Initially, it seems a lot easier to answer, but it isn’t as easy as it seems to be. The hiring manager often asks this question to check if the candidate appearing for this position is fit for his/her role or not. They want to test the seriousness of the candidate towards their company.
Answering questions like these requires preparation and some research on the company you’re applying for.
In this article, we will discuss all the tips and tricks you’ll need to ace the question- Why do you want this job?
1. Different forms of the question- “Why do you want this job?”
Sometimes the interviewer may twist the question and ask it in some other form to test the candidate. However, make sure that the answer to all these questions will remain the same.
The questions may be asked as:
- Why are you interested in the company?
- Why are you interested in the job?
- Why do you want to work for us?
- Why this company?
- Why would you like to work here?
You must be able to answer all of these questions to ace your interview, and to do so; you’ll need to do some research. So, let’s proceed with that.
2. Research the company.
Along with sharing your motives and goals towards the company, you will also be needing to check the company’s background thoroughly. If you already know all about the company and why it’s a good match for you, you can skip this part and practice your answer.
- Company’s website: You can start by researching its website as it is the easiest and the most convenient way to know the company. Most of the job prospects and essential things are mentioned on the website only. The company’s website covers everything from firm history to the mission statement to product lines to the latest awards and accomplishments. Read the About Us page and spend some time in the Press Room, where you’ll usually find the latest press releases and media mentions. Check their social links, also like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.
- Media coverage: Check recent articles, press releases, industry publications, etc. of the company. These publications can help you find the recent trends and reputation of the company.
- Social network: Check out the company’s LinkedIn handles and Twitter handle, know about its latest news and interests.
3. Time to answer!
Now that your research is complete, it’s time for the showtime!
Make sure that the interviewer is looking for someone serious towards their company. So your answer must reflect seriousness and goals and motives towards the company. A right answer will demonstrate knowledge of the company and industry.
Reasons you can give for answering – why do you want this job?
- Company general reputation
- The reputation of critical leaders
- Admiration of products/services
- Admiration of other company initiatives (marketing campaign, community involvement, training programs)
- Company culture and values
- Company growth/success
Try thinking of some other reasons, but don’t answer, “I want to work here because I’m trying to find a job.”
It is an unprofessional answer and creates a wrong impression on the interviewer.
Note: You might want to read an article written by me on- jobs near me. Read it here: /jobs-near-me-tips/.
4. Tips for answering- Why do you want this job?
- Research the company ahead of time- Respondents will be listening to a response that indicates that you have researched the company. Make sure you know some necessary details about the company and the job. You may want to read the latest articles in the company to get a sense of their current goals and projects. Also, be sure to re-learn posting work. In this way, in answering the question, you could say something about the company and the position that you are interested in.
- State clearly why you feel that way- Explain what makes you well prepared for this role. To prepare your answer, make a list of job requirements (as defined in the job list), and identify which needs match your skills and experience. In your answer, highlight a few skills you need to get the job and include practical examples of your previous jobs.
- Emphasize what you can do- Your feedback should also emphasize what you can put in the company – what will you replace? Mention any skills or knowledge of the job that makes it a unique, stable history of that job. If possible, use numbers to show how you can add value to your business. For example, if you keep your previous company a certain amount of money, say this, and say you want to do the same for this company.
Follow these tips and ace your interview!
Note: You might want to read an article written by me on- tips on fresher jobs. Read it here: /fresher-jobs-7-tips-applying-for-job-as-fresher/.
You can find thousand of startup jobs and internships near you on KillerLaunch.com. At KillerLaunch, you can apply to any job in just 30 seconds. So visit KillerLaunch.com today!
5. Common mistakes.
- Avoid reasons that are too personal- If true, you might cite a salary, hours, or commute to work as a prime reason. Remember that you want to focus on how you can benefit the company, not how the company or job can benefit you.
- Do not renew your resume for a long time- Although the sample responses here refer to the candidates’ information, they only indicate that the respondents have several years of experience listed in the “minor qualifications” section. Providing a long history of work puts a lot of emphasis on you; your primary focus should be on the company you rented and the amount you can bring to them. Choose and be short on items for your work history you choose to share.
6. Sample answers for answering – Why do you want this job?
#1 Answer:
“I love interacting with customers, and my last job took me a bit away from that. I’m looking to find a role that will let me get back to the direct customer interaction I enjoy. I took a look at the job description before coming in, and it seems like this role involves a lot of customer-facing work.”
#2 Answer:
“I think my biggest motive right now in my job search is to continue building my business development skills. I took on more and more of that in my last role as a Recruiter and enjoyed it a lot. I reviewed the job description and saw this mentioned a lot, so I thought the position seems like a good fit for what I want, but a role where my skill set would be well-used and needed. So that’s why I want this job.”
#3 Answer:
I am looking for a firm where I can enjoy what I am doing, but I can also transition into new positions. I am very good at what I do, but new tools and technologies are coming out in the computer science field. I want a company that allows me to learn more and expand my capabilities into new areas. The fact that you sponsor a week of training every year and that most of the people I’ve met have been here more than five years shows me that we share the same values.
So, I hope this article solved all your queries and doubts regarding why you want this job.
Good luck with your future ahead and ace the interview!
