In a job application or selection assessment it is not only about whether the company wants you, but also about why you want the company. That is why the question ‘why do you want to work here’ is one that you can expect as standard during a job interview. Since the question is asked so often, recruiters and assessors have already heard many answers. How do you give a correct answer to this question and make sure your motivation comes across well? Below are some standard guidelines.
Know why the question is asked.
An organization would like to see people consciously choose to come and work for them. They would like to hear other reasons than: it is ten minutes by bike from my house. This is a nice side effect, but please don’t give this as the main reason. In addition, this question is used to test whether you have prepared yourself well for the interview by conducting a preliminary investigation into the company.
Look at both the strengths and weaknesses of the company.
When you are busy with your preliminary investigation, do not just look at the things that you love about the company. Be sure to ask yourself questions such as; “Why is this company unique?”, “Where are the opportunities for improvement?”, and “How can you help with this?”. This way you indicate that you really have something to offer the company. Preliminary research is also useful to find some sharp questions for the interviewer. Therefore, certainly during the interview, inquire about things that remained unclear to you during the preliminary investigation.
Emphasize the click.
The question “Why do you want to work here?”, is the perfect opportunity to show that you are the right candidate for the company. During this question, try to go into the aspects of the company that you can relate with. For example, you can have a strong click with the type of service or product that the company provides, but also with the company culture, or perhaps the size of the company is something that really appeals to you. In addition, you can mention how it matches your career objectives or your interest in the industry in which the company operates. Grab the aspects of the company that attract you and that make you enthusiastic. This enthusiasm will work to your advantage during such a conversation.
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