One of the subtle ways organizations discover which of their prospective employees understands the mission, vision and the core values of their organization and would be willing to work assiduously to achieve same is by asking them the question “Why do you want to work here?”. It is a subtle interview question that can throw an interviewee off-balance if he is not well-prepared for the interview or not well-prepared for such questions. It is for this reason that individuals nursing the ambition of working in top-rated organizations and fortune 500 companies must acquaint themselves with subtle interview questions like “Why do you want to work here” and be ready to answer the question in a confident manner and present themselves as the most qualified person for the job. It is for this reason that this article is written! It is written to show you the purpose of the question, to acquaint you with the specific things that your potential employers are looking out for in your answer, and to guide you on how to answer the question in the most confident manner. Read through with keen attention.
When an interviewer asks why you want to work at their company, they are looking to see if your values align with the company’s mission and if you have a genuine interest in the work they do. In your answer, you should highlight your skills and qualifications, and explain how they make you a good fit for the role and the company. You can also mention specific aspects of the company that interest you, such as its culture, values, or opportunities for professional growth. In the same vein, try to avoid giving generic or vague answers, and focus on specific reasons why you are excited about the opportunity to work at the company. This is important because it saves your interviewers the stress of having to sieve through avalanche of information about you to find the most important points which invariably raises your chance of being hired by the organization. Therefore, it is advisable for you to market yourself and your skills in the most confident manner in as few words as possible.
Having known that providing answers to the question “Why do you want to work here?” in a job interview can be a challenging task and that your response can give the interviewer insight into your motivations, interests, and career goals, and can help them determine whether you’re a good fit for the company and the role, it is important for you to go the extra-mile before the date of the interview by taking some time to research the company and the position you are applying for. This will help you understand the company’s mission, values, and culture, and will give you a better idea of what it’s like to work there. You can visit the company’s website, read about it on social media, and talk to people who work there or have worked there in the past.
Once you have a good understanding of the company, you can start crafting your response to the question. Here are some tips to help you answer this question effectively:
- Focus on the Company’s Mission and Values.
One of the best ways to answer the question “Why do you want to work here?” is to talk about the company’s mission and values. This shows the interviewer that you understand the company’s goals and beliefs, and that you share their vision.
For example, you might say something like: “I’m really impressed by the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. I believe in these values and I want to be part of a team that is making a positive impact in the world.”
2. Highlight Your Skills and Experience.
Another effective way to answer this question is to talk about how your skills and experience align with the company’s needs. This shows the interviewer that you have the qualifications and expertise to do the job well, and that you’re interested in applying your skills to help the company succeed.
For example, you might say something like: “I have a background in marketing and I’m passionate about using my skills to help companies grow. I have followed the company’s success for a while and I’m excited about the opportunity to use my skills to help drive even more growth in the future.”
3. Talk About the Company’s Culture and Work Environment.
Another important factor to consider when answering the question “Why do you want to work here?” is the company’s culture and work environment. This can have a big impact on your job satisfaction and overall happiness at work, so it’s important to make sure that the company’s culture aligns with your values and needs.
For example, you might say something like: “I’ve heard that the company has a collaborative and inclusive culture, and I’m really drawn to that. I thrive in environments where I can work closely with others and I’m excited about the opportunity to be part of a team that values diversity and creativity.”
4. Discuss Your Career Goals and Aspirations.
In addition to talking about the company, it’s also important to discuss your own career goals and aspirations. This will help the interviewer understand your motivations and interests and give them a sense of how this job fits into your broader career plans.
For example, you might say something like: “I’m looking for a company where I can grow and develop my skills, and where I can make a meaningful contribution. I believe that this company offers those opportunities, and I’m excited about the chance to be part of a team that’s achieving great things.”
5. Be Specific and Sincere.
When answering the question “Why do you want to work here?”, it is important to be specific and sincere. Avoid vague or generic answers and try to provide specific examples and details that demonstrate your interest in the company and the role. This will show the interviewer that you’re serious about the job and that you have been dutiful enough to know about the organization and their work ethics.
These five tips highlighted above, if well-utilized, can be your ultimate guide to answering the trickiest interview question and serve as your Aladdin’s lamp in your quest to work in top-rated organizations and Fortune 500 companies.
