How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

For people that have been interviewed and stuck on the question, “Why do you want to work here,” you’re not alone. There are many answers to this single question, but there is a certain format recruiters are looking for when attempting to answer this question.

If you want to know how to answer “why do you want to work here”, start off by talking about relevant skills and what you can offer to the company. You can also incorporate more personal goals that align themselves with the company’s values.

Table of Contents

• What Recruiters Want to Know When Asking “Why Do You Want This Job”
• Do’s and Don’ts When Answering This Question
• “Why Do You Want to Work Here” Examples Of Answers
• Alternatives to “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

What Recruiters Want to Know When Asking “Why Do You Want This Job”

When a job interviewing asks you this questions, it’s important to keep in mind what they’re truly looking for.

Some things a recruiter is looking for in your why do you want to work here answer are:

• Whether you’re familiar with the company
• If your goals align with the job itself
• How your personal moral compass aligns with the position or company
• If you have the right time commitment for this job
• Whether this is simply a stepping stone or a long-term position for you

Keep in mind that posting a job announcement and hiring new people is no easy feat. It takes quite a bit of money for recruiters to post job offers, train their employees, and hire the right person with the necessary skills to succeed.

Therefore, this question can help recruiters find the right candidate that will stick with their company for a longer period of time, and who they won’t have to replace soon after.

Do’s and Don’ts When Answering This Question

You should always be genuine in your why do you want to work with us answer. A secret to know – most job recruiters know right away which candidates want to truly work for their company and which don’t simply by their answer to this question and through their level of enthusiasm. So, even if you try to pretend you want to work for a company, failing to answer this question appropriately or lacking enthusiasm gives you away.

Nevertheless, there are certain tips to keep in mind if you just don’t know how to answer this question, or what to do to help your job prospects. 

• DO ask yourself beforehand, “Why do I want to work here?” Is it the culture of the people, or the reputation of the company? Knowing the answer to this question can help you have a powerful answer for your recruiters.
• DO put yourself in the recruiter’s position. Imagine owning a company and asking your interviewee, “Why do you want to work for this company?” What answers would you like to hear? Most people will want to hear that the interviewee has done their research and is dedicated to helping progress the company’s mission.
• DO research the company mission statement, and align your values with these.
• DON’T give a generic answer, such as “To help people,” or “For the benefits.” Instead, incorporate the company itself, whether it’s a start up or well-established, and incorporate their values into your answer as well.
• DON’T admit that this is only a stepping stone position. This can come off as disingenuous and even rude. For instance, “I’m just here until I get a better job offer,” or “I just want somewhere to be while I figure things out,” aren’t good answers. Instead, talk about your goals and how they align with the company, such as, “I want to take this job as a medical scribe to learn more about medical terminology while I study nursing.”
• DON’T mention that you want to learn new skills here. This might seem like a good answer, but in reality, job recruiters want candidates who already have enough skills in other areas to work in their company. For instance, don’t say, “I want to learn how to be a better communicator in this job.” Instead, said, “I want to expound the communication skills I have already to a bigger audience, and this job helps me do that.”

“Why Do You Want to Work Here” Examples Of Answers

“I heard about this company’s outreach efforts to the public, and want to be able to be a part of that team and help others in the process.”

“I consider myself someone who values quality, and I read through reports that stated your services are some of the best in the business. I want to align myself with your high standards as well.”

“I have a background in education as a kindergarten teacher, and think that those skills translate beautifully into the Department of Education. I believe my prior experience is a good fit for the Department, and want to be a part of the bigger picture of schooling.”

Alternatives to “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

• Why do you want to work for us?
• What do you like most about the company?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• How does your mission align with yours?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• What do you like most about this position?
• How can you benefit from this position?