The quality of the employer’s products, for example –

I have used your software products for many years, and always been very impressed with the
innovations and consistent concern for helping your customers learn how to use them effectively. With
the high quality of your products, marketing them almost feels like a public service. I would greatly enjoy
helping you to continue to innovate and to increase your market share.

The quality of the employer’s reputation as an employer, for example –

This company has a wonderful reputation as a great place to work. You place high value on your
employees and encourage them to learn, grow, and innovate inside the company. This means that
employees happily work here for many years, far beyond the average length with one employer. And,
according to your customers, the high quality of your products and services reflect your high employee
satisfaction, which is not surprising. This feels like a win-win-win for stockholders, employees, and
customers, and I would be very happy to join this organization.

The employer’s business reputation, for example –

This firm has the reputation of being one of the leading accounting firms in this state, with a list of
impressive customers as well as high customer satisfaction rates. Your partners are frequent speakers at
national conferences, advocating strong security measures to protect financial transactions and
information. These are signs that this firm is a leader, not a follower. With my background in
cybersecurity, I’m very interested in applying the newest technology plus common sense practices to
keep this sensitive information as safe as possible.

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How To Respond To The Question ‘Why Do You Want To Work Here?’

Elena BajicContributor
Careers

Founder and CEO of Ivy Exec.

A candidate at a job interview shakes hands with the hiring manager.

GETTY

One question you can expect to encounter during almost every job interview is: Why do you want to
work here? Even though the question seems simple, it can be a make or break and determine the final
outcome of your interview. With a little forethought, your answer will help establish your credibility,
convince a hiring manager to like you, and prove your value to an organization. Here’s how to capitalize
on this moment.

Understanding Motive

Every behavior starts with motivation; once you understand what motivates someone, you can leverage
that information to influence their opinion of you. So what does an interviewer hope to achieve by
asking, “Why do you want to work here?”

Here’s what they want to see in your response:

Enthusiasm about the position and company. This is probably the most important motivation for asking
the question—the interviewer wants to see a genuine emotional connection.

Values that align with the organization’s culture.

Evidence that you’ve researched the company and understand their purpose.

Authenticity and substance—you want to avoid vague answers, like “I want to be challenged and grow
professionally.”

The ideal answer will address all these points and reinforce the idea that you’re uniquely qualified for
the position. Although it might seem counterintuitive, interview questions are almost never about you
as an individual—they’re about what you can do for the employer. So at every opportunity, try to frame
your responses to highlight your capabilities.

Interview questions are almost never about you as an individual—they’re about what you can do for the
employer.
How to Create a Response That’s Tailored to Your Situation

There isn’t a “one size fits all” answer to this question that will convince an interviewer to hire you. But
there are a few strategies you can employ to help you prepare a response that fits your circumstances.

Positive work culture observed during a job interview

GETTY

Focus on the cultural fit.

Think about what you’ve observed so far about the office atmosphere. During your interactions with
other employees at the office, did you pick up on any cues? Is the office pin-drop quiet, or have you
heard co-workers collaborating and talking freely?

What have you learned so far about the company policies that shed light on their culture—for example,
do they have a charity task force? A flat organization that encourages everyone to contribute ideas and
limits bureaucracy?

Point to these qualities in your response to make the interview feel personal.

Sample response:

“In my limited time at the office, I can already tell this is the type of environment where I would thrive.
When you talked about the company fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, that really resonated with me—
I’m looking for opportunities where I can take ownership over my work and exercise more autonomy.
It’s important for me to partner with a company that encourages innovation and doesn’t get tied up in
red tape.

I also spent a few minutes in the lobby waiting to meet with you and noticed a lot of energy in the office
—people were collaborating with each other at different workstations, co-workers seemed busy and
upbeat. I think this reflects on the company’s egalitarian values. I really like the idea of having people
contributing ideas at every level.”

Highlight a company’s reputation as an employer.

Learn about the company’s reputation within the industry. If you talk to current staff about the training
they’ve received during their employment, for example, you could reference this during the interview.

Sample response:

“I was initially drawn to this position because I’ve heard so much positive feedback about the internal
training programs. I’ve spoken to people who work with [Company Name], and I’ve always been
impressed with their level of expertise.

Last year at the SIAM Conference, for example, a panelist from [Company Name] presented on artificial
intelligence and its impact on the biotech industry. This hour-long panel changed how I think about
actuarial statistics and harnessing data to improve intake operations.

