It is also extremely difficult to answer well. This article will outline exactly what your interviewer is looking for, typical mistakes candidates make, how to prepare your answer and similar versions of the question. The interview is about you. Your interviewer wants to know:
Why you are perfect for the role What motivated you to apply How you will fit into the company’s culture Whether you understand the company’s strategy and commercial goals Whether you are likely to stay at the company for a long time
You need to structure your answer in two parts: We will unpick these questions below, but first, let’s look at some example answers from job experts:
‘Why Do You Want to Work Here?’ Template Answers
Use the below examples to help you pull together your own answer. Remember to structure your answer in two parts, and bear the above points in mind.
Example Answer 1
Why this answer is good: As a graduate specialising in digital marketing, I have expertise in promoting online brand awareness. Whilst at university, I volunteered for a charity by promoting regular bake sales. I used social media to garner attention and boost sales. In fact, our Students’ Initiative raised the highest amount for the charity in four years. I want to work for [company] because I am interested in your product, a meal plan subscription service. As a keen foodie who is always too busy to cook, I have an in-depth understanding of your target audience.
They linked their skills and interests to the job role. They understood the company’s product and explained why they want to work for this particular company. They backed up their answer with examples.
Example Answer 2
Why this answer is good: I want to start my Post-Qualification Employment at this school because it has an excellent reputation for ensuring no child is left behind. You have an outstanding Special Educational Needs policy and the teachers here are passionate about encouraging every student to reach their individual potential. This is all reflected in your annual performance scores.
They explained their reasons for wanting the position and backed this up with examples. They gave reasons for admiring the school and demonstrated they share the same values. They have done their research by mentioning specific policies.
Example Answer 3
Why this answer is good: I want to work here because [company] has an impressive reputation for working with the major medical journals, and you offer an excellent opportunity to develop expertise within the medical advertising sector. I understand [company] is looking to grow its client base. I am a very sociable person so I would love communicating daily with clients and building new client relationships.
They linked their skills to the job role. They outlined why they are interested in the position. They stated why they want to work for this company in particular.
Example Answer 4
Why this answer is good: Now that I am fully qualified as an accountant, I am hoping to direct my passions in a way that is beneficial to others. I feel that your company and this junior position will be the best ways for me to grow in knowledge about the industry as well as enable me to launch a successful career.
The background information indicates that this is a long-term passion of yours and something you are very interested in States qualifications Talks about growing within the company which indicates long-term plans
Example Answer 5
Why this answer is good: Through my research and actions, my dog eventually got better. This inspired me to study to become a vet and I am passionate about providing affordable and free veterinary care to people who desperately want to provide for their animals but are unable to. I feel that your service here at the shelter is exactly what I am looking for to help provide treatment to as many animals as possible.
Talks about strengths such as the ability to use initiative Shows the potential employer that you have researched them before your interview
Example Answer 6
Why this answer is good: What you do here, in terms of marketing, is bigger than anything I have tackled before. It is also the logical next step for me. Your reputation for nurturing and building up individuals to help them find and grow their strengths is exactly what attracted me to the role.
The background shows that you are willing to learn and grow as a person and an employee Shows that you have researched the employer Talks about what attracted you to the role and how you think this will help you as an employee and an individual
Example Answer 7
Why this answer is good: I feel that moving into general practice will provide a wider variety of patients and help me to maintain the level of patient care that I want to provide. This particular practice is well known for patient satisfaction and I feel that I would be a valuable member of the team.
It talks about your background and expertise It states what it is that you hope to gain through your new role It talks about what you can bring to the position
Example Answer 8
Why this answer is good: Although I don’t have all of the formal qualifications, I have worked to expand my knowledge and create a foundation in this area. I feel that I can lend my skills well to this role and the nurturing environment will help me to improve across all areas.
It shows the employer that you have researched their company and understand their values By talking about the things that you have taught yourself, you are showing that you are motivated and keen to learn new skills You are explaining how you feel that a role within the company could be beneficial to you.
Example Answer 9
Why this answer is good: This store, in particular, is widely recognized for its exceptional customer service. I feel that our values are similar and this is an environment I would be very happy working in.
It talks about your strengths It speaks about how your values align with those of the company It paints the company in a positive light It talks about how you can have a positive impact on the company
Example Answer 10
Why this answer is good: Everything that I have learned so far has been self-taught and when I saw that you had a vacancy available I knew that I had to apply. I feel that I would fit well with the work ethic and values here, adding my personal style to the team dynamic. More than anything, working here would be a dream and a culmination of years of quietly watching from the sidelines.
It shows that you have had an interest in the company for a while and understand what it is that they do It talks about how the values of the company have already helped you in the past and how you would anticipate this to carry on in the future It shows that you have been waiting for an opportunity to join the company
How to Prepare for the Question
Now you know how not to answer, it’s time to prepare your best response to ‘Why do you want to work here?’. Here are some tips:
1. Think About Why You Want This Job in Particular
Research the role and figure out why it interests you. Think about how the job description matches your skill set, ambitions and what you genuinely like most about the business. For example, some of these may apply:
The responsibilities of the role align with your personal interests. Ensure you can link what interests you about the job role to specific examples. For example, if you are applying for the role of Editorial Assistant at Love Knitting Magazine, you could mention that you are a prolific knitter and you edited a student magazine at university. Opportunities for progression. For example, internal qualifications, networking opportunities or management training schemes. You want to work in a professional, team-oriented environment which values collaboration and knowledge sharing. You love analytical and logical problem-solving.
