Why do you want this job

Why do you want this job — Best Answer & Examples

They want genuine interest, not "the salary is good" or "it is close to home." Real motivation tells them you will st…

The intent behind the question

They want genuine interest, not "the salary is good" or "it is close to home." Real motivation tells them you will stay and care, which lowers their risk. They are also checking whether you did your homework: candidates who reference something specific about the company come across as prepared and sincere, while generic enthusiasm sounds like it was pasted onto ten applications.

Common pitfalls

Avoid talking about pay, commute, or desperation, and avoid flattering so broadly it could apply to any employer. Do not claim passion for something you clearly have not researched. The answer should feel like it could only be said about this company, not pasted onto ten applications. If you found them by chance, say what specifically pulled you in once you looked closer, and tie it to a skill you already have.

What a strong answer sounds like

Connect their mission or challenge to your skills. "Your open-source work matches how I like to ship software in the open; I want to contribute to exactly that and learn from your maintainers." Reference a product, a team, or a value you admire, then link it to what you bring. Enthusiasm paired with a concrete fit beats generic excitement every time, because it shows you will hit the ground running. Spend twenty minutes on their site before the call so one real detail can anchor the answer. If you are changing fields, say what about this company made the new field feel possible, not just interesting. If you are early-career, point at the exact kind of work you want to learn here. The stronger the link between their specific reality and your specific skill, the less this answer sounds copied. One researched detail beats five generic compliments: name a product, a team, or a problem they have, and link it to something you have actually done. That single reference is what separates real interest from a pasted answer.

Sample answers reviewed by the InterviewQA editorial team.

Questions candidates ask

How specific should I be?

Reference something real about them — a product, team, or stated value.

Is enthusiasm enough?

Pair it with where your skills fit, or it sounds like a fan, not a hire.

What if I found them by chance?

Spend twenty minutes on their site first; one real detail changes the answer.

Can I mention career growth?

Yes, as long as it ties to what they offer, not just what you want.

What if I am desperate?

Keep it professional; lead with fit, not need, or you undersell yourself.