“Why do you want this job?”On the surface, this might seem like a straightforward (even mundane) question to ask a jobseeker, however the reason why most employers in the UK continue to ask this interview query is to dig deeper into your objectives.While some candidates may fall into the trap of just saying, “I need a job,” or “I like the salary,” the jobseekers that truly stand out are the ones that use this question to demonstrate their motivations, how prepared they are, and their level of enthusiasm for the advertised role.If you are concerned about whether you are prepared enough for this interview question or looking for tips on how to frame your response, then this article will help guide you through some easy steps to prepare for this question. Read more: How to prepare for a job interview
When asked “Why are you applying for this position?”, you need to demonstrate that you're not just looking for any job, but this specific job because it aligns with what you believe in and what you want to achieve.To prepare, here are some suggestions to get started:Thoroughly research the company's mission, values, and goals. Look beyond the website – read articles, press releases, social media posts, and even employee reviews to get a sense of the company's culture and what it truly values.Identify the points where your personal values and goals intersect with the company's. Are you passionate about sustainability, and the company is a leader in eco-friendly practices? Does the company prioritise innovation, and you thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment?Don't just say, "I like your values." Point out specific values or aspects of the mission statement that resonate with you and explain why. Use personal anecdotes or experiences to illustrate how these values have guided your own choices and decisions.Look beyond the generic ‘perks’ like free snacks or game rooms. Research the company's approach to teamwork, communication, feedback, and professional development. Are there any employee-led initiatives or social responsibility programs that excite you?Explain how specific aspects of the company culture align with your work style and preferences. If you value collaboration, mention how the company's emphasis on teamwork appeals to you. If you're driven by learning, highlight the company's commitment to continuous learning and development.Don't just say what you think the interviewer wants to hear. Share your genuine impressions of the company culture and why you feel it's a good match for your personality and work ethic.Identify the key responsibilities and qualifications. Think about past experiences – work, volunteering, academic projects – where you demonstrated similar skills or tackled similar challenges.Explain how your past experiences have prepared you for the challenges of the new role. If you're applying for a leadership position in their UK office, talk about times when you successfully managed projects or teams. If the job requires strong analytical skills, share examples of how you've used data to drive decision-making.Read more: How to answer “tell me about yourself” in an interview
To set yourself in the right frame of mind for this question, think about how to set yourself apart from other potential job candidates with your response. Think about how you can identify and articulate how your unique skills and experiences are relevant to the available role.“You could explain how the challenges you overcame in previous roles are similar to the challenges you'll face in the new position as a motivating factor for why you are applying for this position,” suggested Hannah Szymanski, Market Director at Robert Half. “If you excelled at leading a team through a difficult transition, you might mention how your experience can help the company navigate upcoming changes.”Even if your experience isn't directly related to the new role, identify transferable skills that are still relevant for your “why”. For example, strong communication skills developed in a marketing role can be valuable in a technology position.This is again an opportunity to align with the company’s objectives. Think about how your skills and experience can directly contribute to their mission. If the organisation is expanding into a new market outside of the UK, mention your experience with international business development. If they're focused on improving customer retention, share your success with implementing customer loyalty programs.
When answering this interview question, taking the opportunity to convey your excitement for the role can carry your responses further with the interviewer.“What this means is don’t just regurgitate facts and figures from the company website,” commented Hannah.“Share personal stories about how you became interested in the industry or what sparked your passion for the company's mission. Maybe a schoolteacher inspired you to pursue a career in finance, or a recent article about the company's groundbreaking technology piqued your curiosity.”You can talk about how you're constantly learning and growing in your field. Mention books you've read, courses you've taken, or conferences you've attended. This demonstrates your commitment and “why” to staying ahead of the curve, plus your desire to continually improve.And don't just talk about your professional experiences. Share hobbies, volunteer work, or personal projects that relate to the field. If you're a software developer who loves building open-source projects in your spare time, that shows a deep passion for coding.Read more: How to follow up after an interview
Generic answers like "I need a job" or "This seems like a good opportunity" will not impress the interviewer.Similarly, negative comments about past employers can raise red flags about your attitude and professionalism.“Research the company and the role thoroughly, and tailor your answer to their specific needs and goals,” said Hannah Szymanski. “Show that you've put thought into why you want this job, not just any job.”Even if you had a negative experience with a past employer, focus on the lessons you learned and how they've shaped your career path. Emphasise your positive contributions and accomplishments.Another pitfall to avoid is rehashing information from your CV. Being asked, "Why do you want this job?" is your chance to go beyond the facts and figures and show your personality, motivations, and potential.Remember that the interviewer has already read your resume, and they're looking for new insights into your thought process and career aspirations.Instead of listing past job titles, talk about specific projects, challenges, or accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and expertise. Explain how your past experiences have prepared you for the challenges of the new role.Share your excitement about the opportunity and explain why you're passionate about the company's mission or products. This will make your answer more engaging and memorable.
