Interview Question: Why do you want to work here? Sample Answers & Tips

tips for answering why do you want to work here
Created by Cake

When preparing for an interview, most candidates don’t miss out on the question “why do you want to work here?”. 

Since “why do you want to work here” is almost certainly asked in a job interview, interviewees might want to answer it right. 

It sounds easy, but it’s quite challenging to give a solid answer.

However, what do hiring managers really want to hear or know when they ask this and other similar questions, such as why do you want to work for us, why you want this job, or why you are interested in working for our company? 

Read on to prepare for the interview question “why do you want to work for our company”. There are multiple approaches to how to answer why you want to work here. We will also provide example answers and techniques to nail your interview questions and get the job. 

Why Recruiters Ask “Why Do You Want to Work for Us?”

Whenever you hear hiring managers ask ”why do you want to work for us”, think of it from the company’s perspective.

Well, it’s pretty simple. They need to know the reasons that keep their employees motivated at work. In addition, asking “why you want to work here” will help recruiters figure out:

💭 If your career goal aligns with the company’s

Knowing an applicant’s career goal is crucial for any healthy company. When employees’ career goals match their jobs, it’s more likely that they will stay longer before switching to another company.

💭 If you are sincerely interested in the role

Asking “why do you want to work for this company” also helps the recruiter to eliminate candidates who don't have passion for the job and, thus, are less likely to take this job seriously. 

💭 If you have done your research

The hiring manager certainly wants to make sure you've conducted thorough research on the company and understand their value or services by asking why you want to work for this company and why you want to work for this company.

💭 Your work preferences and considerations

The ”why do you want to work here” interview question is also an excellent opportunity to understand what job applicants consider when choosing a job.

How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

To prepare for the interview question “Why do you want to work here, for our company?”, you need to:

✏️ 1. Do thorough research of the company.

We all know how to google the company. However, good research and a good answer for  “why you want to work here” need to show your understanding of:

  • The company’s products and services
  • The company’s mission statement
  • The company’s history and notable accomplishment
  • The company’s market differentiation
  • The company’s culture and core value

To answer questions such as “why do you want to work here”, check out the company’s website page first, especially the “About” and “Career” pages. If the company website has a blog, read through news or popular articles. 

Don’t overlook the importance of company culture. Many companies advertize their core values and would rather select candidates who share similar views.

Exploring these aspects of a company and mentioning them in the interview question ”why you want to work here”  will show your solid knowledge and enthusiasm for the company. 

✏️ 2. Examine the job description.

After knowing the company, you should study the role they offer. You can show you’re well-prepared for the role when asked  “why do you want to work here” by mentioning the job duties that you’re interested in.

✏️ 3. Write down what you like about this role and the company.

After reviewing the company and the job role, write down what you like about this role and the company from the materials you collect. Pick 2-4 things and organize them into a list of reasons why you want to work here.

✏️ 4. Connect your career goals and what motivates you with what you've written down. 

Finally, try to connect what you list with your career goals to the company’s when answering why you want to work for the company. 

Simply put, answering “why do you want to work here” is not difficult at all. All you have to do is create solid connections between you and the company.

To examine whether the reasons are all good answers for “Why do you want to work here” make sure your reasons indicate the following:

  • What makes the company special (compared to other organizations) for you?
  • How does the company’s culture or core value match yours?
  • How does this job role in this company match with your future career plan?
  • How will this job opportunity help you make both professional and personal progress?

Tips on How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Work with Us?”

Here are some extra tips to help you ace the question “why would you like to work with our company”.

✅ Include relevant achievements or positive experiences in your answer.

When answering “Why would you like to work with our company”, bringing up past achievements or experience will make your reasons more persuasive. Mentioning accomplishments will send out the message that you’ll do your best to achieve similar results for this company.

✅ Familiarize yourself with the history and values of the company.

Knowing the history of the company will differentiate you from other candidates. This strategy to give the best answers for “why do you want to work here” is especially helpful if you apply for renowned brands or big corporations. 

✅ Customize your answer for the specific job.

Like a resume, a good answer is always tailored to a specific job/company. Your answer for “why do you want to work here” should demonstrate your research and knowledge of their mission and product while showing what makes you a perfect fit.

If your answer and reasons why you want to work here are too general and are applicable to any company, rewrite it again.

✅ Show your enthusiasm for the job.

One of the reasons that interviewers ask “why do you want to work here” is to know whether you are truly interested. People who are interested in the job role will simultaneously display their enthusiasm. 

❌ Don’t focus too heavily on how you can benefit from the role.

Focus on how you can grow with the company. By discussing your career goals and motivations, your answer for “why do you want to work here” can also discuss professional objectives and your possible contributions.

❌ Don’t bring up money.

Even though the salary is what matters most for many of us, keep that to yourself. If money is the only reason why you like to work here and keeps you motivated, then it’s very likely that you will leave as soon as another job opening is posted.

In addition, bringing up money while answering “why would you like to work here?” shows that you don’t care for the company’s value and idea.

“Why Do You Want to Work Here” – Answer Samples

“Why do you want to work here” Sample Answer for Retail Sales Representatives

Sample: It’s simple. I have been a fan of your brand for a long time. I am passionate about what your company brings to the customer and familiar with your product lines. Also, I love helping customers find the best product that suits them. In addition, I greatly admire your brand's minimal management style. I want to share the culture and help you increase the customer base with my communicative skills. 

