Why do Interviewers Always Ask this Question?
When interviewers ask “why do you want to work here?” they are trying to gauge your interest in the position and see if you would be a good fit for the organisation. They want to know if you have carefully researched what the company is about and if you would be committed to the job if hired. In addition it will show more about you as an individual and what motivates you. Companies using value based interviewing techniques will also get an insight as to what drives you and your ethos.
Job interviews can be difficult and nerve-wracking experiences. However, you can set yourself up for success by preparing ahead of time and knowing how to answer common interview questions. One question that you are very likely to be asked is “Why do you want to work here?” Answering this question well is essential, as it shows that you have done your research about the company and that you are truly interested in the position and that you are not just applying because you need a job.
In this article, we will explain why this question is so commonly asked and discuss some of the best answers to this question which will help you impress the interviewer and improve your chances of getting hired.
Why Do You Want To Work Here?
These days, all job vacancies are incredibly competitive so interviewers will meet countless applicants vying for the position. By pre-preparing engaging, thoughtful answers, you will stand out from the crowd and give yourself the best possible chance of securing the position.
Remember that the interviewers will have already seen your CV so they know you are qualified for the job. What they are looking for in an interview is for you to sell yourself and show that they would be making a huge mistake if they don’t hire you.
Different Answers Which Will Impress Potential Employers
There are various ways to approach the question of why you want to work at a company but here are some of the most effective:
1. “I See this Company as a Great Option for My Career Development”
Employers love ambition and they want to know that you are looking for a long-term position with their company where you can grow and develop your career. You should do your research on the company beforehand and explain how the role you are applying for will help you meet your long-term goals.
For example:
“I saw that your company has a fantastic record for promoting from within and providing training opportunities for employees. I am very ambitious and I am looking for a company where I can develop my skills and knowledge so that I can progress in my career. I believe that your company would be the perfect place for me to do this.”
Answering the question in this way will show demonstrate two things:
- That you have carefully researched why this company is a good match for your career goals (and that you have those goals)
- That you see your future with the organisation.
This will show the interviewer that you would be a committed and engaged employee if they did decide to offer you the job.
2. “I am Passionate about Your Company’s Mission/Values”
Demonstrating to potential employers that you share the same values as their organisation is a surefire way of making a great impression. Do your research on the company culture and values beforehand and try to find examples of how these fit in with your own personal values.
One example of a good answer may be:
“I read on your website that your company is committed to environmental sustainability and I was really impressed by this. I have always been passionate about environmental issues and I would love to work for a company which is making a difference in this area. I believe that I could really contribute to your company’s sustainability efforts.”
If you have experience in similar roles or projects, this is also the perfect opportunity to mention it as it will show you are not just saying you share their values to impress them. Companies love employees who are on the same page because it means everyone is pushing in the same direction so this answer can really help you stand out from the crowd.
3. “I Was Impressed by Your Company’s Achievements/Recent Projects”
If you want to work for a company, it is important to be up-to-date with their recent news and developments. This shows that you are interested in the company and what they are doing, rather than just looking for any old job because you need the money. Many applicants turn up to job interviews without even bothering to research the company so showing that you have in-depth knowledge of the history and achievements of the organisation will show how serious you are about the position.
A great answer to this question might be:
“I read about your company’s collaboration with X on your blog and I was really impressed. I am passionate about Y and I believe that this project is going to make a big difference in the industry. I would love to work for a company which is at the forefront of innovation and making a real impact. When I was researching that project, I saw aspects that my skillset would have been perfect for and I would love to work on something like that in the future.”
Not only does this answer show that you have researched the company, but it also demonstrates your passion for the industry as well as your desire to work on projects that are making a difference.
4. “I am Excited by the Travel Opportunities Your Company Provides”
If the company has international partners and customers or attends regular meetings and conferences abroad, you should explain how exciting you find this opportunity to experience new cultures and travel to different countries. This will show that you are open-minded and adaptable which are two essential qualities for any employee. If you can speak other languages or have lived or worked abroad before, this is also a great time to blow your own trumpet a little.