I’m excited to have an opportunity to work for a company that provides the kind of stimulating learning
environment that generates innovation and professional development.”

Talk about your interactions with the organization’s product or service.

What products or services does the employer offer? If you aren’t already a customer, sign up for a trial
period or test out an item from their inventory. If you enjoy the experience, consider incorporating that
feedback into your interview responses—this could be a useful jumping-off point for explaining why you
want to work with the company, and the hiring manager will be impressed by your initiative.

Sample response:

“When I heard about [Company Name]’s new mobile app, I had to try it out for myself. I was
immediately impressed with the intuitive UI design and seamless navigation, and I connected with the
company vision: to build a password manager that helps people keep their information safe.

As a Director of Product, I can make this app even more effective by improving the functionality
between devices. With a better syncing process and data field recognition, [Company Name] can
enhance the user experience and increase the number of downloads.
I developed similar features for [Previous Employer], which led to a 28% boost in user engagement. I
love this product, and I’m looking forward to working together to make it even better.”

Position your candidacy within the context of an organization’s objectives.

Review the employer’s online presence, including their website, social media pages, and news coverage.
Look for new product launches and any indication of the company’s plans for future growth. If any of
these initiatives seem relevant to your area of expertise, raise the issue during the interview and explain
how you will support those objectives.

As with all the other responses, you also want to establish an emotional connection—don’t hold back
from expressing how much you’ve enjoyed learning about the company.

Sample response:

“I see this as an opportunity for me to leverage my 8 years of management experience to develop a new
vertical from the ground up. I’m highly organized, and one of my priorities moving into this position will
be to establish operational procedures that set clear expectations for my team and facilitate
productivity.

At my previous position, I increased our product supply by 35% in just one year; I’m excited to apply the
same strategic thinking and project management skills to this directorship role. I’ve always had an
entrepreneurial mindset, and that’s why I’m drawn to this position and want to work with [Company
Name]: I’m thrilled by the idea of launching a new department, and I know I have a lot to contribute.

It seems like [Company Name] offers a unique environment for me to expand my professional skills, and
I love taking on a new challenge to make something great even better.”

Putting It All Together: Final Takeaways

Job interview

GETTY

Be specific.
Hiring managers like to see that a candidate has spent time researching the company and preparing for
an interview. This shows that you’re invested in the position and have already identified concrete ways
that you can contribute to an organization.

During the interview, don’t read your responses off the page, but instead focus on key talking points.
You want your answers to be organized and intentional but unscripted. Feel free to reference notes if
that will make you more comfortable, but look up to meet the interviewer’s gaze and try not to look too
stiff.

Steer the conversation toward a shared future.

Spend an equal amount of time talking and listening for the duration of the interview, and incorporate
the information you learn into your responses. As you set the scene, keep the tone positive; spend as
little time as possible discussing what you don’t like about your current or previous role.

You don’t want to project negativity or resentment, because this can seem like a red flag. If an employer
asks a follow-up question about what prompted you to look for another job, try to frame your answer so
that it reinforces what you like about the interviewer and their company.

In a similar vein, you also want to avoid making your response too personal. There might be
circumstances in your personal life that make it imperative for you to find a new job—for example, an
expected layoff or income gap. No matter how pressing, don’t discuss these problems with a potential
employer.

If you respect the professional boundaries of a job interview, employers will be more interested in
working with you.

Don’t talk about the compensation.

What goes unsaid is just as important as the information you relay to a potential employer. When an
interviewer asks why you want to work with them, don’t discuss the compensation or benefits package.
Although these are obvious motivating factors, this response doesn’t explain why you’re the best fit for
the company.
Every interaction with a potential employer should set the stage for an offer. Until you receive a formal
offer, focus on convincing the hiring manager you’re the best candidate for the position. By following
this approach, you’ll generate more leverage for a salary negotiation down the line.

Be honest and focus on the real, human connection you have with the interviewer.

Show them your personality.

Choose one of these approaches that truly reflects how you feel about an opportunity. Your response
needs to be warm and unreserved. Even though you might be nervous during the job interview, don’t
fall into the trap of sounding too rehearsed or emotionally removed.

Answering this question doesn’t have to be about what differentiates you from other candidates based
on skill—it’s about showing the interviewer what matters to you. If you answer this question effectively,
it will help to make the experience positive and memorable.

