By the end of this episode, you will be able to answer “Why do you want this job?” using the RAC structure (Research, Alignment, Contribution) in 45–60 seconds.
Quick recall · Episode I
Before you start: read the prompt, say the full phrase aloud, then tap to check.
Open with your current role…
I currently work as…
/aɪ ˈkɜːrəntli wɜːrk æz/
tap to revealSay how long you’ve been doing it…
I have X years of experience in…
/aɪ hæv ... jɪərz əv ɪkˈspɪəriəns ɪn/
tap to revealIntroduce an achievement you’re proud of…
I’m particularly proud of…
/aɪm pəˈtɪkjʊləli praʊd əv/
tap to revealHow do you feel about this question right now, before the lesson?
Tap a card to flip it. The back shows the meaning and an example of how the word is used. Pay attention to the stress: it’s marked in capital letters.
Key words & pronunciation · tap a card
These words are often mispronounced in interviews. Stressed syllables are shown in CAPITALS.
Each card shows a common mistake (You say), how it lands (Interviewer thinks) and a stronger alternative (Better). Flick through and remember what to avoid.
Interview Crimes · what not to say
“Why do you want this job?”
You say:
“Because I need a job and your company seems like a good place to work.”
Interviewer thinks:
“They haven’t researched us at all. This is a generic answer that fits any company on the planet.”
Better:
Name something specific: a product, a project, a value, or a company decision you actually know about.
You say:
“Because it’s a big and well-known company with a great reputation.”
Interviewer thinks:
“That’s a compliment, not a reason. Every big company gets this. It says nothing about why THIS role suits you.”
Better:
“I admire how you’ve expanded into renewable energy. It aligns with the work I’ve been doing in sustainability.” Reputation + personal connection.
You say:
“I want to develop my career and learn new things in a dynamic environment.”
Interviewer thinks:
“Every single candidate says this word for word. What do you want to learn specifically? What about US?”
Better:
Be specific: “I want to develop my skills in B2B sales specifically. And your team works with enterprise clients, which is exactly where I want to grow.”
You say:
“I found this position on LinkedIn and it matched my skill set, so I applied.”
Interviewer thinks:
“They applied to 50 jobs today. We’re just another tab they had open. There’s no genuine interest here.”
Better:
Show that you know the company: “I came across this role and spent time researching your work. Your approach to X really stood out to me.”
Listen to the audio and fill each gap with the word you hear. Press Check to see how you did, Show answers to reveal everything, or Try again to start over.
Model Answer · read & fill in the gaps
“I’ve been __________ your company’s work closely for the past year. What particularly __________ me was your recent expansion into sustainable packaging. it __________ directly with the supply chain projects I’ve been working on.
I believe I can genuinely __________ to this area. In my current role, I __________ material costs by 18% by switching to eco-friendly suppliers. which is exactly the kind of challenge you’re __________.
From what I __________ about your mission, this role would give me the opportunity to __________ that work across a larger organisation. That’s why this position __________ to me.”
Cultural Note
Candidates often answer with self-development: “I want to grow professionally.” This sounds reasonable, but in English-language interviews it signals that you haven’t researched the company. Interviewers want to hear what drew you to this company specifically. The stronger your research, the more genuinely interested you sound.
Try answering each question in your own words first, then press Show answer to compare.
Check your understanding
1. What are the three key ingredients of a strong answer to this question?
Research (show you know the company) + Alignment (link their work to your skills) + Contribution (explain what you will bring). All three together make the answer memorable.
2. Why is “I want to develop my career” a weak answer?
Because it focuses only on what the candidate wants to get, not what they can give. It’s also used by every other candidate and contains nothing specific about this company or role.
3. What specific achievement does the speaker mention in the model answer?
Reducing material costs by 18% by switching to eco-friendly suppliers. A concrete, quantified result that directly connects to the company’s focus on sustainable packaging.
Use the arrows to browse the key phrases from this episode. Tap the heart to save a phrase to My Word Bank so you can come back to it later.
Phrase Flashcards My Word Bank 0
This is an answer template with slots for your own details. Replace the underlined parts with your information, then read your answer aloud a few times until it flows naturally.
Answer Builder · build your answer
Fill in three parts: what you know about the company, how your experience connects, and what you can bring. Click Build my answer to get your complete response.
Target: 90–120 words ≈ 45–60 seconds. Keep it tight: Research → Alignment → Contribution.
Your answer
Sample · RAC structure
I applied because this role combines two things I have been building towards: client-facing work and product strategy. At my current company I redesigned our client onboarding process and reduced average time-to-value by three weeks. That project showed me I work best when I can see a direct impact on the customer, and that is exactly what this role offers.
This is one possible answer. Replace the role, achievement, and connection with your own.
Grammar Practice · Articles & Prepositions
Fill in the gaps
Write the correct preposition or article.
I’ve been following company’s work for while. My skills align your current projects. I’m excited the opportunity to contribute your team.
Fill in the gaps
Complete the answer with the correct verb forms.
“What particularly (attract) me was your focus on innovation. I’ve (spend) three years (work) in this area, and I believe this role would allow me to (scale) that expertise.”
- Press Mock Interview · 5 Questions. Your browser will ask for camera and microphone access. Click Allow. Recording starts automatically.
- You’ll hear a question. Answer on camera as if it were a real interview. Aim for 60–90 seconds.
- After your answer, 3 seconds of silence triggers the next question. Or press Next question to move on right away.
- After the last question, press Finish interview to end the session.
- Press Play back and watch the whole session. Tick off the checklist: eye contact, pace, confidence. The questions aren’t audible during playback, so read them on screen.
- Want another take? Press Clear and start again.
Quiet room: auto-advance listens through your microphone. In a noisy place (a café, an open office) it’s better to press Next question manually.
- Why do you want this job?
- What do you know about our company?
- Why are you interested in working for us specifically?
- What attracted you to this particular role?
- How does this position fit into your career plans?
Interviewer Ready
HR Manager
Watch for:
- ☐Eye contact with the cameraLook into the lens, not at your own image on screen
- ☐Straight posture, confident lookShoulders straight, relaxed hands, sit slightly forward
- ☐Background, lighting, clothingEverything the interviewer sees should look professional
While reviewing:
Pick one item to focus on this playback. You don't need to fix everything at once.
- ☐Eye contact: am I looking at the camera?Not at yourself on screen, but directly into the lens
- ☐Does the answer sound natural, not like a memorised script?Small variation in pace and intonation is a good thing
- ☐Did I stay within 45–60 seconds?Too short: add a specific fact; too long: cut the general parts
- ☐No long pauses, “uh”, “um”, “you know”?One short pause before a key point is fine
- ☐Do posture, expression and gestures look confident?Shoulders straight, slight smile, relaxed hands
HR Manager
Connecting…
Check before recording
How do you feel about this question now, after the lesson?