Various factors may influence an applicant when applying for an opportunity. These factors can range from career progression opportunities, location, work flexibility, salary, or a change of sector or environment. 

Whilst applicants will know the exact reason for their interest in a new opportunity and employers will be clear about your interest, they’re still required to communicate this to their potential employer in the interview. Whilst factors such as work flexibility or career progression are valid reasons for a job change, it’s important to look at the role in question and identify specific reasons why that role in particular is the best fit for the next stage in your career. 

So, the question is: Why do you want this job? This requires a blend of research, self-awareness, and communication. Let’s take a look at a few ways you can answer this…

Understand the company

It’s important to familiarise yourself with the company’s goals and missions; as well as their services and recent achievements. It would help if you referred to this information when explaining your interest in the position and the company. 

The role you’re applying for will play a key part in helping the organization fulfill its ambitions; be sure to understand the role’s requirements in detail so you understand how it fits into its overall strategy. 

What are your motivations? 

Think about how the role aligns with your short and long-term career aspirations. Your passion for the sector or industry will be the key driver as to why your interest in the role is high; be sure to elaborate on that when you have the opportunity. The company’s working culture should remain a factor; whether they embrace inclusivity, diversity, and a flexible working culture. 

Connect your skills and experience 

Your skills and experience are essential factors in your reasoning for applying for the job. Ideally, your skills and experience will match the requirements of the position. In the case that you fall short in some areas, it’s important that you sell the experience and skills you have and why you would be a great fit. Think about how you can contribute to the company’s success based on your background. 

Craft your answer 

This three-point structure can help you craft your answer: 

Start with the company 

Express your enthusiasm for the company and why it stands out for you. 

Example: "I have always admired [Company]'s innovative approach and commitment to [specific value or mission]. Your recent [mention any recent achievement or initiative] has particularly impressed me."

Discuss the role 

Discuss specific aspects of the role, why they excite you, and how they can help your career goals. 

Example: "The [position] role excites me because it offers an opportunity to [specific aspect of the job that interests you], which aligns perfectly with my career goals. I am particularly drawn to [mention specific responsibilities or projects]."

Highlight your career experience and skills 

Emphasise why your skills and experience would make you the ideal fit for the position. Refer to specific skills, whilst providing examples of past achievements.  

Example: "With my background in [your relevant experience], I have developed a strong set of skills which include [mention key skills]. Based on the job description, I am confident that my [specific skill or experience] will allow me to contribute effectively to [Company]'s ongoing success in [specific area or project]."

By demonstrating your knowledge of the company, aligning the role with your career goals, and highlighting your relevant skills and experiences, you can present a suitable answer to "Why do you want this job?".