How To Answer “Why Do You Want This Job?” And 7 Examples!

One of the most common questions asked during job interviews is, “Why do you want this job?” This question often leaves candidates confused.

However, your answer to this question is crucial as it demonstrates your interest in the position, your understanding of the company, and how you can contribute. To boost your confidence in addressing this question, check out some effective answer examples and tips below!

Why HR Asks “Why Do You Want This Job?”

The question “Why do you want this job?” is asked by companies to assess your seriousness and suitability for the position. Through this question, employers want to know whether you have prepared well and understand the company.

Additionally, companies want to see if your career goals align with the company’s vision. This is important for finding the right candidate who has the potential to grow with the company.

Examples of How to Answer “Why Do You Want This Job?”

The question “Why do you want this job?” is one of the most frequently asked in interviews. Your answer to this question can determine whether you move to the next stage or not. Here are some example answers that you can use as references.

Provide a Specific Answer

A good example answer to “Why do you want this job?” is to give a specific response. Showing a specific interest in the company’s products or services is a way to demonstrate your seriousness in applying for the job. Here’s an example answer you can use:

“As a loyal user of your company’s products since their first launch, I highly admire the innovation and quality of the products. The beneficial features align perfectly with my needs as a user.

I would love to contribute to the development of new products that can continue enhancing the user experience.”

Explain the Alignment of Your Interest with the Position Applied For

To emphasize your passion and relevant experience, you can explain how your interest aligns with the position you’re applying for. Here’s an example answer:

“I always feel satisfied when I can help others understand a new concept. Through my experience as a tutor, I realized that teaching is my passion. I am confident that by teaching, I can continue to develop my skills in guiding and inspiring others.”

Share Your Personal Views and Knowledge About the Company

For fresh graduates, an answer to “Why do you want this job?” can show your interest and understanding of the company’s values. Here’s an example answer you can refer to:

“As a fresh graduate, I am very interested in the excellent service culture of this hotel. I have read many positive reviews about the guest experience here. Therefore, I want to be part of a team that always strives to provide the best for its guests.”

Leverage the Company’s Opportunities and Challenges

You can also give an answer by leveraging the company’s opportunities and challenges. Here, you can connect your experience and skills with the company’s development plans. Here’s an example answer you can give:

“I am very interested in the company’s plan to expand to several cities in Indonesia. With my experience in sales, I am confident that I can help the company reach a broader market.”

Connect the Company’s Vision and Mission with Your Experience

Next, you can give an answer that connects the company’s vision and mission with your experience. Here’s an example answer:

“I am very interested in the company’s commitment to producing safe and high-quality cosmetic products. With my educational background in chemical engineering, I am confident that I can contribute to maintaining the quality standards of the company’s products.”

Highlight Your Skills and Experience

Finally, an option for answering “Why do you want this job?” is to highlight your skills and experience. Here’s an example you can use:

“I am very interested in the Digital Marketing position at this company because my experience in writing, journalism, marketing, and advertising is highly relevant. I am confident that I can combine these skills for the Digital Marketing position at this company.”

Answer Honestly

The first way to answer “Why do you want this job?” is to be honest. A truthful and open response about your research process before the interview will leave a positive impression on the interviewer. It’s important to remember that HR usually conducts background checks, so your honesty will be assessed here. Therefore, answer as truthfully as possible.

Tips for Answering “Why Do You Want This Job?”

Here are some quick tips for answering this question:

• In-depth Research: Understand the company thoroughly, including its vision, mission, values, products, and challenges.
• Focus on the Company’s Strengths: Link your skills and experience to the company’s needs. Show how you can contribute to their success.
• Show Enthusiasm: Clearly and enthusiastically express your interest in the position.
• Explain the Relevance: Explain how your previous experience is relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you’re a fresh graduate, align your goals with the company’s vision and mission.
• Stay Calm and Confident: Speak clearly, confidently, and remain calm. You can practice before the interview to boost your confidence.

These are some examples of how to answer “Why do you want this job?” that you can use as a reference for your next interview. With thorough preparation, you will feel more confident during the job interview session. Now that you know how to answer this question, it’s time to find a job that suits you.

For this need, RecruitFirst can help you find various interesting job openings. RecruitFirst will assist you in finding a job that matches not only your skills but also your interests and career goals. Create an account at RecruitFirst Indonesia now and find your dream job!