Why Do You Want To Work At This Company?

One of the most common questions at a job interview and one that is asked nearly every time is the classic Why do you want to work at this company?

At first glance, it’s a very straightforward question isn’t it? Surely you just simply state the reasons why you applied for the job in the first place, don’t you?

Change the perspective

It’s actually not as straightforward as that. Like most interview questions, whilst it seems a reasonably simple question on the surface, it’s actually a little bit more complex and is two questions in one, namely:

• Why do you want to work at this company?
• Why do you want this particular job at this company?

The vast majority of candidates will only answer one of these. This means you have an opportunity to really differentiate from your competitor toes by not just answering the two parts, but by taking it further and adding a third dimension.

The Three Part Answer To The Question

Firstly, you need to answer in the broad sense and talk about why you want to work at this company in particular. This is a great way to show what research you have done about the company and its markets.

You might choose to say things like:

•  You are impressed with their position in the market
• The way they are taking market share from their competitors
• Their reputation as a great employer

Secondly, you need to talk about why you want this particular job at the company.

• You need to have a good knowledge of the job description
• Discuss how you think you and your skills match up to the particular ones required by the role
• Give examples of how in the past you have shown these qualities.

Having an in-depth knowledge of the job through its job description once again shows you have done your homework and are a candidate to be taken seriously.

Thirdly, and this will almost certainly differentiate you from all of your competitors is to talk about what added value you can bring to the company.

Talk about why you want to work at this company because you have particular skills and qualities that can help drive the business forward. Check out their website, annual report and other publications and pick out examples of how you, your qualities and skills can help the business achieve their strategic aims.

Use our three part method of answering the question Why do you want to work at this company? and you’ll differentiate yourself from the competition and take you one step closer to getting the job.