Landing a job is hard. Landing a job that you really want is even harder. The interview is by far the most daunting and difficult part for many people. But if you prepare well and walk in there with confidence, you will have fewer problems.
It would be best if you remembered that your interviewers are there to find a person that fits the role they are offering. They are not there to harm you, so don’t panic.
There are a lot of questions that are asked in an interview; however, one of the most common questions that you will be asked is, “Why do you want to work here?” That can be hard to answer if you haven’t done your research. In this article, we will give you some tips on how to answer this question effectively.
The interview question, “why do you want to work here?” Is tricky as it reveals your willingness to work and your intentions behind it. It shows your potential employer how ready you are for the job as well. So, be careful with it. Let’s learn how you can prepare for this question better.
So, without further ado, let’s begin!
How to answer the interview question “Why do you want to work here”?
Do your research for the interview
The first step is to, of course, do your research. This question gives you the opportunity to show that you have done your homework and know a lot about the company. Try to find out as much as you can about the company’s culture, values, and what they are looking for in an employee. That will give you a better idea of how you can fit into the company, and whether or not this is somewhere you would actually like to work.
Be passionate about getting the job
Your answer should be more than “I need a job” or “It pays well.” When interviewers ask this question, they are looking for something more personal. They want to know if you are passionate about the company and the role you are applying for. So, try to show some enthusiasm in your answer and let them know that you are excited about the opportunity to work with them.
Honesty is the best policy
This is probably the most important tip of all. It would be best if you were honest when answering this question. If you are not interested in the company or the role, it is best not to waste their time or yours by continuing the interview process. It is better to be upfront and honest from the beginning rather than trying to fake it until you make it. Tell them how you feel about the job and why you think you should be a part of this company. Don’t try to fake it, as it will sound manufactured and does not give a good impression.
Want to show confidence? Maintain eye contact
When you are answering this question (or any question in an interview, for that matter), it is important to maintain eye contact. That shows that you are confident in what you are saying and believe in what you are saying. It also shows that you are not trying to hide anything from them.
Use positive language in your answer
Make sure to use positive language throughout your answer. That will help create a positive impression of you and make the interviewer believe you want to work there. Using negative sentences can set a negative tone for the rest of the interview, which is never good. For example, instead of saying, “I don’t have any other options, so I’m just applying here,” you could say, “I’m really excited for this opportunity to work with such a great company.”
A smile puts everyone at ease
Remember to smile! That will help show that you are friendly and approachable. It will also make the interviewer feel more comfortable around you, which can only be a good thing. Smiling is the most human interaction you can have with someone, and it also creates good, positive energy in the room.
Now that you know all the things you need to take care of when answering the question, “Why do you want to work here?” Let's talk about what you should avoid when answering this question.
Give specifics, don’t be generic
When answering this question, the worst thing you can do is give a generic answer. That shows that you have not done your research and are not interested in the company or the role. Try to be specific in your answer and show you know what the company is about. For example, don’t just say, “I want to work here because it’s a great company”; try something like, “I want to work here because I share the same values as the company and I believe I can contribute to the team.”
Don’t say you need the money
This is probably the most common answer to this interview question - why do you want to work here? It is also the worst thing you can say. Interviewers can see right through this answer, and it will not make a good impression. It shows that you are not really interested in the company or the role and that you are just looking for any job that pays well. Instead, focus on what you can offer the company and how working there would benefit you.
Don’t be negative
As discussed before, using negative language is a big no-no when answering this question (or any question in an interview). It creates negative energy in the room and makes it seem like you are not really interested in working there. So, try to avoid saying things like “I need a job” or “I don’t really have any other options.” Instead, focus on the positive aspects of the company and the role.
As long as you follow these above-mentioned tips, you should be able to ace the question, “Why do you want to work here?” And impress your interviewer. If you made it to the end of this article, we believe you are more than ready to start preparing for that daunting interview question.
For more information, please visit the FAQs section below.
Frequently asked questions about interview questions
How long should my answer to “why do you want to work here?” be?
Your answer should be around one to two minutes long; this is enough time for you to give a well-thought-out and specific answer without rambling on for too long.
What if I’m not really sure why I want to work for the company?
If you’re not sure why you want to work for the company, it’s probably best to avoid this question altogether. You can try answering with something like, “I’m excited for the opportunity to learn more about the company and what it does.”
How can I show that I’m interested in the company?
One way to show that you’re interested in the company is to do your research before the interview; this means familiarizing yourself with the company’s history, culture, values, and mission statement. Another way to show that you’re interested in the company is by asking thoughtful questions during the interview. That shows that you are engaged and want to know more about what it would be like to work there.
Photo by Yura Timoshenko on Unsplash
