When facing the common interview question, ‘why do you want this job?’ candidates often find themselves at a crossroads, unsure of how to articulate their motivations effectively. While the question might appear straightforward, it delves into the heart of a candidate’s connection with the company, their career aspirations, and the specific role in question. In this comprehensive exploration, we will dissect the nuances of this inquiry, drawing insights from experts at Michael Page, a renowned recruitment agency, and incorporating best and worst answer examples.
What the Interviewer Truly Seeks
When a hiring manager poses the question, ‘why do you want this job?’ they are aiming to unravel several layers of your professional mindset. Understanding the true intent behind this query is pivotal for crafting a compelling response. The interviewer seeks insights into your knowledge about the company, the alignment of the role with your career trajectory, your aspirations for growth, and your potential contributions to the team.
- Company Research: A Pillar of Preparation
To prepare effectively, delve into the company’s values and mission statement. Consider whether these align with your personal values and if they evoke a sense of passion within you. This foundational understanding can serve as the bedrock for your response. Demonstrating that you are not merely interested in a job but are genuinely invested in contributing to the company’s mission adds depth to your candidacy.
- Showcasing Industry-Specific Knowledge and Transferable Skills
While industry-specific knowledge can be advantageous, it is not always a prerequisite. What matters is your ability to draw connections between your past experiences and the requirements of the new role. Highlight specific examples of how your skills and achievements can be seamlessly transferred, contributing to the company’s goals. This not only showcases your suitability for the position but also underscores your value proposition.
- Recent Achievements and Challenges as Value Addition
Reflect on your recent achievements and challenges, framing them in a context that aligns with the prospective job. Articulate how overcoming challenges and achieving milestones in your current or previous roles positions you as an asset to the new team. This approach substantiates your ability to add tangible value to the role, the team, and the overall organizational objectives.
- Revisiting Initial Excitement: The Spark That Ignited Your Application
Consider what prompted you to submit your CV and application in the first place. Revisit the job description and articulate the aspects that excited you initially. By expressing the genuine enthusiasm that led you to apply, you convey authenticity and a meaningful connection to the role.
Best Answer Examples
Armed with an understanding of the interviewer’s intent, let’s explore some best answer examples that effectively communicate your motivations for wanting the job.
Show Your Enthusiasm
- Example 1: “This opportunity is truly exciting for me as it allows me to learn and progress in an industry I am deeply passionate about. The first thing that caught my eye in the job spec was…”
This approach communicates not only your excitement but also your proactive approach to aligning personal career goals with the role and the company. It demonstrates a thoughtful consideration of how the role fits into your broader career narrative.
Focus on the Job at Hand
- Example 2: “I want this job because I have clear skills that will help me achieve… This role provides the opportunity to combine both my skills in [skill 1] and [skill 2] to achieve…”
By explicitly linking your skills to the specific requirements of the job, you showcase a keen understanding of what the role demands. This highlights your confidence in your ability to meet the job’s expectations and contribute meaningfully.
What Not to Say
Equally important is understanding what to avoid when crafting your response. Steering clear of certain pitfalls ensures that your answer resonates positively with the hiring manager.
- “I Just Really Need a Job”
While honesty is valued, admitting that your sole motivation is financial might convey a lack of genuine interest in the company’s mission or the role’s responsibilities.
- “The Pay Increase Appealed Massively”
While remuneration is a valid consideration, emphasizing it as the primary reason can signal a lack of passion for the job itself. Employers seek candidates who value the role beyond monetary aspects.
- “A Good Step Towards My Next Career Move”
Expressing a desire for the job solely as a stepping stone to the next career move raises concerns about your long-term commitment. While discussing career goals is acceptable, avoid signaling a premature intention to move on.
- “Because I’m Qualified”
While qualifications are essential, a generic statement like this doesn’t distinguish you from other qualified candidates. Focus on what makes you uniquely suited for the role and how you can contribute beyond what’s evident on your CV.
Other Interview Questions
In addition to “Why do you want this job?”, interviewers often pose a variety of questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of a candidate’s qualifications, personality, and suitability for the role. Preparing for these questions is crucial to presenting yourself in the best possible light during an interview. Let’s explore several common interview questions and strategies for answering them effectively:
1. Tell Me About Yourself
Intent: This question serves as an icebreaker and allows the interviewer to get an overview of your background.
Strategy: Craft a concise and compelling narrative that highlights your professional journey, key accomplishments, and how your experiences align with the job in question. Focus on relevant aspects of your career and personal attributes that make you an ideal fit for the role.
2. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Intent: The interviewer wants to assess your self-awareness, as well as your ability to reflect on areas of improvement.
Strategy: For strengths, highlight skills directly applicable to the job. When discussing weaknesses, frame them positively by showcasing your efforts to overcome or mitigate them. This demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement.
3. Describe a Challenging Situation and How You Overcame It
Intent: This question evaluates your problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to handle adversity.
Strategy: Choose a specific, work-related example that demonstrates your ability to navigate challenges. Outline the situation, the actions you took, and the positive outcome. Emphasize the skills you utilized during the process.
4. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?
Intent: This question gauges your long-term career goals and whether they align with the company’s trajectory.
Strategy: Discuss your aspirations in a way that aligns with the potential growth opportunities within the company. Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning and development.
5. How Do You Handle Stress or Pressure?
Intent: This question assesses your ability to remain composed and effective in demanding situations.
Strategy: Provide concrete examples of how you have successfully managed stress in the past. Highlight your organizational and time-management skills, as well as any coping mechanisms you employ.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question ‘why do you want this job?’ is an opportunity to articulate your unique narrative, showcasing your enthusiasm, skills, and alignment with the company’s values. By understanding the interviewer’s underlying motivations and incorporating best practices into your response, you can stand out as a candidate who not only meets the job requirements but also adds significant value to the organization. Remember, your answer is not just a response; it’s a crafted story of your professional journey and aspirations.