At the end of the day, your response to this question should speak to what resonates with you about the
employer. Be honest and focus on the real, human connection you have with the interviewer.

Get the best of Forbes to your inbox with the latest insights from experts across the globe.

Follow me on Twitter. Check out my website.

Elena Bajic

I am the founder and CEO of IvyExec.com, a curated career community of the world’s most successful
executives and professionals. We connect leading companies, employers…Read More

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10+ Best Answers for Why Do You Want to Work Here?

September 15 9

Answers for Why Do You Want to Work Here?

In the search for a position, every job seeker will be faced with a question that may be seemingly
obvious. A question that does not seem even to warrant an answer. When hiring managers ask you,
“Why do you want to work here?”

They are trying to determine if you would fit in at the company and if you would add value to their
existing team.

An engaged employee that is aligned with the company’s mission and values will be more productive
and stay at the company longer. The hiring manager is trying to find out if that person is you.

You might be panicking, wondering how to answer, “Why do you want to work here?” You never want
to answer this question with a blunt and thoughtless response like, “Well, the pay is good, and I need a
job.”

While this may be true, you aren’t giving yourself much of a chance.

You need to prove that you’ve done the research on the company, that your core values match the
objectives of the company, and that you will enjoy working there.

The hiring manager won’t want to hire someone who is only in it for the paycheck.
It’s critical that you take the time before the interview to learn everything you can about the company.

Visit their website and read the “About Us” section, check out their social media accounts to get a sense
of their culture, and search for press or articles about innovative things the company might be doing.

If you don’t find anything that sparks your imagination and drives your desire to work there, this may
not be the right company for you.

When crafting your response, you will want it to be customized to the company you are interviewing
with. Hiring managers do not appreciate a generic answer like, “This is a great place to work and I would
love to be on the team.”

This doesn’t say anything about the impact the candidate could have on the company and what they
bring to the table.

Instead, design a response that demonstrates how your personal goals are in line with the values of the
organization.

For example, if the company values community service, talk about your volunteer work and how you
want to be a part of a team that is doing good in the community. Always tie your response back to your
experience.

If you’re finding it difficult to draft your response, we’ve crafted some sample answers that can inspire
your own reaction. Take your time to understand what is truly important to you and only interview at
organizations that reflect those values.

Ebook why work here

>>> Download our 2020 Free Job-Search eBook Guide <<<

Examples to help you craft your response to this common interview question:
Answer 1:

I firmly believe in taking a collaborative approach to each project so when I saw a position with your
company to join the production team I knew I had to apply. I’ve seen your work in theatrical production,
and your behind-the-scenes video really inspired me because I saw the teamwork in action. I love
working with a team to achieve a common goal, and I know my background in production has prepared
me for this role. I look forward to becoming a valued contributor to this phenomenal team.

Explanation: This response delivers everything, gift-wrapped and tied with a bow, to the hiring manager.
It demonstrates the candidate’s knowledge of the company because they are aware of their projects
and even viewed a video of their work. The candidate then relates it to their personal values and
previous experience to drive home the point that there is no better person for the team.

Answer 2:

I read an article a few months back on the outreach your company does within the community. Giving
back and volunteering is a significant part of my own personal values, and I remember feeling excited
that a company values the community as much as I do. That excitement grew when I saw there was a
job opening in my field here. I would really love coming to work each day, knowing that I am helping to
make a difference in the community through my work here.

Explanation: By responding with the values that are important and demonstrating how those align with
the company, this candidate is showing that they would be delighted and fulfilled working at this
company. In turn, the candidate will likely be more engaged and remain at the organization long-term.
The hiring manager will love to hear responses like this.

Answer 3:

I have used your software for many years and am consistently impressed with the innovation and
developments made in the space. I also appreciate your dedication to education, providing your
customers with free demos to learn how to use your products effectively. I would love to be a part of
this innovative team and use my skills to continue the groundbreaking work you are doing here.

Explanation: The candidate directly refers to the quality of the company’s products here, which is
flattering for the hiring manager to hear. As a user of the products, this candidate demonstrates that
they are already knowledgeable about what the company does, and how much they want to be a part of
the team.

Answer 4:
I’ve seen your company consistently listed as one of the top places to work. I’ve read employee
testimonials and heard of your enthusiasm for encouraging employee growth through education,
training, and vast resources. 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.

Answer 5:

I’ve heard of your reputation in the industry, and I would be proud to work for a company with such an
excellent track record and a strong example of leadership in the industry. 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.

