Job Tuition

Interview Questions - “Why do you want to work for us”

January 13th, 2006 by Jennine

One of the most common interview questions is “Why do you want to work for us?” For the unprepared this can be quite a daunting question which is why it is routinely asked. The interview panel is trying to establish what you know about their company and the position you are applying for as well as judging your confidence in responding to the question.

If you have done your homework on the company you can mention key areas you are interested in and how you enjoy different challenges. For example, if it is a research position in a hospital, you would have beforehand looked to see what research they are currently doing and tailor your response accordingly.

For example:

I have looked into the Cancer research that Xyz hospital is currently undertaking. In my previous role I have undertaken similar research and feel that these skills would be transferable. I enjoy the challenge of research and this is an area I feel quite passionate about. I feel that participating in the research at Xyz hospital would enhance my knowledge and skills, whilst I would be an valuable team member.

You could then go on more about the type of research that they are doing and elaborate more on what you have done and how you anticipate using your skills and selling yourself.

The key to this question is background information before going into the interview. To sell yourself for this question, you need to know and understand what you will be undertaking in the role.

At my current place of work, the Administration ASO 1 employees work under a generic job specification and can be expected to work in three different types of positions; Correspondence, Reception and Sundry Debtors. If you were to apply for an ASO 1 position and were asked this question a good response would be:

This Administration position will enable me to have the opportunity to further enhance my skills in three key areas which are quite diverse. I have had training in Administration and feel that this position will give me day to day challenges that will stretch my experience but will also improve my skill base. In my previous role I mainly worked in a Customer Services role which has prepared me for working in Reception. However, I have undertaken courses and have knowledge with financial procedures, data entry and records management. I welcome the chance for on-job training and to develop my knowledge and would be keen to participate in job rotation.

The above statement demonstrates that you have researched the position, you have the necessary skills and you are also prepared for further training, if necessary.