How to answer job application questions (with examples)

Many applications ask a few extra questions in the form. They take 10 minutes to answer well, and most people rush them. That's your chance to stand out.

The golden rules

• Answer the exact question. Then stop.
• Use their words from the job ad.
• One example with a number beats a list of adjectives.
• Respect the word limit. If it says 150 words, aim for 120 to 150.
• Write it somewhere else first (forms sometimes time out).

"Why do you want to work here?"

Formula: something specific about them + why it matters to you + what you'll bring.

"I've used your app to plan my own budget for two years, and I like that you explain money in plain words. I want to help more people feel that way. In my current role I write help articles read by 50,000 people a month, and I'd love to bring that to your content team."

"Why are you a good fit for this role?"

Formula: their top 2 needs + your proof for each.

"You're looking for someone who can manage several projects and keep stakeholders informed. At Acme I run five projects at once, all delivered on time this year, and I send a short weekly update that our directors told me they now rely on."

"Describe a relevant project or achievement."

Use a mini STAR: situation, what you did, the result. How STAR works.

"What are your salary expectations?"

Give a range with your target at the bottom, or "Open to discussing, based on the full package" if the field allows text. Salary guide.

"Are you authorised to work in [country]?" / "Do you need sponsorship?"

Answer honestly. A wrong answer can end an offer later.

"Is there anything else you'd like us to know?"

Use it for one thing that helps you: a career change, a gap, a move, or a link to your work.

"I'm moving to Manchester in March, so I'm available to start in person from April."

Knock-out questions

Some yes/no questions automatically filter people out ("Do you have 3+ years of experience with X?"). Answer truthfully, but don't sell yourself short: if you have 2 years and 9 months, that's close to 3.

Zoe helps you answer the application questions for every job. Paste the questions in, and she drafts answers from your real experience for you to check and send.