Exploring "Why Do You Want To Work Here?" In An Interview

Interviews are a crucial part of the job application process, and one question that can be particularly tricky to answer is “Why do you want to work here?” This question may seem simple, but it can reveal a lot about your motivations, values, and fit for the company. In this post, we’ll explore this question in depth and provide tips on how to answer it effectively.

Understanding the Question

Before we dive into how to answer the question, let’s first understand why interviewers ask it. This question serves a few purposes:

• Assessing your interest in the company: Interviewers want to see if you’ve done your research on the company and if you’re genuinely interested in working there.
• Evaluating your fit: Your answer can reveal whether your values, motivations, and career goals align with the company’s culture and mission.
• Assessing your communication skills: This question allows interviewers to evaluate your ability to articulate your thoughts and express yourself clearly and concisely.

Preparing Your Answer

To prepare for this question, you should research the company and its culture, mission, and values. You should also review the job description and requirements to ensure that you can relate your skills and experience to the position. Here are some steps you can take to prepare:

1. Research the company: Review the company’s website, social media pages, news articles, and any other relevant sources to gain an understanding of the company’s mission, culture, values, and recent developments.
2. Review the job description: Make a list of the requirements and responsibilities of the job and identify how your skills and experience align with them.
3. Identify your motivations: Think about why you’re interested in the company and the position. What do you find compelling about the company’s mission or culture? What skills or experiences do you want to gain from the job?
4. Prepare your answer: Use the information you’ve gathered to craft a concise and compelling answer that demonstrates your interest in the company and your fit for the position.

Structuring Your Answer

Now that you’ve prepared, it’s time to structure your answer. Here’s a framework you can use:

1. Start with a hook: Begin your answer with a statement that grabs the interviewer’s attention and shows your enthusiasm for the company.
2. Explain your interest: Describe what specifically interests you about the company and the position. Use specific examples from your research to demonstrate your knowledge and fit.
3. Highlight your skills and experience: Relate your skills and experience to the job requirements and explain how they make you a good fit for the position.
4. Express your enthusiasm: Conclude your answer by expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity to work for the company and contribute to its mission.

Example Answer

Here’s an example of how you might structure your answer:

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to work for [company name] because of its commitment to [company value or mission]. In particular, I was impressed by [specific example from your research]. I also appreciate that the company values [another company value or mission]. I believe that my [relevant skill or experience] makes me a strong fit for the [position name] role, especially in regards to [specific job requirement or responsibility]. Additionally, I’m excited about the opportunity to [related task or responsibility]. Overall, I’m really enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to [company name] and help advance its mission.”

FAQs

What if I don’t know much about the company?

It’s important to do your research before the interview to understand the company’s mission, culture, and values. If you don’t have a lot of information, you can say something like, “I’m still learning about the company, but I’m excited to learn more and see if my skills and experience align with the position.”

What if I’m applying to multiple companies?

It’s important to tailor your answer to each company and position you’re applying to. This shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the company. You can use the same framework for each answer, but make sure to customize your response with specific examples and information from your research.

What if the company’s mission or culture doesn’t align with my values?

If you find that the company’s mission or culture doesn’t align with your values, it’s important to be honest about this in the interview. You can say something like, “While I’m impressed by the company’s achievements, I’m not sure that the culture or mission is the best fit for me.”

What if I’m applying for a job I’m not very excited about?

Even if the job isn’t your dream role, it’s important to find something that you can be excited about. Focus on the parts of the job that do interest you, such as opportunities for growth or learning new skills. You can also try to connect the job to your long-term career goals and explain how it fits into your overall career plan.

How long should my answer be?

Your answer should be concise and to the point. Aim for 1-2 minutes, or about 3-4 sentences.

What if I get nervous during the interview?

It’s normal to feel nervous during an interview, but try to stay calm and focused. Take a deep breath before answering the question and remind yourself of your prepared answer. If you need a moment to gather your thoughts, you can ask the interviewer to repeat the question or take a sip of water.

Remember, the “Why do you want to work here?” question is an opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the company and your fit for the position. With the right preparation and structure, you can answer this question effectively and impress your interviewer.