Why Do You Want This Job? Interview Question Guide
20+ Customizable Answers by Industry + Company Research Framework
"Why do you want this job?" is one of the most important interview questions because it reveals your motivation, research, and genuine interest in the role. Generic answers like "It's a great opportunity" or "I need a job" won't cut it—employers want to see that you've researched the company and can articulate specific reasons you're excited about this particular role.
This guide provides 20+ industry-specific answer examples, a company research framework, and expert tips to help you craft a compelling, authentic response that demonstrates you're the right fit.
20+ Answer Examples by Industry
Software Engineer
"I'm excited about this role because your company is at the forefront of AI innovation, which aligns with my passion for machine learning. I've followed your recent product launches, particularly the AI assistant feature, and I'm impressed by your approach to responsible AI. My experience building scalable systems at [Previous Company] would allow me to contribute immediately to your engineering team while growing my expertise in cutting-edge technologies."
Why it works: Shows research, alignment with company mission, and specific value
Product Manager
"What attracts me to this role is the opportunity to shape products that directly impact millions of users. Your focus on user-centric design and data-driven decision-making matches my approach to product management. I'm particularly excited about the challenge of expanding into the enterprise market, as I successfully led a similar transition at my current company, growing our B2B revenue from $5M to $20M."
Why it works: Demonstrates understanding of challenges and proven relevant experience
Company Research Framework (Before You Answer)
Effective answers require research. Use this framework to gather information:
Company Mission & Values
- • What is the company's mission statement?
- • What values do they emphasize?
- • Do these align with your personal values?
Where to find it: About Us page, LinkedIn, recent press releases
Recent News & Achievements
- • What products/services did they recently launch?
- • Have they won any awards or recognition?
- • What challenges are they facing?
Where to find it: Company blog, news articles, Glassdoor, Crunchbase
Role-Specific Details
- • What are the key responsibilities?
- • What skills are they emphasizing?
- • What team will you work with?
Where to find it: Job description, LinkedIn profiles of current employees
Growth & Opportunities
- • Is the company growing or stable?
- • What learning opportunities exist?
- • What's the career progression path?
Where to find it: Funding announcements, employee reviews, LinkedIn Learning partnerships
3-Part Answer Structure
1. Why This Company
Mention specific aspects: mission, products, culture, recent achievements. Show you've done your research.
2. Why This Role
Explain how the role aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals. Be specific about responsibilities.
3. What You'll Contribute
Briefly mention how your background positions you to add value immediately. Tie it to company needs.
What Recruiters Want to Hear vs. Avoid
✅ What They Want to Hear
- • Specific company details (products, mission, values)
- • Alignment between your skills and role requirements
- • Genuine enthusiasm backed by research
- • Long-term career fit, not just short-term stepping stone
- • How you'll contribute to company goals
❌ What to Avoid
- • Generic praise ("great company to work for")
- • Focusing only on salary/benefits
- • Mentioning desperation or needing any job
- • Talking negatively about current/past employers
- • Admitting you know nothing about the company
Frequently Asked Questions
How much research should I do before the interview?
Aim for 2-3 hours of research. Read the company's About page, recent news, 10-15 LinkedIn posts, employee reviews on Glassdoor, and any public financial reports. The goal is to sound informed, not like you memorized their Wikipedia page.
Should I mention salary or benefits in my answer?
Avoid leading with compensation. Focus on the role, company mission, growth opportunities, and cultural fit. You can mention benefits like professional development programs if they genuinely excite you, but frame it as career growth, not just perks.
What if I'm applying because I need any job?
Even if you're desperate, never say that. Find something genuinely interesting about the company—their mission, products, culture, or team. Research until you find an authentic connection. If you can't find anything positive, reconsider if you actually want to work there.
How do I avoid sounding generic?
Use specific examples: mention exact products, recent company achievements, or individuals you admire at the company. Generic: 'I love your innovative culture.' Specific: 'I was impressed by your recent AI-powered customer service feature, which reduced response times by 50%.'
Can I mention wanting to leave my current job?
Focus on what attracts you to this opportunity, not what's wrong with your current role. Instead of 'My boss is terrible,' say 'I'm seeking an environment that emphasizes collaboration, which I understand is a core value here.'
What if this isn't my dream job but a stepping stone?
Be honest about seeking growth, but frame it positively. For example: 'I'm excited to build my expertise in [specific area] with your team, and I see this role as an opportunity to develop skills that would prepare me for [future role] within your company.'
Should I mention competitors or other companies I'm interviewing with?
Avoid naming competitors unless asked. If you must, position it respectfully: 'I'm exploring opportunities in the fintech space, but your approach to financial inclusion particularly resonates with me.' Never use competitors as leverage.
How do I answer if I'm changing industries?
Emphasize transferable skills and genuine interest in the new field. For example: 'While my background is in education, I'm passionate about healthcare technology's potential to improve patient outcomes. My experience developing training programs would translate well to your patient education initiatives.'
What if I genuinely don't know much about the company?
Never wing it. If you're caught unprepared, be honest: 'I should have done more research, but from what I know, [mention anything you do know].' Then ask thoughtful questions during the interview to learn more. Better yet, always research beforehand.
How long should my answer be?
Aim for 60-90 seconds (150-200 words). Cover 3 key points: why the company excites you, how your skills match the role, and what you'd contribute. Practice until it flows naturally without sounding rehearsed.
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