What should I write in why do you want to work here?

Beyond a Paycheck: Articulating Your “Why” You Want To Work Here

The question “Why do you want to work here?” is a job interview staple, and often feels like a simple formality. But in reality, it’s a crucial opportunity to demonstrate your genuine interest and show the hiring manager you’ve done your homework. A generic answer simply stating you need a job won’t cut it. This is your chance to connect with the company on a deeper level and showcase how your values align with theirs.

One powerful approach is to focus on specific aspects of the company that genuinely resonate with you. The provided snippet offers a solid foundation:

“Your company’s commitment to [mention a specific company value or initiative, e.g., sustainable practices, cutting-edge technology] deeply resonates with my professional goals. I’m drawn to your innovative culture and the opportunity to contribute my skills to a team demonstrably making a positive impact.”

Let’s unpack this and build upon it with more compelling explanations and practical examples:

1. The Power of Specificity:

The bracketed portion, “[mention a specific company value or initiative, e.g., sustainable practices, cutting-edge technology]”, is key. Don’t just say you admire their “company culture.” Dig deeper!

• Research is Paramount: Before the interview, thoroughly research the company’s website, social media, and recent news articles. Identify a specific value they champion or an initiative they’ve undertaken. Examples include:
  • Sustainable Practices: “Your commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030, detailed in your latest environmental report, deeply resonates with my own passion for environmentally responsible business practices.”
  • Cutting-Edge Technology: “I’ve been following your work in AI-powered customer service for some time. Your innovative approach to leveraging technology to improve customer experiences is incredibly exciting.”
  • Employee Development: “I was impressed to learn about your mentorship program through [mention a specific source]. The emphasis on fostering employee growth aligns perfectly with my desire for continuous learning and professional development.”
  • Community Engagement: “Your recent partnership with [local charity] to address food insecurity in the community truly speaks to your commitment to giving back, a value I deeply share.”

2. Connecting Values to Your Goals:

After identifying the specific value or initiative, explain why it resonates with you and how it aligns with your professional goals.

• Show, Don’t Tell: Don’t just state you’re “passionate” about something. Provide context. For example, instead of saying “I’m passionate about sustainability,” say, “Having volunteered with [environmental organization] for the past [number] years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the importance of sustainable practices in preserving our planet.”
• Personal Anecdotes: Briefly share relevant experiences that demonstrate your alignment with the company’s values. This helps the interviewer see you as a person, not just a resume.
• Future Contributions: Explain how you envision contributing to the company’s efforts in this specific area. “With my experience in [relevant skill/field], I believe I can contribute to your ongoing efforts in [specific initiative] by [mentioning a concrete action or idea].”

3. Highlighting the Culture and Impact:

The original snippet mentions “innovative culture” and “making a positive impact.” These are fantastic points, but need further fleshing out.

• Innovative Culture: Describe what “innovative culture” means to you. Is it fostering collaboration? Encouraging experimentation? Providing opportunities for continuous learning? Tailor your response to the company’s specific context.
• Positive Impact: Explain why contributing to a company making a positive impact is important to you. This could be related to ethical considerations, social responsibility, or simply a desire to use your skills for good.

Example of a Complete Answer:

“Your company’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2025, as detailed in your sustainability report, deeply resonates with my professional goals. Having volunteered with [Environmental Organization Name] for the past three years, working on [Specific Project], I’ve developed a strong understanding of sustainable practices and a passion for minimizing environmental impact. I’m also drawn to your innovative culture, particularly the emphasis on cross-departmental collaboration I’ve observed through your case studies. I believe my skills in [mention relevant skills] would allow me to contribute to your sustainability initiatives by assisting in the development and implementation of more efficient resource management strategies. Ultimately, the opportunity to work for a company that demonstrably prioritizes environmental responsibility and fosters a collaborative work environment is incredibly appealing.”

Key Takeaways:

• Be Authentic: Your response should reflect your genuine interests and values.
• Do Your Research: Thoroughly research the company and its values.
• Be Specific: Provide concrete examples and details.
• Connect the Dots: Clearly explain how your skills and goals align with the company’s.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse your answer so you can deliver it confidently and naturally.

By crafting a thoughtful and specific response, you can demonstrate your genuine interest and significantly increase your chances of landing the job. Remember, the hiring manager isn’t just looking for someone to fill a position; they’re looking for someone who believes in their company and is genuinely excited to contribute to its success.