Another favourite interview question; another stumbling block.
But what does the employer really want to know?
- Have you done your research about the company?
- Do you understand the role to which you have applied?
- How do your values align with the company?
If you have thrown your CV out to a load of jobs in the hope that by scattering wide, you will simply be able to take the first job offer that comes back, this question will probably catch you out.
It’s easy to see when someone has gone for the “scatter” job hunting approach.
They won’t have invested time finding out about the company because they frankly only want a job and don’t care which company offers it.
The interviewee may well not even have fully considered the role.
And values aligning – forget it.
So, this leads to the types of answers not to be recommended.
“Why do you want to work here?”
- It is close to my house.
- I need a job and this one came up when I looked on Indeed.
- It fits with child-care / hours I want to work / my social life.
- Um, I’m not sure. Can you repeat the question?
- Ur, it looks good.
- I thought the pay looked reasonable.
- Someone I know said it might be worth a shot.
Or the good answer, bad bluff…
- I really liked what I read on your website.
“Can you elaborate on that and tell us more?”
- Er…. Um….. the colours and that made it stand out.
- Well, no, not really. I just liked it.
How to answer interview questions well.
Someone who really wants to work for the company will have a strongly considered response because they have taken time to research.
They will be able to talk about what motivated them to apply to that specific company, that particular role.
They will have a good understanding of what the company stands for, their mission, their values – and the interviewee will “buy into it” and give examples how they “fit”.
You cannot blag this.
Which is why it is a favourite interview question.
Are you looking for a new role and want support finding your perfect fit?
Mapleleaf Vision has a range of career coaching options and professional CV writing services.
Message here to find out more.
#LiveDaringDreams
