Impressive Ways To Answer ‘Why Do You Want To Work Here?’

Why do you want to work here? It’s a typical interview question, but winging it can be difficult. Not being prepared for this question could cost you a job offer.

As easy as it sounds, companies rely on this age-old interview question.

Employers enjoy this question for several reasons. It allows the candidate to take any path. Talk about yourself, the company, your experience, or something else.

It’s open-ended and deceptively challenging. If you’re unprepared, you may stammer or repeat yourself. We’ll discuss the foundations of a good answer, and what not to say.

When might you hear, ‘Why do you want to work here?’

Anytime throughout the job interview. However, the interviewer may ask this question early on to set the tone. After learning more about the opportunity, the hiring manager may ask about your interest and enthusiasm at the end of the interview.

Be on the lookout for other forms of the question, such as, “Why do you want to work with us?” or “Why are you interested in this position?” Why do you want this job? Why are you interested in this company?

Regardless of how it’s presented, these questions essentially ask the same thing — so you can have the same answer prepared.

You can approach the question many different ways, but your answer should always be:

• Authentic: Your answer should always reflect your authentic self.
• Specific: Avoid jargon when answering “why do you want to work here?” Try to stay as specific as possible.
• Passionate: This question is an opportunity to show how badly you want the job. Show off your passion in your answer.

Examples of how not to respond

The answer to the question “Why do you want to work here?” depends on the position and the company — as well as you and how you want to express yourself. Understanding what employers are unlikely to want to hear is the first step in developing a meaningful response for practically any interview circumstance. Here are a few examples:

• “Honestly, I just need a job, and this one looked interesting.” 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.
• “I see this as a step to bigger and better things.” While no employer expects every worker to stay with the organization for the long term, a response like this implies you’re more focused on the future than the present. It also suggests that you already have one foot out the door before you’ve even been hired.
• “I’ve heard 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.
• “I Didn’t Like My Last Job”.  Airing your discontent about your current or last job can give employers a bad impression of who you are as a team member. Regardless of how valid your discontent is, complaining about past roles can cause an interviewer to wonder if you were difficult to please in past positions.
• Generic answers. Do not use generic statements like “I want to work here because it’s a great company” without providing specific reasons.
• Not tailoring your answer. A one-size-fits-all response can convey a loss of genuine interest in the specific company or role.
• Lack of company knowledge. Demonstrating a poor knowledge of the company can signal an absence of preparation or interest.

More include:

Do not say:

• “It pays well.”
• “My pal is employed here.”
• “I don’t know.”
• “I have no idea what I want to do.”
• “I saw the ad and thought it sounded interesting.”
• “My resume speaks for itself.”
• “It was close to home.”
• “I like the benefits package.”
• “Nobody else would hire me.”
• “No reason.”
• “I heard the pay is really good.”
• “I just want to get out of my parents’ house.”
• “My friend works here and they said it’s okay.”
• “I need a job and I don’t care where it is.”
• “My resume is empty so I figured why not?”
• “The hours are convenient for me.”
• “I need the money.”
• “I think this place is cool.”
• “It seemed like an easy job.”
• “I want a change of pace.”
• “It was the first job I applied to.”

Instead, focus on what attracted you to the company. Make sure to emphasize your enthusiasm and willingness to take on any challenge. Exhibit your research into the company and explain why this position is right for you. Be honest while remaining professional. Let your passion shine!

 A smooth response to ‘Why do you want to work here?’

