How To Properly Answer ‘Why Do You Want To Work Here?’

When getting ready for an interview, it is wise to “practice” beforehand, as applicants tend to deal with several typical questions, including “Why do you want to work here?“. By rehearsing answers to this common question, you will have the chance to properly form a straight-to-the-point response, making the whole interview smooth and maybe help you get the job. This guide will explain why recruiters ask the question and instruct how to form a proper response, with helpful sample answers. Now, let’s find out all about this typical question ‘Why do you want to work here?’.

Why Do Interviewers Ask, ‘Why Do You Want To Work Here?’

Employers often raise questions like ‘Why do you want to work here?’ to see if you’ve done your homework about the workplace and if your values and beliefs align with its community.

Indeed, a competent, professional, and eager-to-work applicant must have researched the company’s history, culture, and mission statement well before an interview. Hence, this question is a filter to find suitable candidates who are likely to work passionately after getting hired.

Why Do Interviewers Ask, 'Why Do You Want To Work Here?'
Employers raise this question to pinpoint a suitable candidate – Source: Unsplash

This question will turn up during an interview, networking trips, informational interviews, and even career fairs. There are a few ways the HRs use to paraphrase the questions, including:

· “Why do you want to work here?”

· “Why do you want to work for us?”

· “What made you want to apply for a job with this company?”

Hence, when these seemingly harmless questions show up, a candidate must have a solid and appropriate response in hand. Your answer should reflect your knowledge of the organization and the abilities, expertise, experience, and capabilities you possess that are compatible with their working environment and the position/department you are applying for.

So, what are other factors making an answer good or bad?

How To Craft A Response To ‘Why Do You Want To Work Here?’ Questions

Knowing how to respond to some of the mostly-asked interview questions is a crucial part of interview planning. To develop an adequate response, especially for the ‘Why do you want to work here?‘, you should bear in mind a few things:

Know the company

It is essential to understand the businesses whose recruiter you’ll be speaking with (or talking about, in case of networking). Only when one knows details about the company, their objectives, culture, services, products, and even their challenges can they talk about themselves and explain if they are a good fit.

There are many ways to do research on a company, but the most effective way is through the Internet.

How To Craft A Response To 'Why Do You Want To Work Here?' Questions
It helps if you did research on the workplace on the Internet – Source: LinkedIn. 

Scan the company website and social media profiles. 

Visit the company’s official website and social pages to have an overview of the workplace. Reading through their digital profile, for example, on LinkedIn, is a great way to get a sense of their culture and goals. You can find out how they choose to present their image to the public via social media.

Find news articles and related information.

Besides, finding articles related to an organization from the news or prestigious press will reveal a lot about its recent challenges and successes. Also, looking for new and former employee profiles and researching the firm on Google can help a candidate get valuable insights concerning the business.

Know the Position 

To answer the question of ‘Why do you want to work here?‘ correctly, you must not only be acquainted with the organization but also with the position you’re interviewing for.

So, don’t give the impression that you’re looking for any job available. Instead, it might be better to determine where and how you will fit into the business, regardless of whether there is a current advertised vacancy or not.

As it is a norm to view the company’s JD before attending an interview, you should spend time to fully comprehend the requirements. Please read the job description repeatedly, make some notes about it. Search the Web if any details in the description confuse you.

Know the Position
Do research on the job as well – Source: Alex Kotliarskyi

Again, tools such as LinkedIn allow you to browse profiles of any specific position. Use the data to learn more about their work roles, requirements, and LinkedIn Groups they are a member of (and join it). Besides, you can get more information about the job by using Google and visiting the company’s website.

Identify Your Objectives And Expectations

By identifying your objectives and expectations, you can understand “why do I want this job” and how the role’s values and goals align with the company and show that to the interviewer later. Employers can understand that you are a good candidate for the role by focusing on your professional aspirations and principles and comparing them to those of the company. 

In case you need to identify your core values and personal goals, consider answering these questions:

• In what kind of environment do you like to work?

• What characteristics do you believe represent good, stable relationships?

• What traits do you value the most in your role models?

• What inspires you?

• What professional and personal values do you want to cultivate in yourself?

• What skills, qualifications, and qualities would you need to accomplish your long-term objectives?

Make A List Of What To Mention During An Interview

It would help if you created a list of what details are worth mentioning. Also, you might consider expressing how interested you are in the position and how well you know about the company and the job.

Make A List Of What To Mention During An Interview - why do you want to work here
Expressing how you are the perfect fit will do the trick – Source: Christina @wocintechchat.com

Additionally, don’t forget to mention how the position can assist you in achieving your own objectives in an interview. It will be beneficial to say how the job description actually aligns with your career goals and which tasks would put your best talents to use. 

