What the Interviewer Wants to Know
The interviewer is looking for a real, substantive answer to the question of why you want to work at their company. Though it seems like an easy interview question to answer, many interviewers will ask, “Why do you want to work here?” or “Why would you like to work at our company?” in order to gauge your level of interest and to see if you have bothered to research the company in order to learn about it. When interviewing prospective employees, interviewers are eager to determine which candidates really want the job and will invest genuine effort in bettering the company, as opposed to who just wants a job, any job, regardless of what the position entails.
How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”
The best way to answer this question is to be prepared and knowledgeable about the company. Your answer will show that you will fit in well with the company culture and mission, and that the job itself is relevant to your skills and interests. You can read about the goals of the company on its website and see if the goals of the company are compatible with your personal goals. If you research the company, you can talk about the mutual benefits of employment with this company and better answer this question when the interviewer asks.
Examples of the Best Answers
You should be able to answer the interviewer in a way that makes your interviewer feel as if you know enough about the company to know that you would like to work there, given your own personal career goals. Answer the interviewer directly and confidently since how you answer is just as important as what you say. Below are some examples of answers that may help you frame what you’re going to say. Why It Works: This answer shows the interviewer that you have researched what the company does and what it is renowned for. It also shows the interviewer that your career goals and skill set are a good fit for the company. Why It Works: Interviewers want to know that a job candidate is genuinely interested in enhancing the community. This answer indicates that you would use your job skills in this way as well as for improving the company’s bottom line. Why It Works: You’ve gone above and beyond in researching this company. Not only have you looked at their annual report since you have looked at their business model and financials, but you have also followed them on social media. You’ve even used their product. You’re interested in helping them develop that product. The interviewer would look very favorably on this answer. Why It Works: The interviewer will be pleased that you have talked with others who work at the company in order to determine if you will fit in with the company culture. Why It Works: You have researched the company’s future plans and determined your job skills fit with their goals for the future.
Tips for Giving the Best Answer
Research the Company. You can’t research the company enough for this interview question. Look at their website, review their annual report, and follow them on social media. If you have connections at the company, talk to them about it. Gather as much information as you can. Be as knowledgeable and prepared about the company as possible. Tie Your Job Skills to the Company. Based on your company research, tie your own job skills to the company and how you can help them in the position for which you are applying. Be Straightforward. Even though you want to tie your job skills to the company culture and mission, don’t exaggerate. Be Brief. Be brief when commenting on what the company does. You don’t want to overdo it and say the wrong thing during your interview. Practice and Prepare. Prepare an answer prior to your interview and practice that answer.
What Not to Say
Don’t Focus on Company Perks. Don’t just focus on the company’s benefits and perks. Maybe their health insurance is good, or they give lots of sick leave. Don’t talk about any of those things. Don’t Talk About Salary. Don’t talk about salary unless the interviewer brings it up. Don’t Get Personal. Don’t start any personal conversation with the interviewer.
Possible Follow-Up Questions
Why should we hire you? Best Answers What are your strengths? Best Answers What do you hope to accomplish here? Best Answers
Connect Your Skills to the Job: Tie your job skills to the position you are interviewing for and the company’s goals. Practice Responding: Practice and prepare an answer in advance.
