28.02.2022
HOW TO ANSWER ONE OF THE MOST EMBARRASSING QUESTIONS OF A JOB INTERVIEW?
"Why do you want to work with us?"
This is one of the most frequently asked questions during a job interview and nevertheless confuses job applicants the most.
Your answer to this question helps the interviewer decide if you really want the job or if it is just one of the hundreds for which you have submitted your CV.
"What the interviewers expect when they ask this question is in-depth thinking and a serious approach from the job applicant," Jeff Hyman, chief executive of Recruit Rockstars, told CNBC. Hyman has interviewed more than 30,000 people in his 25-year career.
He and career coach Emily Liu share their best tips on how to answer this question and impress the interviewer.
Details, details, details
Before the interview, research the company by reading recent news about it, social media posts, employee reviews, and the "mission and values" section of its website.
"You really stand out as a candidate when you show that you've put in the extra effort and not just looked at the company's front page," Liu said.
"If you're interviewing for a job at Apple, for example, and you tell the interviewer that you want to work there because the company makes cool computers, you won't get a job offer because a lot of other candidates say exactly the same thing," she explains.
Choose two or three details: This could be the company's mission, its business strategy, or the ability to work with a specific employee, and build your response based on that, Hyman advises.
Find a personal connection
It is also important that your answer is honest and personal to show how much time and effort you put into preparing for the interview, which will make you stand out from the competition.
"One of the best actions you can take as a job candidate is to share what specifically attracted you to this organization," says Liu. "You can say 'I like the reputation your company has built around offering a great work-life balance' or how you help the community through (examples). These are values that matter to me."
Focus on the effect
Finally, complete your answer by describing the immediate effect you hope to have on the team.
"When a company interviews job applicants, it has a problem that needs to be addressed, whether it's increasing revenue, launching a new product or something else," says Hyman.
When the interviewer asks “Why do you want to work here?”, This is a great opportunity for you to demonstrate that you are not only enthusiastic about the company's mission and the opportunities it offers, but also see an opportunity to help solve a problem and have a real effect,” explains Hyman.
After all, companies are looking for people who understand their mission and are truly committed to their work. "A lot of people miss the opportunity to really connect with the interviewer," says Liu. "When you manage to do that, you become the person they will hire."
