How To Answer The Question Why Do You Want To Work Here?

If you have made it past the application process and have been selected, awaiting an interview, one of the most common questions you’ll get asked is “Why do you want to work here?” While it's clear that a recruiter won't rely solely on your answer to make a hiring decision, it's important to note that the way you respond can still influence their overall impression of you as a candidate.

Not only is this a great opportunity to showcase your interest in the company and role, but it can also be a bridge that allows you to share how your skills and values align with those of the company. In this blog, we will explore the strategies for crafting a compelling and winning response to this million-dollar question.

Make Sure To Do Your Homework

Before we even begin to put together a response, there are a couple of things we need to take care of. Here are a few things to consider:  

• Research the company - Oftentimes, companies have websites that display their mission statement, values, and goals. Take a look at some of their services or products to further grasp the nature of the company. Moreover, checking out their active presence on social media will give you insight into the company’s culture, as well as provide you with the latest updates. 
• Review the job description - Carefully analyze the job description to see exactly what the job entails. From responsibilities and qualifications to skills required and specific details or directions, you want the recruiter to know that you are attentive and willing to take the time to understand the role. It also provides you with a framework for structuring your responses to answer the question and additional ones too. 
• Know your resume (like the back of your hand) - Be familiar with your resume because it’s likely that you’ll be asked about your education, work experience, and skills. Ensure you are prepared to address questions regarding any gaps or transitions in your employment history and take steps to eliminate any inconsistencies.

Strategies For How To Respond  

After doing as much preparation as you can, the next step is to formulate what you want to talk about. Depending on what the role is, it may be beneficial to talk about one thing over another. For instance, in a more technical job, you may find favor if you talk about how your skills and certifications relate. Considerations like that allow you to tailor your answer in a way that is captivating and effective. Below are several options to incorporate:  

Express Your Enthusiasm

During a job interview, it’s crucial to send recruiters the message that you are excited and passionate about this opportunity. Recruiters will clearly notice whether or not you genuinely want to be there through your body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions. Mastering control over your mannerisms will leave a lasting and memorable impression on the hiring manager.

Align Your Skills & Experiences

Now when it comes to the large chunk of your reply, emphasize specific examples of how your experiences and work history are relevant to the job at hand. This can include hard & soft skills, transferable skills, and stories that demonstrate your suitability and competency for the position. If you have no job experience, there are other ways to display ability. For example, take advantage of any volunteer work, projects, and related coursework.

Highlight Cultural Fit

After discussing your skills and qualifications, employers use cultural fit as another key indicator of how well you will align with the company’s core values, workplace atmosphere, and team dynamics. Occasionally, you may need to adjust your answers accordingly if you can pick up on company culture cues from the interviewer.

Forward-Focused Statement

Toward the end of your answer or after the interview, depending on when it is appropriate, the opportunity may arise for you to express your forward-looking perspective regarding this role. This is your chance to articulate future goals and ambitions along with your eagerness to commit and be a part of the organization’s growth and development.

Less Is More 

Something to be cautious of is the length of your response. In this case, you are not preparing for a speech; you want to be concise with the fewest words possible, not bore the recruiter to death. They will not recall every single word you say, so prioritize emphasizing the key points. Think of it as presenting a sales pitch, aiming to outperform other candidates in the interview process. 

Rehearse answering this question and additional interview questions so that you can come in feeling a bit more confident and prepared. While practicing, pay attention to your demeanor because, when under pressure or stress, you may tend to ramble or find it difficult to recall words. Being aware of those tendencies will help you be more proactive and adaptable in your interview.

The Key Takeaway

To conclude, effectively addressing the question “Why do you want to work here?” will require thoughtful preparation and a deep understanding of yourself and the company. Research about the company and align yourself to every aspect of the role. Then, condense your main ideas into a brief yet compelling summary, offering the interviewer a glimpse into the experience of getting hired. Being strategic and authentic in your approach will not only leave a lasting impact but also increase your chances of landing the job.  

Steps You Can Take

• Carefully analyze and study the job posting/description 
• Practice interview questions with a friend or family member
• Follow up after the interview to express appreciation