Guides · Updated 23 October 2026

How to answer “Why do you want to work here?”

Answer motivation questions on UK applications with specific, honest reasons that match the role.

“Why do you want this role?” and “Why do you want to work for us?” appear on most applications. Shortlisters look for answers that could only be written about this job.

A three-part answer

1. The role: one or two parts of the job description that genuinely interest you, and why.
2. Your fit: the experience or skills you would bring to those parts, with a brief example.
3. The organisation: something specific — their services, a recent project, their values or the people they serve.

Example

“I want to move into management accounting, and this role’s focus on monthly reporting and forecasting matches the work I enjoy most. In my current role I prepare the monthly variance analysis for our property portfolio. Northbridge Homes’ plan to build 500 affordable homes in east London is also something I would be proud to support.”

Avoid

• Generic praise (“a market leader with a great culture”) that fits any employer.
• Talking only about what you will gain — show what you bring too.
• Copying the same paragraph into every application without changing the details.