Wednesday, 26 February 2014

Answering Interview Questions: Why do you want to work here?

Hi Everyone,

Continuing on with my series of articles on how to answer interview questions, today I'll be discussing a common favourite: Why do you want to work here?

Once again, the key to answering interview questions is to understand why the employer or recruiter is asking them.


Why do you want to work here?

This question is usually asked so the employer gains insight about your level of knowledge and research into their company or business, as it helps reveal your level of enthusiasm for the role, and the conditions as the company or business is offering them.

So, how should you handle this question?

You should talk about what has attracted you to the company, what research you carried out, and then expand upon this by tying what is on offer with your strengths, achievements and skills that best suit and meet their needs.

For example, when writing a resume for a client only yesterday, I did a bit of research into the banking industry which I haven't worked in --- well, for a very long time, and could accurately stated I no longer have any skills within. Each of the different Big 4 banks websites that I visited, each stated somewhere within their pages that their focus is Customer Service and providing value and more than what customers expect.

So, it is completely safe for me to assume that if the client gains an interview with one of those banks, then part of their Why do you want to work here? question (if asked) will be the perfect opportunity for that client to discuss their skills and achievements and research with the interviewers, so that they too will see that they are 'in sync' about their goals.

Like mentioned previously, you need to talk positively and show enthusiasm for the role. Mentioning that you have taken the time to visit their business website to learn more about the business, and its people and operations, is a clear indicator that you are interested in this line of work, and the actual business compared to those that don't bother.

You don't want to waffle on about the research you have done, but if when you conduct research into a business like this, you often can find something that genuinely appeals to you about the opportunity - for instance, the business might offer full time and part time opportunities and allow you to alter your employment in the future, and this might really suit those seeking to start out as part time but go full time later (usually when the kids are older) - or vice versa. Another example might be, such as the above banking sector example, the number of branches within a certain radius from your home address - during your research, say you discover that the business plans on opening a branch that would be closer to home and more convenient for you.  You could discuss how you would love to commence employment with them now and work towards building up your skill level so that when the new branch opens, you might be considered for transfer to the new site, that sort of thing.

If you are invited to attend an interview, it is imperative that you view a business website and social media profiles and learn what you like - and that way, it won't feel or be so hard to answer this question when it is asked.

I hope this article helps.

You can find more articles on this site on how to answer interview questions:

Tell Me About Yourself can be found by clicking this link

What has been your achievements to date can be found by clicking this link


And, What did you dislike about your last job can be found by clicking this link

Thanks for visiting, please feel free to share this or any other article with your family and friends.

Happy and productive jobsearching!

Char


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