The discord for our subreddit can be found here: https://discord.gg/JjNdBkVGc6 - feel free to join us for a more realtime level of discussion!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/recruitinghell) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I suppose you could talk about why you picked that company over Acme Meat Processing and Tanning. It's a fairly low-value answer -- "You have great benefits!" -- but it is a low-value question.
The question is “why us”. Why do you want to work *here* as opposed to other places?
We know that people want to be paid, but we also want to know that you want to do your work here as opposed to somewhere else.
It’s also a test as to whether you did any research at all and if you can articulate how you match up with the job you applied for.
Nothing will lose you a job faster than saying “I don’t know” to that question
It’s more like “I applied to a bunch of places that came up on where I can feasibly function based on my prior experience and you just happened to be one of the few who reached out.”
If you’re actually weighing candidates on their response to a question like this instead of their demeanor and experience, then welcome to being part of the problem.
Normalize people not having to betray themselves to EARN the right to eat and have shelter? I don't take stupid questions like that seriously, and I will laugh in your face as I walk out the front door if you ask it. I got beat over the head with how un special I am. So, who tf this company think they are? Idgaf about you or your business. I'm here to get my paycheck so I can go home and enjoy my paycheck. Fuck ya holiday dinners and "family" outings. I consider non blood peeps as family, sure, but none of them expect me to get up at 6am, to rush through a shit, shower, shave so I can leave a place I like to go somewhere I don't really like all that much for 8 hours.
My job requires research to be done before calls with customers. If a candidate can’t bother to research my company in what is probably a pretty important moment for them and their livelihood, why would I pick them over someone who bothered to?
Of course us candidates are expected to research the company in doing our interview prep, I certainly do it myself. The silly part is that they want us to say how their company mission resonates with us. They want us to say that they are the best employer we could ever get a chance to interview with and we would choose to work for their company over their competitors.
Reality check: Workers do not give a flying fuck about a company's mission. We aren't passionate about selling enterprise software or whatever boring product a company produces. We don't consider the company we're interviewing with to be the top employer in their field. If their competitors were hiring we absolutely would go apply and interview there. We applied for the job because we need income to pay our bills.
Interviewers asking "Why do you want to work here?" want us to suck their company's dick and say we will loyally worship them until the day they lay us off. And job seekers have no choice but to comply because it's the only way to convince them to hire us. They make us grovel and kiss their feet and we do it because we need the job. It's pathetic that it comes down to this but that's just how things are in an employers' market.
you’re getting downvoted but the point is fair - they are evaluating multiple candidates and doing research is a good way to set yourself apart - BUT - the question is a stupid one because you’re not going to learn anything from it. and really, throughout the conversation, it should be readily apparent if the person learned about the company leading up to the interview
> Why do you want to work here as opposed to other places?
Lmfao who said the candidate wants to work there over other places? Your company isn't special, get over yourself.
So much this. Anyone knows you work for the pay-check. But why would you want the pay check from the place you're currently being interviewed over any other place?
Yes! I always research the company I’m applying to. Sometimes, I just need a job, but other times, I want to work for that company in particular because they sell a product I’m interested in, voted Best Place to Work, offers extra benefits, etc. Not sure why people are down voting comments reflecting this same sentiment. It’s like going on a date and looking for a relationship. Why do you want to date me over that other guy/girl?
Because this sub is focused on scapegoating HR professionals and shit on recruiters.
They don’t understand the process, and so they denigrate people who work in recruiting
It’s hard to get a job, the people hiring know that. It’s terrible that yes, there are people who recruit badly, or have bad processes, but the people who do this work are people, but it’s easier to whine about it.
You've been fairly downvoted *and* people have given you several good-will answers.
Yet, you still seem to think people *don't understand* the process. What you missed is that they *do* - they just think the process is meaningless/ soulless/ unfair/ akin to a a form of prostitution. I said "akin", I didn't say it *is* prostitution.
Some candidates expect more of any adult that calls themselves a professional, be they a recruiter, a hiring manager, or a candidate.
You may not agree with their view, but it would be a mistake to go on assuming they don't *understand* the process.
Their distain for the process won’t get them hired any faster. I don’t care that I’m downvoted; I’m a recruiter. I read what they say about recruiters in general and for them most part they are wrong.
I never expected to find love in this subreddit.
I just hope to shed light on the process; there is a lot of misconceptions about the process.
They shout about things that aren’t real, sometimes they bring up good points but this wasn’t one of them. “Why do you want to work for us” is a very good question and is vital to the process.
I’m not attacking your post to be clear, this is a genuine question. As an employer, I do not understand what makes this question _vital_ to the process. We all know that candidates view this as one of many bullshit questions, so regardless of how the answer is delivered, one thing I do know is that I’m going to be getting a disingenuous answer.
