How to Answer ‘Why Do You Want to Work Here?’ in Interviews

Recruiters, human resources teams, and hiring managers often ask, “Why do you want to work here?” as part of job interviews. This question gauges the candidate’s knowledge of the job description, company culture, and mission statement. Variations of this question include, “Why do you want this job?” and “What made you want to apply to this job?” Job candidates who do the research and prepare for these questions are more competitive. Companies want to hire employees interested in the role's responsibilities and work environment.

Follow these tips on how to prepare for this common interview question:

1. 1. Check out the company’s social media accounts. Visiting these pages further increases your knowledge of the company and may help you gauge company culture.
2. 2. Look at the company’s website. Familiarize yourself with the company’s current projects and core values so you can decide if this company is right for you and, if so, how you may articulate your interest. Identify the core values most important to you in a company.
3. 3. Revisit the job description. Your qualifications and interests should guide your job search. Revisit the job description, see what about it fuels your passion, and practice describing in your interview why you’d be a good team member.
4. 4. Write down career goals. Writing down information can help better cement it in your mind. Knowing your career goals and how this potential job will help you reach them can be helpful to share in an interview.

Consider the following ways to answer this common interview question:

• Reference your track record. Share your skill sets, career path, and previous experience with the potential employer to explain why you’d be a good fit at this specific organization.
• Mention company values. If the interviewer asks, “Why are you interested in this organization?” an example answer may be, “The company values reflect my own, and I was thrilled to learn about the company’s initiatives in the local community.” Do your research and come prepared with wise follow-up questions to further illustrate why you want to work there.
• Say what you want in your next job. Tell the interviewer what you seek in your future job, why you are making this shift now, and how this potential organization can be the next step in your career.
• Show genuine interest. Smile, be enthusiastic, and share specific examples of what aspects of the company speak to your interests. Your positive energy can influence how hirers feel about you as a candidate.

There are many good answers to this question, but there are also ways you want to avoid. Consider veering away from the following topics in your response:

• Company knowledge: This job application may present the first time you have heard of the company. If that is true, avoid saying you knew nothing of the company because it may read as a lack of interest. Instead, come in researching the company and feel prepared to speak about its values and what excites you about the company’s mission and projects.
• Compensation: Job descriptions sometimes list a salary range; coming into the interview and making the pay your focal point can demonstrate a lack of genuine interest in the position.
• Previous jobs: Instead of complaining about your current or last company, talk about why the prospect of working at tis company excites you.

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