Answer 6:

I saw an article about your new CEO John Smith and the company’s renewed investment in innovation.
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.

Answer 7:
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.

Explanation: This response ties together the company, the role, and the candidate’s values all in one.
Sometimes, when the hiring manager asks, “Why do you want to work here?” they are looking for two
answers, why do you like our company and why do you like this position. It could be beneficial to add in
a small nod to what drew the candidate to this position.

Answer 8:

It’s simple, I read your company’s mission and vision. 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. By saying the exact ways
that the candidate’s mission matches the company’s mission, the hiring manager will recognize that this
person did their homework and is excellent for further developing and upholding the values of the
organization.

Answer 9:

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.

Explanation: This example ties together the candidate’s and the company’s values seamlessly. 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.

Answer 10:

Before the recruiter called me about this opportunity, I must admit that I didn’t know much about your
company. I’ve been doing some research in preparation for this discussion, and I need to say that I’m
impressed by your work and your vision for the future. I’m genuinely interested in getting more involved
in the technological side of marketing, and I read that you are growing in that area. As an experienced
marketer with an emphasis in technology, I know I can bring a lot of value to the team.

Explanation: Honesty is always appreciated by the hiring manager, and it’s okay to admit if the candidate
had no knowledge of the company before they applied. However, that statement should always be
backed up by the research the candidate did and what they found intriguing about the company. They
still need to demonstrate that they want to work at the company and explain why.

Conclusion

If you want to make sure you’re definitely ready for the interview, check out our complete list of 35+
common interview questions and answers to help you prepare even more.

There are different ways to respond when a hiring manager asks you, “Why do you want to work here?”

The most important thing is to be authentic. Only pinpoint specific values or information that relates to
what you believe.

If you can’t find a way to answer the question, the company may not be right for you.

Always remember to show that you’ve done your homework and tie in the company values to your own
values and this interview question will never trip you up.

Happy interviewing!

Suggested Reading:

43+ Resume Tips and Tricks to Land Your Next Job in 2020

Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews [2020 Best Answers]

How to Write an ATS Resume [8+ Templates Included]

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How to Answer, ‘Why Do You Want to Work Here?’

By Robert Half on June 2, 2020 at 11:00am

How to Answer, ‘Why Do You Want to Work Here?’

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.

Be on the lookout for other forms of the question, such as, “Why do you want to work with us?” and
“Why are you interested in this position?” Combined, these are among the questions most commonly
asked when you interview for jobs.
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.

A more thoughtful approach to explaining why you want the position

One of the keys to coming up with a compelling answer to “Why do you want to work here?” is to flip
the question, like this: “Why would this company want to hire me?” In other words, think more about
what you have to offer, and how you could make an impact than why getting the job would benefit you.
Here are a few things to consider as you develop your response:

How can you help the company succeed? Read up on what’s happening with the company and its
industry. Has it recently changed its product or service offerings? What competitive pressures is it
facing? Consider this landscape and think, “What knowledge and experience do I have that would be
especially useful to this employer right now?”

What past career successes could you potentially repeat at this company? In previous jobs, how did you
meet or exceed your employers’ expectations? What problems did you play a major role in solving?
What ideas did you introduce that helped the company save money or otherwise boost its bottom line?
What lessons have you learned that you could apply in the future to create value for the potential
employer?
How will you complement the company’s culture? A candidate’s ability to fit within the organizational
culture is an important hiring factor for many employers. So, do your homework on the company’s
culture and identify what you find most appealing about it. For instance, if the firm encourages
entrepreneurial thinking and that’s important to you, include that in your response.

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 … ”

When faced with the question “Why do you want to work here?” (or other challenging ones like “Tell me
about yourself” and “What are your greatest weaknesses?”), some job seekers freeze up because they
worry that they’ll say the wrong thing. But if you anticipate the question and take time to prepare an
answer before the interview, you’ll avoid feeling flummoxed — and your chances of hitting the mark
with a winning answer will rise.

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Interview Question: “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

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BY ALISON DOYLE

Updated October 18, 2019

Why do you want the job you’re interviewing for? What do you have to offer the company? Interviewers
almost always ask why you want to work at their company. “Why do you want to work here?” is one of
the most frequently asked interview questions. Saying that the job sounds great or the company is
wonderful isn’t enough.