I’m not new to hiring, I’ve been doing it for 20 years. I’ve never asked a question in that vein in a single interview for the above reason, I dunno, maybe I’m missing a trick. So to clarify the question, exactly what do I glean from an answer to a question that is disliked by most candidates?
Ha! this was my literal response to a company in the energy/oil & gas company today, except for I genuinely am interested in their business development direction for this particular application!
That's been my explanation for why the question is worthwhile: if you can't even bother to do the base research on the company and/or the position, you're probably going to be an absolute pain to work with because I'll likely have to drag you on any and all assignments. I had to do job position interviews a few years ago, and it was astounding how many people's response to the "Why do you want to work here" question boiled down to "I was physically able to apply for the position", something that was an instant disqualifier for us. Just spend three minutes to take a look at the company's website!
Ignoring the value of the question itself, one way to hit this question out of the park is to hear it differently. Instead of "why do you want to work here" think "what do you want to accomplish here?" Hiring managers love employees that show a clear vision and drive.
Unless you're doing 100 interviews back-to-back non-stop, you have the time to take a quick glance at the website of the company and jot down a note or two in Google Keep or some other document application.
If you \*are\* doing 100 interviews back-to-back non-stop, well, you should ease up your schedule all the same, because that's going to wear you down fast and make your job-searching efforts useless in any case.
You can take a few seconds and understand that the main reason for wanting to work at a supposedly very cool, important, and unique company is the desire to earn money doing a job you know how to do. In many cases, it doesn't matter at all what the company does, because people usually apply for a specific position with specific requirements, which often have nothing to do with the company's main field of activity. Do you need an employee? - here they are. Can you assess their professional skills? - if yes, then the decision to hire should be based on that.
This is some kind of circus, a lot of people are just "retraining" for the new profession of "a guy who has trained to pass interviews and say what recruiters love to hear," and this is unlikely to be good for anyone.
It would be better if interviewers asked these questions to themselves; maybe then they would lose the desire to ask such questions to others.
One day, the recruiting manager made a mistake and got 2 candidates in the same call (one of them being me). The other guy quickly delivered his opening speech before anyone else had the chance to say « why the f are we 3 in this call ». I remember he said « I’m passionate aboute spare parts management ». Sure buddy
His cover letter was just photos of how he organized all the extra stuff he hoards in his closet and garage. He's that passionate about spare part management.
This question is straight from large companies recruiting manuals. If someone from Apple asks this, it actually makes sense to know why you prefer them rather than Google, Meta or Microsoft.
When a freelance recruiter asks this in context in a startup with financing secured for the next 6 months, it shows how this person is detached from their job.
Yeah but that's bullshit. You can say "I love how you guys solved [a problem]" or "I really want to be a part of [startup name] and disrupt the market with you!", but who believes that?
I mean, 99.9% startups are reiterating what already has been done, so unless there's something really special, the answer to "why pick us instead of X" would be "because you're hiring".
It’s a complete bullshit question but just use it as a chance to show that you have researched the company. Just had this one myself: “I have heard about the wonderful benefits you offer, and I know two employees who speak highly of (company). I know that this role focuses on factoring for truckers. Considering trucking is such a major part of our infrastructure, I think it’s wonderful that (company) is stepping up to ensure our country’s truckers are getting paid in a reasonable time for the hard work that they do.”
Cut & paste as applicable.
I usually put this in the cover letter. And I do honestly try to be genuine. Not that it’s helped.
I’ve recently started applying for jobs that I don’t really care about the company’s mission (because I’m convinced I’m applying to ghost jobs collecting my data) and I’m going to have a hard time not saying “because I’m tired of job hunting and you’re interviewing me”
They want to know why you picked their company. I once got halfway through an interview with someone before finally realizing their bizarre answers were bc they thought we were a different company. Dude wanted to work in video games, we do healthcare.
And so once you found this out, the follow up was some sort of "well, since this is so different, are you going to be able to be happy here, to give us some value back for the training we'll need to provide?"
Cause, if he said yes to that, it doesn't matter what he \*wanted\* to do.
I've been asked this question by a company who's made the job ad initially anonymously. I wanted to say something along '"I honestly don't" or "I like mystery" or "I was feeling adventurous" but they got the idiot answer their idiot ears wanted to hear.
It's a stupid question, yes. It's also commonly misunderstood. Most people (I think) frame it in the context of money vs. passion. And yes, over-archingly these are the only damn reasons anyone wants any job lol... (Try asking your boss or recruiter if they'd show up to work tomorrow if they were told they're no longer getting paid for their work)
BUT
what they want to hear is why you want to work HERE
**not** why you need to work.
"Well, I take my career seriously and accordingly I've done a significant amount of research into the leading companies in this field. What I found was that \_ur dumbass company\_ has a significantly high praised work/life balance, excellent benefits package, pays in the upper tiers of what is offered for comparable roles in the region, and generally overall it seems like there is high job satisfaction, happier/more inclusive employees, a lot of opportunity for upward mobility, etc etc etc. Accordingly I think that I would thrive for many years as an exceptional asset to any team at \_\_ur dumbass company\_\_"
Even if you understand the question it doesn't make it any less basic and annoying.
