“Why do you want to work here?” seems like a pretty meaningless question to ask. Isn’t it obvious? You need a job, and a company has an opening. What more is there to it? Wrong. This question asks for so much more than it sounds. Keep in mind this question can be phrased in many different ways.
Alternatively, you might be asked, “why do you want this position?” or “what motivated you to apply?” and so on. But don’t worry because all of the following information applies to these similar-sounding questions.
So why do employers ask this seemingly obvious question? Employers ask this to gauge candidate interest, see your knowledge of the company, and understand how your values align with company culture. With a well-crafted answer, you can hit on all of these points and stand out from the candidate pool.
When constructing your answer, it can be beneficial to know what NOT to say. So, let’s look at two major things to avoid:
- Talk of salary and benefits
- Generic answers such as “this looks like a great place to work” or “I heard from a friend they like working here.”
These answers might be true, but they focus on what the company can do for you and not how you can contribute. Once you receive an official offer, you can discuss and (3)negotiate the benefits you will receive.
Things to consider:
Know the company inside and out
If you finally got an interview scheduled for that job you applied to months ago, it’s time to refresh your memory. Begin by reviewing the job description and note a couple of skills or responsibilities you can use in your answer. Your next step is to visit the company’s website. The About Us page or whatever their equivalent named webpage is should be the first thing you look at. Get a sense of the company and what its goals are and integrate that with your answer. If their website has a blog, take some time to read a few articles and get to know the company’s tone. After this, visit any of their active social media accounts. Are there specific initiatives they have participated in that stand out to you? Are there any recent projects they have posted about that you are interested in? Retrieving all this information is the foundation to a stand-out answer.
How can you help the company?
After your research is complete, are there any areas that you can help this company succeed in? You can do this by jotting down some of your own career goals and spin them in a way that will show how you can benefit the company. Building off of your knowledge of the company, you want to show how your goals align.
Blast to the past
What past experiences do you have that would make you the best employee for the job? Give examples of ways you have gone past your employer’s expectations or what challenges you helped overcome? Be sure to know your resume top to bottom and take note of concrete examples of your skills. Doing this can kill two birds with one stone as there is a chance you might be asked to (4)walk them through your resume.
How will you complement the company’s culture?
While employers want to see if you are qualified for the position, they also want to see how your personality and interests align with the company’s values. If the company is involved with community outreach, let them know about your personal volunteer experiences or similar organizations or causes you feel strongly about. Although this answer might not be a direct line to the position you are up for, it will show how you can fit in with the company as a whole.
Outline your answer
Once all the above information is collected, try to turn it into a cohesive answer. There is no need to memorize your response as you still want it to sound organic but be sure to remember your main points. It’s never a bad idea to practice with a loved one or record yourself to get some feedback.
Examples
Example 1:
“After reading an article about X Project you are working on, I was really inspired by your unique and innovative approach. In my career, I am always looking to learn new things and better myself. I really admire how you as a company are always striving to improve and adapt to changes in technology.”
Explanation: This answer shows that you have truly invested your time in researching the company. It also demonstrates how the company culture fits within your professional values and needs.
Example 2:
“When I started my job hunt, I wanted to prioritize companies that have philanthropic initiatives. I noticed that the company is involved with X Organization. I am very passionate and have volunteered with similar organizations. I find it very admirable how the company has integrated their work mission into their community outreach.”
Explanation: Connecting with the company on this level is a great way to show you have similar commitments and morals. This shows the hiring manager how you align with company culture and picked this company for reasons that don’t necessarily benefit you directly.
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We are a small, but productive team that works closely together and has had a 96% success rate for the past number of years!
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