Why do you want to work here? It’s a common interview question, but also one that can be challenging to answer, especially when you try to wing it. Not preparing a solid response to this question is risky because it could make all the difference in whether a potential employer extends a job offer to you — or not.

Why is this interview question so important? Think of it from the employer’s perspective: The business wants to hire someone who believes strongly in the company’s mission and wants to make a positive impact on the organization and its clients or customers. Also, searching for a candidate who is a strong fit for the position and the company can be a costly and time-consuming process. So, hiring managers want to help their employer realize a good return on their investment.

When might you hear the “Why do you want to work here?” question? At any point in the job interview, really. However, you’re most likely to encounter it early in the meeting, when the interviewer may use it to set the tone for the conversation. It can also come up toward the end of the interview, as the hiring manager seeks to confirm your interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity now that you’ve learned more about it.

Examples of what not to say:

Exactly how you should respond to the question of “Why do you want to work here?” depends on the job and the organization — and, of course, you and how you want to express yourself. Knowing how to formulate a meaningful response to suit most any interview situation begins with understanding what employers probably don’t want to hear. Some examples include:

“Honestly, I just need a job and this one looked interesting.” This is a candid response, to be sure. But it does nothing to demonstrate a sincere interest in the role or company. Plus, the hiring manager might have concerns that you’d be quick to leave the firm for another opportunity you find more compelling.

“I’ve heard this company offers good pay and benefits.” Any company wants to be viewed as an employer of choice, and leading firms recognize that they must offer competitive compensation to hire top talent. That said, they don’t want to recruit people whose primary motivation to work for the business is money.

“I see this as a step to bigger and better things.” While no employer expects every worker to stay with the organization for the long term, a response like this one implies you’re more focused on the future than the now. It also suggests that you already have one foot out the door before you’ve even been hired.

Rolling out your response with a smooth lead-in

When you’re asked, “Why do you want to work here?”or “Why are you interested in this position?” in an actual interview situation, you want to deliver your prepared answer in a way that sounds polished but natural. Consider using one of the following lead-ins as the inspiration for crafting your tailored response:

“I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting/forward-thinking/fast-moving company/industry, and I feel I can do so by/with my … ”
“I feel my skills are particularly well-suited to this position because … ”
“I believe I have the type of knowledge to succeed in this role and at the company because … ”
“I’m excited about this job opportunity, as it would allow me to … ”

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