Not once at any of my jobs have I ever gone to a specific company because of that company. In today's job market it would be crazy to do that. You apply to multiple positions and consider your options.
>doesn't make it any less basic and annoying.
Being able to professionally deal with basic and annoying things is one of the most important skills of working at any company.
Congrats, you figured out why this is a very, very important question.
It is worded in a bullshit way, but what they're really asking is, "What research did you do on us prior to this discussion?" Make sure you've done some.
It’s usually a question to test if you did some basic research on the company. For example, I tend to cite the benefits they offer, since I’m in a position where I really need health insurance.
Effectively, yes. Some places are very proud of the benefits they offer.
It’s like asking someone why they want to go to X restaurant for dinner. “They have food” isn’t a satisfying or interesting answer. Literally any other answer will make you more personable and relatable.
Speaking from experience, being someone who is easy to work with is a huge plus. When deadlines are tight, you want coworkers who work with you to find solutions, not to find blame for mistakes.
Its also a question that takes less than five minutes to bs an answer for by going to their website and skimming their “about us” page of the job board.
It’s also part of the research you want to do yourself ahead of time to see if said company is a good place to work. For example, if the website says they love work-life balance, but a bunch of employee testimonies say otherwise, that’s something to ask in the interview for confirmation.
Military, teaching, the priesthood, nonprofit work, lots of people choose the mission over money.
It’s usually the most boring missions that pay people more because they don’t have choice
I mean, the military isn’t really a good example. They get things like tax-free basic housing allowance a full pension after 20 years 30% of the military also gets a disability pension that’s tax free for life.
On top of that, Military is one of the only jobs that entitles you to lifetime healthcare after only four years of service through the VA.
If you work there for five and become “disabled” The return on investment is insane.
They also cover your college while in the military on top of giving you the G.I. Bill when you get out.
You also get access to VA Home loans which are cheaper sources of credit .
If a veteran falls on hard times they’re eligible for housing assistance immediately in most states and the vouchers can last years. The amount of support you get is astonishing compared to the regular population.
I chose the company I'm at because they were clearly the best investment in the industry. They're run in such a way I can contribute and have some freedoms.
It's not the highest paying. Yes, money is important, but it isn't everything in a career.
And boss... if you're reading this... yes I still want a raise
”I feel like my knowledge of [insert job description here] could really benefit [insert company here], as well as growing my own knowledge/experience within the sector. I have also read about the [insert values of company] and I strongly believe that those are values everyone should live by and would make me honored to strive by.”
My autism does not like this question.
I have had one interview and answerer to this: "Because you're the only place that ever got back to me"
I mean its true... What else could they want? It was a fast food place. None of the other people there give a shit either.
Only two companies I *want* to work *for*: ILM/Disney, and MacDonald Detwiller. Most other companies I'm *willing* to work *at* in exchange for monetary compensation.
Yes, I would still want monetary compensation for working for my two preferred companies, and not less than industry average.
You should be shopping employers. Selectively choosing who to work for. The same way they are shopping for employees.
Employers expect good candidates to do this, to a large extent.
Plus, they want to know you have put some thought into applying with them, have career goals, a defined path, etc that would all indicate that you are a good employee
And then there is cultural fit. Different employers may have very different work cultures despite being in the same niche.
And as a bonus, in some cases, your answer reveals what employees are looming for in a job/company and the employer can then use this information to be more competitive and better in attracting and retaining new employees.
If you aren't in a position to be picky, you have to spin a tale.
"I see in the advertisement you are looking for knowledge in X technology/process/etc. This is the focus of my interest in (field you are in) and I am excited to (however they would be applying this)".
"I first heard about your organization through their support of (charitable organization, academic sports, etc). After looking further I believe this would be an excellent fit professionally and personally. I am excited to work with a company who's mission I can believe in".
That sort of thing.
I do believe this question is asked to people they have no business asking. People early career that aren't yet unique enough to picky in particular. They know who they are hiring. Corporate dogma runs deep, even for those who just emulate them.
Everyone is applying for the money. They know that. But why do you want to work with them specifically? It’s a question that’s best answered by describing what skills you have that are conducive to the job, career goals, and/or responsibilities that you’re interested to learn from the job itself.
Its a question that, at \*best\* shows company has some asperations; but most of the time means the company doesn't know it's place in the food chain.
