Answering the “Why do you want to work here?” question at your interview

Some workplaces ask “why do you want to work here?”, while others ask “what interests you about this role?” or “what do you like about our company?”. Whatever the case, if you’re interviewing in 2022 there’s a good chance you are going to receive some variation of this question. With some preparation, you can turn this into an advantage.

The “why do you want to work here” question seems daunting, but it’s actually pretty direct and simple. Considering that you have applied for the position, you’re also aided by the fact that you do, in fact, want to work there. The truth is on your side.

With that said, expressing admiration for the company’s generous compensation package or permissive vacation time isn’t going to cut it. Interviewers want to know that you’ve done your homework.

One of the simplest ways to answer this is by expressing your respect and admiration for the company’s products and services. Demonstrating a familiarity with what your potential employer does shows that you are either an active user of their products or that you have performed some additional research before the interview. In both cases, this makes you look like an ideal fit. Speaking of research, you will want to read up on the company’s mission, vision, and core values. If these align with your values, you can try to work this into the answer too.

You can also choose to focus on the responsibilities of the role itself. A software developer applying for a role with the corporate office of a major clothing retailer might not care about the upcoming fall collection, but he or she should be passionate about the potential for cataloging different items online and contributing to the streamlined e-commerce platform.

Wherever possible, you should also try to sell your suitability for the role using practical, real-world examples from your past. For example, when the interviewer asks ‘why do you want to work here’, explain that the role is similar in scope to a current/former position that you have excelled at and that you are excited to show what you can do.

On their own, the suggestions above should help you make a great impression. Combining them into one clear, concise, and passionate answer will do even more to help you establish yourself as a top candidate.

Best of luck with your interview!