The Perfect Answer: Why do you want to work for us?

There comes a point in every job seeker’s interview where the “Why do you want to work for us?” question pops up. At first glance a straightforward question, but in fact layered to deduce your motivations, research and priorities. It’s in the same dreaded ball park of “tell me a bit about yourself”, but if answered well it can make all the difference.

Candidates may trip themselves up with their answer to this question, following an otherwise flawless interview. With a bit of thought given to this before the interview coupled with your research and knowledge, this should become another easily answered question. We’ve put together a guideline to help you get the most out of your answer:

1. Why do you want to work there?

Prior to your interview take a step back and really think about why you want to work in that particular company. This answer isn’t easily recycled, so you need to think of how they compare to other companies you’re seeing, what the ethos is, what their reputation is and what’s in store for you in the long-term.

Consider your priorities, circumstances and the main selling points. Once you know that then the answer to this question should come with ease.

2. Do your research

Regardless of whether you’re interviewing for a small, medium or large organisation some research goes a long way. Normally you can find out what you need from their website and social media. If you want to do that little bit extra of digging, you can check whether they were featured in any news pieces as well.

Knowing more about an organisation than what your recruiter tells you and what is in the job spec will put you in good stead with the interviewer. This will show that you’re a keen candidate and that you’ve put effort into prepping for the interview. You can use your knowledge of their activities to align it with your priorities. This can range from their growth plans to the charity work they do; whatever speaks to you from the research you’ve done, is the best thing to use in this instance.

3. Reflect Back to your Skills and Experience

You’ve had a chance to discuss your experience and skills, but now is a chance to sell why you’re right for the role. Make sure you summarize why you’d be perfect for the role after you tell them how excited you are about the position.

Remember that you’ve most likely already gone through the ins and outs of all of this, so keep this short and sweet. Stick to the most relevant skills and if you’ve already mentioned something that’s impressed them remember to underline that again.

4. Career Path

Lastly, reiterate that this role is perfect for your career. Tell them what your professional plans are, where you see it going and how working with the company will be ideal for you. All employers want to know that they’re bringing in someone who wants to be there in the long run and not someone who will use their company just as a stepping stone.

By the end of the interview you should have already discussed career progression opportunities, so you’ll be able to align all that new info with your motivations. This will help to reinforce yourself as a candidate who is looking to grow with the company and that has already considered their position in the long-run.

If you can craft a response using the guidelines above, you should be able to flawlessly answer why you want to work for the company. With a little preparation, this answer should come to you easily and understanding your motivations, priorities, the company and their culture will help you impress! Follow us for more content like this!

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