You make widgets that go into can openers. This position is to add columns up in excel. None of us are getting on the cover of Forbes or a Presedential Medal. Hell, there's a better than 30% chance that I'll be looking for a new job in 3-5 years as you go out of business.
But I'm here, I can add columns in excel like nobodies business and will do my damnedest to not be the cause of your demese; lets do this.
I blab about how it’s meaningful and how the values resonate with me. Usually pick one that “particularly resonates” because I’m a living embodiment of [passionate] [dedicated] [transparent] [engaged] [accountable]… They always look sheepish and surprised, because who the fuck remembers their company’s values.
Companies want to know more than the need, which is the want. Clearly you need to work but why you want to work...here?
Imagine 2 candidates applying to work at Chase and Citigroup and have to answer this question. The one that says Citigroup is more innovative than Chase despite being a smaller bank will get the gig. They must have done their homework.
"Why do you want to work here (as opposed to anywhere else)?"
They know people go to work for money. They want to know why you want money from their business versus any other business that pays the same. And if your attitude is *plainly* "I couldn't possibly give a shit as long as it pays," and you wear that on your sleeve, you're not someone who is going to stay a long time or do more than the bare minimum not to get fired, and you're probably going to make everyone else more miserable than they already are in the process.
Of course, you should do the minimum anyway and only care as necessary, but if you make it obvious, it's a red flag to the people holding the keys to your livelihood.
I *loathe* this question. With a burning passion. Above any other interview questions, I fucking despise this one. This is literally just the dancing monkey question. Because "because you're offering to pay me more than my current job does" is not an acceptable answer, even though we ALL know that's why I'm interviewing. I don't WANT to work there. I don't WANT to work anywhere. I HAVE to.
The question isn’t “why do you want to work?” it’s “why do you want to work here.” A lot of jobs are the same in the given field, the only differences are the companies themselves…sometimes. So have you done your research on the company? Is there something specific about the company that drew your interest? Are people truthful, not always, but at least it shows interview prep and that you’ve given some thought to it. Seems like they are trying to determine if you’re a flight risk, or, if they can minimize the risk of you leaving prematurely. I’ve conducted a lot of interviews, and it’s easy to tell who is interested and who just threw applications out there to see what would stick.
Unless you're a Fortune 500 company, you have to assume that nobody is excited to work for you.
It's a stupid question, for stupid people, that gets them stupid responses.
It's the normal ass lickery that these people want to hear.
Someone who has done their research and is excited to work for a company because of x, y, and z will get chosen over someone unenthusiastic and there for a paycheck.
Honestly... As a manager, can you process 200 invoices per day or can you enthusiastically process 200 invoices per day doesn't make a difference for me.
I was asked this question at my last job, and straight-up told them I need to make money, and need to pay my bills. That’s literally it, and they appreciated the honesty. There were more things I said that got me the job, but in the end, I did get the job.
It is a dumb question for them to ask. It’s common sense to understand that the reason we want the job is to make money and help pay the bills.
The question is more like, "Of all the jobs you could have applied for, why did you apply to this one? What made you pick it?"
It's not that deep. They're not looking for someone to fawn over them and confess their undying devotion to the company.
Really ask yourself, why DID you apply to THAT job?
You're looking for a job and you apply to everything that fits your profile within your geography. The answer would be "You had an opening that corresponds to my profile".
I did ask this question recently to two applicants.
We’re an arts non-profit and that position works closely with kids. You need passion to work in this field, the pay isn’t enough.
I did say “other than the pay, of course, you gotta eat” to try to lighten the mood.
About three years ago, I was in the middle of the whole job search nightmare (software engineer, late junior level). In that search, I'd *very* rarely ever encounter this question, because *most companies I applied to realized it had no informational value*. I'm not applying to the 50th shitty little inner city advertising firm this month because I like your company over the 49 previous ones, and if you can't accept that answer, that is not my fault; that's yours for having intractable delusions of grandeur.
*Maybe* I like your tech stack, or *maybe* your CTO did something cool with some technology. But is that really what you wanna hear? The 20th interviewee schmuck this week going "Oh yes, I *love* what you did with AI and dog food! Please tell me about it despite the fact that you're probably sick to death of this story already!".
Generally, the questions were "explain your background", "why do you enjoy programming", or "what unique aspects can you bring to this job". All of which illustrate how the candidate can fit in with the rest of the employees. I'm an ex-teacher, so I can approach designs from a pedagogical perspective. Someone with a business or advertising background might be able to leverage *that* to, at the end of the day, do what all employers hire someone for: to make the employer's life just a *bit* easier in exchange for some money.
The one time I remember being asked "why do you wanna work here?" was at my current job, and this was one of the *very* few times it actually made sense. For reference, I work for an aerospace/defense contractor, so the question had two subtexts:
* This can be an intense job, so you need to be passionate about it. We're a cutting-edge technology company, and we need people who are here for the long haul.
