How to answer "Why do you want this job?"

One of the most common pitfalls candidates encounter is failing to answer the basic yet crucial question: “Why do you want this job?”

It’s astonishing how many people get flustered over this simple inquiry while trying to prepare for the trickier, curveball questions.

Let me tell you this:

If you don’t have a compelling answer for “Why do you want this job?” you might as well kiss your chances goodbye.

This isn’t just a casual question...

It’s an opportunity for you to shine and showcase your genuine interest in the role.

Understanding the underlying reasons

Before we dive into the how, let’s understand why hiring managers ask this question in the first place.

There are several reasons:

To gauge your motivation: They want to ensure you're not just in it for the paycheck but have a deeper purpose.

To assess your commitment: They need to know you're not going to jump ship at the first opportunity that comes along.

To evaluate your understanding: They want to see if you grasp the role's impact and value within the organization.

These reasons highlight the importance of crafting a response that’s not only compelling but also authentic.

Now, let’s get into the secret sauce for nailing this answer.

Share your connection story

The secret tip to answering this question effectively is to share your connection story.

What is a connection story, you ask?

It’s a narrative that illustrates how you feel a direct connection to the organization. This could be through their products, services, or even their mission.

Think about it:

You shouldn't be applying to a company unless you genuinely resonate with what they stand for. This emotional connection is key!

When you articulate it, you send positive vibes to the employers, and they love that.

Crafting your connection story

Let’s break it down with an example.

Suppose you’re interviewing for a position at a local bank. Instead of saying, “I’m really into numbers, and I’ve heard you’re a great place to work,” which is a standard response, consider this:

"I've been banking at this company for ten years. Every time I walk in, I’m greeted by friendly staff who genuinely care about me. I can see that you’re deeply entrenched in the community, which makes me feel that my money is safe here. I want to be part of an organization that helps people feel secure with their finances, just like I do when I walk through your doors."

See how that response is different?

It conveys your understanding of the company’s values and mission while showcasing your emotional connection to their work.

The magic of emotional connections

Employers know they’re paying you to do a job and that you want to grow your career. However, what they truly want to hear is what they will gain in return from you.

Your connection story helps illustrate that.

It shows them that you understand their mission and that you genuinely want to contribute to it.

Let’s be honest; while there are certainly curveball questions out there...

“Why do you want this job?” should not be one of them.

With the right preparation, you can create an impactful response that will resonate with your interviewers.

Final tips for success

Here are a few final pointers to keep in mind:

Research the company: Understand their mission, values, and what sets them apart.

Be authentic: Your connection story should reflect your genuine feelings and experiences.

Practice your delivery: Ensure that your response feels natural and confident.

If you’re struggling with other interview questions, check out my post on how to tackle behavioral questions and other tricky inquiries.

Preparation is key!

To your success,

Dr. Lex ??

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