What reason to give for ‘why do you want this job?’

[Liverpoolgirl50]

So I have an interview coming up. It’s a little more money, cuts my usual 1+ hour each way commute down to literally 5 minutes and there’s the option to work from home a couple of days a week. It’s everything I’ve been looking for, is in line with my skills, and for a company I think I’d enjoy working for.

The problem is it’s not a promotion, or really any different to what I do now. When they inevitably ask ‘why do you want the job?’ What spiel can I give that isn’t ‘more money, close to home and gets me out of the NHS, which is driving me to an early grave’

I could try and spin the ‘new challenge’ line but it isn’t really.. should I just be honest? I haven’t interviewed in 3 years and the last time really was a new challenge/promotion so I feel a bit lost!

As an interviewer I usually hope for some desire to work for the company. Knowledge of what it does, plans for the future &how you can contribute, what you could bring to the role.

You're local so could you say something about the community aspect (wanting to support and improve etc.)
That the company values are in line with your own (ethical considerations etc.)
That you feel you could benefit the company due to your previous work and are committed to x,y and z (improving facilities, strengthening community relations, whatever it is).

Thank you! I was definitely going to do company research anyway, so I can throw my all into wanting to work for them particularly.

I've sat in a few interviews 9ver the years and my tips would be:
Research the company

Mention their mission statement & how it aligns with your experience

Read through the job spec & criteria because recruiters will quiz your understanding of the role.

Also have examples ready for each of the job spec criteria so if they ask for eg what's your experience of advance excel, you'll have examples ready.

I agree, find specific things about that job and organisation which means you want to work for them. Talk about how excited you’d be for the opportunity to do xyz. Talk about how your previous experience and skills (with specific examples) means you’d be a good fit

Following for the nice tips

I think if you say," it's everything I've been looking for, for a company I will enjoy working for, " that's the enthusiasm that's needed. Then just expand on why they're a good company. or that you enjoy and are good at the type of role it is. Try to resist criticising the NHS/previous employer. Negativity of any kind doesn't play well.

Tbh from my recent experience I think employers understand that people want to change and move on with their career. Also they are the ones hoping people apply - they're not going to find it strange that you want to apply to change jobs.

@MsMcGonagall haha sorry - that bit was a joke, I wouldn’t dream of actually saying that in an interview 😂 whilst the NHS is bone achingly tiring, I can still think of 1000 good things to say about it and the people that work there ❤️

Thanks everyone - this has given me loads to go on. My interview is a week today so I’ll let you know how I get on!

Following

It usually works for me when they ask this and I say because I know I’ll be good at it. As well as throwing in the stuff that shows you understand their ethos and the role.

Well I did all the prep, I researched the values and company and think I came across really well. They said 'good question' after I asked it at the end and I was like bloody hell this is going well.

They then said they have another person to interview later this week and they'd let me know early next week but 'if you haven't heard anything, do follow us up'... erghh don't like the sound of that.

That's still positive @Liverpoolgirl50 They don't want you lost among anybody's incompetence because they really like you is how I read it! Keep us posted!

Ahh thank you @Flintwhistle now you mention it, when we were leaving she went to walk me to the door and then said 'actually let me show you around a little bit first' which was positive :) I have everything crossed!

You've said it in your opening post, this is a company you would enjoy working at. Build on that - why would you enjoy working there? What is it about this company that attracts you?

Then, yes, this job is not a promotion but as you hope to progress your career in future this is a place you feel excited about progressing within. You are making the move now so that you can progress in a better environment (better = more inclusive, more ambitious, more encouraging, better industry placement? etc).

Fine to also bring in the other factors, but I'd mention them as "offers you a better work/life balance which would help me offer more to both work and life" rather than shorter commute, more money.

Ah - sorry - just seen you've already had the interview. Fingers crossed for you... 🤞🏻

Crossing everything too!