Recruiters ask, “Why do you want to work here?” interview question to see what you know about the company and how well you fit the position. In other words, they want to know if the role you’ve applied for is just another in your line of potential jobs or if you’re genuinely interested.
In this article, we’ll explain how to answer this interview question properly, starting with your job interview preparation process. In addition, we’ll offer a few “Why do you want to work here?” sample answers, as well as job interview tips on what not to say. Let’s begin!
Key Takeaways
Interviewers ask, “Why do you want to work here?” to assess your level of expertise and interest and determine whether you’d be a good fit for the team.
To craft the best answer to this question, research the company and study the job description thoroughly before the interview.
Give specific examples of why the job would be enjoyable for you, and make sure to emphasize the skills and values you have that match the company culture.
Don’t make it about the salary, benefits, or the company’s location. Refrain from giving vague and generic answers or making inappropriate jokes.
Why Do Employers Ask, “Why Do You Want to Work Here?” Question?
Employers ask, “Why do you want to work here?” question to see how well you’d fit the team and company. Moreover, they want to gauge if you’re truly interested in working for their organization or if the interview is just one of the many in your job search.
Your answer to this simple yet tricky interview question can reveal how much you know about the position and the industry as a whole. Not only will it help the recruiter assess your level of expertise, but it also speaks volumes about what you’re looking for in a job.
Namely, depending on your answer, the interviewer can determine whether your career goals align with what the role can offer. If they do, you’re more likely to stick around if you get hired—needless to say, every employer aims for high employee retention.
That said, before we get to the best interview answers to the “Why do you want to work here?” question, let’s see its variations, as understanding the different ways this question can be asked can help you prepare for it more comprehensively:
Variations of the "Why Do You Want to Work Here?" Question
What prompted you to apply for this job?
Why do you want to work for us?
What makes you want to join our team?
Why do you think this company is the right fit for you?
How do you see yourself contributing to our company’s goals?
How To Answer the “Why do you want to work here?” Interview Question: 5 Key Steps
To answer the “Why do you want to work here?” interview question correctly, you first need to research the company and understand the job description. Your response should be specific and honest, detailing how your soft and hard skills match the job and what you find enjoyable about the position.
Let’s explore these techniques in more detail:
#1. Research the Company You’re Applying For
To tailor your answer to the job you’re applying for, you need to research the hiring company before the interview. Visit its official website and LinkedIn page and try to find any recent articles written about it.
Here’s what you should look into:
Company Research Tips
Specific services and products. Demonstrating interest in the company’s offerings will make you seem genuinely interested in the job and passionate about working there.
Details that set the company apart from its competitors. Knowing the differences between the company and its competitors is a great way to showcase not only your understanding of its mission but also your interest in the industry.
Recent news about the company. Learning about the company’s recent activities can help you round out your answer and make it more relevant to its current direction.
The company culture. If you have the soft skills that are appreciated within the company, the recruiter is more likely to see you as a good fit for the team.
#2. Understand the Job Description
Read the job description in detail to understand what your responsibilities would be if you were hired. Pay attention to the daily tasks, the qualifications the company is looking for in a candidate, and the skills you need to excel in the position. If you notice anything unfamiliar, such as a program you’ve never used, make sure to research it thoroughly.
This way, you’ll be able to directly reference the job description during the interview instead of just talking about the role in general. Your enthusiasm and dedication won't go unnoticed, whether you mention your experience performing a particular task or your eagerness to learn new skills relevant to the job.
#3. Match Your Values and Skills to the Job
All resume tips advise tailoring the resume to the job you’re applying for, and this is exactly what you should do at the interview as well. This is an extension of the previous step—as you study the job description, identify the technical skills and experience you have that match its requirements.
Additionally, reflect on your core values and think about how they relate to the company’s goals. You can ask yourself the following questions:
Reflect on Your Values and Career Goals
What motivates me to grow professionally?
What traits do I admire in my role models?
How do I see this job contributing to my career advancement?
