How to Answer “Why Did You Apply for This Job?”

In a job interview, candidates face a wide array of questions about everything, from skills and experience to education and personality.

Questions about personality are designed to dig deeper into you, but they often backfire and become a trap.

A question that frequently trips candidates up is the one about their motivation for applying. You may think that the question is just a formality, but HR personnel have their own reason behind it. 

It helps them understand the candidates’ motivation, background, fit with the company culture, as well as relevant skills and capabilities.

See also: Tips for Answering Salary Expectation Questions

In essence, you must be able to demonstrate great commitment and interest in the role. To help you avoid giving a random answer, try the following tips.

7 Tips for Answering Job Motivation Question

1. Mention the Relevance of Past Experience to the Job Requirements

One of the most relevant answers to the question of job motivation is the relevance of your previous work experience to the requirements. Here is an example. 

"I have worked as a data analyst for 3 years and am proficient in using Python and SQL. The job advertisement mentioned that the company was looking for a data analyst with the required skill set and 3 years of experience. I am confident that my skills and experience align well with the tasks and responsibilities of this role.”

2. Relate Your Answer to Your Career Plan

You can convince the interviewer by saying that the position you are applying for fits your long-term career plan. However, before answering, it’s best to first find out what the company's vision and mission are. Check out this sample answer.

"I think the company's vision and mission are in line with my long-term career plans. I am confident that working in this company will help me develop myself and reach my best potential."

3. Advance Your Career 

You can mention that you’re driven to grow professionally. This type of answer works well if you have previous work experience. Take a look at the sample answer. 

“I aspire to reach a higher career level, especially in the field of (“last position”). For the past 5 years, I have worked as a project manager in the construction industry. In this position, I successfully led various major projects. I am confident that joining this company will give me the opportunity to develop my skills further, face new challenges, and contribute significantly." 

See also: Your Career Starts Here! Discover SERA Group Astra Jobs for May 2025

4. Embrace Challenges 

Or you can say that the reason for applying is to embrace new challenges. But your reason needs to be backed by your prior experience. Explain how you successfully tackle challenges in previous jobs. Here is an example. 

"I feel more productive when working in a dynamic and challenging environment. Throughout my career as a hardware engineer, I encountered numerous challenges in the design and development of new products. For example, I led a team in solving a technical problem with a new product, and we successfully resolved it before the deadline. I am interested in this position because I see many opportunities to face new challenges, so it fits my passion to continue to grow and learn."

5. Mention the Compatibility of the Company’s Vision and Mission with Your Career Goal 

Another reason is to explain that the company's vision and mission are in line with your career goal. Take a look at this sample answer.

"I am interested in joining this company because I have learned that the company's vision and mission are in line with my career goals. From what I understand, the company is committed to providing innovative solutions that have a positive impact on society. As an illustrator, I want to create content that inspires and entertains the audience. I believe the position offered by the company aligns with the goals I aim to achieve. Moreover, there are so many popular works that have been released recently.”

6. Mention the Company’s Reputation 

You can mention the company’s good reputation for fostering a positive work environment as your drive to be part of it. Here is an example of the answer.

“As a QC engineer in the automotive industry, I want to join a company with a positive reputation like this company. I want to contribute to producing high-quality products and implementing professional work practices. From what I know, this company is recognized as a leader in its field, boasting an impressive track record. I am confident that the work environment in this company is the right place for me." 

See also: Job Interview Etiquette to Pay Attention to

7. Mention the Opportunity for Creativity 

Last but no least, you can say that you want to work in a company that provides opportunities for creativity. You need to convey this by highlighting your desire to innovate and contribute creatively. Here is an example of the answer.

“From my experience working as a researcher at my previous company, I think the most important thing is innovation. I believe the work environment in this company will provide me with the freedom to create more innovative new products. I hope to contribute to the development of new products and projects and bring added value to the company. I am ready to participate in the team and make my creative ideas a reality." 

With these tips, now you know how to give impressive answers to the motivation question. Equally important to the tips is making sure the company you’re applying to has a positive work culture and offers guaranteed career growth opportunities. Choose a company with a good reputation and credibility in its field, such as PT Serasi Autoraya, or SERA.

See also: Job Interview Nervousness: Practical Tips to Avoid It

SERA was founded on 22 March 1990, and has become the leader in Indonesia’s logistics and transportation industry. This Astra Group’s company welcomes new members to fill various positions.

SERA continues to provide opportunities for individuals qualified for positions at the company and its subsidiaries.