“Why do you want to work here?” How to answer interview questions.

Another favourite interview question; another stumbling block.

But what does the employer really want to know?

  1. Have you done your research about the company?
  2. Do you understand the role to which you have applied?
  3. How do your values align with the company?

If you have thrown your CV out to a load of jobs in the hope that by scattering wide, you will simply be able to take the first job offer that comes back, this question will probably catch you out.

It’s easy to see when someone has gone for the “scatter” job hunting approach.

They won’t have invested time finding out about the company because they frankly only want a job and don’t care which company offers it.

The interviewee may well not even have fully considered the role.

And values aligning – forget it.

So, this leads to the types of answers not to be recommended.

“Why do you want to work here?”

  • It is close to my house.
  • I need a job and this one came up when I looked on Indeed.
  • It fits with child-care / hours I want to work / my social life.
  • Um, I’m not sure. Can you repeat the question?
  • Ur, it looks good.
  • I thought the pay looked reasonable.
  • Someone I know said it might be worth a shot.

Or the good answer, bad bluff…

  • I really liked what I read on your website.

“Can you elaborate on that and tell us more?”

  • Er…. Um….. the colours and that made it stand out.
  • Well, no, not really. I just liked it.

How to answer interview questions well.

Someone who really wants to work for the company will have a strongly considered response because they have taken time to research.

They will be able to talk about what motivated them to apply to that specific company, that particular role.

They will have a good understanding of what the company stands for, their mission, their values – and the interviewee will “buy into it” and give examples how they “fit”.

You cannot blag this.

Which is why it is a favourite interview question.

Are you looking for a new role and want support finding your perfect fit?

Mapleleaf Vision has a range of career coaching options and professional CV writing services.

Message here to find out more.

#LiveDaringDreams

#1 big mistake job hunters make when looking for work.

Read more posts:

 
 

Let me tell you more.

Please enter a valid email address.

Professional

I first worked with Will whilst I was a junior member of a teaching team. I worked closely with him for around three years and he became a true mentor to me. During this time Will helped encourage me to discover my own leadership style and he mapped out what it takes to be successful. I highly recommend Will for life and career coaching.

Will is a professional, natural leader who manages to make you feel at ease. He manages to be both emphatic and encouraging, whilst also managing to challenge you to find your own answers. Will’s approach is totally non-judgmental and the sessions are really focused on you and on what you want to achieve. Working with Will has allowed me to address challenges I was facing and he brought a wealth of resources and practical tools to help me set goals, clarify my values, and explore avenues right away. Even though I left teaching 5 years ago, I still seek out Will for his help and guidance and I appreciate his versatility as a thought partner, ally, and coach. Our sessions are always productive and efficiently run, which is perfect for someone who is juggling many priorities! Will brings great communication, professionalism and quality to his work and I highly recommend him as a life/business coach.
- Jamie T (Leadership Coaching)

Highly recommended

I am so glad I found Mapleleaf Vision! Will has been super supportive and understood exactly what I needed to help me to redirect my focus. I now have fresh enthusiasm for what lies ahead.
- Greg M (Life Coaching)

Friendly

Will at Mapleleaf vision fitted me in for a last minute decision-making session that I needed to make ASAP re. a job offer / career change. He was friendly, professional, and really knew his stuff! He unpicked things that I could never have done on my own. I’m so grateful to him & will be highly recommending him to everyone! Where there is a ‘Will’, there’s a way! Thank you, Will. You truly have a gift.
- Cat K (Career Coaching)