When answering this interview question, a one-size-fits-all answer simply won't cut it, especially if the other candidates waiting outside are as prepared as you are.“To make a lasting impression, you need to tailor your response to the unique aspects of the company and the specific role you're applying for,” said Hannah.As has been mentioned earlier in this article, researching the company's mission statement, core values, and recent initiatives shows that you've done your homework and you're genuinely interested in the company's overall direction.Similarly, review the job description thoroughly and identify the key responsibilities and qualifications. Tailor your answer to highlight specific skills and experiences that directly relate to the role. This demonstrates that you understand the position's demands and you're confident in your ability to deliver.If the company has recently launched a new product, won an award, or made headlines for a particular achievement, mention it in your response. This shows that you're engaged with the company's activities and excited about the prospect of contributing to their continued success.Read more: How to answer 'Why are you applying for this position'
While you may have done extensive research and planning for this interview question, how you respond and articulate your answer on the day is equally as important.When structuring your response, the STAR method is a simple framework for structuring your answer to questions like, "Why do you want this job?" It helps you provide clear, concise, and impactful examples of your past successes.Here is an example response:I'm excited about this Finance Analyst position at ABC because it aligns perfectly with my career goals of working in a fast-paced, data-driven environment where I can leverage my analytical skills to drive business decisions. Your company's focus on innovation in London is particularly inspiring to me, as I've always been passionate about using financial analysis to contribute to a larger purpose.For instance, in my previous role as a Junior Financial Analyst at XYZ, I was tasked with identifying cost-saving opportunities across our operations.Situation - I conducted a thorough analysis of our expenses, identifying areas of inefficiency and potential savings.Task - I then developed a comprehensive plan to reduce costs by 10% over the next fiscal year, which included renegotiating vendor contracts, streamlining processes, and implementing new technology solutions.Action- As a result of my recommendations, the company was able to achieve its cost-saving target and reinvest those funds into growth initiatives outside of the London market.Result - This experience not only honed my analytical and problem-solving skills but also taught me the importance of aligning financial decisions with broader business objectives. I'm confident that my ability to analyse complex data, identify trends, and develop actionable recommendations will be an asset to your team at ABC.
Being asked, “Why do you wish to work for us?” is an opportunity to demonstrate to the interviewer that you are the best candidate for the job.While the answer may seem obvious or predictable, remember that this is the most common pitfall where many interviewees fall short with this question.As with any job interview question, the hiring managers wants to see how prepared you are and whether you can clearly demonstrate you are right for the role.
What other ways can an interviewer ask, “Why do you want this job?”While this is the most common way to phrase this question, some interviewers may change or alter the question to ask the following:Why do you wish to work for us?Why do want to work for us?Why are you applying for the position?Why are you the best for the position?Why are you interested in this position?What motivated you to apply for this position?When does this interview question typically arise?It’s more likely to be asked early during the interview, cropping up before or after “What do you know about the company?” and “Tell us a little about yourself.”Even if the question comes up earlier than expected, remember that you have multiple opportunities throughout the interview to relate to it and can simply approach it by saying “I meant to say this earlier on…” or “That’s another reason I’m interested in this role.”Should I practice my answer in advance?Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to delivering a well-crafted answer to a common interview question like, “Why do you want to work for us?” Rehearsing your response will help you feel more confident, articulate, and natural during the interview.What are the common mistakes people make when answering "Why do you wish to work for us?"Some of the common mistakes and pitfalls made by candidates include:Giving generic responsesFocusing too much on personal gains, such as salary and benefitsRehashing their CVResponding with rehearsed answers and no enthusiasmNot tailoring their response to the organisationSaying negative comments about their previous employerHow do I research the company and role to answer, "Why do you want to work for us?"Research the company's mission, values, history, leadership team, and any recent news or press releases. This will give you a strong sense of the company's culture, goals, and what they value in employees.You can also check the company's LinkedIn page for updates, employee testimonials, and information about company culture.Look for articles about the company in relevant industry publications or trade journals. This can provide context about the company's position in the UK or global market and its competitive landscape.How do I answer, "Why are you applying for the position?" when I don't have direct experience in the field?Focus on what transferable skills you have that could be funnelled into the role. For example, if you're applying for a project management role but have experience in customer service, you can emphasise your communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills.Explain what sparked your passion for this field and why you're eager to transition into it. Share any relevant research you've done, courses you've taken, or projects you've pursued to demonstrate your commitment.How do I answer, "Why have you applied for this position?" when I'm overqualified?Emphasise specific aspects of the role or company that genuinely appeal to you. Perhaps you're passionate about the company's mission, intrigued by a new project they're undertaking, or excited about the opportunity to mentor and develop younger team members.You can also express your eagerness to contribute your skills and experience to a new environment. Share your desire to learn new things, even in a less senior position.What is a potential follow-up question to, “Why do you want to work for us?”You could be asked, "Can you give me a specific example of how your skills and experience align with a key responsibility of this role?"This is designed to gauges how well you have researched the role and understands its core responsibilities.
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