“Why Do You Want To Work Here?” – How To Answer

why do you want to work here.

In an interview there are so many questions that could be asked. And one of the most important and frequently asked questions is: “Why do you want to work here?” or “Why do you want this job?” or “why are you interested in this job?”.

 

The framing of questions might differ from interviewer to interviewer. However, the motive and objective of the question remains the same. By asking this question, an interviewer wants to know and understand your intentions to join the company. 

 

So how does an interviewer find out your intentions by asking this question? Let’s figure it out in this article further.

 

The objective of the question "Why do you want to work here?"

First we have to understand that an interviewer has limited time to interview you and he/she has to decide to select you or not within that time. Therefore, they ask only those kinds of questions which can fit in within the given time slot through which they can understand your candidature and potential for the job you’ve applied for.

 

Below are the few things that they look for when they ask “Why do you want to work here”?

 

– Not happy with the current or previous company 

– Salary Hike

– Dissatisfied with the Manager or Team

– Relocation

– No challenge in the current work OR No new learning

– Desired Role or Position/Designation

 
There might be few other hidden reasons for the job change which a candidate can also have.

However, along with the above objectives one of the most important objectives behind this question is to gauge the candidate’s seriousness in the company and the job he/she has applied for.

Because, nowadays candidates are just correcting their salary by applying and interviewing with multiple companies. Hence, companies today have become more cautious in hiring the candidates who might use their offer at some other company.

Different Ways to Answer "Why Do You Want To Work Here?"

Every job seeker is different and every candidate will have different reasons to work in the company. Therefore, there will be no single way to answer this question. You will have to only convince the interviewer with your reason to work in that company.

So, these are the few ways you can answer this question.

Challenging Work

You can speak about your current work and role in your company. You can mention your growth over the period of time and how it helped your company during that period. 

 

Now at this moment since your company has been outgrown because of your efforts in these years. Also your skills, role and compensation also has increased, but your growth has become stagnant. Now to grow further you have to move out of the organization. Because, you don’t see any great opportunities within the organization anymore to improve your skills and potential.

 

So, by mentioning your previous roles and achievements you are making an impression on the interviewer that you want to grow your skills and want to take on bigger challenging roles in the coming years.

 

Also, it shows that you are not willing to accept any promotions merely because of a higher role of seniority in the hierarchy of the organization. For you, skills and growth matter over anything else. 

 

By mentioning all these details in your answer, you will be showing the confidence you have in your skills & knowledge and willing to work for your growth along with the company’s growth. 

 

Therefore, always use your achievements in your response while answering this question.

 

Working Conditions

If you are a victim of the poor working conditions which makes you uncomfortable or stops you in your growth, then you must say that clearly to the interviewer. 

 

However, It’s always recommended to keep a low criticism of your current or previous organization. But, in case you are not happy with the way things are around you, you can always be open about it.

 

But at the same time the interviewer might probe into the situation or issue that caused a poor working condition for you. By asking this, they want to understand if the fault is yours or the counterpart.  Also, they want to understand what efforts have been put by you to better the situation or condition. 

 

While clarifying your point, ensure not to share any trade secrets or processes of your current employer. However, if you share genuine reasons for your job change, the interviewer will share his/her empathy.

 

Financial Growth

If the reason for your job change is purely for financial growth, state that clearly to the interviewer and don’t feel ashamed or don’t be skeptical about it. Because, by the end of the day Money matters.

 

But at the same time you have to be very clear about your expectations from the company. You must be aware of your worth for the position that you have applied for. Because, you have to justify your salary expectation to the interviewer by showcasing your skills and experience in the interview. 

 

However, if they believe that you are the best fit for the role that they are looking for, chances are they will agree and match your salary expectations. 

 

Also, always be transparent about your current salary or last drawn salary in your company. There are people who tell the higher salary than they actually get in the interview. 

 

One has to be very careful while mentioning the current salary, because there are Background verification agencies who verify all the details and information of a candidate from the previous companies. And, of course you don’t want to see yourself in an uncomfortable situation later due to this.

 

Relocation or Commute Issue

One of the main reasons for a job change can be the work location. And, if you also have the same reason for the job change then you should state the real reason to the interviewer. 

 

There will be many different cases of relocation. Some may feel that their current office location is far from the house and it is getting difficult to commute so far everyday. And, some may be interested in changing the city altogether.

 

Whatever may be the reason, bring it to their notice about the benefits of the relocation and how it is going to impact your life at this stage of your life. You should try to communicate to the interviewer how the relocation would help you in your job and growth. And eventually the company’s growth. 

 

Also, as a potential candidate or a jobseeker you should always check if the relocation expenses would be provided by the Company or not. In most cases, companies cover the relocation expense for the candidates who relocate from one city to another.

 

Dream Company / Dream Job

If the motivation behind your job change is only because it’s your dream job or a dream company, then you will definitely not be going to impress the interviewers with this answer. 

 

Many times candidates try to praise a lot about the company and the job, but eventually that creates a negative impression. One thing every job seeker should be aware of is that, company is going to hire you by seeing what experience and skills that you’re bringing to the table. They won’t be interested in listening to the facts which they are actually aware of.  

 

Hence, instead of only boasting about the company, you should always focus on presenting your skills and experience that is required for the job that you’ve applied for. And, how your skills and efforts will be helpful to the project and the company in the near future.

 

At the end while finishing this answer, maybe you can add some good facts about the company that will eventually help you grow in your professional career. You have to do some good research about the company so that you can make them believe that the company’s mission & vision is aligned with your vision and hence you aspire to be a part of this company.

 

Conclusion

To answer the question “Why do you want to work here” is not that difficult. You should always remember that, rather than trying to impress the interviewers, you should try to speak about your genuine reasons and how it will add to the company’s growth. 

This way you will be confident and will establish yourself as a genuine person in front of the interviewers. 

 

As long as you are speaking the truth without any added flavors in your answer, and with the help of the above mentioned tweaks, you would surely come out with a job after the interview.

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