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

Although being asked why you want to work at a company appears straightforward, there are often specific points that can set a candidate apart. The best responses will demonstrate knowledge, research, and highlight yourself in unique ways. While this question isn’t likely to make or break an interview, it can be a great distinguishing factor. In this piece, we highlight strategies on how to answer “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

STRATEGIES ON HOW TO ANSWER “WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK HERE?”

Research the Company

It’s crucial for candidates to be familiar with both general and niche information about the company they’re interviewing for. While candidates don’t need to know every minute detail, they should generally understand its industries, mission, values, and recent news, and this should go beyond scrolling through the company’s website. This can include reading recent media coverage of the company as well, so as to be familiar with policy and direction, or skimming recent press releases. Research can also include speaking with current or past employees to gain deeper knowledge of day-to-day life.

Craft Anecdotes

With knowledge of the company in mind, candidates can think of times when they demonstrated ‘alignment.’ For example, if a company highly values integrity, candidates can mention this and include a story about a time they acted with integrity. By aligning oneself with company values or knowledge, candidates can appear to be a better fit for the role. Doing so anecdotally creates memorable answers which are far more likely to stick with an interviewer.

Avoid Generic Responses

Candidates should avoid clichés that may be given by other interviewees. For example, a response which simply details the company’s pay or prestige is likely unoriginal and inauthentic. Instead, tie deeper reasonings to yourself either anecdotally, as mentioned above, or by sharing personal motivations for why the company’s attributes matter. This may look like explaining how you care about the philanthropic work that a company does and why you would like to be a part of it. By crafting a highly personalized response, you differentiate yourself from other candidates and become more memorable.

Don’t Spell Out Your Résumé

There are likely other interview questions like, “Tell me about yourself” or “Share a time when…” that serve the purpose of touting your accomplishments. As such, this question serves instead for you to demonstrate your commitment to joining the company through prior research and how you would fit in well. While past experiences may come up as you connect yourself to the company anecdotally, this should not be your purpose in answering the question. It’s important to note, however, that candidates should not shy away from sharing what makes them special. Any answer that includes a past accomplishment shouldn’t diminish it, but instead explain why it’s relevant and helpful to you joining the company.

Be Specific

While this blends into the aforementioned strategies, it’s important enough to be stated explicitly. Specificity distinguishes your research, values, and reasonings from other candidates. Most interviewers would be bored by every candidate talking about the same values and initiatives. Consequently, find niche projects, teams, or aspects of the company that especially appeal to you. Bringing these up, and how you’re a great fit for them, is more interesting and demonstrates true dedication to learning about the company.

PREPARING FOR YOUR NEXT INTERVIEW

Candidates should remember that one behavioral question isn’t the decisive factor in an interview. Instead, it’s the broader narrative that’s crafted around yourself. Regardless, strategically answering “Why do you want to work here?” can be a great distinguishing factor. A good answer requires a combination of research, authenticity, and strategic storytelling in which you connect yourself to the company. As an exercise, try to place yourself in the shoes of the interviewer and think about what would leave a memorable and positive impression.

For help preparing for or landing your next interview, contact BCTG here.

Contributions from Jake Park-Walters