“Why do you want to work here?” is a common job interview question, yet many job seekers are unsure how to answer it. If you’re preparing for a job interview and have landed here looking for ideas, you are in the right place. 

In this article, we’ll delve into the right (and wrong) ways to approach this question. Keep reading to learn more about how to show interest during job interviews and answer the way the interviewers expect you to.

How To Answer “Why Are You Interested in Working for Us?”

A hiring manager can ask you why you want to join the company, among many other interview questions. The question will be asked early in the interview more often than late.

The best way to answer is to talk about how much you care about the company’s mission and how well you know its values. To get ready for this, you should look at the company website and find the sections on the mission statement and company culture. It helps to keep your answer concise.

In short, the answer should cover the following:

  • Passion for company values
  • Why you like the position’s responsibilities
  • How your expertise would help you succeed in the role

Now, let’s discuss the best answer to, “Why do you want to work for this company?” 

Showing Passion 

Hiring managers like to hear about job candidates’ passion for the company’s work. You can be passionate about a company’s products, services, mission, or brand. You can also show enthusiasm for the company’s core values, which you can typically find on the company’s website. 

Show You’re Eager To Take on Responsibilities

There’s no doubt that candidates who show a genuine interest in the job and the responsibilities that come with it are more likely to get the job than those who don’t. When explaining why you want to work for the company, you should show enthusiasm for exactly what the job description lists as the responsibilities. So read that job ad carefully! 

Underlining Your Skill Set

The interviewer from a hiring company doesn’t just want to know what you can do or what you have done in the past. They are interested in your potential and how you might grow with the company in the future. That’s where your skill set comes in, so introduce previous experience, providing examples of how your skills were put to use.

Sample Replies

Hiring managers may ask candidates many questions to learn more about them and what makes them suitable for the position they’re applying for. These would be some good answers if the hiring manager asks you, “Why do you want this job?”

Sample Answer No. 1

If a job opening is for a remote content writer position, you could say the following:

I’m passionate about writing and love to create content that attracts and engages readers. I’ve worked from home before, and my past employers were pleased with my performance, so I’m sure I can do a great job as a content writer.

Sample Answer No. 2

Here’s what you can say if you’re applying for a job in cinematic production and are asked, “Why do you want to work for us?”

I value a collaborative approach to projects, so I was immediately drawn to the production team role when I saw your company was hiring. I like your work in cinematic production, and your informative videos showed me that we share teamwork values. My background in production has given me the skills necessary to excel in this role, and I am excited to become a part of your team.

Answers to “Why Do You Want This Position?” To Avoid

Now that we’ve covered some of the best answers, let’s move on to what you shouldn’t say in a job interview, whether you apply for a job at the office or remote work.

Avoid saying that you need a job because it sounds like you’re desperate, and any job will do. 

Also, saying that you like the listed salary would make you look greedy. Although most job seekers would like a high salary, it shouldn’t be the primary motivation but rather the outcome of your hard work. 

Things To Remember When Answering Why You Want the Job

There are various things to remember when someone asks you why you want to work for them. The most desirable outcome of your answers is to convince your prospective employer that they need you more than you need them.

So, show that you researched the company and what the job entails and are passionate about the position. Also, point out your strengths and relevant experience (if any) to increase your chances of getting hired.

Conclusion

Looking for a job tends to be a long and tiresome process, and you should make the most of any chance to present yourself as a desirable candidate. Giving a concise answer to why you want to work at the company, among other questions, would make a great start or conclusion to the interview, depending on the timing of the question.