How to Answer "Why Do You Want to Work Here?" (With Examples)

As a job seeker, you may be asked the question "Why do you want to work here?" in an interview. This is a common question that employers ask to better understand your motivations and see if you would be a good fit for the company.

There are several reasons why employers ask this question. First, they want to know if you have a genuine interest in the company and its mission. By asking this question, they can gauge whether you are excited about the opportunity and see if you have done your research on the company.

Second, they want to know if you have the skills and experience to succeed in the role. By asking this question, they can assess whether you have the right qualifications and whether your goals align with the company's needs.

Third, they want to see how you think on your feet and how you communicate your thoughts. This question can give the employer insight into your critical thinking skills and ability to articulate your thoughts in a clear and concise manner.

How to Answer This Question

First, it's important to do your research on the company before the interview. This will give you a better understanding of the company's mission and values, as well as its products or services. This will help you tailor your answer to the specific company and show the employer that you are genuinely interested in the opportunity.

When answering the question, focus on your specific skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the role. Be specific and provide examples to back up your answer. For example, you could say something like, "I am drawn to the company's commitment to innovation and believe that my background in [specific skill or experience] would make me a valuable asset to the team."

It's also important to align your goals with the company's needs. For example, you could say, "I am looking for an opportunity to learn and grow, and I believe that this company would provide me with the support and resources to do so." This shows the employer that you are not only interested in the job, but also in contributing to the company's success.

How to Prepare For This Question

To prepare for this question, practice answering it out loud before the interview. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable when you are asked the question in the actual interview. You can also practice with a friend or family member to get feedback on your answer and see if there are any areas that you can improve.

Common Mistakes Interviewees Make When Answering This Question

As a job seeker, you may be asked the question "Why do you want to work here?" during a job interview. This question is often asked by employers to understand your motivation for applying to their company and to determine if you are a good fit for the role and the organization.

When answering this question, it's important to avoid common mistakes that many interviewees make. For example, some interviewees give vague or generic responses, such as "I need a job" or "I'm interested in the industry." These responses don't show that you have done your research on the company or that you are genuinely interested in the role.

Another common mistake is to focus too much on what the company can do for you, rather than what you can do for the company. For example, you might say something like "I want to work here because I heard that the company has a great benefits package" or "I want to work here because I heard that the company has a lot of opportunities for career advancement." While these things may be true, they don't show that you have considered how your skills and experiences can contribute to the company's success.

Five Sample Answers

Here are five sample answers to the question "Why do you want to work here?", along with an explanation of why they are good or bad:

1. "I am excited about the opportunity to work at a company that values innovation and collaboration, and I believe that my skills and experience make me a strong fit for the role. I am also impressed by the company's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, and I want to be a part of an organization that is making a positive impact in the world."
   This is a good answer because it shows that the candidate has done their research on the company and has considered how their skills and experiences align with the company's values and mission.


2. "I want to work here because I heard that the company has a great benefits package and opportunities for career advancement
   This is a bad answer because it focuses on what the company can do for the candidate, rather than what the candidate can do for the company.


3. "I need a job, and this position seems like a good fit for my skills and experience."
   This is a bad answer because it shows that the candidate is only motivated by the need for employment, rather than a genuine interest in the company or the role.


4. "I'm interested in the industry, and I think this company is a leader in the field."
   This is a bad answer because it is vague and doesn't show that the candidate has done their research on the company or the role.


5. "I have always admired the company's commitment to innovation and customer service, and I want to be a part of an organization that values those things."
   This is a good answer because it shows that the candidate has done their research on the company and has considered how their own values align with the company's values.

Conclusion

Overall, the key to answering the question "Why do you want to work here?" is to be honest, genuine, and specific. Show that you have done your research and that you are excited about the opportunity to join the company and contribute to its success. Avoid giving vague or generic answers, and focus on how your skills and experiences can contribute to the company's success.