Interviews can be nerve-wracking. Practicing how to respond has to be the most crucial part of preparing for an interview. How else will you ace that interview? Remember, failing to plan is planning to fail. Knowing common interview questions will help you craft your answers well in advance; that way, you’ll feel confident even when the pressure is on.
“Why do you want to work here?” It’s a common interview question but one that can be frustrating to answer, especially when you try to wing it. This particular question can be phrased in many ways: “Why are you interested in our company,” “Why do you want to work for us,” and “Why does this position interest you.”
Understanding the Motive Behind “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”
First, let’s determine why hiring managers ask this question in the first place. A lot of candidates find this question frustratingly simply because the answer is seemingly obvious. But it’s not. You have to understand the motive behind this question. It’s not about you; it’s about them. (Hey, here’s the key! It’s never actually about you. It’s always about what you can do for your employer)
At this stage in the recruitment process, hiring managers have already gone through the process of evaluating hard skills and competencies. They know you’re qualified for the job. What they’re trying to determine is whether you’ll be an excellent fit for the company. It’s a chance for them to assess your emotional intelligence and motivations and whether you’ll add value to their company.
Here’s why this matters to them: Companies want engaged employees. It’s as simple as that! An engaged employee is more productive and is willing to stay at the company longer. For this to be the case, you have to share the company’s beliefs, mission, and values. The interviewers are just trying to determine if you’re this person.
Implementing your response with a seamless lead-in
When asked in an actual interview, “Why do you want to work here?” or “Why are you interested in this position?” you want to deliver your prepared response in a way that sounds polished but natural. Consider the following lead-ins when crafting your tailored response:
- “I view this opportunity as an opportunity to contribute to an exciting/forward-thinking/fast-moving company/industry, and I believe I can do so through/with my…
- “I believe that my abilities are especially well-suited for this position because… “
- “I believe that I possess the knowledge necessary to succeed in this role and at this company because…
- “I’m looking forward to this job opportunity because it will enable me to… “
Crafting the Perfect Response
So, here’s what they’re looking for in your response:
- Enthusiasm about the role and the company. They want to find out how much this role means to you.
- Evidence that you’ve done your due diligence and researched the company. How well do you understand their purpose and values?
- Whether your core values align with the company’s and that you’ll enjoy working there. They’re looking for proof that you’re not only in it for the paycheck.
- Authenticity. So, it’s best to avoid vague answers like, “This seems like a great place to work and I would love to be part of the team.” Such an answer says nothing about you, what you bring to the table, or the impact you’d have on the company. Show them who you really are.
With this in mind, let’s look at how you can formulate a meaningful response to this question. Keep in mind that there isn’t a “one size fits all” answer to this question. You must tailor your response to your situation. How do you come up with a compelling answer then? Here’s a tip! Flip the question. Ask yourself, “Why would they want to hire me?” Answering this question will help you determine why you actually want the job. Think about what you have to offer and how working there would benefit you. How well will you complement the company’s culture? Always do your homework. You can never know too much about your potential employer.
How to Answer, “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”
So, you’ve done your homework. Researched the company’s website, looked through their social media, and studied the job description. Now let’s look at a few ways you can approach this question.
1. Focus on the company’s mission and values
What have you learned so far about the company and its policies? Do they have a Corporate Social Responsibility program, and what does it focus on? Do they value the environment and are taking measures to reduce their carbon footprint? If you share the same values, make sure you bring this up. The key is to find some common ground. Here’s an example.
“I read an article a while back on your company’s volunteer program within the community. It focused on how you provide paid volunteer time off and provide free surgical procedures to children to correct cleft palates. This article is what got me excited about your company in the first place, it’s great to hear about companies that value giving back. You can’t imagine my excitement when I learned that you had an opening that I was fit for. I value community outreach and giving back, and I would love coming to work here every day knowing that I’m making a difference through my work.”
2. Focus on the cultural fit and bring up the company’s reputation
Also, think about what you’ve observed so far. You can learn a lot about company culture just by taking a keen interest in the company atmosphere. Are people talking and collaborating freely, or is it pin-drop quiet? Use these observations to your advantage.
“In my short time here, I’ve noticed a lot of energy in the office. I’ve also noticed that your team is diverse and people are collaborating at different workstations. I can already tell that I would thrive in this kind of environment. I’ve also heard about your diversity and inclusion training programs as well as the networks you’ve set up to support employees from all backgrounds. I think this reflects on your company’s egalitarian values and I would love to work for an organization that values and supports their employees.”
3. Have you used their products or services? Bring this up
Consider incorporating your experience with their products into your interview responses. Everyone loves good feedback. For instance:
“When I first heard about your banking app, my interest was immediately piqued. I was immediately impressed by how seamless navigating it was and the intuitive UI design. I’ve worked in the banking sector for years and have always had a vested interest in fintech. I believe fintech is revolutionizing the banking and finance industry. I would love to be part of this innovative team and use my expertise to continue the trailblazing work you are doing here.”
And finally:
Breathe
The most important thing here is to be authentic. You’re not pinpointing what differentiates you from other potential candidates; you’re demonstrating what matters to you. Only identify values that relate to what you believe. At the end of the day, this question seeks to determine what resonates with you about the company.
Examples of what not to say
How precisely you should respond to the question “Why do you want to work here?” depends on the job and the company — and, of course, on you and your preferred mode of expression. Understanding how to craft a meaningful response that is appropriate for almost any interview situation begins with an understanding of what hiring managers do not want to hear. Several examples include the following:
- “I view this as a stepping stone toward greater and better things.” While no employer expects every employee to stay for the long haul, this response indicates you’re more concerned with the future than the present. Additionally, it implies that you already have one foot out the door prior to being hired.
- “To be honest, I’m just looking for work, and this one looked interesting.” To be sure, this is a candid response. However, this demonstrates no genuine interest in the role or the company. Additionally, the hiring manager may have reservations about your willingness to leave the company for a more compelling opportunity.
- “I’ve heard this company pays well and provides excellent benefits.” Any organization wishes to be viewed as an employer of choice, and leading organizations recognize the importance of offering competitive compensation to attract and retain top talent. That being said, they do not want to hire individuals whose primary motivation for working for the business is financial gain.
When asked “Why do you want to work here?” or other difficult questions such as “Tell me about yourself” and “What are your greatest weaknesses“, some job seekers freeze up for fear of saying the wrong thing. However, if you anticipate the question and prepare an answer in advance of the interview, you’ll avoid feeling stumped — and your chances of nailing it with a winning response will increase your chances of landing the job.
About nexus IT group
nexus IT group is a specialized IT staffing agency who recruits top talent across the US. If you have an immediate opening, or are a tech job seeker looking to advance your career, you’ve come to the right IT staffing firm, contact nexus IT group. We have access to highly skilled, top talent most can’t easily get in front of, so let our recruiting team show you why so many firms trust and love our staffing agency.
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