Why Do You Want This Job? 10 Best Answers & Strategies for 2026 Interviews

Discover proven sample answers, recruiter tips, STAR method examples, and common pitfalls to craft a tailored response that impresses interviewers at companies like Amazon and Google. Get step-by-step guidance for entry-level, manager roles, career changes, and internal promotions, plus 2026-updated advice from LinkedIn and top sources.

Quick Answer: The Best Response to "Why Do You Want This Job?"

Hook interviewers with this passionate, adaptable template: "I'm drawn to [Company] because [specific value/project aligns with my skills], as shown by [quantifiable achievement]. This role advances my [career goal] while contributing to [company objective]."

Generic Sample (Tailor It!):
"I'm drawn to your company because of its innovative approach to sustainable tech, as shown by my project that boosted efficiency by 30%. This role advances my goal in green engineering while contributing to your net-zero initiatives."

Tech Role Sample (Software Engineer):
"I'm excited about Google's innovation culture, like the 20% time policy, because in my last role, I organized innovation events that reduced team turnover by 15%. This position lets me drive product impact while growing in AI." (Inspired by Naukri and IGotAnOffer.)

Keep it 45-90 seconds for maximum impact.

Key Takeaways: Why This Question Matters & How to Nail It

• Research deeply: Use Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and company sites for values, recent projects, and culture (Guardian, Joberty).
• Align skills to JD: 25% of applicants ignore job descriptions--tailor yours to stand out (HirePossibilities).
• Avoid generics: Skip "great company"--link to specifics like Amazon's Customer Obsession.
• Quantify achievements: Use metrics like "30% efficiency gain" (Naukri, WeAreDevelopers).
• Show enthusiasm + fit: Connect your goals to company objectives (Pomona.edu).
• Practice STAR for behavioral twists: Structure stories with Situation-Task-Action-Result (MIT).
• Keep it concise: 45-90 seconds; use LinkedIn's Interview Prep for feedback.
• Tailor by scenario: Entry-level focuses on growth; managers on leadership impact.
• Stats to know: 89% of hiring failures stem from soft skills like poor answers (WeAreDevelopers).

Why Interviewers Ask "Why Do You Want to Work Here?" (And What They Really Want)

This "softball" question (AskAManager) checks three things: genuine enthusiasm, cultural fit, and research depth. Interviewers want to know if you're aligned--not just job-hunting. For nonprofits, tie into mission; for tech giants, reference values like Amazon's Leadership Principles.

Generic answers ("It's a great company") signal laziness. Thoughtful ones link your skills to their needs, showing you'll thrive long-term (Joberty, Pomona.edu). They probe: Will you stay motivated, or check out after month one?

How to Answer: 5-Step Framework to Tailor Your Response (With Checklist)

Follow this framework to craft a winning reply:

1. Research company/values/projects: Dig beyond homepage--recent news, Glassdoor reviews.
2. Match skills/experience to JD: Mirror keywords; prove fit.
3. Use STAR for behavioral angle: Turn it into a story.
4. Quantify impact: "20% reduction" beats vague claims.
5. Practice 45-90 sec delivery: Record via LinkedIn Interview Prep for AI feedback (MIT, Naukri).

Checklist: Research Company for Your Answer

• Review homepage for values/mission.
• Check Glassdoor for culture and interview insights.
• Scan recent successes (e.g., product launches) via news/LinkedIn.
• Explore Job Crowd for employee vibes.
• Note challenges (e.g., growth areas) to show proactive fit.

Top 10 Sample Answers for "Why Do You Want This Job?" (Tailored Examples)

1. Entry-Level (Recent Grad): "As a new grad, I'm eager for diverse experiences at [Company]. Your mentorship program aligns with my internship where I boosted team output by 25%, helping me grow while contributing to your expansion."
2. Manager Promotion: "I've led projects increasing efficiency by 30% here, like the recent overhaul. This role is my next career stage--I'll implement a 30-day plan to hit goals and coach the team."
3. Career Change: "My values shifted toward impact; [Company]'s sustainability focus matches. Transitioning from sales, where I exceeded targets by 45%, I'll drive your client solutions."
4. Internal Promotion: "Ready for more responsibility after reducing errors 30% in my role. Promotion lets me align with long-term goals, training teams for success."
5. Amazon (Customer Obsession): "Amazon's Customer Obsession resonates--I cut complaints 20% via feedback loops. This role lets me scale that impact."
6. Google (Innovation): "Google's 20% time inspires me; I organized events reducing turnover 15%. Excited to innovate in PM."
7. Sales Executive: "Exceeded targets 45% through consultative selling--perfect for your value-driven solutions."
8. Software Engineer: "Your SEO strategies intrigue me; I grew traffic 30% previously."
9. Operations Manager: "Implemented lean principles for 20% cost cuts--aligns with your efficiency goals."
10. General Tech: "Your culture of continuous improvement matches my 40% workload reduction tool."

(Adapted from Naukri, IGotAnOffer, WeAreDevelopers.)

STAR Method Example: Behavioral "Why Are You Interested?" Answers

For behavioral interviews, use STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Adopt a "yes, and..." mentality (MIT).

Example 1: Google Innovation

• Situation: High turnover in my team.
• Task: Boost retention.
• Action: Organized PM committee and innovation events, inspired by Google's 20% policy.
• Result: 15% turnover reduction. "This role lets me bring that energy to Google."

Example 2: Amazon Efficiency

• Situation: Inefficient HR processes.
• Task: Automate manual work.
• Action: Led team to build tool using lean principles.
• Result: 40% workload cut. "Aligns with Amazon's bias for action."

Prep 3-5 stories with MIT's STAR worksheet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid vs. Winning Strategies (Good vs. Bad Examples)

Recruiter Tip: Passion + proof wins; avoid complaints about past jobs.

Scenario-Specific Answers: Entry-Level vs. Manager vs. Career Change vs. Internal Promotion

Recruiter Tips & 2026 Updates (LinkedIn Advice + Tools)

• Use LinkedIn Interview Prep for real-time feedback (MIT).
• Glassdoor for 2026 culture insights (Guardian).
• Strategy for "Why this over others?": "Unique [value] + my [metric] fit perfectly."
• Job market stat: Tailoring boosts callbacks 3x amid AI screening.
• 2026 trend: Emphasize AI ethics/values alignment.

FAQ

Why is "Why do you want this job?" a common interview question?
It gauges fit, enthusiasm, and research--key to avoiding 89% soft-skill hiring fails (WeAreDevelopers).

How do I use the STAR method for "Why are you interested in this role?"
Structure stories: Situation-Task-Action-Result, e.g., innovation example above (MIT).

What are common mistakes in answering "Why do you want to work here?"
Generics, salary talk, no research (Naukri, Joberty).

Best "Why this company?" answers for Amazon or Google?
Amazon: Customer Obsession + metrics. Google: Innovation + 20% time tie-in (IGotAnOffer).

How to answer for entry-level or career change scenarios?
Entry: Growth fit. Change: Values/skills transfer (FounditGulf).

Internal promotion: Best reply to "Why do you want this role?"
Highlight past wins, 30-day plan, readiness (How2Become, TheMuse).