28/10/2020 The best way to answer 'Why do you want this job?

'—plus 3 perfect examples

How a 32-year-old who makes $39,000 and This founder sold her business to Amazon and 2 week
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LAND THE JOB

The best way to answer ‘Why do you want to work

here?’—plus examples from 3 people who got the job
P u b l i s h e d Tu e, O c t 2 7 2 0 2 0 • 1 1 : 03 A M E DT U p d a te d Tu e, O c t 2 7 2 0 2 0 • 1 1 : 1 0 A M E DT

J.T. O’Donnell, Contributor

@ J TO D O N N E L L

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Alexandra Hraskova | Twenty20

Aside from “Tell me about yourself,” one of the most basic questions you’ll be
asked during any job interview is, “Why do you want to work here?”

This question can come in several different forms, such as:

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28/10/2020 The best way to answer 'Why do you want this job?'—plus 3 perfect examples

• “Why this company?”

• “What specifically drew you to this company, and why?”

• “Why are you interested in this company?”

As a career coach and hiring manager of 15 years, I’ve seen so many candidates
thrown off by this question and try to wing it.

Let’s start with what not to say:

• “I am ready to take on more responsibilities, and working at this company will

be a great stepping stone for my career.” This might sound like a good answer,
but it indicates that you just want a promotion. The manager will also be
concerned that you lack passion for the company and may be quick to leave
as soon as a “better” opportunity comes your way.

• “I’ve heard amazing things about your company, and the benefits are great!”
This is such a generic answer, and managers get turned off by it because it tells
them that your primary motivation is all about money and perks, rather than
an eagerness to add value to the company.

Answer with a ‘connection story’

I always tell candidates that this question isn’t so much about how much work
experience you have.

What managers really want to know is how knowledgeable you are about the
company — and that you really, really want to work there. One of the most
effective ways to show that is to give what I like to call a “connection story.”

This is a personal story that tells the hiring manager 1) your personal values are
aligned with the company’s values, and 2) the position will help you develop
meaningful qualities in both your professional and personal life (because it means
you’ll be more committed to your job).

Here are three examples that I helped my clients craft (and yes, they did get the
job!):

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28/10/2020 The best way to answer 'Why do you want this job?'—plus 3 perfect examples

• For a marketing associate position at a fashion retailer: “I’ve always admired

your commitment to giving back. When I read that you are working with your
manufacturing partners to product fabric masks in your own facilities for local
healthcare workers, I thought: That’s the kind of company I want to work for!
Giving back is a big part of my personal philosophy, and I was excited to see
that you feel the same way.”

• For an account manager position at a cruelty-free skincare company: “I’ve

been purchasing your products for years — I especially recommend your [X]
product to all my friends — so I was thrilled to see an open position that
perfectly matches my skills at your company. I believe the key to a brand’s
success is making the customers happy, and based on my experience, I can tell
that’s a top priority for you.”

• For a wealth advisor position at a financial services firm: “In my [X] years of
working in the finance industry, I’ve crossed paths with many of your current
employees. And I’ve always been impressed by how genuine, personable and
knowledgeable they are. I imagine that your clients feel their money is in good
hands. I want to work for a company that not only helps people better
understand their finances, but also gives a true feeling of safety and
community.”

What to do when preparing your answer

Your connection story will vary depending on your own values and what industry
you’re in, but the main goal should always be the same: To show that you
understand the company, and how you fit in.

The most important task is to do research on the company, and ask yourself:

• What are the company’s values? How will your interests and skills complement
the company’s organizational culture?

• What’s happening within the company and its industry? Has it recently
changes its product or service offerings?

• What qualities do you find most appealing about the company? How do they
fit in with your values and what you strive for, personally and professionally?
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28/10/2020 The best way to answer 'Why do you want this job?'—plus 3 perfect examples

• Do you know people who work at the company? Ask them what they love
about the company and why they enjoy working there. Oftentimes, the most
useful details can’t be found on the Internet, and it’s best to go to a real source
who has actual experience.

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Discover more on TikTok

J.T. O’Donnell is the founder and CEO of Work It Daily, an online platform
dedicated to helping people solve their biggest career problems. She has more

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28/10/2020 The best way to answer 'Why do you want this job?'—plus 3 perfect examples

than 15 years of experience in hiring, recruiting and career coaching. For more
career tips, follow her on TikTok @jtodonnell.
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