Why Do You Want to Work at This Company? How to Answer This Interview Question
"Why do you want to work at this company?" is a classic interview question that can make or break your candidacy. Your answer should be specific, well-researched, and show genuine enthusiasm for the organization.
Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question?
Interviewers want to:
- See if you've done your homework about the company
- Understand what motivates you and if your values align with theirs
- Assess whether you’re likely to be engaged and committed
- Find out if you’re looking for just any job or truly interested in this role and company
What Are They Looking For?
When you answer, interviewers are assessing:
- Your knowledge of the company’s mission, products, or culture
- How your skills and goals align with the company’s needs and future
- Whether you can articulate why this company stands out to you
- Your ability to be specific and authentic, not generic
How to Structure Your Answer
A strong answer follows this structure:
1. Do Your Research and Highlight What Makes the Company Unique
Point to something specific about the company that genuinely excites you—this could be their mission, recent growth, unique culture, or a new initiative.
2. Connect Your Skills and Goals to the Company’s Opportunities
Explain how your background, skills, or interests make you a great fit for the company’s current needs or future direction.
3. Share a Personal Connection or Insight
If possible, mention something you’ve learned from employees, news, or your own experience that makes you eager to join.
Example Answer
"I saw on The Muse that you were also hiring for new positions on the West Coast to support your new operations there. I did some more reading about the new data center you’re building there and that excites me as I know this means there’ll be opportunities to train new teammates. I also learned through a Wall Street Journal article that you’re expanding in Mexico as well. I speak Spanish fluently and would be eager to step up and help liaise whenever necessary."
Tips for a Great Response
- Be specific about what excites you about the company
- Reference something unique you learned from research or conversations
- Connect your skills and interests to the company’s needs or mission
- Show genuine enthusiasm and authenticity
- Mention how you see yourself contributing to the company’s future
- If you can’t find a compelling reason, consider if the company is the right fit for you
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Giving a generic answer that could apply to any company
- Focusing only on what you want, not what you can offer
- Not mentioning anything unique about the company
- Sounding insincere or overly rehearsed
- Ignoring red flags about the company or role