How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”
- Alexis McDonell
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
One of the trickiest questions you can get in a job interview is deceptively simple: “Why do you want to work here?” It seems straightforward, but it’s actually a test of your preparation, self-awareness, and ability to articulate why you’re a great fit. Just like the equally tricky “Tell me about yourself,” it drops you into a blank space — no context, no clues, and no real prompt. But that doesn’t mean you can wing it.
Why This Question Matters More Than You Think
When hiring managers ask this, they’re not fishing for flattery. They’re trying to figure out if you’ve done your homework, if you actually understand what they’re doing—and if you can see yourself contributing in a way that makes sense for them.
A Framework That Works
If you want to impress your interviewer and leave them feeling confident in your candidacy, you need to answer this question thoughtfully. Here's how you can structure your response to hit all the right notes.
Connect to the company’s mission, product, or values. Employers want to know you’re excited about what they do and why it matters to you. But don’t just flatter them. Focus on why their mission or product genuinely resonates with your personal values or professional goals.
Explain what excites you about the role itself. You’ve read the job description, right? Then explain what aspects of the role you’re most excited about. Whether it’s the scope of responsibility or the specific type of work, make sure you can clearly connect the role to your skills and experiences.
Show you can contribute. This is where you highlight how your background and experience make you the right person for the job.
What to Avoid
Here are a few common missteps we see in coaching sessions at InterRoom:
Being too generic: “I love your mission” or “You seem like a great place to work” doesn’t say much. Get specific.
Listing perks: Save mentions of culture, flexibility, or benefits for later. Right now, it’s about the work.
Overdoing it: Excessive praise can feel disingenuous. You’re not writing a fan letter—you’re making a fit case.
Centering yourself too much: Make sure the company is in focus, not just your goals or your need for a new role.
Before your next interview, take the time to say your answer out loud — not just in your head. The goal isn’t just to explain why you want the job; it’s to show why you’re the one they’ve been looking for. When you can articulate your enthusiasm with clarity and confidence, you’ll leave them thinking, “We need this person on our team.”
Need help getting there? At InterRoom, we specialize in interview prep, including crafting and practicing answers that actually land.