How to Answer Tricky Interview Questions Part 2: “Why Do You Want This Job?”

You’ve nailed your résumé, impressed with your cover letter, and prepared for the interview before the big day. Now you’re face-to-face with the hiring manager, the final hurdle. The new job is so close you can taste it.

Then the big question drops; you’ve been waiting for it. “Why do you want to work for us?“

What Are They Really Asking?

“Why do you want this job?”, “Why do you want to work for us?” and “What makes you a good fit?” are all versions of the same open-ended question.

It’s an invitation. It’s your chance to get down to brass tacks and outline why you’re the candidate they need.

The opportunity is twofold:

First, you’ve got the chance to talk about your place in the organization: how its values match your own and why you would be a good fit in the company culture.

Second, it’s the moment to talk about your suitability for the role: you have the chance to demonstrate how your skills match the job you’ve applied for.

It’s important to give detail, but try to be as concise as you can in your answer. You don’t want to drill down into every stage of a project you worked on. Stick to the over-arching, relevant facts.

Our latest Mind Tools Minutes video shows you exactly how to tackle this question.

Prepare in Advance

The recruiter wants to know that you’ve made the effort to understand the role and the organization. So, in preparation, you need to gather as much information as possible. Scour the organization’s website (the ‘About Us’ section is a great place to start), check their social media, and thoroughly read the job description.

Highlight Your Skills

There’s a reason you applied for this specific job – even if it was out of desperation! So consider what caught your eye. The brand name? The development opportunities? The fact you have some relevant experience? All these are great jumping-off points for preparing your answer.

Also, don’t be afraid to talk about your career ambitions and goals. It’s good to demonstrate how this job will be good for you – it shows honesty, thoughtfulness, dedication, and that you take your career seriously.

Watch the Latest Episode of Mind Tools Minutes

Our latest Mind Tools Minutes video series takes you through the ins and outs of getting a job, from crafting the perfect resume to starting your first day. Head over to our YouTube channel to watch this series and more.

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