Why would you like to work for us

The first thing you need to do to prepare for this question is to ask it yourself. What do they offer that makes working there enticing? Is it just the paycheck? Remember, every job is a stepping stone to your next position and a job that offers you nothing more than money can be just as big a roadblock as no job.

Speaking of your next position, look at your career goals. How does this company and this job align with your future plans? Is this job a stepping stone or a holding cell?

Does the position AND company align well with your personal brand? Personal Brand? Head over to our article Personal Branding for Job Seekers to learn how to build your brand now. If you get this job, is it one you really want?

Is it a job you can see yourself doing with enthusiasm? Is it a job that, when review time comes around, your supervisor can see that you are not only motivated , but a dedicated employee worthy of advancement and bonuses or are you like a prisoner…just marking time until you get out? Can you honestly answer why do you want this job? Once you answer those questions, ask yourself about the company overall.

Can you work for them in good conscience? Can you say that what they represent aligns with what you represent? Would you be proud putting that job on your resume or telling people you work for that corporation in casual conversation? What is it about the company that attracts you? What aspects appeal to you? Is it the job itself or is it something within the company? Is it their outreach? Their community service? Their role in the bigger global market picture?

Once you start answering these questions, you can then in turn, refine them down into easy to remember answers that will not only impress your interviewer, but help answer an otherwise stupid question!

When refining your answers in relation to the company, here a few key ideas to help spark your own answers:. I would love to grow my career at a company that is passionate about user experience and innovation. One of my friends works in your marketing department and she has praised this company for its excellent treatment of employees for years.

In addition, you have a great reputation for leadership in the industry. This is a company at which I would be honored to grow my career. Find jobs. Company reviews. Find salaries. Upload your resume. Sign in. Research the company website. Study the job description. Make a list of your favorite things about the job. Identify your core values. I already know that engaged employees produce better work, and that is evident in the most recent campaign you created.

I would love to join your innovative team, continue to create great work, and grow within the company by learning new skills. Explanation: Speaking to the reputation of the company is something that the hiring manager will love, as they are working hard to make their company a better place to work and getting recognized for their efforts is something they will like to hear.

It's important to take it a step further than just speaking to what's in it for the candidate. This response is excellent at then highlighting what the employee can bring — through experience and innovation — and continue to develop. I have a friend that works in the accounting department, and he told me that the culture here is top notch and that management supports continuing education and learning on the job while rewarding hard work.

Based on his assessment and encouragement, I think that I would fit in perfectly with the team here to make an immediate impact. Explanation: By already knowing somebody who works at the company, the candidate has an automatic leg up because they can speak to direct perks that their colleague referenced. By demonstrating that there is a built-in network, the hiring manager might be more likely to hire this person because they know the employee will be happy at their company.

As a natural innovator, this drew me to the position with your company because I know that I will thrive in a situation where innovation is at the forefront of everything we do. Explanation: For this candidate, the ability to innovate is one of their core values.

In a concise answer, they reveal that they are knowledgeable about the company and that this position suits their natural abilities. This organization is internationally known for the technology products you create, and my experience in technology and developing new products has me intrigued by this position.

I saw that last year you won multiple awards for the new processor you designed, and I would love to be on a team that is collaborative, hardworking, and resourceful. It could be beneficial to add in a small nod to what drew the candidate to this position. After finding out more information about your company from social media, I can clearly see how my goals align with the purposes of the company.

There's nothing I love more than when I am working with other engaged individuals towards a common goal, and that's what excited me about working here. My research has led me to four fundamental ways that my goals align with yours, and here they are. Explanation: This example calls out the alignment in values clearly and directly.

I first found your company several years ago, and I was inspired by the tone and style of your brand. You market yourselves to a millennial audience, which I can relate to. After following you and observing your job openings for several years while working my way up at a smaller marketing firm, I believe I am now ready to join your exceptional team, enhancing and driving forward a brand that is a natural extension of my own beliefs.

By demonstrating that the candidate already lives in the messaging and branding, it appears to be a no-brainer to bring them on as a representation of the brand and the team the company is building.

Before the recruiter called me about this opportunity, I must admit that I didn't know much about your company.