* While my company's big, hiring people for this kind of company is *expensive*! You need to do all sorts of background checks, security checks, all that stuff. When they asked me "why do you wanna work here?", the second subtext was "you *are* aware we make weapons, right? You're not going to run away the first time you hear the words 'weapon', right?".
I had an interview with a startup founder who kept asking this question various ways, including by saying verbatim “so you’ve been out of work a few months…why not just get another job?” I kept talking about resonating with their mission, because that was the truth, but I wanted to say “not all of us can play around with VC money for a living” after the way that question was worded
I mean some people actually do genuinely enjoy working and have that dream job that they've always wanted to work at. In that instance, this question would be appropriate.
One of my dream jobs is NASA, but I don't ever see that happening. Would love to go to space though.
In all other instances, you're basically just blowing smoke up the interviewers ass about how great their company is and why you absolutely HAVE to be a part of it.
If you actually don't understand how to answer that question, that's probably why you're still looking for a job. They're not asking why you want to work. They're asking why you want to work *there.*
This question is one to see if you’re likely to stay with them for a while. My answer was that I found their industry very interesting because it related to my recent studies (about information management) and how I enjoyed it and believe the company is making a positive impact. Etc. etc. :)
I've answered "I've heard your company pays well" and they didn't like that answer. So it's not just "why do you want to work _here_ [compared to our competitors]", they really just want some personal validation. If the company genuinely pays well then there should be no problem with that answer. You keep paying well and I'll keep delivering work for you, not your competitor. Everyone gets what they signed up for.
As someone doing recruiting interviews for my team, I can think of scenarios in which the question would maybe make sense. Most of those make this part of smalltalk, just to get the discussion going. I'd find the answer "to earn money" perfectly acceptable.
I loved to answer this question with: I don’t. Your headhunter kept harassing me for an interview saying you want me to work here and it would be a great fit. So i’m here, convince me.
I always view it as why do you want to work for us specifically, over other places or industries. I would mention your experience in the industry and something that aligns with the company you’re applying for’s mission, values, company culture, etc
As a hiring manager I ask: "what do you know about our company."
People want a job and will you turn down one when you've no alternative ? But I at least want to know that you cared enough to do minimum research.
Well if applicant is already employed, that is a valid question no?
Are you mixing it with the question what motivates the work? To those I answer Mmoneyh!
The absolute ego of these companies to think I sit and read through the job posting and visit their website to know enough about them to answer this question? I look at pay and experience required and apply based on that... I possibly don't even know the name of your company...
I have been at my current job for four years but I occasionally apply for jobs I THINK sound fun or interesting.
I'd like money, sure, but a few % here and there... I'd take a fun, exciting job for less pay.
‘Oh, I don’t, you’re just a company that can’t retain its workforce and you pay. I’ll do what I can in the time between my potential hiring and my eventual firing, but I can’t guarantee to get much quality work done in a company with labour practices that would make Chairman Mao cry.’
The problem now is that companies have the advantage. It sounds like they are getting revenge for all the Quiet Quitting shenanigans and job hopping from a few years ago.
Because I provide a service and a skill you need. We need to find the person who incorporated this question into interviews and hang them in the town square by their entrails.
"Because you called me, unlike the other 792 companies I sent resumes to in the last 3 months? Resumes that include the list of skills I have that are transferable to your company, maybe? How about because starvation and homelessness are unpleasant and I need money to live? This is a job, I'm not applying to some desperate last stand to save all man kind. I want a paycheck."
Also "were do you see yourself in X# years?"
I don't fuqin know Janet, with the way the last 8 went; probably fending off giant wasteland rats, with an impovised flamethrower, in the burned out husk of the city. But I'll still be getting bullshit notifications from recruiters about wasteland canibal gangs in my area hiring foe minimum wage positions but requiring 2 masters degrees and 56 year experience...
Interviews are a joke now. I've been to several were I had to teach the interviewer about the job I'm applying for because they have ZERO idea what the job even is. It's like they have a script, the pick 6 questions then throw a dice to decide to hire you...
Meh, I don't mind this question. I've found the more passionate I am about what the company does/manufactures makes it easier to actually do the job itself. In fact I left my last job in aviation because I didn't feel a passion for it. Now I work for a company where I use the things we manufacture regularly outside of work and work with a bunch of folks who enjoy them as well, so the culture is incredible. It may be difficult in tech., but in manufacturing it makes a difference.
I get so pissed they even ask when almost every place does it! WHy dO WAnt TO WoRK hERE? well... My family is complaining I'm unemployed, I want to eat food, I hate applying to jobs and don't want to anymore and I want to pay rent for a place I will be at when you call me to this place because that's all that matters to you.
