Some interview questions can feel a little tricky. You might wonder if the person asking wants a simple answer or if they’re testing how well you think on your feet. “What are you looking for in a new job?” is one of those questions.
There are a few ways to answer this, depending on how the interviewer is acting and how the conversation is going. You’ll need to decide what feels right in the moment, so it’s smart to have a couple of responses ready before your interview.
Start by learning about the company. What are its goals? What’s the work culture like? What exactly will you be doing in this job? Then, think about your own career goals, what motivates you, and what you really want in your next job.
Why do interviewers ask what you’re looking for in a job?
There are a couple of reasons why interviewers ask this question. The first one is pretty simple: they want to understand what motivates you and see if your goals match what the job and company can offer.
Both you and the hiring manager are hoping for a good, long-term fit. Your answer helps them figure out if the job will use your strengths, keep you interested, and give you the opportunities you’re looking for. All of these things matter when it comes to finding someone who will stick around.
The second reason is a bit sneakier: they’re trying to figure out why you’re on the job hunt. Are you leaving because of a bad experience? Are you tough to work with? Is your current job pushing you out? Your answer could give them some hints that might affect how they see you.
Even if you think it’s not really their business to know why you’re looking for a new job, the question still comes up. While you can’t stop them from asking, you can decide how to answer — and just as importantly, what to keep to yourself.
What interviewers want to hear about your job search
When interviewers ask this question, they’re trying to uncover a few key things about you as a candidate. They don’t just want to know why you’re leaving your old job; they’re more interested in why this job or company caught your eye. Here’s what they’re really looking for:
Do your goals match the company’s?
They’re not just filling a seat; they want to know if your career goals line up with where the company is headed. How will you help the team succeed in the long run?
Are you motivated and excited?
It’s all about showing your passion. Employers can tell when someone is genuinely excited about the job. If you show real enthusiasm, they’ll see you as someone who will stay engaged and motivated.
Will you fit in?
A company is like a community, and they want to know if you’ll fit in with the team. Do you vibe with the company culture? They’re trying to see if you’ll be a good match for the work environment.
What’s your long-term plan?
Interviewers also want to know where you see yourself in the future. If you have big career dreams, explain how this job is a stepping stone to getting there, and why it’s a great fit for your journey.
Are you willing to go the extra mile?
They want to hire someone who goes above and beyond. Whether it’s taking on leadership roles, bringing new ideas, or contributing to the community, they’re looking for someone who adds value beyond just doing the job.
How to answer “What are you looking for in a new position?”
Be honest about what you want
Whether you’re after a higher paycheck, more flexibility, better chances to move up, or something else, it’s important to be clear about what you’re really looking for. List the qualities that matter most to you in your dream job.
Being honest helps you avoid landing in a situation that doesn’t match your needs. For example, if you’re already feeling burned out from working too much, but you tell interviewers you want more responsibilities, you might end up in the same tough spot again. So, speak up about what you actually want to avoid a mismatch down the road.
Connect your goals to the job requirements
Once you’ve figured out what you want in your next job, go back and read the job description closely. Look for where your goals match up with what they’re asking for. This will help you highlight the right things in your answer.
For example, if you’re eager to work somewhere that makes a difference, mention how the company’s focus on giving back excites you. Or, if you’re aiming for a more senior role with better pay, focus on how you’re ready to lead a team or take on bigger projects, like planning strategy for the company. The key is to show how the job helps you reach your goals while also fitting with what the company needs.
Pick the best approach
Lastly, think about how strategic your answer should be. This will depend on how the interview is going and how comfortable you feel with the interviewer. Some people are okay with a straightforward answer about wanting better work-life balance, while others may expect a more thought-out response that links your skills to what the job needs.
Pay attention to the vibe of the interview. If the interviewer seems laid-back, being upfront about wanting more balance might be fine. If they seem more formal or focused on how you’ll fit into the company, it might be better to focus on how your experience matches their needs and how this job aligns with your career goals. Either way, your answer should reflect both your personal motivations and how you can help the company.
How not to answer
Don’t focus only on the money
Sure, everyone wants to get paid well — that’s a big reason why people look for new jobs. But when answering this question, talking only about money isn’t the best move. Employers want to know what you’re looking for beyond just a paycheck. Your answer should focus on the value the job will bring to your life, not just the dollars in your bank account.
That doesn’t mean you can’t mention salary at all — it’s all about how you say it. A better way to bring it up is to tie it into your bigger career goals. For example, instead of saying, “I just want to make more money,” try something like, “I’m looking for a job that offers growth opportunities because taking on more responsibility and increasing my earning potential are important goals for me.” This way, you’re showing that you care about developing your skills and career, and the money aspect becomes a natural part of that growth.
Sample answers to “What are you looking for in a new position?”
Example #1
“I’ve recently completed my degree in marketing, and I’ve had a couple of internships where I worked on social media campaigns and content creation. Now, I’m looking for a job where I can build on those skills and take on more responsibility. I’m excited about this position because I see it offers the chance to work on larger campaigns and collaborate with a creative team. I’m also looking for a company that encourages learning and growth, and I noticed you offer mentorship opportunities, which is something that really drew me to apply.”
Why this works
This answer is great because it shows you’re ready to build on your current skills while aiming for more responsibility. It also highlights your interest in teamwork and professional growth, which are qualities many companies value. By mentioning the mentorship opportunities, you’re showing that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in what the company offers.
Example #2
“It’s important to me to make a positive impact through my work, so when I saw this job involves working directly with the community, I was excited to apply. I’ve been working in customer service for a few years and have developed strong communication and problem-solving skills. I’m now looking for a position where I can use those abilities in a more meaningful way and hopefully take on some leadership responsibilities as I grow in my career.”
Why this works
This response shows your passion for making a difference, which is appealing to many employers, especially those in fields that serve communities. It also ties your past experience to the new job while demonstrating your desire to grow into leadership roles. The answer balances your personal motivations with what the company is likely looking for in a candidate.
Example #3
“I’m just starting out in my career, and I’m looking for a job where I can learn as much as possible while contributing to the team. I’ve always been interested in digital marketing, and during my internship, I worked on email campaigns and learned a lot about analytics. I’m really excited about the chance to work with a larger marketing team here and develop my skills in areas like SEO and content strategy. I’m also looking for a workplace that offers growth opportunities, and I saw that you promote from within, which is something I value.”
Why this works
This answer shows that you’re eager to learn and grow, which is something employers love to see in young professionals. It also ties your past experiences, like internships, to the skills you want to develop further. By mentioning the company’s growth opportunities, you’re signaling that you’re looking for a long-term fit, which hiring managers appreciate.
Remember, the perfect answer will balance your honest desires and the hiring manager’s requirements for the right candidate.