“Why do you want this job?” How to answer in an interview (with examples)

If you have an interview coming up, you can almost guarantee you’ll be asked: “Why do you want this job?”

It sounds straightforward, but it’s one of the interview questions candidates get wrong most often.

Generic answers such as “I’m looking for a new challenge” or “you seem like a good company” don’t tell the interviewer anything meaningful - and they’re exactly the responses hiring managers hear again and again. In competitive hiring processes, that’s rarely enough to progress.

Employers invest significant time and money into recruitment. Your answer needs to reassure them that you’re genuinely motivated, understand the role, and have thought carefully about why this job, at this company, makes sense for you. With the right structure, this question becomes an opportunity to stand out - not a trap to fall into.

“Why do you want this job?” - what interviewers are really asking

When interviewers ask this question, they’re not looking for flattery. They want to understand three things:

• Why this company - not just any employer
• Why this role - not just any job
• Why now - and how it fits into your career direction

A strong answer clearly connects all three. If you can do that in a structured way, you immediately set yourself apart from candidates who rely on generic responses.

To use this question to your full advantage you need to demonstrate your passion for the company, the role and your own future development. If you cover these three bases, in a clear, structured way, you stand a much better chance at walking away with the role.

If you’re looking for your next job interview, get in contact with a Hays recruitment consultant to discuss the career options available to you.

 1. Show genuine interest in the company

Interviewers are drawn to candidates who show informed enthusiasm, not surface‑level praise. This doesn’t mean memorising the company website - it means understanding what the organisation stands for and why that resonates with you.

When answering, refer to:

• The company’s purpose or values
• Recent projects, growth, or industry impact
• Products, services, or initiatives that genuinely interest you

Be specific. Explaining why something appeals to you is far more convincing than saying you’re “impressed” without context.

2. Explain why the role excites you

Employers want to hire people who will enjoy the work - because engaged employees tend to perform better and stay longer.

Talk about:

• Which responsibilities genuinely interest you
• How the role aligns with your strengths
• Why this position feels like a good next step

This is also where you can show that you’ve read and understood the job description, rather than applying on autopilot.

Tip: enthusiasm is most credible when it’s linked to specific tasks or challenges, not just the job title.

3. Connect the role to your future development

Modern interviewers aren’t just hiring for today - they’re thinking about potential and progression.

Your answer should show that:

• You’re motivated to grow
• You see learning opportunities in the role
• You’ve thought about how this position fits into your longer‑term career plans

This reassures employers that you’re likely to stay engaged and committed, rather than viewing the role as a short‑term stopgap.

4. Finish with appreciation and intent

A strong answer often ends by reinforcing two things:

• Your appreciation for being considered
• Your genuine interest in progressing

This doesn’t need to be over‑polished - just confident, positive, and professional.

Example answer: “Why do you want this job?”

Marketing Executive applying to a cyber security company

“Cyber security is an industry I’ve become increasingly passionate about, particularly as organisations rely more heavily on digital infrastructure. Over the past few years, I’ve followed [Company X] closely and see you as a leader in providing proactive, preventative solutions - something I value strongly.

When I read the job description, I was particularly drawn to the role’s focus on digital and social media marketing. That’s where my strongest experience sits, and it’s an area where I’ve consistently delivered results. At the same time, I’m keen to continue developing my skills as platforms and best practice evolve.

Working for a forward‑thinking organisation like [Company X], with a clear commitment to innovation and learning, feels like a natural next step for me. The role aligns well with my skills, interests, and long‑term career goals, which is why I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity.”

What to remember when answering “Why do you want this job?”

Interviewers hear similar answers to this question every day. Candidates who stand out are the ones who take a personal, well‑considered approach and clearly explain their motivation.

To recap, a strong answer:

• Is specific to the company and role
• Shows enthusiasm backed by understanding
• Demonstrates how the opportunity fits your career direction

Get this right, and you turn one of the most common interview questions into one of your strongest moments.

If you’re preparing for an interview or exploring your next move, speak to a Hays recruitment consultant for tailored advice on roles, employers, and interview preparation.