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

Just like “Where do you see yourself in five years?” and “Tell me about yourself” “Why do you want to work here?” is a common interview question. It is designed to uncover your motivations for applying for a particular role. While it may seem straightforward, it can be surprisingly difficult to answer well. Employers ask it to understand whether you’ve researched the organisation, how genuinely interested you are in the position and whether your values align with theirs.

How you answer this question can significantly influence your chances of securing your dream role.

So, why do employers ask this question, and how can you respond with confidence and purpose?

Why do employers ask “Why do you want to work here?”

Employers ask this question to determine whether you are genuinely motivated to work for their organisation — not just applying for any job you can find. They want to see that you’ve taken the time to understand their mission and values, and that you have thought about how your skills and career goals align with the requirements of the role. It also helps them assess if you would be a strong cultural fit and a potential long-term team member.

How to answer this question

Research the company and role

Employers often use this question to test how well you’ve researched their organisation. Thorough preparation shows genuine interest and professionalism. Carefully read the job description and note how the duties align with your strengths and long-term development goals. Explore the company’s website, social media pages and recent news to learn more about their culture, achievements and future direction.

List your favourite things about the role

Identify the aspects of the role that genuinely excite you. These could be tasks that match your interests, opportunities to develop your strengths at work or projects that align with your long-term goals. By being specific, you demonstrate enthusiasm for this particular job rather than appearing as though you are applying for multiple positions without much thought.

Align your values with those of the organisation

Think about what motivates you in the workplace — such as collaboration, innovation, helping others or continuous learning. Then consider how those values are reflected in the organisation’s culture. Mentioning shared values helps reassure employers that you would adapt well to their environment and contribute positively to the team.

Demonstrate your commitment to the organisation

Employers want to know whether you see a future with them. Recruitment and training require time and resources, so they’re more likely to invest in candidates who appear committed to staying long term. Showing interest in the company’s future goals — and how you could contribute — helps convey that you’re not just looking for a temporary job.

Highlight the value you bring

Focus your answer on what you can contribute to the organisation. Discuss relevant skills, strengths and professional attributes that make you well suited to the role. Rather than talking about how the job will advance your career, explain how your abilities can support the organisation’s goals and add value to the team.

Crafting the right response isn’t always easy. It can be difficult to clearly articulate your motivations and make them relevant to the company and the role. Many people know what they want to say but struggle to put it into professional, confident words. This is where professional interview coaching can help — with tailored support, you can refine your responses and present yourself more effectively to employers.

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Article References

Hays (n.d) ‘Are you prepared to answer, “Why do you want to work here?”’, Hays, accessed 27 November 2025.

Indeed (n.d) ‘Interview Question: ‘Why Do You Want To Work Here?’’, Indeed, accessed 27 November 2025.