Smart ways to answer "Why do you want to work here?"
Does "Why do you want to work here?" make you a little sweaty? Beacon Hill is here to teach you how to best answer that question as well as other toughies!
Back to TopInterviews are stressful. First, even getting one can be difficult! And when you do get asked to interview, there's no time to breathe a sigh of relief.
You have to make sure you know your answers backward and forwards. You must mentally prepare to sit in a room with a stranger and be judged. And chances are that you might struggle with telling that stranger why they should choose you because it feels like bragging (and that's just not who you are).
Many emotions and worries are involved, and the stakes are high as you likely count on your role to provide for yourself and your chosen family. Even if you don't carry that weight, the risk may be that you simply don't get to do your dream job, and that alone can be devastating.
Beyond that, there's also always an earnest desire to bring your genuine self to the conversation, and nothing stands in the way of that quite like the question, "Why do you want to work here?"
Instead of leaning into sarcasm... "Because I need the money for food" or lying... "Because I have this insane passion for medical waste!" let's discuss some ways you can answer it realistically and still land the position.
The hardest questions to answer
Along with our headliner of, "Why do you want to work here?" these are some of the toughest questions to answer.
Tell me about yourself?
This one's too-open-ended nature tends to be trouble, but you must resist the urge to reiterate your resume. Instead, take the time to talk about your journey and interesting things you like to work on. This is an excellent opportunity to talk about fun work projects you've completed or are actively engaged with.
What are your weaknesses?
There are two typical routes ... "I have this weakness, but it's actually a strength" or a lie. Neither is a good play. Be honest, but follow up with how you are proactively working to improve and care about doing so. Employers are trying to gauge your personality, how self-aware you are and your drive with this question. Show off your best, even if it means exposing a bit of your worst (it's probably not as bad as you think it is, anyway).
What compensation are you hoping for?
Some employers list salaries in the job posting. If that's the case, say that you are comfortable with the range listed online but aim toward the higher side if you have the experience.
If the salary isn't disclosed, explain that salary isn't everything you do and that the package as a whole matters most. Note that you're flexible and would like to see the full offer if they think you're the right choice. Even if what they offer is lower than expected, it gives you the high ground for negotiation.
Why should we hire you?
Similar to "Why do you want to work here?" this one is slightly different and is really asks, "What's in it for us?" Be confident but not pompous. This is the time to shine a light on your best parts.
How do you handle conflict?
The best way to answer this is with a real situation you have dealt with. Anyone can say they handle it "well," but a real-world scenario shows you can.
How do you respond to criticism?
As with "How do you handle conflict?" you may opt to share a personal anecdote here and inject that you're always open to feedback (as long as you are open to it!)
The burning question, "Why do you want to work here?"
So what is the actual question here? It's a question with several dimensions. It's asking:
- Did you do your research? Do you know about our company, and do you have a good grasp of what this role entails?
- How do you see yourself fitting into the company and the role? What can you offer to this role? Does culture matter to you?
- What's something different you can bring to this role? Who are you, and what makes you different and valuable?
- What parts of our company do you care about most? Again, a play to see if you've done research or what areas may work for you in a long-term sense.
That's a lot to cover, but you can best answer it by showing how easily your skills align with their business. They want an informed, enthusiastic candidate; even if that enthusiasm is based on one or two aspects of the work, they will be doing.
Here are some examples of what that might look like ...
- I like working with [insert software name], and I know you use it as your primary point of sale (POS) system. I feel confident that I can step into the role and succeed.
- Your [insert specific employee program] inspires me because of [reasons x, y and z]. I want to work somewhere that has programs like that.
- Your company's [insert descriptor] process is unique. I like the way you handle [insert tasks] and I think I could do the same.
- Having accomplished [x, y and z] in my career, I think it's time for me to move forward by taking on a position a company that does [insert something unique] so I can build my skills further.
- I want to work alongside people like [insert name of note] because it would help me improve my [insert area and skill].
Please note that these are not to be used as carbon copy templates. Instead, your response should showcase what makes you a special hire. Remember, you get to choose them too!
Beyond that, we suggest that you try to remain positive. That can be hard when dealing with an extended job search, but it will put you in the best light, and don't you deserve to shine?
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Beacon Hill can be the advisor that helps you isolate your strengths and present the best you have to offer, even when you're being asked the tough questions. To find your recruiter match, simply apply for an open role and if we think you're a good fit for the job (or if we have something else that might interest you), we'll be in touch!