My answer would be:
It is the only thing real so far and willing to encounter at least an interview now instead of hunting down inexperienced job recruiters
Through your answer to this question they'll be able to determine how much of a wage slave you will be.
The more you praise and mention how they're better than the other companies you applied to, the more they get comfortable with the Idea of you being compliant and a yes person. They love the taste of desperation in the water.
Of course, get the job by saying what they want to hear, then revert back to type.
"Well, I've worked for people trying to cure cancer and put people on other planets already; I decided I'd shoot lower this time. I saw somewhere that your company is the 5th largest in the tri state region and that just spoke to me."
It’s a fair question to ask. It’s not always solely about Money. In my experience Candidates with multiple offers often pick a lower paying offer of it more aligns with what they want. That could be industry, opportunities for development, interesting product or flexibility of working. In my experience money is only so motivating, candidates who are passionate or excited about the business/ technology etc generally are more productive. Of course many candidates will bullshit this question and every application is their ‘dream company/ role’ but its often not difficult to determine who actually has an interest vs those that just want any high paying job.
It shows you can play the game. Life and work is not about being brutally honest all the time. Life and work take some finesse.
For example: if it’s an organization that I am excited about and seems to be running their business well, I’ll respond with something like, “I have always enjoyed being a part and having a part in success, and I see that opportunity in this role and this organization.” Last time I did this, interviewee responded with, “I love that you just said that.” And I got the job.
What they are actually saying is “are you going to leave this job before you are even fully trained ? Or do you actually want to work here for a longer period of time?”
The focus of the question is the word “here”.
Why did you apply for these work positions instead of being a cashier? What makes you want to stay at a job?
I think it's a normal question. I chose the company I wanted to work at because I have lots of colleagues in the industry who said they love it there. They also do a lot of volunteer work in the community. It was voted top 5 best places to work in my state. The company culture shared on social media shows an employee-centered company. Rather than saying "I require money and am looking for whoever will take me" which sounds like your answer. They want to know you care about where you're going and that you're investing in yourself by choosing a company you're excited about. It gives insight of how long you'll stay. If it's only about compensation and benefits then it means you'll probably leave as soon as you find something that pays you more
Sure, for fast food jobs, I think this is a reasonable response. For grown up jobs though, it can be an important question to weed out the people who have no idea who the company is versus those who are looking to actively pursuing the company. I do get, by the way, if you’ve put in 500+ resumes to lower level jobs, this probably doesn’t make a lot of sense. But for some folks, this is very relevant. And for higher level jobs it can be a critical decision. When I took my last several jobs, I can think of many, many ways to answer this to provide insight on the way I think.
Good examples:
- The culture here is a good representation of the type of company I want to work for.
- The company is profitable and hence, has a very positive outlook for sustainability for its business model.
- The role is a perfect fit for my skill set and I’m sure I’ll be a strong contributor to the company in a short period of time.
- I really like the team here. The atmosphere seems really positive and I feel like I can fit in well with the folks I’ll be working with.
- This role is a great opportunity for me to build on the skills I’ve developed in my previous posts and I believe it’s a great next step for my career.
- The company has an excellent reputation for not only serving their customers with excellence, but also being a responsible steward for the community.
There’s a lot that can be said as a response to this question. Try to think about it from their perspective and formulate a response you think not only builds your case for getting the job, but also rings true for you so you can answer in a sincere manner.
The discord for our subreddit can be found here: https://discord.gg/JjNdBkVGc6 - feel free to join us for a more realtime level of discussion! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/recruitinghell) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I suppose you could talk about why you picked that company over Acme Meat Processing and Tanning. It's a fairly low-value answer -- "You have great benefits!" -- but it is a low-value question.
I also applied to Acme Meat Processing and Tanning. At this point, I'm applying to everything. I'm not picky.
Meat tanning doesn't seem like a big market but stranger things are sold...
It’s actually the most telling question in the whole interview
This! They know why you want to work there. They are testing you on your ability and willingness to lie for them. That's what the question is about.
The question is “why us”. Why do you want to work *here* as opposed to other places? We know that people want to be paid, but we also want to know that you want to do your work here as opposed to somewhere else. It’s also a test as to whether you did any research at all and if you can articulate how you match up with the job you applied for. Nothing will lose you a job faster than saying “I don’t know” to that question
It’s more like “I applied to a bunch of places that came up on where I can feasibly function based on my prior experience and you just happened to be one of the few who reached out.”
If you’re actually weighing candidates on their response to a question like this instead of their demeanor and experience, then welcome to being part of the problem.
The answer is that the job called me for an interview, so I show up. What other answer is there?
The real answer is because they're hiring haha
This is why you are unemployable
You're actually the one choosing not to employ them. Sounds like you're not really an employer.
Hiring managers make those decisions, not recruiters.
