‘Why do you want this job’ - Best answer examples

One of the most common but deceptively tricky interview questions is: “Why do you want this job?” It may sound simple, but many candidates struggle to deliver a clear, confident answer. A great response shows you’re not just interested in the role – you’re the right fit for the company.

In general, a compelling answer that gets you noticed when answering  'Why do you want this job?' requires you to know about:

• The company's background, and why the role appeals to you.
• The company's mission, vision and values
• The job description in detail
• What you can contribute to the company

Your answer should also:

• Demonstrate your enthusiasm with context
• Highlight your value proposition

You must also avoid saying:

• "I just need a job."
• "This role pays more."
• "This role is good for my career goal."
• "I'm qualified for this role."
• "My previous work is toxic."

What interviewers want to hear

When interviewers ask, “Why do you want this job?”, they’re looking for a few key points. Your response should show you have done your research and can bring value to the team.

1. How much you know about the company

Hiring managers want to see that you’ve done your homework. Demonstrating familiarity with the company’s values and goals shows you are genuinely interested in joining the team – not just getting any job.

Example: “I admire how your company champions sustainability and innovation across your product lines.”

2. How the role fits your career plan

Your answer should demonstrate a commitment to growing with the company, rather than merely using it as a stepping stone. Highlight how this role aligns with your long-term goals and builds on your experience.

Tip: Connect your long-term career aspirations to the company’s growth, showing that your professional development benefits the organisation.

3. How you bring value to the role

Hiring managers want to know how you can contribute – not just what you hope to gain. Share specific examples of past successes and explain how you’re eager to achieve similar results for their company.

Example: “I believe my background in digital marketing can help expand your online reach and drive conversion in key markets.”

4. Why the company appeals to you

When it comes to two equally qualified candidates, employers often choose the ones that have answered interview questions in a way that demonstrates stronger alignment with their values and vision.

Expressing what excites you about being part of their team helps reinforce that you are not just the right fit for the role but also the company.

Ultimately, a good answer to ‘Why do you want this job?’ should focus on how you will bring value to the team and help drive the company’s success. Focus on how you will benefit the company, rather than the other way around, to leave a positive impression on your potential employer.

How to prepare your answer

Interview preparation is key to landing any job. To master commonly asked questions like this, follow these steps.

Understand the company's mission and core values

Before the interview, acquire as much information as possible about the company, including its background, the company’s mission, track record, and team structure.

Consider if their culture and goals align with your personal values and career aspirations. When you explain what aspects of the company appeal to you, you show that you are a strong cultural fit.

Demonstrate a strong understanding of the job description

A great answer is personalised to the job specifications. Your response should connect your skills and experience to the specific requirements of the role.

Even if you lack direct industry experience, focus on your transferable skills. Discuss specific examples of how past projects or achievements can help the company achieve its goals.

Focus on what you can contribute

Reflect on what initially drew you to the role. What specifically excited you about the job description, and what made you feel you could be an asset to the team? Use this as a starting point to frame your response.

Related: ‘Why are you suitable for this job?’ - Sample answers

Good example answers

Here are some sample answers to help you craft a response that demonstrates both enthusiasm and value.

Showcase genuine enthusiasm with context

Sample answer 1

“I’m excited about this role because your company’s approach to tackling industry challenges aligns perfectly with my passion for [relevant field]. After exploring your innovative projects on the company’s website, I believe this job role offers the kind of innovative environment where I can contribute effectively while expanding my expertise in [specific area].”

Sample answer 2

“What initially drew me to this job was your company’s commitment to [specific value or achievement]. As someone who has dedicated my career to [related area of work], I see this role as an exceptional opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that aligns with your mission.”

Showcase your strategic value proposition

Sample answer 3:

“My experience developing [specific skill/project] has prepared me to address the challenges outlined in your job description. I am equipped to help your team with [specific challenge or goal], having achieved [measurable result] in my previous role using [relevant skill].”

Sample answer 4:

“This position represents an ideal intersection of my problem-solving skills, technical abilities in [specific technical skill], and my experience with [complementary skill]. For example, at [previous company], I applied these combined skills to [specific achievement with metrics], and I see similar opportunities to drive results for your team.”

Sample answer 5:

“Throughout my career, I’ve developed expertise in [specific area relevant to role]. After learning about your company’s goals to [mention specific company initiative], I recognised that my background in [relevant experience] could bring immediate value while allowing me to pursue work I find deeply fulfilling.”

Tip: Match your specific skills to the job requirements. This positions you as a well-researched and confident candidate. Keep your response concise, as you’ll have plenty of opportunities to elaborate on your experience throughout the interview.

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid answers that focus solely on your needs, or sound negative:

Response to avoid #1: “I just really need a job.”

This answer focuses on your circumstances rather than what you can offer the company. While everyone needs employment, hiring managers look for candidates who demonstrate specific interest in their role and organisation.

This answer suggests a lack of enthusiasm for the role and indicates a potential for quick departure. Instead, focus on why this particular position at this company appeals to your professional goals.

Response to avoid #2: “The pay increase appealed massively.”

While compensation is a factor, citing it as your primary motivation suggests limited professional interest in the role itself. A more effective response balances the acknowledgement of competitive pay with specific aspects of the position that align with your professional interests.

Meanwhile, get accurate salary insights by role and industry with our latest Salary Guide.

Response to avoid 3: “I feel like this will be a good step towards my next career goal.”

This response signals to hiring managers that you view their position merely as a stepping stone. Instead of positioning the role as a temporary stop, frame your answer in terms of how your long-term development will benefit the organisation.

Response to avoid 4: “Because I'm qualified.”

This response fails to differentiate you from other candidates, as meeting basic qualifications is the minimum threshold for consideration. Instead of stating the obvious, articulate the unique value you bring beyond the minimum requirements.

Response to avoid 5: “I’m trying to escape a toxic workplace.”

This response raises immediate concerns about your professional judgment and discretion. Avoid criticising a past employer, as it may cause interviewers to wonder how you might discuss their company in the future.

Key takeaways when answering ‘Why do you want this job?’

Approaching the ‘Why do you want this job?’ question with confidence and a well-prepared, articulate answer can significantly impact your interview performance.

By focusing on your strengths, demonstrating your knowledge of the company, and avoiding the pitfalls discussed, you can position yourself as a top candidate and significantly improve your chances of landing the job.