How to Answer ‘Why Do You Want to Work Here?’ Interview Question
According to LinkedIn global recruiting trends, 74% of HR professionals prefer to adopt structured interviews with a range of personal and professional questions. This helps understand more about the candidate and check if they would be a good fit. One of the most common interview questions asked is ‘Why do you want to work for us? or Why do you want to work here?’. This question can be challenging to answer. Hiring managers will want you to have a solid and prepared response, to see whether you have researched the company have a genuine interest in the role and would be a great candidate for the position.
What hiring managers are looking for:
● A thoughtful response into why you want the position – Make sure you have done sufficient research on the organisation.
● Showing a positive attitude and a real interest in the job role – This is the time to show some personality and implement that into your response.
● What makes motivates you, makes you unique and why you will be a great asset to the company – Think of a genuine response and share experiences that stand out.
Every hiring process is different however they all want to know the same thing, whether the question is why do you want to work here? Or why are you interested in this position?. Initially, interview questions are not always focused on you as an individual but rather on what you bring to the table for the employer. The key is to be prepared with your response, with what motivates you and to showcase all your capabilities.
Show enthusiasm about the job and company – the interviewer wants to see a genuine connection with the company its culture and values.
Company Values
Through your research about the company you will have no doubt found out about the companies values and the organisations culture. Some companies values such as Google are very well know – You can make money without doing evil.
Think about how your own values align with the companies values and culture and how you explain that to the interviewer.
How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Work here?” for a job interview.
Do your research
Have a good understanding of the organisation’s mission, vision and culture, this can be found in any company website, blog or articles. So make sure you read relevant information and highlight policies that stand out to you- for example, do they have a conventional corporate culture that is based on a hierarchical approach? Is there a charity task force? Is it a mission-driven company? Try to implement these answers to your response, get personal and show how you can fit in with the organisational culture.
Interaction with the organisation’s service or product
Try signing up and testing the product or services that the organisation provides. Through this product or service interaction, you can consider implementing feedback to your interview response. It shows initiative when you go a step further to understand the product or service and may even be asked for recommendations or insights on your experience with the product.
Identify your core values that relate to the organisation
Acknowledging your core value is essential as plenty of organisations establish their values to attract talented people where they can professionally and personally develop and succeed. So ask yourself about the core values that you look for in companies. Try to find similarities to those of the organisation and link them with your own.
Here are questions to ask yourself and identify your core values
● What type of workplace environment do you want to work in? – Think about what works well for you.
● Ask yourself what type of culture do you look for in a company? – Base it on your research and previous experience.
● How does your career goal relate to the company’s goals? – Does the company share similar goals, if yes relate this to your response.
● What are your greatest qualities as a person? – This is a great time to reflect on your strengths and skills.
● What motivates you? – Think of your interests and achievements you have accomplished.
Understand the job description
You may have already gone through the job description before applying, however, take the time to review the job post again and highlight the section that talks about what makes the company a great place to work for.
Normally, job descriptions mention this not just to appeal to more applicants but to provide you with information that may not be seen on their website. Be sure to go through all the major stakeholders related to your position as this will refer to the different relationships you will have with other people of the organisation. Try to understand the relationships you will be making and what they expect from you.
Highlight a company’s reputation as a great employer
Learn about the company’s reputation in the industry, look on review sites such as Glassdoor to hear what current and ex employees say about working at the company. Look out for what staff day about the training and development they have been offered during their employment, and reference this during the interview.
Example answers for ‘Why Do You Want to Work For Us?’
● “I read an article on your blog page about your thoughts on the company’s mission and vision that focuses on technology innovation. I can tell that this is the type of environment where I would thrive as I consider myself an innovator and would thoroughly enjoy working for an organisation with a similar vision.”
● “This company has a great culture that supports learning and development on the job – and recognises hard work. This is important to me as these are values that I also share and practice. Due to this, I would be a great fit for your organisation.”
● “To work for a company that provides a learning environment is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of. This instantly made me apply for the job as I’ve heard positive feedback about the company’s training programs.” Common mistakes to avoid:
● Try to avoid saying “I heard this company has good pay and benefits.” – Now money and bonus are great but they shouldn’t be your primary motivator.
● An uninterested response. Will make the interviewer think you have no interest in the job role.
● Mentioning lack of experience. If you are a recent graduate or changing careers, then try to put the focus on your strengths and other relevant experience.
● Having an overly prepared answer. Whilst it is important to do your research and gain information about the organisation you want to sound genuine and show your personality as well.
Move the conversation towards the future where you are an employee
Avoid talking negativity or showing resentment to your previous or current employer. If the interviewer employer asks about why you are looking for another job, position your answer so that it reinforces why you are applying to the company and not the negatives of your old job.
Don’t go to deep in to personal circumstances that make it essential for you to find a new job—for example, redundancy or the need to earn more income, don’t discuss these problems with the interviewer.
If your main reason for changing jobs if better pay
Now is not a good time to say so ! When an interviewer asks why you want to work with them, don’t start by discussing the salary and perks. These are obviously factors that applicants take into account when applying for a new role calling it out as a main reason for applying will not explain why you’re the best fit for the role or company.
Once you have received a formal offer of a job then is the best time to start salary discussions, the interviewers have decided you are the best candidate for the job and it’s at this point you will have more leverage for a salary negotiation.
Related: ‘Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Jobs
How can we help?
Learn more about how our interview preparation service can set you up for success and land your next job. Book a free initial consultation to see the difference it could make to you and your career
