Let’s get real: The hardest part isn’t acing the interview itself—it’s getting your foot in the door. But once you’ve landed that face-to-face with the hiring manager, half your work is done. Now, don’t fumble the second half by messing up the two most important questions:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why do you want this job?
These questions might sound basic, but they trip up more candidates than you’d think—especially the first one. Your résumé got you past the initial screening; now you need to connect with the hiring manager by showcasing your personality, your passion, and your potential.
1. Tell Me About Yourself
This question sets the tone for the entire interview. Here’s the foolproof way to rock it:
- Give a 1-minute intro of your work experience: Highlight the best parts of your professional background that relate most to the role.
- Weave in 3 key competencies in a storytelling format: Paint a brief picture of how each skill helped you grow, learned from a challenge, or made a measurable impact.
- Keep it brief: The goal is to pique their interest so they lean in and say, “Tell me more!”
Pro Tip: Take some time to practice your one-minute pitch out loud before the interview. You’ll sound more confident and natural when it counts.
2. Why Do You Want This Job?
This one’s a bit trickier. It comes in various forms:
- “Why do you want to work here?”
- “What can you contribute to this company?”
- “Why are you interested in this position?”
- “Why are you the best person for this job?”
At the heart of each is the same question: “Do you understand this role, and does it align with your career goals—and ours?”
Why Interviewers Ask This Question
The hiring manager wants to see if you truly ‘get’ their company culture and can envision yourself thriving there. They’re checking whether:
- You have the right experience and skills for the team.
- Your motivation and career goals align with what the company needs.
- You’re genuinely excited about contributing to their mission, values, and future.
How to Answer “Why Do You Want This Job?”
Step 1: Do Your Homework
Research is key. Stalk the company’s website, LinkedIn page, and any recent news articles or interviews with their execs. Check out the job description thoroughly and note the responsibilities, necessary skills, and what success looks like in the role. This intel will help you sprinkle in relevant details during your answer (and beat those pesky résumé-screening bots).
Step 2: Ask Yourself the Real Question
Before you head into the interview, be honest: Why do I actually want this role?
- What excites you about the job?
- How does it help you grow professionally?
- What personal or career milestones can you achieve here?
Show genuine enthusiasm—if it’s your dream job, let them feel that energy!
Step 3: Demonstrate Your Value
Once you know why you want the job, figure out why they should want you. Dig into how your top skills, past experience, and achievements line up with their needs. Cite specific keywords from the job posting, but keep it real—use examples from real-world scenarios.
Step 4: Show You Fit Their Culture
Hiring isn’t just about checking off skills on a list. Companies want people who mesh with their vibe. If one of their values or initiatives resonates with you, bring it up. Maybe they’re big on sustainability, and you’ve spearheaded eco-friendly projects in the past. Connect the dots so they see you belong in their world.
Step 5: Link to Your Longer-Term Goals
Tie it all together by explaining how this job fits into your career trajectory. Are you stepping up from your previous role to take on bigger challenges? Making a career pivot and see synergy in your transferable skills? Show them you’re in it for the long haul.
The Cherry on Top: Practice
Yes, you have to rehearse. Out loud. Ideally with someone who can give you honest feedback, or through a mock interview session. Programs like Jobprofile’s Opportunity can help you refine your answers, practice crucial questions, and get comfortable on camera.
Pro Tips for “Why Do You Want This Job?”
- Research the Company: Beyond the “About Us” page, look at press releases, product pages, and recent announcements.
- Highlight Your Fit: Show exactly how your skills match the job description.
- Emphasize Your Contribution: Cite unique skills or relevant experiences that differentiate you from the pack. If you have data to prove your impact, share it!
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Forgetting to Mention the Company: Don’t focus solely on how the job benefits you—show you understand them.
- Reciting a Script: Over-rehearsing can sound robotic. Let your passion shine through authentically.
- Rambling: Keep it concise (1–2 minutes).
- Being Generic: Use real examples, tangible achievements, and relevant details.
In a Nutshell:
- Tell Me About Yourself: Craft a short, punchy, 1-minute narrative that highlights your best stuff.
- Why Do You Want This Job?: Prove you’ve done your homework, you’re excited about the opportunity, and you have the skills to help them win.
With these strategies from my coaching practice in your back pocket—and a little practice—you’ll be ready to wow any hiring manager. Remember: Your résumé got you in the door. Now, let your genuine enthusiasm and preparation do the rest!
