Quick Summary
One of the most frequently asked questions in job interviews is, “Why do you want this job?” While it may seem straightforward, your response can significantly influence the interviewer’s perception of your suitability for the role. This question offers you an opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm, alignment with the company’s values, and how your skills make you the ideal candidate.
When you’re asked “why do you want this job” in an interview, it might seem like a simple question—but it carries a lot of weight. Employers use this question as a tool to dig deeper into your mindset, your preparedness, and your long-term fit with the organization. It’s not just about why you applied—it’s about whether you’re truly aligned with the opportunity in front of you.
One of the first things interviewers assess through “why do you want this job” is your motivation. Are you genuinely enthusiastic about the role, or are you simply applying to every job that comes your way? A strong, specific answer shows that you’ve done your homework, understand the job responsibilities, and are excited about what the position entails. Companies want to hire people who are invested in their work—not just looking for a paycheck.
Employers also want to know whether your values and working style align with their company culture. When they ask “why do you want this job,” they’re also indirectly asking, “Do you see yourself thriving in our environment?” For example, a company that values collaboration and innovation is likely seeking candidates who share those values. By demonstrating that you’re a cultural match, you increase your chances of standing out as a great team addition.
Another key aspect behind the question “why do you want this job” is evaluating your long-term commitment. Hiring and training employees is a significant investment. Interviewers want to feel confident that you’re not just using this role as a temporary stopgap. When your answer reflects how this job aligns with your long-term career goals, it reassures employers that you’re likely to stay, grow, and contribute over time.
Answering the interview question “why do you want this job” isn’t just about sounding eager—it’s about presenting a thoughtful, tailored response that connects your skills and goals with the company’s needs. Here’s how to craft an answer that stands out and strengthens your candidacy:
The first step in preparing a compelling answer to “why do you want this job” is getting to know the company inside and out. Employers are impressed when candidates demonstrate a strong understanding of their organization. This means going beyond just reading the job description.
Here’s what to look for:
When your response reflects this knowledge, it shows the interviewer that you’re genuinely interested in why you want this job—not just any job.
After your research, connect the dots between what the company needs and what you bring to the table. This is where you demonstrate how your background makes you a great fit for the role.
Focus on:
When you align your abilities with the company’s goals, you’re not just answering “why do you want this job”—you’re making it clear why they should want you.
Read more: resume tips to get you hired
A robotic or overly rehearsed answer can fall flat. To truly impress, let your passion come through in your response. Interviewers often say they remember candidates who are sincerely enthusiastic about the opportunity.
Let your excitement shine by speaking about:
Remember, enthusiasm paired with preparation can be a game-changer when answering “why do you want this job.” It shows you’re not just capable—you’re also eager and committed.
Crafting the perfect response to “Why do you want this job?” is essential for standing out in an interview. Below are sample answers tailored to various career stages and industries. Each response is structured to highlight the candidate’s motivation, company alignment, skills match, and long-term goals.
“As a recent graduate in Marketing, I’m eager to apply my knowledge and creativity in a real-world setting. I’ve followed your company’s campaigns and appreciate your fresh, innovative approach to branding. This role is the perfect opportunity for me to learn from experienced professionals while contributing ideas of my own. I’m excited to start my career in an environment that values both learning and impact.”
“With over five years of experience in project management, I’m now looking to contribute to a dynamic organization like yours that values innovation and continuous improvement. I was particularly drawn to your recent sustainability initiatives, which align with my personal values. This role matches my skill set and also offers opportunities to grow into leadership positions—which is exactly what I’m aiming for in my career.”
“Coming from a background in finance, I’ve developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Recently, I discovered a strong interest in product management and have completed a certification course to deepen my understanding. What excites me about this job is that it allows me to transition into this new field while leveraging my existing strengths. Your company’s user-focused approach and product innovation align perfectly with the kind of work I want to do.”
“I want this job because I genuinely enjoy helping people and resolving issues. Your brand is known for its excellent customer service, and I’d love to be part of a team that prioritizes the customer experience. With my background in handling high-volume support queries, I believe I can contribute to your goals while continuing to grow professionally in a customer-focused environment.”
“I’m excited about this role because it allows me to work on cutting-edge technologies in a collaborative team. Your company’s open-source contributions and agile development approach are what initially caught my attention. With my experience in full-stack development and cloud architecture, I’m confident I can contribute to meaningful projects here, while continuing to develop my skills in a forward-thinking environment.”
“I’ve always been passionate about creating efficient systems and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. What attracted me to this job is your reputation for operational excellence and employee satisfaction. With my background in office coordination and vendor management, I believe I can support your team and contribute to the company’s productivity and success.”
To structure your response effectively:
“I am excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] as a [Position Title]. Your commitment to innovation and excellence aligns with my personal values and professional aspirations. In my previous role at [Previous Company], I led a project that improved operational efficiency by 20%, showcasing my ability to drive results. I am eager to bring my experience and passion for continuous improvement to your team and contribute to your ongoing success.”
