How to answer the age old interview question, "Why do you want to work here?"
The age-old interview question
"Why do you want to work here?"
is a common one that can be challenging to answer. It's an opportunity for you to show your enthusiasm for the company and the role you're interviewing for, while also demonstrating your knowledge of the company and how you can contribute to its success.
Here are some tips to help you answer this question effectively:
Research the company:
Before the interview, research the company thoroughly to understand its mission, values, and culture. Look for information on the company's history, recent accomplishments, and any challenges it may be facing. Try to make some assumptions, based on the job description, about the value you will add if you were in this role. This will help you understand why you want to work there and how you can quickly demonstrate the value you can immediately add.Connect your skills and experience to the job:
Explain how your skills and experience align with the job requirements and how you can help the company achieve its goals. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the company's needs.Show your enthusiasm:
Show your enthusiasm for the company and the role you're applying for. Share why you're excited about the company's mission, values, and culture, and how you can contribute to its success.Highlight your values:
Share your values and how they align with the company's values. Explain how your values can help you be a good fit for the company and contribute to its culture.Be authentic:
Be honest and authentic in your response. Avoid generic answers that could apply to any company. Show that you've thought carefully about why you want to work for this particular company and in this particular role.
Here is an example of an answer we helped our clients craft:’
"I want to work for this company because I'm impressed by its commitment to innovation and its strong track record of success. I've been following the company for some time and I'm inspired by the way it's pushing boundaries and creating new opportunities in the industry.
As an experienced software developer, I believe my skills and experience align well with the requirements of the role. I'm excited about the opportunity to work with a talented team and contribute to the development of cutting-edge technology that can make a real difference in people's lives.
I'm also drawn to the company's culture of collaboration, integrity, and transparency. These are values that I hold dear, and I believe they're essential to building a strong team and achieving success in the long term. I'm confident that I can make a positive contribution to the company's culture and help it continue to thrive."
In summary, answering the question "Why do you want to work here?" requires preparation, research, and authenticity. By understanding the company's mission, values, and culture, connecting your skills and experience to the job, and showing your enthusiasm, you can demonstrate why you're the best fit for the role and the company.
Good luck with your next interview!