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How to Answer This Question - Why Do You Want to Work Here?
The question of, "Why do you want to work here?" is not limited to interviews. You’ll find it knocking on your door in networking, informational interviewing, and even at job fairs.
In fact, I became an interview guru as a result of my own terrible blunder when I was a new college grad attending a job fair for the first time. Who knew you had to be well prepared?
I didn’t then, but now you can learn from my experience!
When you are asked this innocent-sounding question, you need to have a strong answer that demonstrates your knowledge of the company and the skills, talents, experience, and strengths you have to be a match for their culture and the targeted position/department.
Very Bad Answers
Here are some answers you never want to find coming out of your mouth:
"For the money."
"It seems like a nice place to work."
"My cousin Fred works for you, and he has great benefits."
All three of these answers are similar, and may be absolutely true. However, they share the same problem – they are all about what you want. However, they do not make the employer interested in hiring you.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you should know up-front what is in it for you (salary, vacation days, sick days, benefits, etc.), so that you are not wasting your time.
Employers are looking for what you can do for them, not what pleases you.
Once you have an offer, then you have them almost where you want them, and you can address your needs then. But, not before!
Employers want to make only one offer - to the person who is the right match for them. Until you get to the point of receiving an offer, however, they are just looking at reasons to eliminate you. By focusing on what you want, you are not focused on why they might want you.
Also Bad Answers
"Because I know I can make a really good contribution."
"Because I know you have an opening for ______________ and I am qualified."
While these may seem better, they err in the similar manner of being vague, "vanilla" answers that anyone could give to any employer.
What's Wrong with These Answers?
With answers like these you show lack of knowledge or interest in the company, and you won't stand out from those who also want the position.
In short, you fade into the woodwork and get lost among the other job seekers who have not done their homework either. These answers will never get you far with an employer.
Do Your Homework
When I say, "homework" I am referring to research and preparation in three key areas:
1. Know yourself
2. Know the company
3. Know the position and the department (if possible).
Let me walk you through these:
1. Know Yourself
Before you talk to employers, or even network for positions, you need to have a strong grasp of what you can offer them. (What’s the return on investment you provide to the employer?)
You should be able to talk about your strengths and your accomplishments, and to readily give concrete answers to questions such as "What are your greatest strengths?", "Why should we hire you?", and "Tell me about yourself."
2. Know the Company
Get to know the companies you will be talking to (or talking about, if networking). When you know details about them, their culture, their goals, their products, and their challenges, you are then able to talk about yourself and your fit into the company.
Visit LinkedIn and view the company profile information, and search for current/past employee profiles. Google the company, and read all you can. Visit their company website to learn more about them.
3. Know the Position and the Department (if possible)
In this economy, there is no room for shopping for "any job you find me qualified for." Instead, you need to know where you would fit into the company, whether there is a current advertised opening or not.
Again, resources like LinkedIn will let you search profiles for staff in target departments. Use the information to learn more about their job responsibilities and to identify LinkedIn Groups they belong to (and join them). Also, using Google and viewing the company website will allow you to learn more as well.
Putting it All Together
Once you have done all your pre-interview homework, you will never again find yourself blundering on critical questions like, "Why do you want to work here?" Instead, you will be prepared to talk knowledgeably about the company and position, why they interest you, and how you will fit in with your skill set, personality, and experience.
Bottom Line
Play the game, and realize that even if this job is not a match, if they like you and want to hire you, they may find the right place for you (at the right salary) in the long run. As long as you've done your homework in advance and demonstrated your interest in them.
© Copyright Laura DeCarlo 2011. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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About this author: Laura DeCarlo is recognized as the career industry’s "career hero" making a difference to both job seekers and career professionals as the founder of Career Directors International. She possesses 11 top-level certifications in resume writing, career coaching, and career management; 7 first place resume and job placement awards; and has written three books on interviewing and job search including Interview Pocket RX, Interviewing: The Gold Standard, and Job Search Bloopers. Follow Laura on Twitter; username: @careerhero.
