Job Interview Question & Answer: Why Would You Like To Work Here?
Reasons for the Question
Employers ask this question to interviewees because they want to hire someone who is a good fit for the company’s culture, message, and brand. Hiring managers also ask potential hires about why they want to work for them because they want employees who believe in the company’s mission and want to see the business grow.
How To Respond
Interviewers want workers who are genuinely interested in the position, not just someone who is looking for a job. Your answer should reflect your passion for the role you’re interviewing for or the company itself. Use your answer to showcase a compatible skillset or mentality that would make you a promising candidate.
Responses To Avoid
You should avoid responding to the question “Why would you like to work here?” with answers that don’t reflect an interest or passion for the job. Refrain from saying that you’re looking at this role as a stepping stone to bigger things or that you want the job because it pays well and has good benefits.
Sample Responses To “Why Would You Like To Work Here?”
When coming up with an answer to this question, be sure to practice before going into the interview. Polished answers impress hiring managers, and to respond appropriately you’ll need to show that you’ve researched the position and the company. Use the answers below as a guide when developing your own responses.
Sample Answer 1 – Flight Attendant
“I’ve always had a passion for travel and for helping others, and I feel like this job is the perfect marriage of the two. Working for this company will allow me to see the world, which I’ve wanted to do since I was young. If hired, I’m looking forward to continuing the tradition of excellent customer service that this business provides.”
Sample Answer 2 – Automotive Technician
“I feel that my skill set is well-suited for this position. Through my schooling and previous employment, I’ve become extremely proficient in all aspects of auto repair and maintenance. I know that this business prides itself on being the best automotive care in town, and I want to be part of the team.”
Sample Answer 3 – Hardware Store Associate
“Growing up, I always helped my father fix things around the house. Whether it was working on plumbing, heating, or car issues, I learned the ins-and-outs of his toolbox like the back of my hand. With this job, I hope to help other people complete their to-do lists and pass on a little of what my dad taught me.”
Things To Keep in Mind
Employers want to hire candidates who have a passion and drive to be with the company. When interviewing, mention specific skills or experience that make you a good fit for the position. Showing an interest in the company’s goals and mission may be the difference between landing the job or missing out.
Video Tutorial
Video Transcript
In our last video, we covered “why do you want the job?” Today, we will look at a very similar question, which is “why do you want to work here?” They may seem like the same question, but there is a difference. “Why do you want the job?” is a broader question. In your response, you can talk about why you are interest in the role, what your goals are, and why you want to be with the company. “Why do you want to work here?” is more focused. With this question, the interviewer wants to know why you for them specifically. Sometimes, the interviewer just wants to see if you know anything about the company.
The best way to form your answer is to do a lot of research on the company before the interview. Find things that get you excited about the company and be sure to show the excitement in your answer. Remember, interviewers love hiring people that are enthusiastic about working for them. Plus, you want to work somewhere that interests you. So this question is your chance to show how much you’d enjoy working there.
Topics you could talk about could be their products or services that you like or new initiatives they have launched that intrigued you. Whatever you pick, be enthusiastic about it. Express how you are excited to help them be every greater at what they do. For example you could say something like, “I’m crazy about emerging technology and your app is hand-down the best in the industry. I know there is stiff competition in the space right now, but with the right management, this could easily be number one in the market. I’m excited to be part of the team to get you to that point.”
You could also talk about the company culture, like their core values, training programs, and work environment. Don’t say what you like about the company and end your answer there. Saying something like, “I heard you have a laid back work environment. That really appeals to me because I hate getting stressed out at work.” Nothing in that answer will win over an interviewer.
Make sure to explain how their company culture matches your working style. So, here’s a different way you can express the same idea I just mentioned. “I see you have a work environment that is very collaborative and open to new ideas even from newer employees. I thrive in environment like that and would really look forward to being able to add ideas and provide a meaningful impact from day one.”
So by going into detail about what you like about the company, and talking about how you are excited to help them in their mission, you have an easy way to answer, “Why do you want to work here?’ See you next time.