What kind of workplace culture do I want to work in?
#4. Explain Why This Job Would Be Enjoyable
If you enjoy what you do, you’ll likely work harder and be more committed to your role. Employers know this, which is why they want to hear what you would love about the job you’ve applied for. They’re aware that a candidate enthusiastic about their work is likely to stay long-term, and as previously mentioned, high employee turnover is something they all want to avoid.
With this in mind, talk about the reasons you’ve chosen your career path and what you’re particularly looking forward to doing if you get hired. Moreover, make sure to explain how the job you’re interviewing for aligns with your values and goals.
#5. Be Specific
A generic answer to the “Why do you want to work here?” question will get you nowhere—anyone can claim they love their work or have the necessary skills for the job. Still, those words will sound empty and meaningless unless you back them up with concrete examples.
Speak of your achievements at previous jobs and specific qualities of the interviewing company that you find appealing. This way, your reasons for applying will carry more weight, and the recruiter will be more likely to remember you.
13+ Best Answers to the “Why do you want to work here?” Interview Question
Let’s take a look at some examples of the best answers to the “Why do you want to work here?” interview question for different industries:
#1. Management
Here’s a sample answer to “Why do you want to work here?” for a retail manager position:
Sample Answer
At my previous job as a department manager, I was responsible for a team of 20 people. Together, we implemented strategies to improve sales and customer satisfaction, which resulted in a 15% increase in revenue within six months. Since I admire your company’s dedication to customer experience, I want to bring the same focus on teamwork and results to your store.
#2. Marketing
If you’re applying for a job in marketing, here’s an idea of how you can explain why you want the role:
Sample Answer
I’m interested in content marketing because it allows me to combine my knowledge of consumer psychology and my writing skills. My goals have always been to create informative and engaging content and develop new strategies for broadening target audiences. Given your team’s commitment to innovation and quality, I believe your company is the perfect place for me to grow professionally.
#3. IT
Here’s a sample answer to the question of why you want a job in the IT sector:
Sample Answer
Improving user experience is the main reason I chose a career in software engineering. I find the opportunity to innovate particularly exciting, and I think a job in your company, known for its cutting-edge technology, would be ideal. Your team's software solutions push the limits of what's possible, and I'm eager to contribute and grow in such an environment.
#4. Nursing
Let’s see a sample answer to the “Why do you want to work here?” interview question for nurses:
Sample Answer
My desire to make a real difference in people’s lives is what motivated me to pursue a nursing career. It allows me to use my skills to provide support and care for others when they need it the most. I’m enthusiastic about the possibility of joining a team of individuals who share my passion for making a meaningful impact in patients’ lives.
#5. Healthcare
If you’re interviewing for a job in the healthcare industry, the following example might inspire your answer to the question of why you want the role:
Sample Answer
The pharmacist position interests me because it combines patient education and healthcare, both of which I’m truly passionate about. I find the responsibility of helping people take care of their health by providing vital information about medications fulfilling and rewarding. The opportunity to build trusting relationships with patients while ensuring their well-being makes this role especially meaningful to me.
#6. HR
Here’s a sample answer to “Why do you want to work here?” for HR positions:
Sample Answer
My passion for employee development led me to human resources, and I believe that my experience in creating and implementing HR policies can contribute to your company’s growth. For example, I developed an onboarding program at my previous job that increased employee retention by 20% within the first six months.
#7. Journalism
Here’s an idea of how you can answer why you’ve applied for a journalist position:
Sample Answer
As a long-time reader of your magazine, I admire your commitment to journalistic integrity and influence on public opinion. I believe that my experience as an editor, my passion for truth-telling, and my research skills align with your mission. For this reason, I’m eager to join a team with such high standards in journalism.
#8. Entry-Level Jobs
If you’re at the beginning of your career, take a look at this sample answer to the question “Why do you want to work here?” for freshers:
Sample Answer
As a recent graduate, I believe that your organization is the perfect place for me to develop my skills and grow professionally. Your company culture and focus on teamwork completely align with my career goals and values. I’m certain that contributing to your team would allow me to make a meaningful impact while continuing to learn and evolve in my career.
