Filling out job applications takes time and energy. And once you’ve gotten notified about an interview, formulating your responses to interview questions takes even more time and energy. Overall, the job search can be exhausting. One favorite question that employers love to ask is, “Why are you applying for this role?” Or they might phrase it like, “Why do you want to work for us?” Same question, different wording.
Your pre-interview prep & response to that question could be what sets you apart from the competition. So, let’s cover the best way to answer why you want to work for x company.
Why Do Employers Ask Why You Want to Work for Them?
Your potential employer wants to hire someone who truly cares about the role, job duties, and their company. They want to know that you are a dedicated and reliable professional who will show up and put their best foot forward.
In comparison, they do NOT want to hire someone who has little knowledge about their business and showed little effort to do research beforehand. In all reality, this question is asked to weed out candidates and prevent turnover.
How to Answer “Why are you applying for this role?”
The best answer to “Why are you applying for this job?” will depend on a few factors.
Internal Motives
First, you should consider your internal motives for applying. Yes, you need a job to make money and survive. But what makes you want to apply for x company in particular? Can you see yourself going to work there every day?
This also ties into what you are most passionate about. Perhaps you applied because you feel passionate about doing XYZ, and you know the company focuses its mission on XYZ.
Whatever the case, check your internal feelings and mindset first. The answer might surprise you.
Past Experience
Next, you should consider your relevant experience and how that fits with the applicable role. What former experience can you transfer over to the new company? Maybe you have achieved results performing the same tasks you’ll be assigned in your new role.
Also, consider your plans for future career advancement. Show the employer that you are ready to advance your career, and that will relay strong personal development and internal motivation qualities.
However, don’t make a career advancement the ONLY reason you applied to the job. The best answer is well-rounded.
Company Knowledge
It all goes back to your knowledge about the company and WHY you want to work for them. The best answer will demonstrate company knowledge and show that you diligently researched the organization.
Sure, you can apply for sales positions all day long at hundreds of companies. But what made you say, “Yes! I’ll apply to this company.” You should know enough information about the organization’s mission, values, culture, etc., to be able to fill in this blank.
“I applied to __ because __. Think of what inspired you, caught your attention, or hit a personal chord that caused a feeling of connection.
What You Noticed
The best answer to “Why do you want to work for us?” will usually involve something you noticed in the job posting. Talk about what caught your eye. Mention specific details on their website, social media, or job posting. Make the company feel like they are the center of attention.
Even use keywords they use. For example, you might notice the word “inclusive” on their social media, website, and job posting. Definitely mention how you “love their inclusive messaging” to strike a personal chord with the interviewer.
Sample Best Answer
Everyone’s answer will be different. There is no cookie-cutter response that will guarantee the job because there are so many factors at play during the interview.
But here is an example best answer to kickstart your creative thinking if you don’t know how to formulate your response.
“I’ve been working in __ for __, and it’s provided immense growth potential. I applied for this role because it felt like a great opportunity to ___. Your company __ also resonated with me. It’s something I feel __ about. I’d love to explore that __ at your company and use the skills gained from __ to further my career and __.”
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