How To Answer, ‘Why Do You Want To Work Here?’ In An Interview

If you’re ever asked in a job interview, ‘Why do you want to work here?’ or ‘Why do you want to join our company?’ understand they are not only gauging your interest in them—they are also giving you another chance to tell them why you’re a great fit. All job interview answers are opportunities to give them another reason to hire you, and this one is no exception.

A good answer to ‘Why do you want to work here?’ should start with, ‘I want to work here because…’ and then list at least three reasons why.

Show Your Fit Professionally

Your first reason should take advantage of this opportunity to show your fit in terms of your professional skills or qualifications:

“My skill set would benefit you in this position. I’m going to be able to fix XYZ problem for you and bring ABC to this position. Because it’s a good professional fit, you’ll be happy, and so I will benefit professionally, financially, and personally as a result. These are all great things for me.”

This shows that you’re excited about what you can do for them professionally, and highlights what they will receive from hiring you.

Show Your Fit Culturally

The second reason should also show fit, but in a different way. If it’s a good cultural fit for you, you can say, “I also want to work here because I like the culture. I’ve been reading a lot about the company, and I like what I’ve found. [Insert specific examples here.] It fits me in terms of my personality, my values, and my professional goals.”

You never want to say anything in an interview that you can’t back up, so it’s critical that you do some intense research on this company before the interview so you can give a substantial answer to this question, with specific examples. You have a wide range of options here.

You could mention the company’s mission or values. You can express your admiration for the company’s products or services, or your enthusiasm for where this company is heading in the future. You could mention employee programs that appeal to you, or any number of things that make this company uniquely appealing to you.

Show Your Fit Personally

Your third reason can personalize your answer even more, but keep this one brief. You could mention that the job is in a great location for you, or that you’re excited about the chance to travel (or not).

Your interest in this job is important…all employers want to see that you are interested in them, specifically, rather than in just collecting a paycheck until you can get to where you really want to go.

Throughout your answer, show your sincere interest and enthusiasm for the job.

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