How to Deal With the Interview Question: Why do You Want to Work In Here?
“Why do you want to work with us?”, “Why did you apply for this job?” or “Why do you want to work here?” are one of the many questions every job-seeker comes across. This usual question may seem a bit obvious and dull to reply, however; answering it well will definitely affect your application process in a positive way, maybe more than the rest of the questions. The way you express your interest, motivation, and dedication says much about you as a potential employee. We are going to guide you through this stressful process and give you the best tip regarding this tricky question!
Why Do They Ask This Question?
In order to answer this question well, you must understand the logic behind it. The reason why interviewers ask this question is their desire to know if you are a good fit for the position, especially in terms of the company culture and its values. The managers want to evaluate if you can truly contribute to the company with your productivity and motivation and if you are willing to stay in the position long enough. It is important for them that your motivation is not just a passing fancy. They also measure if you did your research about the company and they want to understand your preferences and priorities. Keep in mind that everybody has financial concerns but interviewers want to see more than your interest regarding the paycheck.
HOW TO ANSWER
Your answer should cover both your personality and professional skills regarding the position you are applying for. You should link these skills with the company’s core values.
1) The first and most important step is to make sure that you research the company meticulously. So, how one can conduct proper company research? You should start with the company website. Most of the time, companies’ websites cover a wide range of information about the company. Start with the company history, mission, and visions or About Us pages. Some companies have company blogs, newsletters, and social media accounts. They would all give you ideas about the company values, especially social media accounts. You can check the hot topics regarding the company. What are they producing these days? How do they market themselves? Additionally, it is always a good idea to check the Careers section and see what type of people company identifies itself. Check the job descriptions, especially the ones in your field. Try to find what they required before and what they want now.
A proper company research may involve checking media coverage. Nowadays, with a simple Google search you may achieve broader knowledge. Moreover, you can check job network platforms such as Linkedin to give you some industry insight.
2) Make a list of all the reasons covering why you want to work in this company. It should include your knowledge of the company’s reputation, values, and culture. Additionally, you may talk about your admiration regarding the company’s products or services, community programs, and related success. For instance, some companies value sustainability projects whereas others care about giving back to the local community.
3) Think about your own values and try to find common ones with the company. “What kind of environment you want to work in?” “What motivates you about your job?” “What kind of relationships you want to establish with your co-workers?” “What qualities you expect from your managers?” “How do you want to contribute to society?” “What are your short term and long term career goals and how can you achieve them?” While answering these questions, try to find ways to link them with the company’s interests.
HOW NOT TO ANSWER
1) Convenient circumstances are plus for you, but they should never be the answer to this kind of question. For instance, perhaps you are living really close to the company’s location and that’s your priority. It is a beneficial coincidence, but not what interviewers want to hear.
2) We know that everybody works for money but mentioning the paycheck’s influence on you is not a good way to answer this question.
3) Avoid general statements like “It is a great company that’s why I want to work in here”. Why do you think it is great? Give specific examples while answering.
ADDITIONAL TIPS ON ANSWERS
1) If you don’t know how to answer a follow-up or related question, it is better to say you don’t know instead of giving an uninformed answer.
2) Be enthusiastic. For instance, you can say you were waiting for job openings in the company instead of saying you saw the job opening and applied.
3) Show engagement. Talk about how getting this job will help what you want to achieve in your professional life.
4) Talk about your relevant skills and combine them with your knowledge of company’s service.
5) Practice your answers based on possible questions before the interview. This does not mean that you have to memorize them, but you need to remember them and answer them fluently.
6) Be authentic in your answers.
7) Ask reasonable questions to the interviewer in order to show that you think about this position for a long time.
EXAMPLE ANSWERS
Why do you want to work for this company?
Answer 1: “I am interested in working for your company because your company is constantly listed as one of the top places to work. For me, the reputation of a company is quite important and your company culture supports the development of its employees and rewards the hard work through career planning, education, training, and other resources. I would be delighted to be a member of your team and excel my skills and grow within the company.” Talking about the reputation of a company is a very good answer because every company tries to differentiate from other companies by brand reputation management.
Answer 2: “While your company is active for several decades, it has never stopped doing what it can do for the local and global communities. I regularly check your organizations and projects related to sustainable agriculture. Giving back to the community is an important part of my own personal values, so I would love working in here, knowing that I am part of making a difference in local and global communities.” You should point out the company values and how they fit your own values. By doing that you show that you are a good fit for the company and you give signals on you are engaged.
Answer 3: “ I have great respect for your company’s products since I have used them for many years. I consider myself as an innovator and I want to work in a great company to consistently produce the newest and best products.” This kind of answer indicates that you are familiar with the company and its products, plus you have dedication and motivation to contribute to the company.
