Why do you want to work here? It’s a common interview question, but also one that can be challenging to answer, especially when you try to wing it. Not preparing a solid response to this question is risky because it could make all the difference in whether a potential employer extends a job offer to you — or not. Knowing how to answer interview questions well is always important, especially with this question. To persuade the employer that you have a true connection to the company and a passion for the job you applied for, your answer to this interview question should start with, "I'm interested in this job, at this company, because…" and then list at least three reasons why you want to work there.
Here is how you should structure your answer to the interview question, "Why are you interested in this job?"
1. Research the company and position
Thinking about this question before the interview will enable you to quickly answer the hiring manager, demonstrating professionalism and preparedness. To develop a response, you must first understand the responsibilities of the position. Thoroughly reviewing the job description before the interview is a good idea.
2. The reason should always show fit in terms of professional skills
This part of your answer lets them know that you are excited about what you will be able to accomplish for them, while still emphasizing what they are getting out of the bargain. You need to sell yourself as a business-of-one who can provide a service better than the competition.
3. Connect your skills and experiences to the job description
Try to pinpoint what the job is all about, plus a couple of the “required skills” from the job posting, and make sure you speak to that. Keep it short—you’ll have plenty of opportunities to talk about how you got your skills and share relevant stories throughout the interview.
4. Make them believe that you could make a real difference there
Say that, I believe I can make a positive impact on this company because….”Going a step beyond mere familiarity with the company, try to identify specific problems and competitive challenges it faces.
5. Because of the company’s positive culture
In a broader sense, a company’s culture reflects all of its values and priorities, as discussed above. You shouldn’t tell an interviewer that you want to work at the company because it offers free soft drinks. But don’t hesitate to say that you like everything you’ve heard about the company culture, both within its walls and in its approach to the outside world. This speaks to your genuine interest in working for a company that cares about people.
6. Show your admiration
Instead of emphasizing your needs, focus instead on the company and how it has captured your attention and earned your respect. This potential employer may be an industry leader that you’ve been watching for years from afar. If you can’t demonstrate that you know anything about the company, or that you have concrete reasons for liking and admiring it, it’s going to look like you just wandered in off the street looking for any company that would hire you.
7. The company’s values align with your own
You may say, I’m impressed by the collaboration that drives your work ethic, and I want to belong to that kind of team.” This answer suggests that you’re not a lone wolf looking out for No. 1 who just wants to sit in a cubicle all day and be left alone. You’re seeking a sense of belonging, a team to work with, a community where each member brings out the best in each other.
8. Talk about where this role sits on your career path
You want to show that the position makes sense for where you’re going in your career. Ideally, you won’t give the impression that you’re just using the position as a stepping stone. Your interviewer will feel more comfortable investing in you if they think you’ll be around for the long haul. Of course, you don’t have to state specifically that you see yourself in the position for a long time. Just show that you’ve given some thought to how the job makes sense for you right now and how it will continue to make sense for the foreseeable future
9. Avoid saying that this company offers good pay and benefits
Any company wants to be viewed as an employer of choice, and leading firms recognize that they must offer competitive compensation to hire top talent. That said, they don’t want to recruit people whose primary motivation to work for the business is money.
10. Avoid saying that honestly I just need a job
This is a candid response, to be sure. But it does nothing to demonstrate a sincere interest in the role or the company. Plus, the hiring manager might have concerns that you’d be quick to leave the firm for another opportunity you find more compelling.
Here are some sample answers
- This opportunity is really exciting as I will be able to learn/develop/progress in an exciting environment/industry that I am passionate about.
- ‘I love [job role specific task] and my last job took me away from that. So now, I’m looking to find a role that will let me get back to working on projects I really enjoy and after looking at the job spec I think this role would be perfect with that.’
- This job is a good fit for what I've been doing and enjoying throughout my career. It offers a mix of short-term projects and long-term goals. My organizational skills allow me to successfully multitask and complete both kinds of projects.
Takeaway
When you finish answering this interview question, you may get this follow-up: What brands do you admire? You have just stated that you admire the company at which you are interviewing. OK, you had that prepared because you knew that question was coming.
The follow-up gives your interviewer more insight into what attracts you to businesses and their culture in general. It also allows you to exhibit your personality a bit.