer to this interview question is acquiring specific information about the hiring organization. If you can include unique details in your answer that directly relate to the company you're interviewing with, the interviewer may appreciate your thoroughness and attention to detail. Check out the company's website or publications to find out its core values and mission. If you can identify the company's goals and priorities, you can tell the interviewer how your own goals align with them.As you're conducting research, you can also reference the specific job description of the position for which you're applying. You may also read former employee reviews to learn what makes the workplace desirable. Still, you can research the company's competitors and see how it excels where its competitors don't.Read more: The Complete Guide to Researching a Company Video: Why Do You Want This Job? Steps To the Best AnswerTaylor shares his strategy for creating a compelling 2-3 minute answer for this critical interview question.
2. Conduct a self-assessment
The next step to preparing a successful answer to this question is answering it for yourself. Compose an honest statement that accurately summarizes why you're pursuing this particular job. A good way to do this is to sit down with a pen and paper and make a list of what you're hoping to achieve if you get the job.Write down your goals and expectations. Record what you think this job could offer you in terms of career advancement. By writing out this information privately, you can prepare yourself to articulate your motivations to someone else. Making this list can also help you identify questions that you want to ask the interviewer or any reservations you have about the position.Related: 53 Self-Assessment Phrases for Professional Development Video: Why Do You Want To Work Here? Tips and Example AnswerJenn explains what interviewers ask the question “Why do you want to work here”, strategies for crafting a strong answer plus an example.
3. Promote yourself
The next step in answering this question successfully is highlighting your skills and expertise to the interviewer. When someone asks this question, they're giving you an opportunity to explain why you would be a valuable addition to their team. Take the time to read over the job description and requirements, and then use specific terms and keywords in your answer.If the job posting lists excellent teamwork skills as a requirement, be sure to tell the interviewer how much you enjoy working with a team and provide an example of a time when you were successful in a team environment. If the interviewer mentions that the job requires regular communication with international clients, describe how you enjoy working with people from different backgrounds and speaking in different languages. Convince the interviewer that you want the job because your specific skill set and experience make you an ideal candidate for the role.Related: How To Sell Yourself in an Interview (With 4 Steps)
Example 1
Here's an example response from a candidate who describes what they like about the company and shows that they've spent time researching the hiring organization:"I am impressed by Goodwin Manufacturer's commitment to excellence and customer service. I really appreciate a company that puts the consumer first and I'd love to work with a team that prioritizes producing quality products instead of just making a profit. I read that last year, Goodwin's customer relations department won an award for its exceptional performance. That dedication to service resonated with me and I'm excited by the prospect of working for a company that shares my values."Why this is a good answer: This response focuses on what the job seeker likes about the company. It shows the company that the job seeker invested time in researching them and that they’re taking the opportunity seriously.Related: What Is Company Culture? (With Definition and Examples)
Example 2
Here's an example response from a candidate who has a thorough understanding of the role and who's highlighted how their experience can be an asset to the company:"I'm interested in this job because I think it would allow me to contribute both my technical expertise and my people skills. Working for Ellis Software as the Design Manager would let me use both my knowledge of computer programming and my experience in customer service. I pride myself on being able to solve technical problems and communicate with clients successfully, so this job feels like a great fit for me. I think because I can contribute to both the production and the sale of Ellis Software's products, I'd be a valuable asset to the team."Why this is a good answer: It’s clear the job seeker has a thorough understanding of the role and they’ve drawn connections to how their experience can be an asset to the company.Related: 53 Examples of Workplace Goals
Example 3
Here's an example answer from a candidate who connects their professional goals to the hiring organization:"I want to teach at Lilypad Elementary because I believe I can achieve my professional goal of becoming a more effective teacher. I am very impressed by the school's high standards for performance and I believe working here would really push me to improve and challenge me to continue growing. I know how many award-winning teachers have taught here and that really motivates me to push myself to meet the administration's expectations for excellence. This school has an outstanding reputation and it would truly be a privilege to work as a part of this teaching team."Why this is a good answer: In this response, the job seeker connects their professional goals to the organization. This tells a company that you see yourself with them long-term and that they’re in alignment with your career trajectory.Related: Professional Goals To Improve Your Career (With 24 Examples)
Here are some best practices to follow when you answer "Why do you want this job?" during an interview:
•Explain your reasons naturally. Instead of memorizing your answer, you can prepare what you'd like to say. When it's time to deliver your answer during an interview, you can allow the explanation to come naturally so you sound more authentic in your reasons.
•Focus on reasons that benefit the company. Even if you want to work at the company for employee benefits like health insurance or paid time off, you can focus your answer on reasons that benefit the company.
•Keep your response concise. When you start delivering your answer, try to keep it to less than two minutes. This way, you can maintain the hiring manager's attention and deliver a straightforward answer.
Video: Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years? Tips + Example AnswerJenn explains what interviewers ask the question “Where do you see yourself in 5 years”, strategies for crafting a strong answer plus an example.
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- Explanation: It demonstrates the candidate’s knowledge of the company because they are aware of their projects and even viewed a video of their work.
- Explanation: By showing how their personal values align with the company’s, this candidate is proving they would be an engaged employee who is likely to stick with the company long term.
- Explanation: The candidate directly refers to the quality of the company's products here, which is flattering for the hiring manager to hear. As a user of the products, this candidate demonstrates that they are already knowledgeable about what the company does, and how much they want to be a part of the team.
- Explanation: For starters, speaking about the reputation of the company is something that the hiring manager will love. This response, however, also does a great job highlighting what the employee can bring to the table – through experience and innovation – and continue to develop.
Jun 25, 2024 · “Why do you want this job?” may appear like a simple question, but the way you answer it can decide the outcome of your interview. You are required to consider the organisational goals of the hiring company, your skills and qualifications suitable for the position while answering this question.
Highlight transferable skills that make you stand out. 3. Mention Recent Achievements. Think about recent achievements or challenges you’ve faced that relate to the new job. Discuss how these experiences will add value to the role, the team, and the company. 4. Reflect on Your Initial Attraction to the Job.
Nov 19, 2023 · Best answer examples to “Why do you want this job?” Find out the 3 key pieces to include in your interview answer, the top mistakes to avoid, and more tips.