Explanation: This answer for “why do you want to work here” shows the applicant’s familiarity with and passion for the brand and products. 

“Why do you want to work here” Sample Answer for Customer Service Representatives

Sample: One of the reasons that drive me to your company is that your company prioritizes innovation. As a personable helper, I enjoy solving problems and helping people use technology with ease and joy. I want to help true farsighted customers use cutting-edge technology to grow their business. Helping people with problems and talking to them gives me a sense of accomplishment. 

Explanation: This answer for “Why do you want to work here” gives the interviewer one main reason for joining as a customer service representative. It further connects the candidate’s personality and skills with its core value.

“Why do you want to work here” Sample Answer for Nursing Professionals

Sample: I want to work for your hospital because your hospital has the best environment for geriatric training. Your hospital is well-known for its recovery programs and dietitian training. I want to excel at geriatrics and upgrade my credentialing in two years. As a result, I believe this is the best place to progress with healthcare experts and provide comprehensive nursing for elderly people.

Explanation: This answer example for “why do you want to work here” explains the organization’s expertise and the applicant’s career goals to the interviewer. The career objective is specific and clear, while the reason aligns with it well.

“Why do you want to work here” Sample Answer for Hospital Staff

Sample: I believe your hospital serves as the medical and well-being promotion center for a large community. I have experience working for small hospitals as a staff manager. Nevertheless, I want to work at an organized hospital to learn the operation details for a large hospital. My experience at a small hospital can help your hospital develop new management styles, while the scale of your hospital matches my career goal of providing help to more people.

Explanation: This sample answer for “why do you want to work here” is good because it explains the connection between the candidate’s personal experience and its contribution to the organization.

“Why do you want to work here” Sample Answer for Fresh Graduates

Sample: I am attracted to your company for two main reasons. First, your company values open communication. I believe I can also contribute to the team by providing creative solutions and ideas. Secondly, my previous internship at XYZ company and my experience as a tennis athlete have inspired me to dig into the sports industry, in which your company plays a leading role. 

Explanation: This explanation provides two reasons for “why you want to work here”. One is about the company culture and the other about personal experience.

“Why do you want to work here” Sample Answer for Software Engineers

Sample: It’s quite obvious. I’ve always been an enthusiast of financial news. Becoming a software engineer in a Fintech startup will realize my professional goal: making finance and investment more accessible. I’m looking to join a team of forward-looking experts and creative problem-solvers among startup companies. I am also one of your users and have been amazed by how you connect a smooth account opening and transfer experience for new users. 

Explanation: This answer for “why do you want to work here” addresses the company’s products and how the candidate’s goal aligns with the company’s.

“Why do you want to work here” Sample Answer for Software Developers

Sample: Working at a cyber security company keeps me updated about the latest malware news. I have 3+ years of experience detecting and identifying system weaknesses and want to become a cyber security analyst. XYZ company’s international clients are diverse, as the possible threats to their system, which would be an exciting challenge I’d like to take on. Also, I get to work with a team of expert researchers to help organizations solve system problems.

Explanation: This answer example for “why do you want to work with this company” discusses the interviewee’s aspiration to tackle global issues and become an expert to connect the interviewee’s aspiration with the company’s.

“Why do you want to work here” Sample Answer for Call Center Agents

Sample: During my research of your company, I discovered that you value training and constant learning. Your company provides much more opportunity to progress. I love to learn new things and get in touch with people, so the chance to grow with your company attracts me. Also, the people in your company are amiable and willing to help. I like the kind environment, and I believe I can contribute as a helpful agent, not only for managers but for colleagues, too.

Explanation: We can see from this answer for “Why do you want to work here”, this candidate not only reads the job posting thoroughly but is quite motivated to learn and contribute to the company. 

“Why do you want to work here” Sample Answer for Internship Applicants

Sample: I want to work at ABC company because your internship program clearly explains training and responsibilities. I  believe the experience here will give me valuable knowledge that is not to be acquired at school. I want to become a UX designer after graduation. Working for your company will give me the skills to work with senior engineers and project managers and launch new market features. I’m also excited to help out senior managers at ABC company and learn directly from the experts in the industry.

Explanation: In this answer's example for “why do you want to work here”, the internship applicant demonstrates a clear career goal and specific things to learn from the company. For hiring managers, it’d be ideal to know the intern is eager to learn. 

“Why do you want to work here” Sample Answer for Administrative Assistants

Sample: The main reason that brings me here is your company culture. I greatly admire your mission of giving back to the community. For example, you’ve mentioned that you’ve donated 50 computers to suburban junior schools on your web page. I took some time to look deeper into media coverage and your website and saw the huge difference you’ve made for the local kids. Also, my experience and organisational skills will undoubtedly facilitate your company’s operation and help bring positivity to people in the community. 

Explanation: This example answer for “Why do you want to work here” demonstrates a significant consideration for the candidate to this company. It explains the motivations behind performing job responsibilities.  

🔑 How to answer “Why you want to work here”

  • Research on the company to know their culture and history
  • Read the job posting to understand the responsibilities
  • List the things you like about them from the website and job posting
  • Explain the connection between the things you like about the company and your career goal or beliefs

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--- Originally written by Wu Chao Min ---

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