We may fall into the trap of this tricky question because we have so many reasons to get a new job that we get lost in our priorities. Paying bills is real life and concrete ground, but we also live on our fulfillment and realization as they feed our emotional and intellectual growth.

So, we need to be sure that our priorities are in the right order to convince our employer that we are the best fit for the position and because this job will have a definite impact on our lives in different ways.

What does the employer want from us?

Although the employer is indeed interested in your career plans, what is certain is that they want to know if "your" goals align with theirs.

There are different ways of making the question, such as:

Why do you want to work here?

Why do you want this job?

Why are you interested in this position/job?

Why do you want to join us?

Why should we hire you?

Why did you apply for this position?

No matter what the question is, they want to know how much you have committed yourself to research the university, the department, and staff. That is how much you know about them and what your expectations are for the position. The more you know about what they want, the better you can step in. So, here what counts is what they want, not what you want. They invest a lot of resources -human and financial- on the hiring process as you do, so they want to make sure that you have done your homework to single them out among your options and that they are not another box in your checklist. They want proof that you have everything to succeed in the position and fit into the university standards and culture.

How can we answer it accurately?

Use the research you have done about the university and interviewers to get a closer insight into what they want and how it fits with your interests. For example, if a college is more focused on classes, you may want to elaborate more on your teaching experience than on your research. Additionally, when they ask you what course you would be willing to teach, you may want to skip the ones included in the curricula and suggest one or more related.

If your dream has always been to work in a reputable institution, you may want to mention it. For example, how such an institution with a solid reputation can enrich your professional career and how your input will help them improve. That is how your hiring will be beneficial for both.

When preparing your answer in advance, think of what first captured you about the institution and what place it has on your checklist: Is it its culture, philosophy, achievements, academic fields, and research focus?

Additionally, to give more specific answers, you need to know as much as you can about the department, the role, staff, departmental and interdisciplinary projects, etc.

Generic answers such as "I love teaching, and I am qualified" will not be the ticket. Some inner balance will help find a genuine response articulating your experience and your passions enthusiastically with your personal touch.

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