Why Do You Want This Job? Why Should We Hire You?

Interview Preparation for Freshers: Answers, Tests and Confidence · Common Questions · 4 min read · Updated

Need, match, proof

  1. Start with what the job needs, using the words from the advert.
  2. Say two things you have that match that need.
  3. Give one short, true example as proof.
  4. Finish with one sentence on how this would help the team.

After the opening, interviewers usually test your motivation with two questions: “Why do you want to work here?” and “Why should we hire you?”. They are the same question from two sides. The first asks what draws you to the company. The second asks what you bring to it. Both are chances to show that you did your homework (lesson 2) and that you understand what the employer needs.

Why do you want to work here?

A weak answer talks only about you: “I need a job” or “It is a big company with a good salary”. These may be true, but they give the employer no reason to choose you. A strong answer has two parts: something real about the company or the role, and how it matches something you care about or want to learn.

Weak:   "I want a job in IT and your company is well known."

Better: "I've followed your work on school management software. I did
        a small project for my college's attendance, so I can see
        how much time good software saves teachers. I'd like to
        learn how a professional team builds that kind of product."

The better answer shows a real link (the attendance project), real interest (school software) and a learning goal (how a team builds it). The reasons are honest. They do not need to be dramatic.

Where do honest reasons come from?

  • The work itself. The tasks in the advert match what you enjoy or are good at.
  • What you can learn. Training, tools, mentors or kinds of customers you want to meet.
  • The company's product or mission. Something real that you noticed in your research.
  • Location and practical fit. Distance, shifts or hours that you can sustain. This is a valid reason when stated politely and not as the only one.
  • Growth. A path from trainee to a more senior role, if the company has described one.

It is fine to also need the income. You do not have to hide that you need a job. Just do not make it the only reason. Pair it with a reason that is about the work.

Why should we hire you?

This question can feel like asking you to boast. Think of it as a short summary: what the job needs, what you have, and the proof. You are connecting your best two or three matches from the prep sheet to the employer's top needs.

"From your advert I understand you need someone who can handle
customer calls calmly and keep accurate records. I worked weekends
at a phone shop for a year, where I handled returns and complaints
and kept the daily sales sheet, which my manager checked and found
correct. I'm also quick to learn new software. I think that
combination would help me do well in this role quickly."

Notice that it does not compare you to other candidates, and it does not claim you are the best. You cannot know who else applied. Say what you offer and why it fits.

A simple formula

  1. Need. Say what you understand the job requires.
  2. Match. Tell the interviewer two things you have that fit.
  3. Proof. Give one short real example.
  4. Close. One sentence about how this would help the team.
  • “What do you know about our company?” Use the five lines from your research. Mention what they do, who they serve and one recent fact.
  • “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Interviewers want to see ambition that fits the role. An honest answer sounds like: “I would like to have grown into a confident member of the team, taking on more responsibility, and learning skills such as ... ”. Avoid naming a job at the company that is far above the role. Avoid saying that you will probably leave.
  • “Why did you choose this career or course?” Tell the true story in a few sentences: what interested you, what you did to find out more, what you enjoy.
  • “What other jobs are you applying for?” You can say you are looking at similar roles in the same field, without naming other companies. Be honest, and say this role is a strong interest.

Avoid these answers

  • Answers that could be said about any company. If you could swap the company's name and the answer still works, it is too general.
  • Saying money is the main reason. You may be paid for your work, but employers prefer people who care about the job as well.
  • Criticising a previous employer, college or teacher.
  • Over-flattery. “It is the best company in the world” sounds fake. Be specific and sincere instead.

Your task

  1. Write your answer to “Why do you want to work here?” for one real company, using one fact from your research and one reason that is about you.
  2. Write your answer to “Why should we hire you?” using the need, match, proof and close pattern.
  3. Write an honest, short answer to “Where do you see yourself in five years?”.

How to check it worked

  • Your answers mention something specific that could not be said about every company.
  • Your hire-you answer has one real example and does not compare you with other people.
  • None of your answers criticises anyone.

Frequently asked questions

Is it wrong to say I need the job?

No. Many people need income. Just do not make it your only reason. Add something specific about the work, the company or what you want to learn.

How do I answer where I see myself in five years?

Describe growth that fits the role, such as becoming confident, taking on more responsibility and learning specific skills. Avoid naming a far higher job or saying you plan to leave.