Interview question
How to answer: "Why do you want this job?"
Quick answer
Answer 'why do you want this job?' by connecting the specific role to your skills and career goals, and showing genuine enthusiasm for what this job involves day-to-day. Reference the actual responsibilities in the job description — show you understand the role and that it's a deliberate choice, not just any job.
Why interviewers ask this
Interviewers gauge motivation and fit for this specific role. Generic answers suggest you'd take any job; specific ones show genuine interest and that you've understood what the role involves.
How to structure your answer
- Reference the actual responsibilities in the job description.
- Connect them to your skills and what you enjoy.
- Link the role to your career direction.
- Show genuine, specific enthusiasm — not generic praise.
Mistakes to avoid
- Generic answers that fit any job.
- Focusing only on what you'd get (salary, title).
- No evidence you understand the role's responsibilities.
- Confusing 'why this job' with 'why this company'.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between 'why this job' and 'why this company'?
'Why this job' is about the specific role and its responsibilities; 'why this company' is about the organisation, its mission and values. Tailor each separately.
How do I make my answer specific?
Quote the actual responsibilities in the job description and connect them to your skills, what you enjoy, and where you want your career to go.
Preparing for questions like "Why do you want this job?"?
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