Form A Response With A Smooth Lead-in

Finally, try to rehearse your answer with a friend or in front of a mirror. These lead-ins will make your answer sound professional and impressive.

“I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting/forward-thinking/fast-moving company/industry, and I feel I can do so by/with my ….”

“I feel my skills are particularly well-suited to this position because ….”

“I believe I have the type of knowledge to succeed in this role and at the company because ….”

“I’m excited about this job opportunity, as it would allow me to ….”

What Not To Mention In Your Answer?

When answering the “why do you want to work here” question, your response should be straight to the point, professional, and not too self-centered. Thus, it would be best if you avoided the following things:

1. Providing A Too Generic Response

• Because I know I can make an outstanding contribution.

• Because I know you have a vacancy for ______________, and I am qualified.”

• I just think the work looks fun.

The boss needs to know that you’re serious about this work, and an ambiguous or too generic response does not demonstrate that. It will only show that you haven’t done much homework about the company or given any thought about why you want the work in the first place.

2. Being Humorous

• I’m only here for the money.

You really look like you could use my help.

In fact, most interviewers don’t find a funny response professional. It makes you look insincere or as though you don’t know what to say to answer the questions of “why do you want to work here?”.

Being Humorous - why do you want to work here
Most interviewers don’t like a humourous response – Source: Brooke Cagle

3. Mention The Wage

• My cousin Tom works for you, and he told me the benefits are great.

• This isn’t my dream job, but the pay rate seems tolerable.

Although employers most likely expect you to be comfortable with your work, they aren’t interested in discussing the benefits or pay rate at this time. They want to know what they can get from hiring you. Thus, it helps if you base your response on the work position and why you’d be a perfect fit for the job.

Mention The Wage - why do you want to work here
Don’t mention the salary during an interview – Source: Alexander Mils

4. Saying You Don’t Know

Why do I want this job? I don’t know.

• I’m just here to, you know.

If you can’t think of a single explanation why the employer should hire you, it’s unlikely they will. This answer indicates that the applicant does not take the chance seriously and has done nothing to prepare for the interview.

Saying You Don't Know - why do you want to work here
Do not say I don’t know in an interview – Source: Chris Ainsworth

All the answers above may be absolutely accurate, yet they don’t make employers interested in hiring you. With these responses, you’ll fade into the background, lost in the other job seekers who haven’t done their homework either. These responses will never get you anywhere in an interview.

‘Why Do You Want To Work Here?’ Sample Answers.

Example 1 – Answer to “why do you want to work here” questions for an accountant

I’ve been following your organization for a while now. I have always been impressed with your philosophy of honesty and integrity over everything else. When Joe (a company contact) told me that there was a vacancy for an experienced tax accountant, I couldn’t ignore the opportunity. I hold the belief that I can help you solve many of the tax issues you’re currently facing, and I look forward to joining your team.

Example 2 – Answer to “why do you want to work here” questions for an IT developer

‘This company is globally famous for the technology that you created. During just last year, you have achieved numerous prizes for your most recent software. I’d love to apply my experience designing new IT products to a group that is as resourceful, dynamic, and inclusive as this one.’

Example 3 – A general answer to “why do you want to work here” questions

‘After reading your company’s vision and mission attentively, it’s evident that many of my professional goals align with the company’s purpose. As a result, I believe I would be an amazing fit for this already fantastic team of motivated employees.’

Example 4

”In the industry, this organization is known for offering a management system that promotes hard work and encourages continued growth.’ I believe I will be a good candidate and could start contributing right away. I think I have the expertise to thrive in this role at the organization because ….’

Example 5

‘For years, I’ve been fascinated by your firm’s brand, style, and tone. During that time, I’ve worked hard to advance professionally so that I might one day join this great team and add real value to the business.’

Conclusion

In conclusion, answering the “why do you want to work here” questions is indeed tricky. However, keep your cool and do your best. Even when this job is not a match for you, if they want to hire you, they will find a suitable position for you (at the proper wage) in the long run. As long as you have done your ‘homework’ in advance and demonstrated your knowledge, expertise, and interest in this position to the employer, you will make a great impression. Do you agree with our Career Advice on Jobandedu?

 

Emmanuel Davies

Most of Emmanuel Davies's professional life has been spent in education. Early in the year 2020, he teamed up with JobandEdu, getting a career counselor writer role and contributing such as career overview, employment counseling, and workplace culture. Davies has deep expertise in the academic and career advisor position gained via past roles at diverse establishments and foundations. Consequently, he plans to use writing to disseminate his knowledge and counsel to the masses.