“Why did you apply for this job?”

“Why do you want this job?” It’s one of the most common interview questions, but easiest to slip up on. On the face of it, the interviewer is simply asking what interests you about this role. But be prepared to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the question at hand.

Many candidates provide simplistic answers. “I want this job because I need a new challenge” or “because you seem like a good company to work for”. But these answers often won’t make the interview shortlist. 

First things first: “Why do you want the job?”

A good place to start is by genuinely asking yourself what appeals to you about this role. If you can’t answer it yourself, you’re likely to give the interviewer a vague answer that they’ve heard dozens of times. Your interviewer wants to know what attracted you to this role and how your skills can complement their work.

Remember: hiring is costly and time-consuming. Interviewers need assurance that you’re an engaged and passionate hire who will take the company to new heights. Show them what you’re made of by telling them what excites you about this role.

“Why are you applying for this position?” Example answers

This isn’t an invitation for you to rattle off a script about why you are interested in this position. It’s your chance to give open answers and put your unique spin on them.

1. Explain why you are passionate about the company

If you can tell an interviewer what interests you about this company specifically, you’ll demonstrate two things:

1. First, that you’ve done your research – and in turn are diligent and conscientious. 
2. Second, that you’re willing to go far. People who are passionate always go above and beyond to achieve success. This attribute can benefit individuals and, importantly, the company.

If you’ve not heard of the company before, that’s okay too. Demonstrate that you’ve looked them up and discovered that they align with your values. Tell your interviewer why this role excites you. Mention how impressed you’ve been by the company’s recent financial results, awards or accolades.

2. Tell them what attracts you to this role in particular

When listening to your reasons for applying for a job, the interviewer wants to hear: 

• you’ll be good at the job 
• you’ll enjoy working here.  

When answering this question, show your passion and enthusiasm by highlighting specifically what excited you about this role. Give clear examples from the job advert. 

What caught your eye when reading the job description? Was it the chance to lead a team? Always bring your answer back to how your experience and passion could benefit the company.

3. Demonstrate how this opportunity would allow you to progress

Remember that your interviewer will likely want to employ someone for the long term. If you’ve got ambition, drive and a commitment to self-improvement, you could benefit the company.  

As such, when answering this interview question, explain that you want to grow your skills. It might be that you want to find out more about the industry, for example.  

1. Think about how specific elements of the role would allow you to grow.  
2. Next, outline why you would like to grow your skills and progress your career at this particular organisation. 

4. Reiterate that you’re glad they asked you what made you apply for this job

Lastly, tell your interviewer that you are pleased to have been invited to interview. Celebrate the opportunity to  showcase your suitability for the role. This response will show your passion once again. It’s also an example of good manners – which always goes down well.  

Remember that the way you answer a question is often as important as the answer itself.

“Why do you want this job?” Sample answer

Below is an example of a strong answer given by a marketing executive interviewing for a cyber security role: 

“Cyber security is such an important, ever growing and ever changing industry. It’s an industry I’ve grown to be very passionate about over the years. During this time, I have paid close attention to [organisation name] as a pioneering market leader. I know that you provide robust, pre-emptive solutions and I read your industry commentary with interest regularly. That’s why this role was such an exciting opportunity. 

When I initially read the job description, one of the things that particularly appealed to me was the strong social media focus. This is perfectly suited to my strengths. Whilst social media marketing is my strongest skill, I am aware that the industry is always evolving. I know that I will need to continuously develop my expertise. I noticed that you have a sophisticated and strong social media strategy. As such, working for a forward-thinking market leader such as [organisation name] will allow me to learn from the experts. I can keep my finger on the pulse and progress to my full potential with the learning and career opportunities available.   

To sum up why I applied for this role, the company is well suited to my interests, skillset and ambitions. I am very pleased to be interviewing for this opportunity.”

Answers like the above will be music to the interviewer’s ears. If you can take a more personal, considered approach as to what interests you about the position, you will set yourself apart from the rest. 

You may also want to consider the real reason why interviewers ask common questions. 

Or read our guide to other tricky interview questions to prepare for.

• “So tell me about yourself”
• “Tell me about a time you failed”
• Power-pose your way to interview success
• 15 questions to ask your interviewer
• How to interview confidently against the competition