2. Think About Your Career Goals and How They Align With the Company’s
A short-term career goal might be to gain more experience in customer service. Whereas a long-term goal might be to aspire to a management position. Make sure your career goal is relevant to the job role. Here are some examples of how you can link your career goals with the company’s objectives:
For the role of Product Designer – The company makes a product which has inspired you to enter the industry and your career goal is to design similar products. For the role of Healthcare Assistant – You are passionate about providing exceptional healthcare and you always aspire to improve your level of care. This is also a value prioritised by the company. For the role of Private Client Paralegal – You value developing close professional relationships with clients and your goal is to build a legal career in private client work.
If you have any connections within your network who have worked with the company, it’s also a good idea to speak with them to find out more about the company from someone who has experienced it first-hand. Some other ideas to think about when undertaking your research are:
Why you admire the company – Is it a front-runner in developing a ground-breaking software? Or is it one of the only companies in the country which specialises in aviation law? Make sure your reasons are specific to demonstrate you have done your research. Has the company undertaken any projects that particularly interest you, and why? – As well as the company’s blog, check whether they have listed any case studies on their website which provide more insight into the work they do. Can you identify the company’s short and long-term objectives? – A short-term objective might be to reward employees who volunteer for the company’s corporate social responsibility programme. A long-term objective might be a target for the number of annual employee hours dedicated to corporate social responsibility. What are the company’s values? – For example, a bank might foster a culture of sustainable lending. Or a healthcare organisation might promote their staff’s caring and attentive approach to their work.
Five Typical Mistakes Candidates Make
Before delving into how you answer the ‘Why do you want to work here?’ question, here is some advice on how not to approach it.
1. Humour
Most interviewers will not appreciate a humorous answer. It makes you appear insincere or suggests that you don’t know how to answer the question. Avoid:
2. Ambiguity
The interviewer doesn’t want to hear vague compliments about how their company “looks really cool”. Ambiguous answers will indicate that you haven’t done any research on the organisation or thought about why you want the job at all. Avoid:
3. Not Relating Your Answer to the Job or Company
It is surprising how often candidates forget to mention the job they are applying for altogether. Avoid:
4. Being Too Honest
Even if you’re just here for the money, don’t confess this to your interviewer. Never lie, but keep your answer focused on the job role and why you would be a great addition to the company. Avoid:
5. Saying You Don’t Know
If you cannot come up with a single reason why the company should hire you, they probably won’t.
Similar Questions: How They Are Different
There are many variations of the ‘Why do you want to work here?’ question that you may be asked at interview. Here are some examples of similar questions which ask the same thing:
“Why do you want this job?” “What are you looking for in your next job?” “Why did you apply for this position?”
However, make sure you listen carefully to the question you are being asked; some will require a different answer than you first expect. Never repeat a pre-prepared response without listening carefully to the question. For example:
“What qualities can you bring to this role?”
This question differs because it focuses less on what you personally think about the role. Instead, talk about your specific achievements and how you can apply your skills to the job. Example answer: This answer is good because the candidate has specified a unique skill which will set them apart from the other candidates and backed it up with an example. For example, in my previous role, I was part of a project recording and analysing the causes of delayed pension payments. This led to the implementation of improved payment administration policies. I will be looking for opportunities to use my skills within this role.
“Why should we hire you?”
This question is used to single out the very best of the qualified candidates. We have a whole article about this one question. The interviewer wants to know: It differs from the ‘Why do you want to work here?’ question because it is less about your personal interest in the job and more about what you can do for the company. Come up with at least three reasons you stand out from the crowd. For example:
You have experience in this industry; Your past achievements demonstrate a proven track record; You have relevant awards; You have relevant qualifications or further education; Your soft skills (such as communication skills) are especially strong (and proven); You have specific technical skills (such as knowledge of certain programming languages).
Example answer:
“How are you a good fit for this company?”
This question differs because it focuses on your understanding of the company’s culture and what skills you can contribute. This contributes to my ability to manage teams and get results. Last year I led a team that won an industry award for a national project. Ensure you research the company and its values. Think about how your own goals and values coincide. Then answer the question by: Here are some ideas to think about when interpreting the company’s culture:
Does the company value collaboration? Does the company value internal progression? Are there any mentoring schemes? What is the company’s attitude to work/life balance?
Example answer:
Final Thoughts
Preparing to answer interview questions can be daunting, but follow the advice in this article and you will arrive at your interview prepared to impress. Remember: For example, I recently worked two weeks’ overtime to help a colleague compile the civil disclosure for a massive fraud case. I love how stimulating and exciting that kind of work can be. Therefore, I think I will fit in well within your team where everyone comes together to work to similar tight deadlines.
Research the company and the position thoroughly. Structure your answer in two parts: first, outline why you want the job. Then outline why you want to work at the company. Be enthusiastic and back up all your reasons for wanting the job with specific examples.
