“So, why do you want to work here?”
This is one of the most common questions applicants are asked during job interviews, and it almost never fails to trip people up. It may come in different forms such as “What drew you to this company?” or “Why are you interested in this organization?” In any case, you need to be ready for it when you sit down for an interview. You obviously don’t want to say that you need the job because you’re unemployed and broke, but you also don’t want to say that you think the job will get you started on your career path or that you’ve heard that the benefits are great. Not only are these very generic answers, but it shows that you don’t care that much about the organization. You might be great at your job, but employers want to hire someone who is passionate about their organization and what it stands for.
If you really want to impress an employer when they ask you why you want to work for them, answer them with a “connection story.” This is a personal story that shows how your values align with those of the company and that you will be dedicated to your job. A connection story could be about how you’ve been using the company’s products and services for years or how you’ve always appreciated what the company has done for the community. Such a story shows that you would care about the company as more than just an employer, which is often just as meaningful as your ability to perform your job duties.
Showing that you have a personal connection with a company and its values is important, but it won’t be the only reason you get hired. You still need to do plenty of research on your employer before an interview. Know exactly what the company stands for, how it has affected your life, and what makes it so appealing to you. Picture yourself working for the company. You should be able to imagine yourself enjoying your job and being proud of your position within the company. You should also be able to picture yourself staying there for years instead of a short period to pad your resume. All of this will help you be able to explain why you want to work for your prospective employer.