Why do you want this role? 6 ways to show you really want the job

Do you have an interview coming up for a job that you really want? It’s important to articulate to the interviewer what made you apply for this job.  

Learn how to explain that you want this job, not just any job. Our experts have defined 6 key steps for how to answer why you want this job, without coming across as desperate.

Why do interviewers ask why you want the job? 

I have often heard interviewers discussing their feedback and saying “I’m just not sure how much they really want it.”  

Interviewers want other people to recognise what is unique about the work environment that they love. However, there is also a more logical reason for recruiting an eager candidate. Interviewers want to know why you are interested in this position to gauge your energy and enthusiasm. Positive, enthusiastic candidates are more likely to become proactive colleagues. 

How to answer why you are interested in this role 

You know you really want the job, the question is, how do you show the interviewer that you are a good fit? We’re here to help you answer this question. Here are six foolproof practices to follow before and during job interviews: 

1. Research the company before your interview 

Before you enter the interview room, do your homework. With so much information available online, this is easier than it has ever been. There’s really no excuse not to research the company. Take some time to: 

• Review the company website 
• Read any recent press releases 
• Study their social media channels 
• Note down a few conversation points. 

Proper research will help you to get a real idea of the DNA and culture of this organisation. You can then reflect that knowledge during the interview and explain exactly why you are applying for this position. This approach will demonstrate to the interviewer that you have made a real effort to do thorough research. This will present you as a diligent, proactive candidate. Research will also imply that you must be genuinely interested in the role. 

2. Practise common interview questions and answers 

It’s worth thinking about the key questions the interviewer might ask. Prepare some answers that demonstrate your skills and experience and link them to the job posting specifically. 

What are the most common interview questions for this particular role and sector? Do you have an idea of how you would answer these? Think how to answer why are you interested in this role also. 

Study the job description and cross reference it with your CV. Are there projects, specific training courses or examples from your previous jobs that are particularly relevant? Have clear details of these that you are prepared to talk about. 

Practise your answers out loud at home beforehand.If you can, have someone listen and give you feedback. 

This kind of preparation will ensure that your suitability and keenness for the role comes across clearly. By preparing concise and composed answers you can demonstrate that you care about this opportunity. It will also resonate with the interviewer’s for extra points.  

3. Ask questions to your interviewer 

The interview itself is a great opportunity to learn more about the role and get a feel for the company. Valuable job interview question to ask include: 

• Is the position new? If not, how has the role evolved?  
• Who are the main stakeholders? 
• What are the measurements of success in the business? 
• What tools can the company provide, to help you exceed expectations.  

These questions will provide you with some insight into the direction of travel for the business. You may also learn something interesting about organisational culture. 

Remember to ask the interviewer for details of their background as this will help to build your rapport with them and show your people skills. 

For more ideas, read our list of 15 questions to ask your interviewer. 

Asking the above questions will show that you want the job on a number of levels: 

• Having good questions ready says that you want the job enough to think ahead and prepare.  
• This approach will demonstrate your curiosity about the interviewer and the business as well as the specific role.  
• You will be able to strengthen your answers based on any insights that you get from asking these questions. This shows your attentiveness throughout the interview. 

4. Don’t overlook the importance of non-verbal communication 

A smile, eye contact, and a good handshake all contribute to showing your enthusiasm. Demonstrating your professionalism will certainly give you a competitive edge over some other candidates. A confident presence will also provide you with the best possible chance of getting your dream job. 

For more advice on non-verbal communication, read our guide on how to power-pose your way to interview success. 

5. Prepare a pitch to conclude the interview 

Once the question and answer segment is over, but before you leave the room, think about giving a one or two minute “pitch.” Wrap up why you’re interested in this role, what you can contribute to the company and how your values align with the company.  

This is your last chance to make an impression, so be clear and precise. Remember: this may well be how the interview panel remembers you. Again, it may be sensible to practise this at home. 

6. Follow up with a thank you email 

The last thing to think about comes down to basic manners. Make sure you follow the interview up with a thank you email that emphasises your keenness for the role. Send this to your recruiter to pass on to the hiring manager at the company. But keep it short, sweet and to the point. This is the polite and professional cherry on the top of a great application and interview. 

In summary, the bulk of showing your enthusiasm boils down to good preparation. From the job search, to researching the company and role, to punctuality, presentation and preparation – it all counts.  

We recommend preparing answers to other common interview questions, like ‘what are your strengths and weaknesses’.  

Before you interview, you may also want to brush up on how to show your skills in a job application. 

If you have an interview coming up, read our interview tips to ensure it’s a success.