Why Do You Want This Job? Best Answers and Examples (2024)
This question tests whether you've researched the company, align with its goals, and see yourself contributing long-term. The best answers blend genuine enthusiasm, specific company knowledge, and your unique fit--skip generics like "great opportunity."
Entry-level candidates: Emphasize learning and growth, like "eager to apply theoretical knowledge" (Hirist, 2024). Career changers: Highlight transferable skills and prep, such as bootcamp projects. Experienced pros: Link your goals to company growth (Michael Page). Customize these for any role. Tailor them to land interviews--the core strategy comes next.
If you're in an unprepared, last-minute interview, stick to basics like role fit.
The Core Strategy: Align Your Answer with Company and Role
| Tool | Purpose | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Glassdoor | Interview insights | MIT CAPD, 2022 |
| Company updates | MIT CAPD, 2022 |
Interviewers ask "Why do you want this job?" to see if you're motivated by the company itself, not just salary or convenience. A strong response shows you've researched their values, recent projects, and how you fit--proving mutual benefit (Forbes, 2023). Know their goals, like innovation in IT (Hirist, 2024). Skip badmouthing past roles or generic lines like "I need a job"--they signal poor fit (Forage, 2022).
If you don't have real interest, pivot to skills alignment without forcing enthusiasm--generic answers fail here. Use this to show fit quickly.
Sample Answers for Why This Company and Position
Tailor these 5 recruiter-approved examples to the job description and company news. They cover general, entry-level, and career change scenarios, drawing from real prep strategies like the "detective approach" (spot recent announcements) (Naukri, 2023).
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General Role: "I'm drawn to [Company]'s track record of innovation, like your recent sustainable packaging expansion. With my background in eco-friendly design, I see this role as a chance to contribute while growing on a team dedicated to excellence." (Adapt from Naukri, 2023).
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Experienced Professional: "Your commitment to [specific goal, e.g., digital transformation] aligns with my skills in leading projects that drive growth. I want to bring my experience to help scale initiatives like your recent vendor expansions." (From Michael Page).
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IT or Tech Focus: "I'm impressed by [Company]'s IT innovations. I'm excited to apply my skills to real-world challenges and collaborate on projects that push boundaries." (Hirist, 2024).
Tailor these to land interviews--specific examples follow.
Entry-Level Example: Why Do You Want This Job?
For beginners, focus on enthusiasm for learning and company fit. Recruiter-approved script:
"I recently completed my IT studies, and I'm eager to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges at [Company]. Your innovation track record excites me, and this junior role offers the perfect platform to grow while contributing to your success." (Founditgulf, 2025).
This shows preparation without overclaiming experience. Perfect for new grads.
Career Change Example: Why This Role?
Frame it positively with proof of investigation. Example:
"After years in customer service, I pivoted to UX through a bootcamp, redesigning an app that boosted engagement 40%. [Company]'s focus on user-centered design aligns perfectly--I'm excited to bring transferable skills to your team." (Aceround, 2025; Amatum, 2025). Adapt for your switch.
Use STAR Method for Behavioral "Why Interested?" Responses
- Outline 3-5 stories using STAR (Situation-Task-Action-Result).
- Practice "yes, and..." for depth (MIT CAPD, 2022).
- Skip STAR(R) reflection unless prompted (Intuition, 2024).
For behavioral twists like "Tell me about a time your interest led to impact," STAR structures your stories. Prepare outlines to demonstrate skills.
Example:
- Situation: Interviewing for two roles, unclear on fit.
- Task: Decide based on priorities like growth.
- Action: Compared vendors side-by-side, highlighting content depth.
- Result: Chose the aligned role, rated 8.5/10 (Forbes, 2023).
Practice to build confidence. Lead with this in behavioral prep.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Bad answers tank your chances--compare:
| Bad Example | Why It Fails | Good Pivot |
|---|---|---|
| "For remote work/salary" | Sounds transactional (Forage, 2022) | "Your flexible culture aligns with my productive style, letting me focus on [skill]." |
| Badmouthing old job | Negative vibe (Kickresume, 2025; Naukri, 2026) | "I achieved milestones, now I'm seeking more responsibilities here." |
Fix it: Research deeply, practice out loud, align goals (Mercy.edu, 2019--historical data). Dodge these for better odds.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tailor Your Answer
Prep in under 2 minutes:
- Research news/LinkedIn/Glassdoor for specifics (MIT CAPD, 2022).
- Map your skills to the job description--use "detective" approach for projects (Naukri, 2023).
- Practice a STAR story out loud with AI feedback.
Skip full tailoring for rushed interviews--use values fit instead. Quick wins here.
Evidence Pack
Decision Matrix: Best Answer Types by Candidate Profile
| Profile | Key Focus | Sample Phrase (from RAG) | Source/Year | When to Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | Learning + company innovation | "Eager to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges" | Hirist (2024) | No experience; emphasize growth |
| Career Changer | Transferable skills + investigation | "Completed UX bootcamp" | Aceround (2025) | Switching fields; show prep |
| Experienced | Alignment + contributions | "Connect long-term goals to company growth" | Michael Page (unknown) | Internal moves; highlight mutual benefit |
| General | Values + role fit | "Impressed by track record of innovation" | Naukri (2023) | Any; baseline if low research |
When Job Change Reasons Overlap (Pros, Cons, and Pivots)
"Why this job?" often connects to leaving your old one--frame it positively. Pros of honesty (e.g., culture mismatch): Shows self-awareness (Testleaf, 2025). Cons: Risks negativity--pivot to aspirations (Kickresume, 2025; Naukri, 2026).
| Scenario | Pro | Con | Pivot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layoffs | Seeks stability | Over-sharing | "Now pursuing roles matching my skills, like this one." |
| Culture | Self-aware | Negative | "Seeking collaborative innovation here." (Testleaf, 2025) |
Apply This to Your Situation
Quick questions for you: Does it name a project? STAR practiced? Value added? Think on these before your next interview.
FAQ
What is the STAR method for interviews?
STAR (Situation-Task-Action-Result) structures behavioral stories. Outline 3-5 examples: Describe the context, your role, steps you took, and outcomes. Use it for depth beyond "yes" (MIT CAPD, 2022; Intuition, 2024).
How do entry-level candidates answer "Why do you want this job?"
Emphasize growth and fit: "Eager to apply my studies to your innovative projects" (Founditgulf, 2025). Research through Glassdoor.
What are common mistakes in "Why this company?" responses?
Skip generics, badmouthing, or salary focus--shows lack of prep (Kickresume, 2025; Forage, 2022).
How to answer for a career change?
Show investigation: "Took a UX bootcamp--aligns with your design focus" (Aceround, 2025). Frame it positively.
Best tools for researching company interview questions?
Glassdoor reviews, LinkedIn prep (AI feedback), company sites for news (MIT CAPD, 2022).
Pick one sample answer, customize it to your target company, and practice out loud twice today.