Job interviewer asks candidate why they want the job, to which candidate replies ‘I need the money’, leaving speechless interviewer unsure how to proceed

Author image for Bar Mor Hazut
Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor
Dec 1, 2024 6:00 PM EST

By now, we all know that job interviews are basically a game of strategy. As a candidate who wants to win the game, all you need to do is find the best answers to satisfy the interviewer, regardless of your thoughts or feelings, and you are one step closer to securing the job. It is well established that people constantly lie in job interviews and simply say what the interviewer wants to hear, just to get the job.

'Why do you want to work for our company?' is an age-old question and its reply is the perfect example of lying to get the job. Job candidates have to come up with some nonsense answer about what they think is special about the company and role they are interviewing for, as if they haven't gone through dozens of interviewers who ask the same questions and expect the same answers. At some point, you become a master at replying with the perfect answers. So when the candidate in this story decided to tell the truth instead of supplying that perfect answer, it took both the interviewer and us by surprise.

Keep scrolling to read the whole tale. Up next, check out this story of an employee who got back at their company after they passed him over for promotion.

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    Cheezburger Image 10435481088
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    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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    Would you hire this candidate?
    via possibili-teas
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    Interviewer: "So, why do you want to work here?" Candidate: (without hesitation, the candidate takes out their phone, opens the banking app, and shows the interviewer their bank balance) "Well, this is why."
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    The interviewer blinks in surprise, clearly caught off guard by the unexpected response. Interviewer: (trying to regain composure) "I... um, I don't think we've ever had someone answer
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    this question like that. Can you explain a bit more?" Candidate: "Sure, I mean, look at it. Bills are piling up, I've got rent to pay, and I've been looking for a job for a while now. I'm not
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    going to lie-I'm here because | need to earn. And from the research I've done, this company offers a good salary and benefits." Interviewer: (pauses, unsure how to proceed) "I understand
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    needing a job, but what about this role specifically? What drew you to this position or our company?" Candidate: (shrugs) "Honestly? It's a job that pays well, and I've
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    got the skills to do it. I know this company has a solid reputation, so I'm hoping the work here will give me some stability." Interviewer: (nodding slowly, still processing) "I appreciate your
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    Candidate: "Of course. Look, I don't mind the tasks in the job description. I can handle them, and I'm good with deadlines. But right now, what excites me the most is knowing I can pay off my
    via possibili-teas
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    credit card debt and have some peace of mind. If this job can help me do that, then I'm all in." There's a long pause as the interviewer stares at the screen, clearly deciding how to handle the situation.
    via possibili-teas
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    Interviewer: (sighs) "I appreciate your honesty, but our company values passion for the work, as well as long-term commitment. Can I ask, what will keep you motivated beyond just the paycheck?"
    via possibili-teas
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    Candidate: "I hear you. Look, I'm not just in it for the money. I know a steady job with good benefits will give me the stability I need to focus on other goals, like growing my skills and advancing
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    in my career. But yeah, right now, it's about getting back on my feet." The interviewer nods, a bit uncertain but recognizing the candidate's transparency.
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    Interviewer: "Well, it's clear that you're upfront about your situation. Let's discuss how we can align your goals with the company's objectives. We value people who are driven, and stability is important—both for you and for us."
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    The conversation continues, but the interviewer can't help but wonder if this candid approach will either be a refreshing change or a red flag for the company's culture.
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    Edit; They discussed other stuffs previously and he did have a solid long running work experiences in another chain, he went to start a similar business himself, c'd came and the business eventually
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    failed and shut down. The interviewer also mentioned he preferred at least 1 year commitment.
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    Cocacola_Desierto Top 1% Commenter The interviewer is the problem here. Terrible question. I know all candidates want a paycheck already, I would be asking questions about their work, how they learn, prior experience, etc. They clearly wanted to know these
    via Cocacola_Desierto
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    things yet never steered the convo to them. Yes, I would hire someone who says they value the possible money we could provide them. If they answered my other questions in a way that mattered.
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    I've been told on numerous occasions to never hire for "company culture" because we do not want someone who is going to fit a predefined mold. Do we want someone who will get along with the team? Yeah, they don't need to be the same as everyone though.
    via Cocacola_Desierto
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    doglady1342 For me it would depend on the rest of the interview. Way back in 1999 I was looking for an office manager. The woman I ended up hiring basically told me that she wanted the job because she had the skills to do it and she wanted
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    to be busy so she could take her mind off of a recent and very terrible family tragedy. I really liked that she was up front with me and she did have the skills to do the job.
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    By the way, she was one of the best employees I ever had. In fact, she worked for me until 2020 when I sold my business and continued on with the new owner until she retired last year. If the person is capable of doing the job
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    I truly wants or needs to work, they could become a very valued staff member. Many people remain loyal to those that gave them a chance in the first place. But, the people that stay are the
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    people that you offer career growth to (and a pleasant working environment) regardless of the reason they were looking for work to the first place.
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    TWWOVG "Why do you want to work here?" is among the dumbest commonly- asked interview questions ever. Nobody's passion in life is "to work for ABC Corporation!" These businesses, even the super big
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    ones, need to get over themselves. Employees are seeking jobs and you're offering jobs. Question answered. Next!
    via TWWOVG

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