How to Answer, ‘Why Do You Want to Work Here?’
As a job candidate, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll be asked the question, “Why do you want to work here?” during an interview. This question can be intimidating, but it’s important to have a well-crafted answer that shows your enthusiasm for the company and the position. In this article, we’ll provide tips and strategies for answering this common interview question.
Tips for answering ‘Why Do You Want to Work Here?’
1. Research the Company
Before the interview, research the company to learn more about its mission, values, and culture. This will help you understand the company’s unique needs and priorities, and enable you to tailor your answer accordingly. Look for information on the company’s website, social media channels, and news articles.
2. Highlight Your Skills and Experience
When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your skills and experience that align with the company’s needs. Discuss how your background and qualifications make you an ideal fit for the position and how you can contribute to the company’s success.
3. Show Enthusiasm
Express your enthusiasm for the company and the position. Discuss what excites you about the company’s mission and how you see yourself contributing to its success. Show that you’re genuinely interested in the company and that you’re passionate about the work that it does.
4. Connect with the Company Culture
Demonstrate that you’re a good fit for the company culture by discussing your values and work style. Talk about how your values align with the company’s and how you see yourself fitting in with the team. This will show that you’re not just interested in the job, but in the company as a whole.
5. Be Specific
Avoid generic responses when answering this question. Instead, provide specific examples of why you want to work for the company. For example, you might mention a recent company accomplishment that impressed you or a specific project that you’re excited to work on.
6. Be Honest
Be honest in your answer. Don’t simply tell the interviewer what you think they want to hear. If you’re not genuinely interested in the company or the position, it will come across in your answer. Be truthful about why you want to work for the company and why you’re excited about the opportunity.
7. Practice Your Answer
Practice your answer to this question before the interview. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident during the actual interview. Consider practicing with a friend or family member to get feedback on your response.
8. Emphasize Company Reputation
Talk about the company’s reputation and how it influenced your decision to apply. For example, you might mention that you’ve heard great things about the company’s culture or that the company has a strong track record of success.
9. Mention Personal Connection
If you have a personal connection to the company, such as a friend or family member who works there, mention it in your response. This shows that you have a genuine interest in the company and that you have insider knowledge.
10. Discuss Growth Opportunities
Talk about how the company’s culture of learning and development aligns with your personal and professional goals. Discuss how you see yourself growing within the company and how the position can help you achieve your career aspirations.
11. Explain Motivation for Applying
Explain why you specifically applied for this job and what motivated you to do so. Was it the company’s mission? The opportunity to work on a specific project? Make sure to address the specific factors that drew you to the position.
12. Tie in Industry Trends
Discuss how the company is positioned within the industry and how its work aligns with broader industry trends. This shows that you have a good understanding of the company’s role within the industry and how you can contribute to its success.
Examples of Good Responses
Here are some examples of good responses to the question, “Why do you want to work here?”
- “I’m excited about the company’s mission to improve access to education, and I’m passionate about the work that you’re doing in the community. As someone who values education and believes in its transformative power, I see this as an opportunity to make a difference and contribute to a cause that I care about.”
- “I was really impressed by the company’s recent award for innovation, and I’m excited about the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects. I believe that my skills in project management and my ability to think creatively would make me a valuable asset to the team.”
- “I’m excited about the company’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to reduce its environmental impact. As someone who values sustainability and has experience in environmental engineering, I believe that I could contribute to the company’s efforts and help make a positive impact.”
Conclusion
Remember, the key to answering the question, “Why do you want to work here?” is to be genuine, enthusiastic, and well-prepared. By following these tips, you’ll be able to articulate your interest in the company and position in a way that impresses your interviewer and demonstrates why you’re the best fit for the job.
Related, What is the Perfect Answer to “Tell me about yourself”
