Answers and tips for the interview question "Why do you want to work here?"
Summary
- Why your answer to “Why do you want to work here?” is important
- 4 tips to prepare yourself to answer this question
- How NOT to answer, “Why should we hire you?”
- 3 sample answers to “why do you want to work here?”
- Key Takeaways
In a job interview, the hiring manager will want to know why you applied for this specific company. Relax, “Why do you want to work here?” is not a trick question. On the contrary, this question is a way for the interviewer to check your motivation and whether you're a good fit for the position. "Why do you want to work here?" is one of the most asked questions in an interview.How can you answer in a way to distinguish yourself, while still being natural and relevant? Read all our tips to rock during your interview!
1. Why your answer to “Why do you want to work here?” is important?
To answer job offers on the internet from your desktop does not require incredible motivation. However, when you are interviewed, you must show your enthusiasm and your knowledge of the company. By asking you “Why do you want to work here?”, hiring managers will know :
1. Your interest in the company
If you did not bother to do any research, the interviewer will think that his/her company is not your first choice. Hence, if you apply for a company in which you really want to work, research the company's activities, values, organisation... Everything piece of information you can get! If you mention a detail of the company that is little known, this will make all the difference. The more knowledgeable you are, the more motivated for the job you look. By asking you “Why do you want to work here?”, the interviewer wants to check if you are well-prepared for the interview. Beyond your motivation, a good preparation shows that you are serious about this position.
2. Your personal values and motivations
The interviewer wants to make sure that your personal values and objectives are aligned with the company’s:surpassing yourself, teamwork, innovation... Values depend on the sectors, the type or the size of the company. As such, they can be instrumental in your hiring.
2. 4 tips to prepare yourself to answer this question
1. Do your research on the company before the interview
What information are you looking for?
- Have in mind the company’s key figures: size, revenue, organisation...
- Learn more about the company’s sector: trends, main competitors...
- Forge your opinion on the company’s values through its own voices and its employees'. You can even learn about some historical events.
Where can you find this information?
- First of all,check the job description or the job offer.
- Then, browse the internet. The internet is always there for you. Check the company's corporate website, its LinkedIn, Glassdoor or Welcome to the Junglepages, articles dealing with the company and profiles of its employees on social networks.
- Finally, check the specialised press about the sector of the company you're applying for.
Form your own opinion
Reading all this information will allow you to form your own opinion. This way, you can define the arguments and the reasons motivating you to apply for this company. Employees take care of a veggie patch? Since you first grew lentils in kindergarten, you are fond of planting and sowing your own vegetables. The company supports young musicians? You have played piano since you were 6, and also sing in a choir. You might not be the new Bocelli, but your commitment to music can be an asset making all the difference! You should find what you are looking for... And the company too.
Now all that's left to do is write a short paragraph with your arguments to be more relaxed on the day itself.
2. Show your motivation
Motivation in a job is a real asset for a job seeker. When you are motivated, you want to learn more and progress within a company. Employers are really looking for people who can inspire others and motivate them to reach the company's objectives.
3. Show your ambitions for the company
Ambition is a skill that every hiring manager is interested in. However, to convince the interviewer, you must not think about yourself only: highlight the gains for the employer and anticipate the long-term future.
Show that you want to do your career in-house. Most applicants do not anticipate long-term opportunities – this will help you stand out. This way, the interviewer will understand that you want to make the most of the experience he/she is offering.
4. Highlight your experiences, even when they "failed
Do not hesitate to discuss your failures. You tried to create a startup and it didn’t work out? It doesn't matter. On the contrary, it can be a great start. Such a project shows your spirit of initiative; and, since you applied for another position after you failed, you are also able to start over.
3. How NOT to answer, “Why Should We Hire You?”
1. Avoid using generic arguments
Listing reasons that are too generic is a common mistake. Do not say that you like the company because the atmosphere seems nice and the catering is mouth-watering. You must think beyond the quality of life the position will grant you. How does this position fit you, at that very moment in your career?