#9. Finance
Let’s see how you can answer why you’ve applied for a job in the finance industry:
Sample Answer
Your company’s approach to financial analysis and strategic investment decisions is why I decided to apply for the position of financial analyst. I admire the way your team guides client investments through the meticulous integration of market insights and data analytics. Given my experience as an accountant, I believe I could contribute to your mission.
#10. Customer Service
Here’s a sample answer you can use for inspiration when asked why you want a certain customer service job:
Sample Answer
The reasons I want to continue my career as a customer service representative at your organization are your community outreach and commitment to customer satisfaction. Your company culture deeply resonates with me, as I’ve always thought that connecting with people is the most important aspect of quality service work.
#11. Hospitality
If you’re interviewing for a job in the hospitality industry, here’s a sample answer to the question “Why do you want to work here?” for fast food workers, waiters, and similar roles:
Sample Answer
I’ve been to your restaurant as a guest many times, and I’ve always been impressed by your staff members’ friendliness, professionalism, and attention to detail. As a service industry worker, I’d be happy to continue my work here because of your commitment to a hospitable atmosphere and high-quality service.
#12. Creative Roles
Here’s how to answer when asked why you’ve applied for a certain creative job, such as graphic design:
Sample Answer
As a long-time graphic designer, I’ve always found your company’s creative visual solutions inspiring. I’m enthusiastic at the prospect of collaborating with some of the best talents in this industry and contributing to your innovative projects.
#13. Education
The following example might help you explain why you applied for a job in education:
Sample Answer
The reason I decided to pursue a career as a business analyst is the fact that I enjoy translating data into actionable insights. My experience optimizing business processes and analyzing market trends has developed my creative thinking and problem-solving skills, which has been truly rewarding. I’m eager to bring these skills to your team and learn new ways of tackling business challenges.
#14. Business
Here’s a sample answer to the “Why do you want to work here?” question for a position in business:
Sample Answer
The reason I decided to pursue a career as a business analyst is the fact that I enjoy translating data into actionable insights. My experience optimizing business processes and analyzing market trends has developed my creative thinking and problem-solving skills, which has been truly rewarding. I’m eager to bring these skills to your team and learn new ways of tackling business challenges.
What Not to Say When Answering This Question
Now that you know how to explain your reasons for applying for a certain job, let’s see what not to say when answering the “Why do you want to work here?” question.
What Answers to Avoid
Don’t focus on the salary and benefits. Although these are important, you don’t want the interviewer to believe they’re your only reasons for applying. Otherwise, you’ll seem unmotivated by the work itself and give off the impression that you’re prone to leave whenever a better-paying opportunity comes along.
Avoid generic and vague answers. Not being specific can make you come across as uninformed about the company and unprepared for the interview. Remember, employers appreciate candidates who take the time to learn about the position they’re interviewing for.
Don’t make it about the location. If you do, you’ll give away the impression that you’ve applied just because the job is convenient. Naturally, the recruiter will then believe you’re not truly interested in contributing meaningfully to the role.
Refrain from making inappropriate jokes. These won’t make you seem witty and original—on the contrary, you’ll only paint yourself as unprofessional. Besides, interviewers have already heard them all, from “I’m passionate about earning a living” to “I think your business needs some help from the best.”
Final Thoughts
Employers ask, “Why do you want to work here?” interview question to see whether your career goals align with what the job offers. In addition, they want to evaluate your skills and determine if your values match the company culture.
This question is a great opportunity to present yourself as a desirable candidate and stand out from the competition. To do this, research the company thoroughly before the interview and study the job description in detail to know what skills and experience to emphasize.
During the interview, be specific in your answer—identify the aspects of the job and company you find the most appealing. However, don’t make it about the salary and benefits; rather, focus on how you could contribute to the role and how it could help you grow as a professional.
