Career Blog: How to Answer, “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

The key to answering this question, either in an interview or a cover letter, is to give a concrete, non-generic answer that shows you know something about the company you say you’d like to work for!  The goal is to show that you’re not just applying for any job you might get.  After doing a little research on the company website, or talking to friends who work there, here are a few of the better reasons from a career counselor's perspective:

1. Company Culture.  Do you love the entrepreneurial culture of a startup environment?  Or does the fact that the company allows employees to volunteer for one day every month for a local charity really excite you?  The company culture is often something that makes a particular job appealing.  On the other hand, saying that you think they have a “good company culture” is not a good reason as it’s too generic and shows a lack of thought and knowledge.

2. Passion for the Cause or Business.  Are you passionate about the company’s dedication to green energy?  Can you think of nothing better than working for a company whose mission it is to help families get their finances in order?  The organization’s raison d’être is often a great reason to work there!

3. The Job is Perfect for You.  Was the job posting basically a description of your ideal job, down to the last job requirement?  Does the job combine two roles in exactly the right proportion?  The only caution on elaborating on how perfect the job is for you is if the job is exactly the same as the other 20 you applied to.  In that case, you risk coming across as insincere.

4. Your Friend who Works There Loves it.  If you know someone who works at the company and loves it there, this is a fantastic reason to give.  Not only does your friend give you special insight, but bringing up your inside contact reminds the hiring manager that you were referred!

5. Be Specific, But Sincere.  The key to giving a good answer to, “Why do you want to work here?” is to give a reason that shows you know something about the company in question and are not just applying to any job you might get, but also being sincere in your answer.  If you could care less about the company’s research into the frog’s genetic code, don’t use that as a reason!  Also, keep in mind that “Why should I hire you?” is an entirely different question, one which should lead you to explain what you can do for the company and not the other way around.  But that’s a question for another blog post!