“Why do you want to work here?” is a question that often leaves job seekers pondering over the most effective response. In this article, we will explore the significance of this question, understand why interviewers ask it, and provide comprehensive guidance on crafting compelling answers. Drawing on relevant sources, we’ll delve into the key elements that make a response stand out and share sample answers to inspire your own.
Why Do Interviewers Ask “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”
Interviewers pose the question “Why do you want to work here?” to gauge several crucial aspects:
- Knowledge about the Position, Company, and Industry: Assessing how well you understand the role, the company’s values, and the industry it operates in.
- Interest in the Specific Job: Distinguishing between candidates genuinely interested in the job and those simply seeking any employment opportunity.
- Alignment of Career Goals: Determining if your career aspirations align with the responsibilities and goals of the position.
An effective answer should showcase your knowledge, passion, and commitment to the prospective role and organization.
How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”
#1. Before the Interview, do your Research
Before the interview, invest time in researching the company’s background, values, mission, and recent achievements. This knowledge will be instrumental in tailoring your response to align with the company’s ethos.
#2. Show How Your Skills and Experience Can Help You Succeed
Link your skills and experiences to the specific requirements of the job. Provide concrete examples of your achievements that demonstrate how you can contribute to the success of the company.
#3. Describe Why You’d Enjoy Working in that Position
Express genuine enthusiasm for the role by explaining how it aligns with your passions and interests. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your love for the industry.
#4. Highlight Your Knowledge/Passion for the Employer’s Mission/Service/Product
Demonstrate your familiarity with the company’s mission, services, or products. Showcase your passion for the industry and explain how your values align with those of the organization.
#5. Be Specific and Back Up Your Claims with Examples
Avoid vague statements and support your claims with tangible examples, data, or achievements. This substantiates your assertions and adds credibility to your response.
#6. Always Be Honest
Maintain honesty in your responses. Lying about your qualifications or motivations can have detrimental consequences for both you and the company.
Now, let’s explore sample answers that embody these principles.
10+ Sample Answers to “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”
Sample Answer #1 – Why Do You Want to Work Here?
“I’ve seen your work in theatrical production, and your behind-the-scenes video really inspired me to apply! I love working with a team to achieve a common goal, and I know my background in production has prepared me for this role. I look forward to becoming a valued contributor to this phenomenal team.”
Explanation: This response showcases the candidate’s knowledge of the company’s projects, linking it to their own values and experiences.
Sample Answer #2 – Why Do You Want to Work Here?
“I read an article a few months back on the outreach your company does within the community. Giving back and volunteering is a significant part of my own personal values, and I’m very excited to work with an organization that shares that! I would really love to work in a company where I know that my work, on a day-to-day basis, really contributes to the community.”
Explanation: Aligning personal values with the company’s community initiatives establishes a strong connection between the candidate and the organization.
Sample Answer #3 – Why Do You Want to Work Here?
“I have used your software for many years and am consistently impressed with the innovation and developments made in the space. I also appreciate your dedication to education, providing your customers with free demos to learn how to use your products effectively. I would love to be a part of this innovative team and use my skills to continue the groundbreaking work you are doing here.”
Explanation: Directly referencing the quality of the company’s products demonstrates the candidate’s knowledge and admiration for the organization.
Sample Answer #4 – Why Do You Want to Work Here?
“I’ve seen your company consistently listed as one of the top places to work. I’ve read employee testimonials and heard how you encourage employee growth through education, training, and vast resources. I would love to join your innovative team, continue to create great work, and grow within the company by further improving my skills.”
Explanation: Acknowledging the company’s reputation and expressing a desire for personal growth within the organization adds depth to the response.
Sample Answer #5 – Why Do You Want to Work Here?
“I know that you’re a leader in the industry and I would be proud to work for a company with such an excellent track record for innovation. I have a friend that works in the accounting department, and he told me that the culture here is top-notch and that management supports continuing education and learning on the job while rewarding hard work. Based on his assessment and encouragement, I think that I would fit in perfectly with the team here.”
Explanation: Leveraging a personal connection within the company reinforces the candidate’s suitability for the team.
Sample Answer #6 – Why Do You Want to Work Here?
“Working at your company has been a dream job for me long before graduating, which is why I also sought an internship there. I would now love to apply all the experience I gained as an intern to an actual job and continue to help your company grow through my skills and education.”
Explanation: Emphasizing prior internship experience demonstrates a deep understanding of the job and an eagerness to contribute to the company’s growth.
Sample Answer #7 – Why Do You Want to Work Here?
“This company is internationally known for signing book deals with up-and-coming writers, and my experience in reading literature and spotting new literary talents aligns perfectly with this position. I saw that last year two of your writers won awards, and I would love to work with and learn from such strong professionals!”
Explanation: Aligning personal expertise with the company’s achievements in the literary field strengthens the candidate’s suitability for the role.
Sample Answer #8 – Why Do You Want to Work Here?
“I specifically want to work here because I read your company’s mission and vision. After finding out more information about your company from social media, I can clearly see how my goals align with that of the company. There’s nothing I love more than when I am working with other engaged individuals toward a common goal, and that’s what excited me about working here.”
Explanation: Explicitly mentioning alignment of personal and company goals demonstrates a thoughtful consideration of shared values.
Sample Answer #9 – Why Do You Want to Work Here?
“I first found your company several years ago, and I was inspired by the style of your brand. You market yourselves to a millennial audience, which I can relate to. After following you and observing your job openings for several years while working my way up at a smaller marketing firm, I believe I am now ready to join your exceptional team, enhancing and driving forward a brand that is a natural extension of my own values.”
Explanation: The candidate showcases a long-standing interest in the company, emphasizing their readiness to contribute to the brand based on shared values.
Sample Answer #10 – Why Do You Want to Work Here?
“Before the recruiter called me about this opportunity, I must admit that I didn’t know much about your company. I’ve been doing some research in preparation for this discussion, and I need to say that I’m impressed by your work and your vision for the future. I’m genuinely interested in getting more involved in the technological side of marketing, and I read that you are growing in that area. As an experienced marketer with an emphasis on technology, I know I can bring a lot of value to the team.”
Explanation: Acknowledging initial lack of knowledge but expressing genuine interest based on recent research demonstrates honesty and a commitment to adding value to the team.
How NOT To Answer “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”
While crafting your response, it’s essential to avoid certain pitfalls. Do not cite the following reasons:
- Hefty Salary: Avoid expressing a primary interest in the salary; this might convey a lack of genuine passion for the job.
- Benefits and Perks: Focusing on benefits and perks might suggest a transactional attitude rather than a genuine interest in the role.
- Settling for the Job: Never imply that you are settling for the job because you couldn’t secure a position elsewhere. This diminishes your perceived commitment.
- Desire for Remote Work Only: Prioritizing remote work without considering the nature of the job can indicate a lack of understanding or dedication.
- Desperation to Get Hired Anywhere: Desperation can be perceived negatively; it’s crucial to convey enthusiasm for the specific role and company, not just any job.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question “Why do you want to work here?” is an opportunity to showcase your understanding of the company, express genuine enthusiasm for the role, and align your skills and experiences with the organization’s values. By conducting thorough research, providing specific examples, and maintaining honesty, you can craft a compelling response that sets you apart from other candidates.
Remember, a well-crafted answer not only increases your chances of securing the job but also demonstrates your commitment to contributing meaningfully to the company. Use the provided sample answers as a guide to create your personalized response, tailored to the unique attributes of the position and company you are interviewing for.