“Why do you want to work here?” This question is frequently posed during interviews and warrants a well-considered response. Failing to provide a compelling answer can impact your chances of securing the job. Given the current landscape characterised by the “Great Resignation,” where numerous professionals are departing their positions, employers are particularly keen on discerning whether potential hires are genuinely enthusiastic about the role and envision a lasting commitment to the organisation.
When interviewers ask, “Why do you want to work here?” they evaluate several key factors to determine whether you are the right candidate for the job. They are interested in your knowledge about the position, the company, and the industry, demonstrating your level of preparation and research. Additionally, they want to ascertain whether your interest is genuinely focused on this specific job or if you are looking for any job opportunity. Finally, they aim to understand if your career goals align with the role, as this helps them assess whether you are a good fit for the company’s long-term objectives.
How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”
Before the interview, conduct thorough research.
Adequate preparation is crucial for crafting a compelling response to this question. If you are already well-acquainted with the employer, you can bypass this step. Instead, draw upon your existing knowledge and appreciation of the organisation to articulate why you aspire to work there. However, if you are still getting familiar with the employer, don’t worry. You can research before the interview to gain insights into their operations, core values, and mission.
Remember that only some employers will have an extensive online presence, particularly smaller companies that might need more well-defined values or mission statements. In such cases, focus on understanding the job and its responsibilities and demonstrate how your skills and experience uniquely qualify you for success.
Showcase the alignment of your skills and experience with the role
When an employer considers hiring you, they believe you can effectively fulfill the position’s responsibilities and contribute to the company’s future objectives. Therefore, explaining how your skills and experience make you a strong fit for this role is an excellent approach to answering the “Why do you want to work here?” question.
Highlight how your past experiences have equipped you for success in the role by using phrases like “Thanks to my experience in X, I can envision succeeding in…” or “I eagerly anticipate applying my acquired skills to…” This approach emphasises your preparedness for the job and aligns your professional growth goals with the company’s mission, creating a mutually beneficial outcome.
Discover Your Core Values
Aligning your career aspirations and core values with those of the company can effectively convey why you’re a strong fit for the job. If you’re uncertain about your core values, take a moment to reflect by asking yourself the following questions:
- What type of workplace culture resonates with you?
- What attributes do you believe underpin solid and harmonious relationships?
- Which qualities in your role models do you admire the most?
- What drives and motivates you in your personal and professional life?
- What attributes do you aspire to cultivate in your personal and professional development?
- What qualities are essential for achieving your long-term goals?
Once you’ve pinpointed your core values, practice articulating them and endeavour to connect them with the insights you’ve gained from your research on both the company and the role. This approach will help demonstrate a meaningful alignment between your values and the organisation’s mission.
Emphasise Your Connection to the Employer’s Mission or Offerings
In general, employers are more inclined to favour candidates who show a genuine passion for their work, whether it pertains to a service, product, or a broader mission. Hence, underscoring that your interest in the position goes beyond mere employment and is rooted in your profound knowledge and enthusiasm for the field is a practical approach to addressing this question.
Admittedly, being intensely passionate about every company you apply to may only sometimes be practical. Often, you’ll use it for positions you are professionally qualified for out of necessity. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean you should enter the interview without knowing your potential future employer and their operations. You are conducting diligent research before the interview showcases your commitment and preparedness. It assures the hiring manager that you have yet to apply indiscriminately but have taken the time to understand the company’s identity and purpose.
Provide Concrete Evidence and Illustrate Your Points with Examples
An essential guideline to remember when responding to the “Why do you want to work here” question is to be highly specific and substantiate your statements with tangible examples, data, or accomplishments. While it’s easy for anyone to assert their passion for a particular field or boast about their skills, hiring managers are more likely to trust candidates who can effectively persuade them with concrete evidence.
Always Tell the Truth
This advice holds for virtually every interviewer’s question, from inquiries about your strengths and weaknesses to the classic “Why should we hire you?”—the cardinal rule: never, under any circumstances, misrepresent your qualifications. If you secure a position based on false information, the aftermath can be a dreadful experience for you, your manager, and the organisation as a whole. Such situations often lead to heightened stress levels, substantial time and resource investments, and, inevitably, the need for a new job. Hence, always prioritise honesty in your responses.
Examples of How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”
Example 1
Leveraging My Expertise “With over five years of dedicated experience in the travel industry, I’ve honed my skills, particularly in customer service. I’m enthusiastic about channeling this expertise into a global organisation renowned for its unwavering commitment to its employees, consistently earning recognition as one of the city’s top workplaces. Working with people fuels my passion, and I’m incredibly excited about utilising my bilingual abilities to connect with customers worldwide in this role. My ultimate career goal is to ascend to a leadership position within customer service. The chance to further enrich my experience and refine my skills within this company will propel me closer to realising that aspiration.
Example 2
Top-Ranked Excellence “While your company boasts a rich history spanning several decades, what truly sets it apart is its steadfast dedication to delivering exceptional and memorable travel experiences. Consistently pioneering forward-thinking approaches, your organisation harnesses technology to elevate the customer journey. Your travel app ranked among the industry’s finest, and a string of prestigious awards testify to your unwavering commitment to excellence. In my quest for a new professional chapter, I deliberately sought out companies embodying values of integrity, philanthropy, and innovation. Your company reigns supreme at the pinnacle of this list.”
While it’s widely understood that specific topics should be avoided during a job interview, it’s important to reiterate the significance of refraining from expressing a desire for a particular job based on the following reasons: Avoid discussing your attraction to the position primarily because of a substantial salary. Similarly, refrain from excessively emphasising your interest in the role solely due to its benefits and perks. Avoid giving the impression that you are settling for the job as a last resort after not securing a position at another company.
Furthermore, refrain from conveying that your sole motivation for seeking employment is the opportunity to work remotely, regardless of the job’s nature. Finally, it’s essential to refrain from conveying that you are willing to accept any job out of desperation, as this may raise concerns about your commitment to the specific role and the company.
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