Just as a well-crafted answer to “why do you want this job” can impress your interviewer, a poorly framed response can raise red flags and cost you the opportunity. Many candidates make the mistake of giving generic, self-centered, or ill-informed replies. Here’s a breakdown of bad answer examples—and why they don’t work.
While it may be true, saying this shows desperation, not genuine interest in the role or company.
Why it’s bad:
It lacks enthusiasm, doesn’t demonstrate alignment with the job or company, and implies you’ll take any job available—not this one in particular.
Better alternative:
“I’m excited about this job because it aligns with my background in customer service and gives me the opportunity to grow in a company that values customer satisfaction.”
Even if salary is important, making it the sole reason for your interest shows a lack of passion or purpose.
Why it’s bad:
Employers want candidates who care about the work, not just the paycheck. It makes it seem like you might leave for a better-paying opportunity at any time.
Better alternative:
“I’m motivated by meaningful work, and I believe this role allows me to use my skills while contributing to a team-driven environment.”
This answer reveals a lack of research and preparation.
Why it’s bad:
It shows you’re not serious about the opportunity and haven’t taken the time to learn about the company culture, values, or goals.
Better alternative:
“I was impressed by your recent sustainability campaign and how you support community initiatives. That aligns with my personal values, and I’d love to contribute to those efforts.”
While referrals can help get you an interview, leaning on that alone is risky.
Why it’s bad:
It shows you’re relying on others’ opinions rather than forming your own understanding of the role and company.
Better alternative:
“A friend recommended the company and shared positive experiences, which encouraged me to explore the role further. After researching your mission and culture, I found a strong alignment with my goals and strengths.”
Ambition is good—but not if it implies you’re not interested in the current role.
Why it’s bad:
It makes it sound like the position you’re applying for is just a stepping stone, which can discourage hiring managers who want someone committed to the job.
Better alternative:
“This position is a great fit for my skills and interests, and I see it as a strong foundation for long-term growth within the company.”
While answering “why do you want this job” may seem straightforward, many candidates fall into common traps that weaken their responses. Avoiding these mistakes can make your answer more impactful, relevant, and memorable to interviewers. Here’s a closer look at what not to do—and why.
A vague answer like “Because it’s a good opportunity” or “I like the job role” might seem safe, but it lacks the depth and personalization interviewers are looking for. A generic response could apply to any company or position and signals a lack of preparation.
Why it doesn’t work:
When answering “why do you want this job,” employers expect a specific and tailored explanation. They want to hear how the role aligns with your experience, interests, and long-term goals.
What to do instead:
Mention something unique about the company or job that genuinely excites you—such as its mission, leadership style, industry innovation, or team dynamics—and connect that to your professional journey.
Many candidates unintentionally frame their answer around what they stand to gain, such as “I want to learn new skills,” or “This job will boost my resume.”
Why it doesn’t work:
While growth is important, employers want to know what you can contribute. An answer that centers only on your personal benefit makes it seem like the company is just a stepping stone for you.
What to do instead:
When answering “why do you want this job,” balance your response by highlighting both what you hope to gain and what value you’ll bring to the company. Make it a win-win scenario.
Nothing turns off an interviewer more than a candidate who clearly hasn’t taken the time to learn about the company. Saying things like “I don’t know much about your company but…” or confusing one company for another is a critical mistake.
Why it doesn’t work:
When you’re asked “why do you want this job,” your answer is expected to show thoughtful research and genuine interest. A shallow or clueless response shows you’re not invested in the opportunity.
What to do instead:
Research the company’s values, mission, recent achievements, and culture beforehand. Reference something specific you admire and explain how it connects with your personal and professional values.
Answering “why do you want this job” is more than just ticking off a common interview question—it’s your moment to connect your skills, values, and career goals with what the company truly needs. A thoughtful response reflects your motivation, preparation, and understanding of the organization, helping the interviewer see you as someone who is both capable and committed. When done right, your answer becomes a persuasive pitch that not only explains why you want the job but also why the company should want you on their team.
Avoiding generic statements, doing your research, and aligning your background with the role are key to crafting a memorable answer. Whether you’re a fresher, a career switcher, or a seasoned professional, customizing your response to “why do you want this job” gives you a competitive edge. It shows you’re not just job-hunting—you’re purposefully choosing to contribute to a place where your work can truly make an impact.
The best way to answer “why do you want this job” is to tailor your response by highlighting your interest in the company, aligning your skills with the role, and showing how it fits into your long-term career goals.
Interviewers ask “why do you want this job” to assess your motivation, cultural fit, and whether you’ve done research on the company. It helps them understand if you’re serious about the role and likely to stay long term.
Freshers can answer “why do you want this job” by focusing on their educational background, enthusiasm to learn, and specific aspects of the company or role that excite them.
While honesty is appreciated, saying “I need the money” as a response to “why do you want this job” can make you seem unmotivated or disinterested in the actual work. Focus instead on the role, company, and growth opportunities.
Your answer to “why do you want this job” should be concise yet detailed—typically 30 to 60 seconds. Be specific, stay focused, and avoid rambling.
Common mistakes include giving generic responses, focusing only on salary, lacking company research, or sounding unsure. A strong answer to “why do you want this job” is personalized, researched, and enthusiastic.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
