How to Answer, ‘Why Do You Want to Work Here?’

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Answering the Job Interview Question, ‘Why Do You Want to Work Here?’

When might you hear, ‘Why do you want to work here?’
Examples of how not to respond
Let the company know about your interest in working there
Delivering a smooth response to ‘Why do you want to work here?’

“Why do you want to work here?” It’s a common interview question—one that is sometimes phrased as, “Why are you interested in this job?” Regardless of the exact wording, it can be a challenging question to answer, especially when you try to wing it. Not preparing a solid response to this question is risky because it could make all the difference in whether a potential employer extends a job offer to you—or not.

Many hiring managers are asking this question of job candidates right now. Employers want to be sure that new people they hire are serious about the opportunity and are interested in the position because they want to be part of the organization for the long term.

When might you hear, ‘Why do you want to work here?’

At any point in the job interview, really. However, you’re most likely to encounter this question early in the meeting, when the interviewer may use it to set the tone for the conversation. It can also come up toward the end of the interview, as the hiring manager seeks to confirm your interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity now that you’ve learned more details about it. Be on the lookout for other forms of the question, such as:

“Why do you want to work for us?”

“Why are you interested in this job?”

“Why do you want to work with this company?”

Keep reading for guidance on how to answer, “Why do you want to work here?” and similar questions, such as, “Why are you interested in this position?” Variations of this same question all provide an opportunity for you to increase your chances of landing the job by giving a strong, memorable answer.

What other types of questions are hiring managers likely to ask candidates in job interviews? Get the answer in this post.

Examples of how not to respond

Exactly how you should respond to questions like, “Why do you want to work here?” and “Why are you interested in this job?” depends on the job and the organization—and, of course, you and how you want to express yourself. Knowing how to formulate a meaningful response to suit almost any interview situation begins with understanding what employers probably don’t want to hear. Some examples include:

“Honestly, I just need a job, and this one looked interesting.” This is a candid response, to be sure. But it does nothing to demonstrate a sincere interest in the role or the company. Plus, the hiring manager might have concerns that you’d be quick to leave the firm for another opportunity you find more compelling.

“I see this as a step to bigger and better things.” While no employer expects every worker to stay with the organization for the long term, a response like this implies you’re more focused on the future than the present. It also suggests that you already have one foot out the door before you’ve even been hired.

“I’ve heard this company offers good pay and benefits.” Any company wants to be viewed as an employer of choice, and leading firms recognize that they must offer competitive compensation to hire top talent. That said, they don’t want to recruit people whose primary motivation to work for the business is money.

Are you prepared to negotiate a salary with a potential employer? Consult Robert Half’s Salary Guide for the latest insight on hiring and compensation trends.

Let the company know about your interest in working there

One of the keys to coming up with a compelling answer to, “Why do you want to work here?” is to flip the question like this: “Why would this company want to hire me?”

In other words, when considering the best answer you can give, think more about what you have to offer, what interests you about working there and how you could make a positive impact for the organization rather than why getting the job would benefit you. Here are three questions to consider as you develop your response:

How can you help the company succeed? Read up on what’s happening with the company and its industry. Has it recently changed its product or service offerings? What competitive pressures is it facing? Consider this landscape and think, “What knowledge and experience do I have that would be especially useful to this employer right now?” Once you start thinking in those terms, it will be easier to articulate your answers related to questions about why you want to work there.

What past career successes could you potentially repeat at this company? How did you meet or exceed your employers’ expectations in previous jobs? What problems did you play a significant role in solving? What ideas did you introduce that helped the company save money or otherwise boost its bottom line? What lessons have you learned that you could apply in the future to create value for the potential employer?

If you’ve been successful in past jobs — or in your educational achievements — in ways that would benefit the company while keeping you engaged in an area you are naturally interested in, that’s pretty close to the textbook definition of a “win-win situation.”

How will you complement the company’s culture? A candidate’s ability to fit within the organizational culture is an essential hiring factor for many employers. So, do your homework on the company’s culture and identify what you find most appealing. For instance, if you’re asked, “Why do you want to work for us?” in an interview at a firm known for encouraging entrepreneurial thinking, you should inform the interviewer that you would be very comfortable and productive working in that kind of environment.

When your interests in working for a particular company mesh with its mission and company culture, you will naturally have the edge over someone who is not able to project that same level of compatibility and enthusiasm.

Delivering a smooth response to ‘Why do you want to work here?’

Sometimes, you may know the answer to, “Why to you want to work for our company?” and similarly phrased questions, but you aren’t quite sure about the proper jumping-off point when it comes to answering. The sample answers below offer good ways to begin your reply so that you can include everything you want to mention in the response. The specifics, of course, will vary with the circumstances, but these response-starters can help you get the ball rolling:

“I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting/forward-thinking/fast-moving company/industry, and I …”

I feel I can make a positive difference for the company while also being fully interested my job duties because …”

“I feel my skills are particularly well-suited to this position because …”

“I believe I have the type of knowledge to succeed in this role and at the company because …”

“I’m excited about this job opportunity, as it would allow me to …”

When faced with the question, “Why do you want to work here?” (or other challenging ones like, “Tell me about yourself” and, “What are your greatest weaknesses?”), some job seekers freeze up, worried they’ll say the wrong thing. But if you anticipate the question and take time to prepare an answer before the interview, you’ll avoid feeling flummoxed — and your chances of hitting the mark with a winning answer will rise.

If you make it to a job interview, you’re already a step ahead of most job applicants. Think of your answer to the question, “Why do you want to work here?” as an opportunity to keep the momentum going by simply telling the interviewer some things about the job that spark your interest, as well as where you see your interests intersecting with the company’s hiring needs and overall mission. When you take that approach, the hiring manager can’t help but see your suitability for the team. Your enthusiasm, combined with your skills and abilities that can help the company, will be a big plus in your favor when the hiring team reviews their options.

See the articles below for more information on how to prepare for a job interview, and contact Robert Half if you’re ready to find a job that works for you — remote, hybrid or on-site.

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