Here's part 3 of a piece from CareerBuilder that offers advice on how to answer tricky interview questions. Here's today's question and their response:
Why do you want to work here?
This is one tool interviewers use to see if you have done your homework. You should never attend an interview unless you know about the company, its direction and the industry in which it plays. If you have done your research, this question gives you an opportunity to show initiative and demonstrate how your experience and qualifications match the company's needs.
Good answer. One thing I'd add: be sure to work in some "sales" thoughts in here too -- reasons why they should hire you (though this question is technically about why you want to work for them).
Here's a sample answer for your review:
I'm excited about being on the cutting-edge of business and you are certainly pushing the limits with the XYZ project. My skills are well suited to thrive in such an environment and I think I can help capitalize on the positive momentum you've already established with this project, such as the recent press coverage and five-star rating by ABC magazine. I'd also enjoy working in your team-oriented environment to deliver results. Finally, the entrepreneurial nature of your LMN division would offer some exciting new challenges and responsibilities for me, while capitalizing on my past experience – so I’m confident of success.
So, what do you think? Any recommended changes?
Maybe something about liking the product that the company makes or sells. One of the questions I got in an interview was what I liked best about Product X, and how much of it had I utilized in the past few months. It can be helpful to have an answer prepared that mimics the questions: why would a consumer use this product (or why would they choose us to provide it) and why?
Posted by: annab | July 06, 2006 at 09:11 AM