In an actual interview, you should present your prepared answer in a polished but natural  manner. Consider using one of the following lead-ins to inspire your customized response:

• “I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting/forward-thinking/fast-moving company/industry, and I feel I can do so by/with my …”
• “I feel my skills are particularly well-suited to this position because …”
• “I believe I have the type of knowledge to succeed in this role and at the company because …”
• “I’m excited about this job opportunity, as it would allow me to …”

More sample answers:

• In this role, I’d be able to do ______, ______, ______, and ______ at a company that excels in ______, ______, and ______. Why wouldn’t I want to work here?
• [Company Name] came onto my radar five years ago when I had a great conversation with a rep at a job fair. Ever since, I’ve been interested in finding a position here.
• I noticed that employees regularly volunteer at different nonprofits in the area. I’ve always enjoyed participating in community service and would love to get involved.
• In my personal life, I value health and communication above all. After reading through [Company Name’s] core values and mission statement, I believe my personal values align with the company’s.
• In my last role, I became skilled in Data Analysis by working with tools like Power BI and Tableau. I can use my knowledge of these tools to improve data visualization efforts within my team.
• Since I started studying Early Childhood Education, my goal has always been to work in and influence child care. I’m thrilled at the potential to do so here.
• I noticed the job description requires proficiency in Microsoft Azure. I used this regularly in my last role and am excited to potentially use it more in this one.
• In my last role, I worked heavily on research projects and learned a lot about data collection. In this role, I’d like to build on that work and learn about analyzing datasets in more detail.
• I was motivated to apply to [Company Name] because of your emphasis on mental health, the work you do in your community, and the way you approach work-life balance.
• In my last position, I was able to increase my team’s sales numbers by 80%. In this role, I believe I’ll be able to make an even larger impact.
• I’ve always had a drive for leading teams and making processes more efficient. I believe a career in Supply Chain Management aligns perfectly with my strengths.
• I want to work somewhere with a commitment to inclusivity. Based on what I’ve read in your mission statement, it appears [Company Name] prioritizes inclusivity in its culture.

Further Sample answers:

1. “I am attracted to this role because its mission to advance healthcare through innovative technology reflects my expertise as a Healthcare IT Specialist. Becoming part of a company dedicated to the transformation of healthcare is consistent with my professional goal of using machinery to improve patient care.”
2. “I’m interested in this Marketing Strategist opportunity because the company’s mission to redefine beauty standards resonates with my values in marketing. This role allows me to upgrade my skills in promoting positive and inclusive messaging, supporting the company’s goal.”
3. “The professional environment is what I’m looking for and I’m excited to work here. I believe that the opportunities for growth and success within the company make it a place where my hard skills and experience would be a good fit, allowing me to be efficient while advancing my career.”
4. “I see this position as a good match for my professional goals. The company’s commitment to personal growth resonates with my objectives. Working here provides a practical opportunity for success, where I can make significant contributions and advance in my career.” “The company’s emphasis on flexible work schedules aligns well with my priorities, so I’m interested in this position. Having the flexibility to manage my own work schedule is a very appealing benefit. This role offers me the opportunity to ensure my professional well-being and be effective while enjoying a better work-life balance.”
5. “This role is a good fit for me because of the world-class tools and resources the company provides. Having access to cutting-edge technology lines up with my career advancement goals. This is a challenging position that offers a viable chance for me to develop my skills and contribute effectively to the team.”
6. “I am applying for this Software Developer position as it is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in full-stack development. Acquiring expertise in languages such as Java and React is a key factor in my decision. This is a move towards expanding my skill set and growing as a developer.”
7. “The chance to acquire real-life experience as a marketing specialist with an emphasis on digital marketing strategies is what excites me. Exposure to aspects such as SEO optimization and data analytics is perfectly aligned with my goals. Joining your company would allow me to expand my professional skills.”
8. “The opportunity to work on visually stimulating projects drew me to this Graphic Designer position. Bringing creativity to the table and creating compelling designs is in line with my love for producing engaging content. I feel that this will be a great way for me to use my design skills in an environment that I find fun and invigorating.”
9. “What attracts me? It is the chance to work as a UX/UI Designer, focusing on creating user-centric interfaces. Collaborating on projects that involve improving user experiences aligns perfectly with my interest in creating fascinating designs.”
10. “I am interested in this Financial Analyst position as it presents a significant career opportunity to further develop my expertise in financial modeling and analysis. Contributing to the company’s financial strategy aligns with my career goal of advancing into a more strategic role. This occupation is a practical step forward in expanding my skills and establishing a strong foundation for my career in finance.”
11. “The Cloud Solutions Architect opportunity is attractive because it corresponds with my aspiration to advance my career in cloud computing. Designing and implementing complex cloud solutions satisfies my desire to build scalable and efficient systems.”
12. “The longstanding reputation for excellence is what brought me here. As a Healthcare Administrator, being part of an organization famous for delivering high-quality patient care and maintaining a positive reputation in the industry is vital to my professional growth.”
13. “This Marketing Specialist position fits well with my principles as the company has an excellent reputation for successful marketing campaigns. I am attracted to the prospect of working for a company known for its strong brand presence and market influence.”
14. “I was attracted by the longstanding stability of this company in the IT industry. Joining a company that has demonstrated its ability to survive and thrive in a fluctuating market fulfills my desire for a reliable career.”
15. “I see this role as a good fit for my career due to the company’s stability and growth in the education sector. As an Educational Administrator, working for an institution with a history of steady expansion and financial resilience is important for my secureness.”

