Questions about your Motivation for the Position and the Company

These questions are critical for the interviewer to assess your genuine interest in the position and the organization.

They seek to understand your motivations beyond simply needing a job and to see if you have researched and reflected on how you fit into their context.

"Why do you want this job?"

This is a direct question to assess your specific interest.

What to do: Your answer should convey genuine enthusiasm for the position and the company.

Show that you have researched the role and the company, and explain how it connects to your skills, interests and career plans.

Mention specific aspects of the position or company that appeal to you (e.g., "I am attracted to the opportunity to work on projects of [specific type]" or "I admire the company's focus on [specific value or area]").

Focus on the challenges the position offers and how you want to grow and develop by addressing them, contributing to the organization.

What to avoid: Answers that are generic ("I need the job," "It seems like a good company") or focused solely on salary or benefits. Don't show that it's just one option among many.

"Why do you want to leave your current job?"

This question assesses your reasons for change and your professionalism.

What to do: Focus your answer on the positive and growth aspects you're looking for in the new opportunity, rather than focusing on the negatives of your current or previous job.

Talk about seeking new challenges, a change of industry, greater exposure, a different culture that better aligns with you, or the opportunity to apply your skills in a new way.

Exemplify how the new company offers you what you are looking for.

What to avoid: NEVER bad-mouth your current or former employer, bosses or peers. Criticizing projects a negative and unprofessional image.

"What do you know about our company?"

This question directly measures the level of research and preparation you have done.

What to do: Show that you've gone beyond the home page of their website.

Mention specifics you've learned about their mission, values, products/services, recent news or market position.

Explain why you identify with their mission or culture and how you think you can contribute to it. This shows real, thoughtful interest.

What to avoid: Saying "not much" or only mentioning very obvious and superficial facts.

Asking basic questions about the company that you should know the answer to shows a lack of interest and preparation.

Summary

These questions assess your genuine interest in the position and the organization. For "Why do you want this job?" convey enthusiasm and explain how it connects to your skills and interests.

When explaining why you are leaving your current job, focus on the positive and growth aspects you seek. Never badmouth your previous employer, bosses or coworkers.

For "What do you know about our company?", show that you've done your research. Mention specifics about their mission, products or recent news, explaining why you identify with them.