There are certain questions in life that we all dread.
“Does this outfit make me look fat?”
“What’s your five-year plan?”
“Do you mind if I just squeeze past you?” in a crowded pub where nobody is squeezing past anything.
But in the world of recruitment, there’s one question that reigns supreme in its ability to strike fear into the heart of any job seeker:
“Why do you want this job?”
It’s a classic - the interview equivalent of that awkward pause after you’ve told a joke that nobody found funny.
Because, naturally, the real answer is usually some variation of:
“Because my landlord insists on being paid in actual money.”
But alas, in the polished world of interviews, honesty isn’t quite the best policy. So, candidates are forced to twist themselves into verbal knots trying to convince employers that it’s their lifelong dream to be a Junior Spreadsheet Analyst for a company nobody’s heard of.
And yet, for every perfectly rehearsed answer, there’s always that one candidate who goes rogue - who throws caution, and indeed their career prospects, to the wind.
And it is glorious.
1. The Blatant Truth
Sometimes, honesty is the best policy - especially when it’s unintentionally hilarious.
“Honestly? Because I need the money.”
Direct. To the point. Painfully relatable.
Of course, it’s not the answer the interviewer was expecting, but it’s certainly the one they can empathise with.
2. The Unashamed Opportunist
There’s always that one candidate who really isn’t here to make friends.
“I hear you have a great coffee machine.”
Oh yes, because when choosing a career, the quality of the office espresso is obviously the most important factor.
But then again, considering how bad office coffee usually is, maybe that’s not such a ridiculous reason after all.
3. The Accidental Overshare
Sometimes, candidates forget that interviews aren’t the place to air their dirty laundry.
“Because my last boss was a nightmare, and I need to get away.”
Perhaps not the most strategic approach, but hey, it’s a common sentiment.
And who knows? Maybe the interviewer agrees.
4. The Unintentionally Dark Response
Every now and then, a candidate gives an answer that’s more suited to a therapy session than a job interview.
“This job will give me a reason to get out of bed in the morning.”
Oh dear. On one hand, it’s heartwarming.
On the other, you’re left wondering if you should gently suggest some counselling.
5. The Pop Culture Enthusiast
Some candidates love to bring their interests into the interview room - for better or worse.
“Because, as Beyoncé says, I was born to run the world.”
Points for confidence and creativity.
But you have to wonder if they’ll be just as enthusiastic when faced with the office printer from hell.
6. The Unapologetic Realist
Then there are those who tell it exactly like it is.
“Because it’s literally next door to my house.”
Well, you can’t argue with that logic.
After all, who wouldn’t want to roll out of bed at 8:55 and still be on time?
7. The Misguided Enthusiast
This candidate clearly got a bit overexcited while researching the company.
“I’ve always wanted to work for you ever since I was a child.”
Except the company was founded two years ago.
But hey, points for enthusiasm.
8. The Aspiring Vagabond
When asked why they wanted the job, this candidate had travel plans in mind.
“I hear you have offices all over the world. I’d like to see them all.”
Sure, it’s not a gap year, but it’s worth a shot, right?
Or perhaps they’ve misread the job description and think they’re applying to be a flight attendant.
9. The Overly Honest Parent
This answer is a classic for those balancing work and family.
“Because it’s the only thing keeping me sane with two toddlers at home.”
Fair enough.
Sometimes, the office is the only place you can find a moment of peace.
10. The Comedian
And finally, there’s always someone who tries to break the tension with humour.
“Because I thought you’d look good on my CV.”
Clever.
And a bold move, considering it could either land them the job or a quick trip out the door.
Need Help Finding Candidates Who Can Ace the Interview?
If these answers have left you wondering whether you need a new strategy for filtering candidates, we’ve got you covered.
At Coburg Banks, we specialise in finding the right candidates who know how to balance honesty, humour, and professionalism in an interview.
So if you’re looking to recruit candidates who can actually make it through the interview without making you question their sanity, get in touch.
We promise not to send you anyone who thinks the coffee machine is the most exciting part of the job.
