How Best To Answer: Why Do You Want To Work Here?

You just know this question is bound to come up during your interview, and it’s not something you want to wing.

Tell us why you want to work with us?

The key to acing this question? Prepare a solid response, which will make all the difference in whether a potential employer extends a job offer to you – or not!

Many hiring managers are asking this now, especially with lots of people quitting their jobs recently to look for something else better in their opinion. Employers want to be sure the next hire is serious about the opportunity and being part of the organisation for the long term, and not be just a pit stop before the employee moves on to something else.

Let’s start with how not to respond:

• I am looking for something interesting to do and this looks interesting. So I thought I might give it a shot.
• I see it as a big step to something bigger.
• I heard many good things about this company and I want to be part of it.
• Many of my friends work here and they really like it.
• The salary is great!

What’s wrong with the above responses? Everything! Not only do they tell the hiring manager that you obviously didn’t come prepared with a solid answer, it also shows that you don’t know what you want out of your next role. Your focus for success isn’t there and your commitment to do well doesn’t show. And saying that you want to be part of it or that the salary is great tells the hiring manager that you’re only there for the money or glamour.

How should you answer instead? Try to flip the question to this: Why would the company want to hire me? In other words, think of what you have to offer and how it aligns with what the company is looking for. Ask yourself these questions:

#1 How can you help the company succeed?
Identify what you have as an advantage over other candidates/ Think of the knowledge and experience that will be especially useful in the role.

#2 What past successes can you also contribute to this company?
Whatever you did well before in your previous role, think of how you can repeat it with the new company.

#3 How will you fit within the organisational culture?
This is particularly important for many hiring managers – finding the right fit. Do your homework on the company’s culture and find what you like most about it. Then see how you can contribute to that.

Ready to craft your answer based on all the above? Here are some examples:

• I see this as an opportunity to further hone my skills in content creation and marketing, and at the same time contribute my previous experiences to introduce new ideas to the team. The company has had some great award-winning ideas and I would love to be behind the next one.
• I feel that I am particularly suited for this position because not only do I have extensive knowledge and experience in what the company is looking for in this role but that I will have many opportunities to further develop myself to become a valuable member to the company.
• Integrity is very important to me in my professional life. And I can see from previous reports and news that it is also something that is valued in this company. I look forward to being able to contribute positively in this manner to a company that subscribes to the same core values.
• I always enjoy writing and editing from my previous role as a writer. I am excited to see that writing will be a big part of this role but also that I will be learning new things along the way. This will give me many opportunities to increase my knowledge under the guidance of the right mentors.

Keep in mind that the best answer is less about why you want to work in the company and more about why they should want you to work with them! Convey passion, enthusiasm, achievements, and optimism, and you’re nearly there. Good luck!

Photo by The 77 Human Needs System on Unsplash.