For example, you may say:
“I love to travel and I am excited by the opportunity to visit new countries as part of my job. I previously worked in X country for three years during which time I learned the language fluently and build up a strong network of contacts. I am confident that I could represent your company well at international meetings and events and show potential customers the value of doing business with the organisation.”
This answer will show that you are a well-rounded individual with a lot to offer the organisation and that they can trust you to represent them in a professional manner.
5. “I Have the Skills and Experience You are Looking for”
This is your opportunity to really sell yourself and your skills to the employer. Highlight the key points from your CV which make you the perfect candidate for this particular role and explain how your skills and experience will benefit the company
An example of a great answer to this question could be:
“I have worked in customer service for three years and I have developed excellent communication and interpersonal skills. In my previous job, I was responsible for training new members of staff so I have experience in teaching others and helping them to develop their own skills. I believe that my customer service experience and ability to train others would be valuable assets to your company. I am confident that I could provide an excellent level of service to your customers and contribute to the development of your team.”
Explaining how you fit the job profile perfectly will show that you can hit the ground running and will automatically add value to the company.
6. “I am Excited by Your Company’s Policy of Promoting from Within”
If the company has a policy of promoting employees from within, this is an excellent selling point which you should definitely mention. It shows that the organisation is committed to developing its staff and providing them with opportunities to progress in their careers. It also shows that you are ambitious and see yourself at the company for a long time.
An example answer might be:
“I know that your company has a policy of promoting employees from within and I am excited by this opportunity. I am ambitious and I want to progress in my career so I would love to work for an organisation which offers me the chance to develop my skills and move up through the ranks. I am confident that I have the potential to be a great asset to your company and that I can step up to a higher position in the future.”
This answer will demonstrate that you have long-term goals and that you are willing to work hard to achieve them. It will also show that you see the company as a place where you can stay long-term and make a real contribution. Just be careful not to make it seem like you are gunning for someone else’s job. Ambition is an admirable quality but you don’t want to come across as arrogant.
7. “I am Interested in Your Company’s Plans for Expansion”
Do some research before the interview and find out what the company is planning in the short- and long term. You can then explain how you would like to be part of this expansion and how your skills and experience can contribute to it.
One way to answer this question could be:
“I read in the X newspaper that your company is looking to expand its operations in the next few years and I am very interested in being part of this. I have experience in X, Y and Z which I believe would be valuable in this expansion. In particular, my experience with XYZ would be an asset as you look to enter that new market. I am confident that I can contribute to this expansion and that I can help it to succeed.”
This is a great answer for a few reasons. Firstly, it shows that you have taken the time to research the company and that you are aware of its plans. Secondly, it demonstrates how your skills and experience can contribute to this expansion. Finally, it shows that you are confident in your ability to help make the expansion a success.
8. “This Company is Renowned for Treating its Employees Well”
The treatment of employees is an important factor for many people when they are choosing a company to work for. If you have done your research and you know that this is something the organisation takes seriously, make sure to mention it in your answer. Attracting the best talent is very competitive so research the added benefits which come with the role and explain why you value and appreciate them.
An example response could be:
“I am impressed by the way this company treats its employees. I know that you offer XYZ benefits which are very important to me. These benefits show that you value your employees and that you are committed to providing a good working environment. I appreciate these things and I want to repay your company by being the best employee I can be.”
If you know somebody who works at the company, you can also mention how they have spoken about the organisation in positive terms. This will add weight to your answer and show that you are not just saying these things because you think it is what the interviewer wants to hear.
Final Thoughts
Of all the commonly asked questions in job interviews, “Why do you want to work here?” is one of the most important to be prepared for. It provides you with an opportunity to show that you have done your research and that you understand what the company is all about. It also allows you to demonstrate how your skills and experience can contribute to the organisation’s success. Use every question asked in an interview to sell yourself and stand out from the competition and you will have a great chance of landing the job you want. Don’t tie yourself up in answering the question. You rae very likely to have a reason for applying there – quite often it will simply be a case of describing that. Just remember to portray yourself well when doing so. Good luck!
