How to answer "Why do you want to work here?"
Interviewers ask "why do you want to work here" to test whether you did your homework and whether your reasons will survive a hard month. A good answer names one specific thing about the company, links it to something you have done, and says what you want to contribute. Generic praise is the most common way to lose points.
At a glance
- Aim for 60 to 90 seconds.
- Use three parts: what attracts you, what you bring, what you want next.
- Be specific. If the answer fits any company, it is too vague.
- Never lead with pay, commute or "the brand name".
- Research for 30 minutes before the interview.
What is the interviewer really asking?
Three things: Do you understand what we do? Does your background fit? Will you stay and perform? The answer should cover all three without saying so.
The three-part formula for why you want to work here
- Attraction. One concrete thing about the company or role: a product, a customer group, a way of working, a problem they are solving.
- Fit. One example from your own experience that connects to it.
- Contribution. What you want to learn or deliver in the first year.
Weak versus strong
Weak: "You are a leader in your industry and I think it would be a great place to grow."
Strong: "Your job post says this team supports small clinics, and I spent two years helping a four-person clinic move its scheduling online. What I liked was seeing a front-desk team get hours back every week. I would like to do that for many more clinics, and I am keen to learn how you handle onboarding at scale."
The strong version works because the details are checkable and personal. Replace the example with your own. If you do not have a real one, say what you have done that is closest.
How to research in 30 minutes
| Minutes | Do this | Take away |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Read the job post twice and the company's "about" and product pages | The problem they solve and who they serve |
| 10 | Search the company's recent news, blog or announcements | One recent development you can mention |
| 5 | Read the interviewer's public professional profile if you know their name | A shared interest or career path |
| 5 | Write your three parts as bullet points | A short, personal answer |
Mistakes to avoid
- Reciting the company's own marketing back to them.
- Saying you want the job because it pays more, or because you need to leave your current employer.
- Flattering without evidence ("best company in the world").
- Mentioning that you are applying everywhere.
What if I am applying because I need a job?
That is honest and common. Lead with the part of the work that genuinely interests you. You do not need to pretend to be passionate about every employer, only to name real reasons.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mention the salary or benefits? Not as the main reason. You can say the role's scope or growth path matches what you are looking for.
What if I know little about the company? Say what you do know, then ask a question. "I understand you focus on X; I would like to hear how the team approaches Y."
Is the answer different for a big company? The structure is the same. Point to a specific team, product or program rather than the whole company.
Next step
Practise it aloud, then prepare questions to ask the interviewer and your self-introduction.
This page is general career information.