how to answer why do you want this job

Yum Al Zember

4 min read

·

27-11-2024

1

0

Share

Ace the Interview: Crafting the Perfect "Why This Job?" Answer

The interview question, "Why do you want this job?" is a classic, yet often underestimated, hurdle. It's not just about expressing your desire for employment; it's about demonstrating a deep understanding of the role, the company, and how your aspirations align with both. A poorly crafted answer can derail your candidacy, while a well-thought-out response can significantly boost your chances. This article will guide you through crafting a compelling answer, drawing insights from research and best practices.

Understanding the Interviewer's Perspective

Before diving into crafting your answer, let's consider what the interviewer is looking for. They want to gauge:

• Your genuine interest: Are you truly interested in this specific role and company, or are you just applying for any job?
• Your understanding of the role and company: Have you done your research? Do you understand the company's mission, values, and challenges?
• Your long-term goals: How does this role fit into your career path?
• Your fit with the company culture: Do your work style and personality align with the company's environment?
• Your problem-solving skills: Can you articulate how your skills and experience can address the company's needs?

Building Your Answer: A Step-by-Step Guide

While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, a structured approach will help you create a compelling response.

Step 1: Research, Research, Research!

This is paramount. Thoroughly research the company, its products/services, its recent news, its competitors, and the specific role you're applying for. Understand the company's mission, values, and culture. Look at their LinkedIn page, their website, industry news articles, and even their social media presence.

Step 2: Identify Your Motivations

Based on your research, identify your genuine reasons for wanting this specific job. These motivations should be specific and go beyond simply needing a job. Consider these aspects:

• Challenge: Does the role offer opportunities for professional growth and learning? Are there specific challenges that excite you?
• Impact: How can you contribute to the company's success? Can you see yourself making a tangible difference?
• Alignment: How do the company's values and mission align with your personal and professional values?
• Team: Research the team you’ll be working with. Are there aspects of their work or culture that attract you? (e.g., collaborative, innovative, results-oriented).
• Growth: Does the role offer opportunities for advancement or skill development?

Step 3: Structure Your Response (The STAR Method)

The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a powerful framework for structuring your answer. While you don't need to explicitly label each section, this structure ensures a clear and concise response.

• Situation: Briefly introduce the context. You can mention something specific you learned during your research that sparked your interest. For example: "I was particularly impressed by [Company X]'s recent initiative on [Project/Initiative], which aligns perfectly with my passion for [relevant area].”

• Task: Explain how the specific requirements of this role align with your skills and experience. Connect your past experiences to the job description. For instance: "The job description highlights the need for someone with experience in [Skill A] and [Skill B], both of which I have honed during my previous role at [Previous Company], where I successfully [achieved specific accomplishment].”

• Action: Describe specific actions you took in past roles that demonstrate your capabilities. Use quantifiable results whenever possible. For example: *"In my previous role, I implemented a new strategy that resulted in a 15% increase in efficiency." *

• Result: Highlight the positive outcomes of your actions and how they relate to the job you're applying for. For example: "This experience has equipped me with the skills and confidence to make a significant contribution to [Company X]'s success in a similar capacity."

Step 4: Practice and Refine

Practice your answer out loud. This will help you identify any areas for improvement and ensure a smooth delivery during the interview. Ask a friend or mentor for feedback.

Example Answer:

Let's say you're applying for a Marketing Manager role at a sustainable fashion company.

"I'm incredibly excited about this Marketing Manager position at [Company Name] because of your company's commitment to sustainable practices. I've been following your work in [mention a specific initiative or campaign] for some time, and I'm deeply impressed by your innovative approach to [mention a specific achievement or company value]. The job description emphasizes the need for someone with experience in developing integrated marketing campaigns and managing social media presence, both areas where I excel. In my previous role at [Previous Company], I led a campaign that resulted in a 20% increase in brand awareness and a 15% increase in website traffic by leveraging social media and influencer marketing. This success, along with my experience in [mention another relevant skill], makes me confident I can contribute significantly to [Company Name]'s continued growth and success in the sustainable fashion market."

Addressing Potential Challenges:

• Lack of direct experience: If you lack direct experience in certain areas, highlight transferable skills and your willingness to learn. Focus on your adaptability and eagerness to take on new challenges.
• Career change: Clearly articulate how your previous experience translates to the new role and your reasons for the career change. Demonstrate a genuine passion for the new field.
• Salary expectations: Avoid discussing salary in this answer. Focus on your motivation for the job itself, not just the compensation.

In Conclusion:

Answering "Why do you want this job?" effectively requires preparation, genuine interest, and a structured approach. By following the steps outlined above, you can craft a compelling answer that showcases your qualifications, enthusiasm, and alignment with the company's goals, significantly increasing your chances of securing the position. Remember, this question is your opportunity to shine—make the most of it.