When you first hear this question (especially if you are not prepared for it), you may think that the hiring manager wants to learn more about what you want in your next job. This is true to some extent, but the employer definitely has to determine whether your career goals are aligned with the organisation’s needs.
This question, however, is more about gauging how much you know about the company, its mission, and its operations. It’s basically just a different way of asking, “Why do you want to work here?” The interviewer wants to know if you have taken the initiative to learn about the company and to think about what attracts you to working for them.
You should use this question as an opportunity to “sell” yourself. Thinking about your answer, first focus upon and list the employer’s strengths (which you will know if you have researched the company): what training and growth opportunities do they provide for someone in your career field? Why do other candidates want to work for them instead of for their competitors? How has the employer contributed to their industry or to their community?
After establishing the context for your answer – the desirability of the employer – you should then highlight what you can bring to the table that will fulfil their needs.
A good way to brainstorm this question is to fill in the following blanks: “Working for you would give me the opportunity to build upon my experience and skills in ___, ___, and ___ as part of what I know would be a really inspiring and rewarding environment, based upon what I’ve heard about your company.”
Once you’ve customised your answer to this question, be sure to practice saying it out loud. It may help to have a friend or family member pretend to be the interviewer who asks you the question. This is actually a great way to prepare for a variety of interview questions.
Not sure how to answer this important question?
Below are some of the best job interview answers for when the interviewer asks why you want the job. Customise these answers to fit your circumstances and the job you are applying for.
- I understand that this is a company on the rise. As I’ve read on your website and in various press releases, you’re planning to launch several new products in the coming months. I want to be a part of this business as it grows, and I know my experience in product development would help your company as you roll out these products.
Why It Works: This answer proves that the candidate has done their homework in researching the company online, as well as considering how they could practically contribute to current business and production initiatives.
- This job is a good fit for what I’ve been doing and enjoying throughout my career. It offers a mix of short-term projects and long-term goals. My organisational skills allow me to successfully multitask and complete both kinds of projects.
Why It Works: This answer is solid because it lists the soft skills that the candidate can contribute to the employer’s project initiatives, including versatility in being able to work on simultaneous projects.
- I want this retail job at your store because I know I would be terrific at it. I love engaging with people and providing them with assistance. I also have two years of experience working cash registers at other stores. I am a regular customer of this store, so I would love to apply my skills to a store I believe in and support.
Why It Works: Here the candidate demonstrates personal familiarity with and admiration for the employer, in addition to briefly describing the “selling points” of their work experience and customer service skills.
What Not to Say
Avoid reasons that focus on you. Even if it’s true, don’t mention salary, hours, or commute as the primary reasons you want the job. Remember that you want to focus on how you can benefit the company, not how the company or job can benefit you.
Don’t rehash your resume at length. Although the sample answers here allude to the candidates’ experience, they do so to demonstrate how the interviewees have the number of years of experience listed in the “minimum qualifications” section of the job listing. Providing a lengthy work history places too much emphasis upon you. Your primary focus should be upon the employing company and the value you can bring to them. Be selective and concise in the elements of your work history you choose to share.