How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

When preparing for a job interview, one question that you should be ready to answer is “Why do you want to work here?” This question is often asked by hiring managers to assess your interest in the company and the role you are applying for. Your answer should demonstrate your knowledge about the company and the job, as well as your enthusiasm for the opportunity. In this article, we will discuss how to answer this question effectively.

Research the Company

The first step in answering this question is to research the company. You should know the company’s history, its mission statement, its products or services, and its culture. Look for information about the company on its website, social media accounts, news articles, and other online resources. Try to understand what the company does, how it operates, and what sets it apart from its competitors.

Identify Your Skills and Experience

Once you have a good understanding of the company, think about how your skills and experience align with the job requirements. Consider the job description and identify the skills and experience that are essential for the role. Then, reflect on your own skills and experience and find areas where there is a match. Think about how you can use your skills and experience to contribute to the company’s success.

Connect Your Skills and Experience to the Company

After identifying your skills and experience, connect them to the company. Explain how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the job and how they align with the company’s goals and values. For example, if the company values teamwork, you can explain how you have worked effectively in teams in the past and how you can contribute to the team in this role.

Be Specific

When answering this question, be specific about why you want to work for this company. Don’t give generic answers such as “because it’s a great company.” Instead, highlight specific things that you admire about the company, such as its culture, its mission, or its products or services. Use concrete examples to support your answer.

Show Enthusiasm

Finally, show enthusiasm for the opportunity. Hiring managers want to hire people who are excited about the job and the company. Express your excitement about the role and the opportunity to work for the company. Explain why you are passionate about the industry or the field and how this job fits into your career goals.

Example Answers

Here are some example answers to the question “Why do you want to work here?” that incorporate the tips we discussed above:

Example 1:

“I want to work for this company because I admire its mission to provide innovative solutions that improve people’s lives. I have experience in project management and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the success of this company. I am particularly impressed by the company’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. As someone who is passionate about environmental issues, I believe that this is a company that aligns with my values.”

Example 2:

“I am excited about this job because I believe that my skills and experience make me a great fit for the role. I have experience in customer service and I am passionate about helping people. I am impressed by the company’s dedication to providing exceptional customer service and I am eager to be a part of that team. Additionally, I am excited about the opportunity to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment that will challenge me and help me grow as a professional.”

In conclusion, answering the question “Why do you want to work here?” requires research, preparation, and enthusiasm. You should research the company, identify your skills and experience, connect them to the company, be specific, and show enthusiasm for the opportunity. By following these tips and using examples to support your answer, you can convince the hiring manager that you are the right candidate for the job.

Remember that the “Why do you want to work here?” question is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your interest in the company and the role. Take the time to prepare a thoughtful answer that showcases your skills and experience, and aligns them with the company’s values and mission. This will not only help you stand out from other candidates, but it will also show the hiring manager that you are serious about the opportunity and committed to the success of the company.

References:

Forbes. (2019). How To Answer The Interview Question ‘Why Do You Want This Job?’. [online] Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2018/09/12/how-to-answer-the-interview-question-why-do-you-want-this-job/?sh=643ed2ea2fe7 [Accessed 8 May 2023].

The Balance Careers. (2022). How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”. [online] Available at: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/why-do-you-want-to-work-here-2061555 [Accessed 8 May 2023].

Indeed. (2023). How to answer “Why do you want to work here?”. [online] Available at: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/why-do-you-want-to-work-here [Accessed 8 May 2023].

TopResume. (2021). How to Answer: “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”. [online] Available at: https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/how-to-answer-why-do-you-want-to-work-here [Accessed 8 May 2023].

Glassdoor. (2022). How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Work Here?” in an Interview. [online] Available at: https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/why-do-you-want-to-work-here/ [Accessed 8 May 2023].

Monster. (2022). How to answer: Why do you want to work here?. [online] Available at: https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/why-do-you-want-to-work-here [Accessed 8 May 2023].