2. Avoid using personal and practical arguments
You want this job for down-to-earth reasons. Life is not free, and "I want to work because I have bills to pay" would be the plain truth. But do not say it. Nobody wants to be reminded of that - especially not the interviewer. You do not want him/her to think you are joining the teams because you need money or because it's comfortable because you can work from home. You must convince the interviewer that you believe in your job.
4. 3 sample answers to “Why do you want to work here?”
- “Your company is famous in the digital sector. Joining your team would enable me to put to good use my 4 years of experience in digital project management. Here, employees can share their thoughts to offer new solutions on an ongoing project. This is the reason why I chose your company." With these answers, you highlight how interesting it would be for both parties to work together.You show that you can provide experience, and highlight that you share the same values as the company: collaboration and communication. Lastly, you show that you did research on the company.
- "I've read online about the latest achievement of your company, and how the company rewarded the employees who worked on the project. I am a hardworking person, and you can find all my achievements on my resume. I wish I too could be part of the team and be involved in the success of such projects." This answer conveys two ideas: first, you want to be part of the team and be rewarded for your expertise and your work. The interviewer understands that he/she can rely on you for the long-term to complete the necessary tasks. Finally, you show that you are interested in the company and that you follow the news regarding the company.
- "I like video games. I graduated from an Interactive Digital Media Master’s degree to be able to work in my passion. Your company is the leader in the video game sector, and I wish to join your teams to progress in-house thanks to the projects you will entrust me with." Your answer is most reassuring. Both your training and your personal interests demonstrate your deep knowledge of the sector. You are able to see the long term and will work hard to successfully complete the projects the company will entrust you with.
5. Key Takeaways
That's all you need to know to answer the question “Why do you want to work here”! Remember, as is often the case, the most important part is the preparation: do your research, prepare yourself and be yourself. The interviewer can only be charmed by your personality!
How should you answer the question “Why do you want to work here?” in an interview?
To answer the question “Why do you want to work here?” in an interview, you need to combine three elements: what you know about the company (its values, latest developments, and achievements), what personally motivates you to join it, and what you can concretely bring to it. An effective answer shows that you have done thorough research and that you see yourself growing within the company over the long term.
Where can you find information about a company before an interview?
To find information about a company before an interview, several sources should be consulted: the company’s corporate website, its LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Welcome to the Jungle pages, the social media profiles of its employees, the sector’s specialised press, and of course the job description itself. The goal is to understand the company’s key figures, values, culture, and current challenges.
What mistakes should you avoid when answering “Why should we hire you?”
There are two mistakes to avoid when answering “Why should we hire you?”. The first is giving reasons that are too general and not distinctive, such as praising the atmosphere or practical benefits. The second is suggesting that you are applying purely for financial reasons or because of the company’s location. The recruiter should understand that your application has a genuine purpose and that the company represents a real choice for you.
Should you talk about your professional failures during an interview?
Yes, it can be worthwhile to talk about your professional failures during an interview, provided that you present them from the perspective of resilience and learning. Having tried to start a business that did not succeed, for example, demonstrates initiative and the ability to overcome obstacles. It also reflects a level of professional maturity that recruiters value.
How can you stand out from other candidates when answering this question?
To stand out from other candidates when answering this question, you need to go beyond the expected answers by mentioning a specific and lesser-known detail about the company, showing a genuine alignment between your personal values and those of the organisation, and expressing an ambition that is focused on the collective rather than on yourself alone. Explaining what you can bring to the company, rather than only what it can offer you, is often what makes the difference.
In summary
The question “Why do you want to work here?” is one of the most common interview questions and allows the recruiter to assess your genuine motivation and the alignment of your values with those of the company. To answer it convincingly, you need to research the company’s business, values, and latest developments beforehand, show your enthusiasm, demonstrate a long-term perspective, and highlight your experiences, including your failures. Conversely, two mistakes should be avoided at all costs: giving reasons that are too vague or admitting that you are applying solely out of practical necessity. The key to a strong answer lies in preparation, sincerity, and the ability to show that the collaboration will be beneficial for both parties.