How to Answer The Interview Question "What Are You Looking for in a New Job?" (With Sample Answers)

by Fang Mei

Published at: December 7, 2023

When preparing for a job interview, one question you can almost certainly expect to encounter is, "What are you looking for in a new job?" Your answer to this question gives potential employers insight into your priorities and career goals.

It helps them gauge whether their organization is a good match for you. To approach this query effectively, consider the aspects of a job that resonate most with your professional values, such as opportunities for growth, work-life balance, or a particular company culture.

Articulating a clear and specific response shows that you're thoughtful about your career path and understand what environments you thrive in, which can set you apart from other candidates.

Why Employers Ask This?

Employers ask about what you are looking for in a new job to gain insight into your priorities and career goals. Understanding your motivations helps them determine if you're a good fit for the company culture and the specific role you're applying for.

• Alignment with Company Goals: They want to see if your professional objectives align with their business goals and values.
• Long-Term Fit: Employers are interested in your long-term potential at the company to assess if you're likely to stay and grow with them.
• Motivation: Your answer can reveal your driving forces and whether the role will satisfy your intellectual and emotional needs.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for growth or learning new skills.
• Company Culture: A work environment that matches your preferred style and ethics.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexibility or benefits that support your personal life.
• Challenge: A desire for work that pushes you to excel and innovate.

How To Answer This?

When preparing to answer what you are looking for in a new job, focus on specifics that show an understanding of your own career goals and how they align with the potential employer's offerings.

Aligning with Company Values

It's crucial that your career aspirations are in sync with the core values of the company. Research the company's mission and culture to convey your alignment. For instance, if sustainability is a key value of the company, you might express your desire to work for an organization that prioritizes environmental responsibility.

Career Advancement

Employers favor candidates with aspirations for growth and advancement. Be specific about the types of roles and responsibilities you are aiming for in the future. If you're interested in leadership, mention your goal to manage a team or take on projects that will challenge and expand your skill set.

Professional Development

Express a strong interest in continuous learning and growth. Highlight specific skills or areas of expertise you wish to develop. This could involve on-the-job training, attending workshops, or acquiring new certifications that are relevant to your desired role.

Work-Life Balance

Addressing work-life balance shows employers you value productivity and personal well-being. Speak to your need for flexible hours, remote work options, or a positive work environment. Be clear about how such balance improves your performance and job satisfaction.

Sample Answers

Good Examples

• "In my next position, I'm looking for an opportunity that enables me to contribute to environmental projects and aligns with my passion for sustainability practices."
• "I am seeking a role where I can progress to a leadership position, taking on more strategic responsibilities over time while mentoring junior team members."
• "Professional development is important to me, particularly the chance to advance my technical skills through hands-on experience and specialized training courses."
• "Achieving a healthy work-life balance is key, so I'm interested in roles that offer flexibility, like telecommuting options, which I believe help maintain high productivity levels."

Bad Examples

• Money-Centric: "I'm just looking for a higher salary, regardless of the job or company culture."
• Short-Term Focus: "I get bored easily and don't plan on staying long. I'm not interested in career growth or development."
• Negative About Past Jobs: "I'm escaping incompetent management and don't want to deal with low standards like my previous job."
• Inflexible and Unrealistic: "I want a specific, unchallenging role with no overtime, and expect rapid promotions with minimal effort."

Conclusion

Your response to this question speaks volumes about your fit for the role and the organization. It's your chance to showcase that your aspirations and the company's direction are on a converging path.

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