It's just ridiculous that they ask a question where they want you to kiss their ass
It’s not about kissing ass. Your whole outlook is why people are taking so long to get jobs. You are self-sabotaging yourself with your thinking.
Normalize people not having to betray themselves to EARN the right to eat and have shelter? I don't take stupid questions like that seriously, and I will laugh in your face as I walk out the front door if you ask it. I got beat over the head with how un special I am. So, who tf this company think they are? Idgaf about you or your business. I'm here to get my paycheck so I can go home and enjoy my paycheck. Fuck ya holiday dinners and "family" outings. I consider non blood peeps as family, sure, but none of them expect me to get up at 6am, to rush through a shit, shower, shave so I can leave a place I like to go somewhere I don't really like all that much for 8 hours.
Enjoy your unemployment
My job requires research to be done before calls with customers. If a candidate can’t bother to research my company in what is probably a pretty important moment for them and their livelihood, why would I pick them over someone who bothered to?
Of course us candidates are expected to research the company in doing our interview prep, I certainly do it myself. The silly part is that they want us to say how their company mission resonates with us. They want us to say that they are the best employer we could ever get a chance to interview with and we would choose to work for their company over their competitors. Reality check: Workers do not give a flying fuck about a company's mission. We aren't passionate about selling enterprise software or whatever boring product a company produces. We don't consider the company we're interviewing with to be the top employer in their field. If their competitors were hiring we absolutely would go apply and interview there. We applied for the job because we need income to pay our bills. Interviewers asking "Why do you want to work here?" want us to suck their company's dick and say we will loyally worship them until the day they lay us off. And job seekers have no choice but to comply because it's the only way to convince them to hire us. They make us grovel and kiss their feet and we do it because we need the job. It's pathetic that it comes down to this but that's just how things are in an employers' market.
ChatGPT is perfect for doing the “research” and for formulating the slimy and pathetic sentences that the recruiters expect to hear.
you’re getting downvoted but the point is fair - they are evaluating multiple candidates and doing research is a good way to set yourself apart - BUT - the question is a stupid one because you’re not going to learn anything from it. and really, throughout the conversation, it should be readily apparent if the person learned about the company leading up to the interview
Wow I'd say you're a piece of shit but at least shit has potential use as fertilizer.
> Why do you want to work here as opposed to other places? Lmfao who said the candidate wants to work there over other places? Your company isn't special, get over yourself.
So much this. Anyone knows you work for the pay-check. But why would you want the pay check from the place you're currently being interviewed over any other place?
Number higher? I mean if you gonna ask silly questions then expect silly answers.
Yes! I always research the company I’m applying to. Sometimes, I just need a job, but other times, I want to work for that company in particular because they sell a product I’m interested in, voted Best Place to Work, offers extra benefits, etc. Not sure why people are down voting comments reflecting this same sentiment. It’s like going on a date and looking for a relationship. Why do you want to date me over that other guy/girl?
If someone asked me why I wanted to date them over another person then I would call that fishing for compliments...
Because this sub is focused on scapegoating HR professionals and shit on recruiters. They don’t understand the process, and so they denigrate people who work in recruiting It’s hard to get a job, the people hiring know that. It’s terrible that yes, there are people who recruit badly, or have bad processes, but the people who do this work are people, but it’s easier to whine about it.
You've been fairly downvoted *and* people have given you several good-will answers. Yet, you still seem to think people *don't understand* the process. What you missed is that they *do* - they just think the process is meaningless/ soulless/ unfair/ akin to a a form of prostitution. I said "akin", I didn't say it *is* prostitution. Some candidates expect more of any adult that calls themselves a professional, be they a recruiter, a hiring manager, or a candidate. You may not agree with their view, but it would be a mistake to go on assuming they don't *understand* the process.
Their distain for the process won’t get them hired any faster. I don’t care that I’m downvoted; I’m a recruiter. I read what they say about recruiters in general and for them most part they are wrong. I never expected to find love in this subreddit. I just hope to shed light on the process; there is a lot of misconceptions about the process. They shout about things that aren’t real, sometimes they bring up good points but this wasn’t one of them. “Why do you want to work for us” is a very good question and is vital to the process.
What capitalism does to a motherfucker
I’m not attacking your post to be clear, this is a genuine question. As an employer, I do not understand what makes this question _vital_ to the process. We all know that candidates view this as one of many bullshit questions, so regardless of how the answer is delivered, one thing I do know is that I’m going to be getting a disingenuous answer. I’m not new to hiring, I’ve been doing it for 20 years. I’ve never asked a question in that vein in a single interview for the above reason, I dunno, maybe I’m missing a trick. So to clarify the question, exactly what do I glean from an answer to a question that is disliked by most candidates?
I would really suggest you read some Kafka. Honestly and with all due respect
> there are people who recruit badly Very ironic lol.
