The interview question, “why do you want to work for us?” is guaranteed to come up during your interview. How you answer it could be the difference between a pass or fail. Let us start off and show you how NOT to answer this tough interview question!
“I want to work for you because I saw the job advertised online, you seem like a good company to work for and it’s close to home!”
OK, so an answer like that is not going to get you any marks, and it will definitely hinder your chances of success. But, how should you answer it to get the highest scores possible?
3 Important Tips For Answering The Question, “WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK FOR US?”
TIP #1 for answering the interview question “WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK FOR US?” is to make sure you know something about their company. Research the company before your interview – it only takes 5 minutes to carry out effective research. Look at their website ABOUT US page, find out what products or services they sell, and follow them on social media so you can read their latest news stories.
TIP #2 for answering the interview question “WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK FOR US?” is to say that you plan to BUILD A LONG-TERM CAREER there. If you can convince an employer you want to work there for the long-term, and be a part of their future success, it means they will get more out of you, and they won’t have to readvertise the post for many years to come.
TIP #3 for answer the interview question “WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK FOR US?” is to say their COMPANY VALUES align with your own. When you research a company, you can often find out what their values are – values are the things that are most important to the company. If you are aware of their values, and they genuinely align with your own, the employer will see you as a good fit for their team.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK FOR US? EXAMPLE ANSWER
“I want to work for you because your company values align with my own. Your products and services are excellent, and you support your employees so they can reach their full potential. I also want to work for you because I have been impressed with your history and track record of success. I see this as a place where I can build a long-term career whilst working on exciting projects with talented and ambitious people who I can learn from.”
OTHER WAYS THIS QUESTION CAN BE ASKED
During your interview this question may be disguised slightly or dressed differently for a example, instead of ‘why do you want to work for us’ the interview panel may ask ‘why do you want this job’ or ‘what are you looking for in your next job.
Questions like “Why do you want this job?” and “What are you looking for in your next job?” are similar to “Why do you want to for us” because they all aim to understand your motivation and the reasons behind your job search. Despite being phrased differently, these questions essentially seek to uncover the same information from candidates. It’s important to note that although the questions are similar, they may require slightly different answers, so it is crucial to carefully listen to the specific question being asked during the interview. Simply repeating a prepared response without paying attention to the question at hand may not effectively address the interviewer’s concerns.
TYPICAL MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN ANSWERING THIS QUESTION
When answering the question “Why do you want to work for us?”, candidates often make some common mistakes. These include:
1. Providing generic answers: One frequent mistake is giving generic responses that could be applicable to any company. Instead of highlighting the unique qualities of the specific organization they are applying to, candidates may focus on general attributes that could describe any workplace.
2. Focusing on personal benefits rather than company contribution: Some candidates make the mistake of focusing too much on the personal benefits they could receive from the company, such as salary or perks, without adequately emphasizing how they can contribute to the company’s success. It is crucial to highlight the skills, experiences, or knowledge that they possess and how these qualities can be valuable to the organization.
3. Lack of research: Candidates may fail to thoroughly research the company before the interview, including its values, objectives, and even recent accomplishments. A lack of understanding about the company can give the impression that they are not genuinely interested in the organization or that they did not take the time to prepare adequately.
4. Failing to connect career goals with the company’s objectives: Candidates should avoid the mistake of not linking their own career goals and aspirations with the objectives and values of the company. By demonstrating how their professional goals align with the company’s mission and vision, candidates can present themselves as a strong fit for the organization.
5. Lack of enthusiasm and passion: Finally, candidates often fail to exhibit genuine enthusiasm and passion for the company and its work. This can be a significant mistake as employers look for individuals who are truly passionate about the industry and the organization’s mission. Showing a genuine interest and excitement about the company can go a long way in making a positive impression during the interview.
PREPARING YOUR RESPONSE
Preparing for the question, “Why do you want to work for us?” can seem daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Your interviewer is not expecting you to recite every industry award or deliver empty compliments. Instead, they want to understand your fit within the company and your genuine motivation for applying. To effectively prepare for this question, consider the following guidelines:
1. Reflect on your qualifications and the role: Take some time to analyze your skills, experiences, and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position. Consider how your background aligns with the requirements of the job. This will help you tailor your answer to showcase your suitability for the role.
2. Research the company: Familiarize yourself with the company’s values, culture, mission, and achievements. Look for information on their website, social media channels, and any recent news or publications. This will enable you to understand their strategy, commercial goals, and overall work environment.
3. Identify your motivations: Think about what motivated you to apply for the position in the first place. Consider the aspects of the job that genuinely interest you, such as the opportunity for growth, the company’s impact in the industry, or their commitment to a particular cause. Be honest in your self-reflection to demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for the role.
4. Connect your motivations to the company: Now, it’s essential to establish a clear link between your motivations and the specific company you are interviewing with. Highlight how the company’s values, culture, or previous achievements resonate with your own aspirations and professional goals. Show that you have done your research and genuinely believe the company is a great fit for you.
5. Showcase your long-term commitment: Employers want to hire candidates who are likely to stay with the company for the long term. Communicate your intention to grow with the company, contribute to its success, and develop a meaningful career within its structure. Emphasize your alignment with the company’s trajectory and reassure your interviewer of your dedication.
By following these steps to prepare, you will be equipped to provide a well-structured and compelling answer to the question, “Why do you want to work for us?”. Remember, it’s essential to be authentic, genuine, and reinforce your unique qualifications and motivations throughout your response.
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