What the Interviewer Really Wants to Know

The interviewer wants a real, substantive answer to the question of why you want to work at their
company. Though it seems like an easy interview question to answer, many interviewers will ask, “Why
do you want to work here?” or “Why would you like to work at our company?” in order to gauge your
level of interest and to see if you have bothered to research the company in order to learn about it.
When interviewing prospective employees, interviewers are eager to determine which candidates really
want the job and will invest genuine effort in bettering the company, as opposed to who just wants a
job, any job, regardless of what the position entails.

How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

The best way to answer this question is to be prepared and knowledgeable about the company. Your
answer will show that you will fit in well with the company culture and mission, and that the job itself is
relevant to your skills and interests.

Spend some time researching the company. The “About Us” section of the employer’s website is a good
place to start.

You can read about the goals of the company on its website and see if the goals of the company are
compatible with your personal goals. If you research the company, you can talk about the mutual
benefits of employment with this company and better answer this question when the interviewer asks.

Essential Tips for Answering: Why Do You Want to Work Here?

Examples of the Best Answers

You should be able to answer the interviewer in a way that makes your interviewer feel as if you know
enough about the company to know that you would like to work there, given your own personal career
goals. Answer the interviewer directly and confidently since how you answer is just as important as what
you say.

Below are some examples of answers that may help you frame what you’re going to say.

This company is internationally known for its healthcare products and my experience in the marketing of
healthcare products has me intrigued by the opportunity this position presents.

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Why It Works: This answer shows the interviewer that you have researched what the company does and
what it is renowned for. It also shows the interviewer that your career goals and skill set are a good fit
for the company.
Your business is known for making a commitment to bettering the community. I would love the
opportunity to use my 10 years of experience in advertising to better this community along with you.

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Why It Works: Interviewers want to know that a job candidate is genuinely interested in enhancing the
community. This answer indicates that you would use your job skills in this way as well as for improving
the company’s bottom line.

Not only are you a leader in the industry, with strong financials and a great business model, but I’ve also
seen on your Facebook page and Twitter account that users of your product are hugely enthusiastic. In
fact, I’m a product user myself and am eager to be a part of the product’s development and distribution.

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Why It Works: You’ve gone above and beyond in researching this company. Not only have you looked at
their annual report since you have looked at their business model and financials, but you have also
followed them on social media. You’ve even used their product. You’re interested in helping them
develop that product. The interviewer would look very favorably on this answer.

Your company’s reputation is stellar. Former colleagues of mine work here, and I’ve seen how much
they value the company’s willingness to let employees pitch big ideas and have an active leadership role
in new initiatives.

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Why It Works: The interviewer will be pleased that you have talked with others who work at the
company in order to determine if you will fit in with the company culture.

I know that your company is currently working to expand its international market. Having worked in
global sales for the past five years, I am sure that I can help this company achieve its goals.

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Why It Works: You have researched the company’s future plans and determined your job skills fit with
their goals for the future.
Tips for Giving the Best Answer

Research the Company. You can’t research the company enough for this interview question. Look at
their website, order their annual report, and follow them on social media. Gather as much information
as you can. Be as knowledgeable and prepared about the company as possible.

Tie Your Job Skills to the Company. Based on your company research, tie your own job skills to the
company and how you can help them in the position for which you are applying.

Be straight forward. Even though you want to tie your job skills to the company culture and mission,
don’t exaggerate.

Be brief. Be brief when commenting on what the company does. You don’t want to make an error in
your interview.

Practice and Prepare. Prepare an answer prior to your interview and practice that answer.

What Not to Say

Don’t Focus on Company Perks. Don’t just focus on the company’s benefits and perks. Maybe their
health insurance is good, or they give lots of sick leave. Don’t talk about any of those things.

Don’t Talk About Salary. Don’t talk about salary unless the interviewer brings it up.

Don’t Get Personal. Don’t start any personal conversation with the interviewer.

Possible Follow-Up Questions

Why should we hire you? Best Answers

What are your strengths? Best Answers

What do you hope to accomplish here? Best Answers

Key Takeaways

Extensively research the company and its culture.

Tie your job skills to the position you are interviewing for and the company’s goals.

Show your professionalism.

Practice and prepare an answer in advance.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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What the Interviewer Wants to Know

How to Answer the Question

Examples of the Best Answers

Tips for Giving the Best Answer

What Not to Say

Possible Follow-Up Questions

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motivates you?”

100+ Job Interview Questions and Example Answers

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