Best Answers for Why Do You Want to Work Here?

Are you preparing for an important job interview? “Why do you want to work here?” is one of the first questions that the interviewer is likely to ask. Unfortunately, many people get stuck on this question and it can grind the interview to a halt.

If the job comes with a good salary, this is likely to be one of the main reasons for applying for it. While the interviewer is likely to be well aware of that fact, the last thing you want to do is say that.

So, let’s take a closer look at the best answers for why do you want to work here…

Why Do Interviewers Ask “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

The interviewer is likely to have a lot of expectations from this seemingly simple question. First of all, they want to make sure that you are interested in the specific company and industry. Some people simply apply for every job with a reasonable salary, regardless of whether or not they want to do the job.

Another key part of the question is determining your specific career goals and whether they align with the available job. The interviewer also wants to understand your preferences and priorities to discover which parts of the job appeal to you. It is therefore a good idea to tackle each part of the question differently while linking the three key parts together.

How to Research the Company?

It is important to be able to demonstrate to the interviewer that you know about the company and its values. This can include when the company was founded, what it is best known for, and its mission statement. You can find information about most companies in the following places:

The Company Website

Start by checking out the company website and reading the company history and its mission statement. Most companies are likely to have a website that provides background information. This may include a company history, details of awards and accomplishments, as well as a press room.

Make sure that you sign up for the company’s newsletter and any other platforms available. The company’s website should also feature links to their social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube.

Go to the Careers section on the company’s website. This is likely to provide additional information about the hiring process and job profiles. Some websites even include sample interview questions in this section.

Media Coverage

While you can find a lot of information on the company’s website, it is a good idea to check other sources. Simply Googling the company is sure to provide a lot of extra information. If the company is well-known in the industry, you are sure to find mainstream press articles.

Industry publications are also good places to find extra information including finding out how the company compares with its competitors. These publications will also give you an idea of the overall reputation of the company.

Your Network

Check your LinkedIn account and other network profiles for connections who are working at the company. These people can provide a valuable connection to inside information. If you know people who are currently working at the company, they can provide information about the interview process.

If you have nurtured your professional connections, they may be able to act as an advocate on your behalf and could help your resume rise to the top of the pile. At the very least, they can give you an idea of the core values of the company and interviewer.

List of Your Favorite Things about The Job

Make a comprehensive list of your career objectives. Search for key aspects of the company and position that will help you to achieve your goals. These are important aspects to highlight during the interview.

Identify Your Core Values

It is important to work out your core values and find connections between the core values of the company. Make sure that you are familiar with the culture of the company and the expectations of workers. Align those aspects with your own values and highlight the ways in which they will allow you to thrive.

What Are The Very Best Answers for Why Do You Want to Work Here?

The interviewer is searching for a candidate who will enjoy working at the company and will work well with others. Your answer should reflect the fact that you have done your research and understand what the company is about. You should be able to give specific examples of things you like about the company that make you want to work there.

You could start by talking about the general company reputation and the reputation of key leaders. Express admiration for the company’s products or services and specific company initiatives. These could include training programs, community involvement, and marketing campaigns.

This is the time to mention what you understand about the company’s culture and values. The culture of the company has probably been developed over several years or even decades. Therefore, the interviewer is likely to be searching for candidates who fit well within the existing culture.

Examples of What Not to Say

There are several pitfalls that you need to avoid when answering this important interview question. Many people fail this question because they are unprepared or nervous during the interview. It is essential to give a concise yet meaningful answer that will appeal to the interviewer.

Being Too Honest

If you are currently unemployed and desperately searching for work, the interviewer is likely to be aware of this. However, it is important to be able to give this aspect a positive spin. If it comes up during the interview, explain that you have been holding out for the perfect opportunity.

Being Too Generic

The interviewer needs to know that you have done your research and want to work for that specific company. Creating an answer that can be given in just about any interview is likely to sound false. Simply saying that it is a good company or something similar makes it sound like you do not know much about the company.

A Boring or Apathetic Answer

You need to be enthusiastic when answering this interview question. The interviewer is likely to be proud of the company and is looking for people who feel the same way. You need to convince the interviewer that you will feel fortunate to get the position and will work hard.

Being Inappropriately Funny

Many people fall back on humor when they are nervous or feel intimidated. However, making a joke that does not land well is likely to leave a bad impression. The interviewer may feel that you do not take the company, the job position, or even the interviewer seriously.

Humor is a very personal thing and it can vary widely from person to person. Unless you have already established a rapport with the interviewer, there is no way to know how a joke will be received. Making a joke like “because you need me to save your company” may simply come across as arrogant.

Talking Too Much

By the time you reach the interview stage, you are likely to know a lot about the company and the job. However, the interviewer does not want to sit through a thirty minute presentation that covers everything you have learned. Try to keep your answer to a few short paragraphs that cover around two or three minutes at most.

Explaining Why you Want The Position

The best way to think about the question is by asking yourself why the company would want to hire you. Think about your response to the question as trying to get this point across. Thinking about the following questions will help you to explain exactly what you have to offer…

How Can You Help The Company Succeed?

Identify an aspect of the company that you could help to develop so that the company thrives. Explain how you have specific knowledge and experience in this particular area. While the company is already doing well, with your help they could reach the next level of achievement and recognition.

Past Career Successes

Highlight examples of how you have helped previous companies you have worked at to thrive. You are likely to be able to translate this knowledge and experience to the position you are interviewing for. Express that you are willing to share your knowledge to create value for the company as a whole.

The Smooth Lead-in

By the time you have got to the interview stage, you are sure to have rehearsed your answer several times. However, it is important to make sure that your answer sounds natural and spontaneous. Using a smooth lead-in helps to make the answer sound organic and reveals a little of your personality.

Always Research Interview Questions

It is always better to familiarize yourself with the common interview questions according to job type. So, check out these Cook Interview Questions or these Hostess Interview Questions!

Interviewing with company chains…

Then you may enjoy our features on top expected interview questions per company, such as our Del Taco Interview Questions, our Walgreens Customer Service Associate Interview Questions, our Disney Store Interview Questions, our Dollar General Interview Questions, our Levi Strauss Interview Questions, and so many more! Just type the name of the company into our search box to check!

We’ve even got the ins and outs of the entire job application processes for a number of these companies; take a look in our Staples Application, our KFC Application process, and our complete Safeway Jobs Application breakdown!

Helpful resources…

If you want to interview like a pro, then it’s well worth investing in Get That Job!, 60 Seconds and You’re Hired!, or 101 Toughest Interview Questions. It’s impossible to be over-prepared for an interview.

Back to today’s article…

Final Thoughts

The question, “Why do you want to work here?” may seem quite simple on the surface. After all, every application naturally hopes to secure the position they are interviewing for. However, the way in which you answer this question can have a direct impact on whether or not you get the job.

When answering this question, it is important to come across as confident and well-prepared. The interviewer needs to have the impression that you would be an asset to the company. Make sure that you tailor the answer to the job position and company and sound as sincere as possible.

The very best of luck in your next interview.