By Mike SimpsonUpdated 5/7/2022 Show
There comes a time in every job seekers quest for the perfect position when they come across a question that seems simple at first glance, but is surprisingly tricky to answer. When the hiring manager rolls out the common “Why do you want to work here?” interview question, it’s easy to fall into a trap and choose the wrong answer. After all, the bottom line is you need a job; shouldn’t that be enough? Actually, it’s not. In the end, the situation isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Instead, the hiring manager is looking for specific information and, if you don’t know what they’re after, it’s easy to stumble. If you want to make sure you nail your response, here’s what you need to know. Why They Ask The Question “Why Do You Want To Work Here?”First off, let’s explore why this question is even asked. In many ways, this question two much more complicated and dynamic questions rolled into one. Those are:
Now rather than deciphering the more complex layers, most job seekers will simply answer the question in a straight forward manner: Because I need the work and you guys are offering a great rate of pay. Okay, that’s honest…which might win you some points. But if you really want to impress your interviewer, you need to make sure that you’re not only answering it, but that you’re answering the layers…and tailoring your answer. Remember all that research you did on the company before you even got to the interview stage? Here is yet another opportunity for you to not only showcase what you know, but wrap it up with what you can provide skill wise. With all interview questions, your number one goal is to always be the perfect candidate. In all cases, that includes making sure you align your skills and qualities with the values and needs of the company. Additionally, the hiring manager wants to know you’re excited about the opportunity. In the end, happiness makes professionals productive (12 percent more based on one study, and 13 percent more according to another). If they don’t think you legitimately like the role, they may pass you by. So, to sum up what the hiring manager really wants to know when the ask “Why do you want to work here?” they mainly want to know what about the company and job appeals to you. By tapping on those points while also showcasing enthusiasm, you’re usually covering all of the bases. FREE BONUS PDF CHEAT SHEET: Get our "Why Do You Want To Work Here Cheat Sheet" that gives you DO's & DON'TS and word-for-word sample answers that you can use in your next interview. CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR CHEAT SHEET Mistakes To Avoid1. Being too honest:
Again, bonus points for being honest. Although we always encourage you to tell the truth, there is a time and place for this level of transparency, and this isn’t it. It makes it seem as if the role is inconsequential, and that’ll never work in your favor. 2. Being too generic:
Not only is this answer generic, but it doesn’t showcase any of the research that you’ve done on the company or the position. In the end, that kind of answer won’t stand out. Plus, it’s a missed opportunity to showcase your passion for the opportunity and your capabilities. 3. A boring apathetic answer:
Your job is to convince the hiring manager that you’re the perfect candidate, and this approach doesn’t do that. It makes the job seem inconsequential. Plus, it’s a hair pushy, which isn’t ideal. 4. Being wishy washy:
With this answer, any reference to the company is incredibly superficial, which isn’t great. Couple that with asking for a change – a strategy that makes it seem as if you lack confidence – and there’s a high chance the hiring manager is passing you by. 5. Being inappropriately funny:
Shockingly, out of the five example bad answers, this one is actually closest to what you do want to say…just maybe not in quite such a cocky way. No, seriously, this is close. Keep reading to see what we mean! How To Answer “Why Do You Want To Work Here? / Why Do You Want To Work For Us?”If you’re wondering how to answer “Why do you want to work here?” the process is actually surprisingly simple. The first thing you need to do to prepare for this question is to ask it yourself. Just “Why do you want to work for this company?” What do they offer that makes working there enticing? Is it just the paycheck that interests you? If that’s all you can find, then maybe you should continue to look for another job. Yes, money is a great incentive, but it shouldn’t be your only incentive, especially as you continue to advance your career. So, ask again, why do you want to work here? Remember, every job is a stepping stone to your next position and a job that offers you nothing more than money can be just as big a roadblock as no job. Look at your career goals. How does this company and this job align with your future plans? Is this job a stepping stone or a holding cell? Does the position AND company align well with your personal brand? If you get this job, is it one you really want? Is it a job you can see yourself doing with enthusiasm? Is it a job that, when review time comes around, your supervisor can see that you are not only motivated, but a dedicated employee worthy of advancement and bonuses? Or are you like a prisoner…just marking time until you get out? Once you answer those questions, ask yourself about the company overall. As you’ve done your pre-interview research, have you come across aspects of the company values and goals that align with what you’re looking for? Can you work for them in good conscience? Can you say that what they represent aligns with what you represent? Would you be proud putting that job on your resume or telling people you work for that corporation in casual conversation? What is it about the company that attracts you? What aspects appeal to you? Is it the job itself or is it something within the company? Is it their outreach? Their community service? Their role in the bigger global market picture? Ask yourself, “Why do I want to work here?” Once you start answering these questions, you can then in turn, refine them down into easy to remember answers that will not only impress your interviewer, but help answer an otherwise stupid question! Now that we’ve answered those questions, the next part of how to answer “Why do you want to work here?” is take those ideas and work them into your own answers for the hiring managers. MIKE'S TIP:When refining your answers in relation to the company, here a few key ideas to help spark your own answers: Focus your answers to include specifics like the company’s overall core values and reputation. These can also include non-position related things like the company’s community involvement, outreach programs, marketing campaigns, training programs…anything that you find about the company that intrigues you and draws you in. You can also reference incentive programs and employee awards and or management philosophies. The idea is you’re digging deeply enough that you’re not only aware of these things but that they resonate with you and make you want to be a part of the corporate structure. Big insider secret: all hiring manager want to bring in people who actually want to work with them! So, let’s practice a few! “Why Would Do You Want to Work Here?” Example AnswersSo, without further do, let’s have a look at a couple examples of how to answer this the “Why do you want to work here?” interview question. Each one if focused on a different approach, making it easier to see how you can proceed depending on what you’d like to highlight. Company Outreach
Uh, hello. Perfect answer! You’re not only aligning yourself with the company as far as philosophy goes, but you’re complimenting the outreach and promoting your skills at the same time. It’s a triple threat! Great job! 2. Company Culture
This answer is great because it not only highlights your skills as an engineer but also as an individual who works well with others. 3. Employer Brand
4. Work Arrangements
5. Company Mission
Putting It All TogetherAs we’ve demonstrated above, although there are definitely wrong answers, there are no set right answers to the question “Why do you want to work here?” Each interview is going to require you to do your homework, your research and tailoring. But once you do, and you really focus down your answers and target them to not only the position, but the company overall, this question might just give you the opportunity to whip out your smartest answers yet! Just remember to keep your answers short, sweet, honest (but not too honest!)…and above all… Good luck! — FREE: "Why Do You Want To Work Here?" PDF CHEAT SHEETGet our handy cheat sheet! In it you'll get word-for-word sample answers that you can use in your next interview! INCLUDES sample answers for: "why do you want this job?" as well as "Why do you want to work here?" CLICK HERE TO GET THE CHEAT SHEET — Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur, CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan, Penn State, Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page. |