For An Entry-level candidate

What interests you about this position?

• “I am drawn to this Junior Data Analyst role as it aligns seamlessly with my academic background in statistics and analysis. My coursework has equipped me with strong analytical skills, and this position allows me to apply them in a practical setting. Working here gives me the platform to kickstart my career by contributing to data-driven insights and refining my analytical abilities.”
• “The Junior Marketing Coordinator role caught my attention due to its alignment with my skills in digital marketing and content creation, developed during my internships. Joining this company provides an opportunity to apply my knowledge in managing social media campaigns, and supporting marketing initiatives. This entry-level position will allow me to learn from experienced professionals in the field.”

For A Senior candidate

Why do you want this job?

• “I am interested in this Senior IT Consultant position because of its relevance to my past experience in implementing IT solutions for diverse clients. With a track record of successfully managing IT projects and ensuring seamless integration, I believe I can bring valuable insights to the team. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to the company’s IT initiatives and provide strategic guidance to clients.”
• “I see this Senior Human Resources Manager role as an ideal fit for my career progression. With a strong background in employee relations and talent development, I have successfully implemented strategies that resulted in a 15% improvement in staff satisfaction in my previous role. This company will enable me to use my HR expertise to contribute to a positive and productive workplace culture.”

Career changer

What are the reasons to work for a company?

• “Through self-directed learning and completing relevant coursework, I’ve acquired proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools. This role presents an opportunity to apply my newfound skills in a professional setting, contributing to the company’s data-driven decision-making processes.”
• “Having recently completed a human resources certification, I am eager to apply my organizational and administrative abilities in a role that contributes to HR processes. This position offers an entry point for me to apply my new knowledge in a practical setting.”

A better way to explain why you want the position

One of the keys to coming up with a compelling answer to “Why do you want to work here?” is to flip the question like this: “Why would this company want to hire me?”

In other words, consider what you have to give and how you may make an effect rather than why you need the job. Here are three questions to think about as you prepare your response:

How can you help the company succeed?

Read up on what’s happening with the company and its industry. Has it recently changed its product or service offerings? What competitive pressures is it facing? Consider this landscape and think, “What knowledge and experience do I have that would be especially useful to this employer right now?” Specifics about the company and the role are key during an interview, do your research.

What past career successes could you potentially repeat at this company?

How did you meet or exceed your employers’ expectations in previous jobs? What problems did you play a significant role in solving? What ideas did you introduce that helped the company save money or otherwise boost its bottom line? What lessons have you learned that you could apply in the future to create value for the potential employer?​​​

How will you complement the company’s culture?

A candidate’s ability to fit within the organizational culture is an essential hiring factor for many employers. So, do your homework on the company’s culture and identify what you find most appealing. For instance, if the firm encourages entrepreneurial thinking, and that’s important to you, include that in your response.

You can check out our other articles such as How To Answer, The ‘Tell Me About Yourself,’ Question in A Job Interview and How To Answer, ‘What’s Your Expected Salary?’ In A Job Interview