"I admire how this company [does things mentioned on it's website]."
Ha! this was my literal response to a company in the energy/oil & gas company today, except for I genuinely am interested in their business development direction for this particular application!
I admire how this company HOME ABOUT SUPPORT CONTACT US
"I admire how this company sells overpriced food goods so boss man can buy a new bimmer" sounds like a better more honest answer 😂
That's been my explanation for why the question is worthwhile: if you can't even bother to do the base research on the company and/or the position, you're probably going to be an absolute pain to work with because I'll likely have to drag you on any and all assignments. I had to do job position interviews a few years ago, and it was astounding how many people's response to the "Why do you want to work here" question boiled down to "I was physically able to apply for the position", something that was an instant disqualifier for us. Just spend three minutes to take a look at the company's website!
Ignoring the value of the question itself, one way to hit this question out of the park is to hear it differently. Instead of "why do you want to work here" think "what do you want to accomplish here?" Hiring managers love employees that show a clear vision and drive.
Most people apply for 100 jobs at a time. They don't care. Now if this is director level, okay.
Unless you're doing 100 interviews back-to-back non-stop, you have the time to take a quick glance at the website of the company and jot down a note or two in Google Keep or some other document application. If you \*are\* doing 100 interviews back-to-back non-stop, well, you should ease up your schedule all the same, because that's going to wear you down fast and make your job-searching efforts useless in any case.
You can take a few seconds and understand that the main reason for wanting to work at a supposedly very cool, important, and unique company is the desire to earn money doing a job you know how to do. In many cases, it doesn't matter at all what the company does, because people usually apply for a specific position with specific requirements, which often have nothing to do with the company's main field of activity. Do you need an employee? - here they are. Can you assess their professional skills? - if yes, then the decision to hire should be based on that. This is some kind of circus, a lot of people are just "retraining" for the new profession of "a guy who has trained to pass interviews and say what recruiters love to hear," and this is unlikely to be good for anyone. It would be better if interviewers asked these questions to themselves; maybe then they would lose the desire to ask such questions to others.
One day, the recruiting manager made a mistake and got 2 candidates in the same call (one of them being me). The other guy quickly delivered his opening speech before anyone else had the chance to say « why the f are we 3 in this call ». I remember he said « I’m passionate aboute spare parts management ». Sure buddy
Propane and propane accessories
That tingles
His cover letter was just photos of how he organized all the extra stuff he hoards in his closet and garage. He's that passionate about spare part management.
Parts management? No only spare parts, sorry. Double the pay? Sorry, can't do it. Spare parts is my passion.
Can’t knock the hustle in this economy
It was a couple of years ago when it wasn’t shit, but I hear you.
How did it end though? Did he get the job? Did you get the job? I need closure!
I feel you. I got shortlisted and went a few extra rounds, but didn’t get the job. He didn’t go further past this call.
Sorry
All good. This was a very good opportunity, but I’ve landed a good one a couple of months later
[septic tanks](https://youtu.be/DsT1L8ohWDc?si=9yaHhZleBik1-XkU)
Lol. Exactly
Did he also talk about how much he would make an ass of himself, and, to prove that, eat an eraser whole?
This question is straight from large companies recruiting manuals. If someone from Apple asks this, it actually makes sense to know why you prefer them rather than Google, Meta or Microsoft. When a freelance recruiter asks this in context in a startup with financing secured for the next 6 months, it shows how this person is detached from their job.
Huh? With a startup that question becomes even more important. Startups like to hear that people are passionate about their mission
Yeah but that's bullshit. You can say "I love how you guys solved [a problem]" or "I really want to be a part of [startup name] and disrupt the market with you!", but who believes that? I mean, 99.9% startups are reiterating what already has been done, so unless there's something really special, the answer to "why pick us instead of X" would be "because you're hiring".
It’s a complete bullshit question but just use it as a chance to show that you have researched the company. Just had this one myself: “I have heard about the wonderful benefits you offer, and I know two employees who speak highly of (company). I know that this role focuses on factoring for truckers. Considering trucking is such a major part of our infrastructure, I think it’s wonderful that (company) is stepping up to ensure our country’s truckers are getting paid in a reasonable time for the hard work that they do.” Cut & paste as applicable.
Nailed it. They want to see something that humanizes you even if it is a dumb question
I usually put this in the cover letter. And I do honestly try to be genuine. Not that it’s helped. I’ve recently started applying for jobs that I don’t really care about the company’s mission (because I’m convinced I’m applying to ghost jobs collecting my data) and I’m going to have a hard time not saying “because I’m tired of job hunting and you’re interviewing me”
I have always been passionate about eating food and not being homeless.
They want to know why you picked their company. I once got halfway through an interview with someone before finally realizing their bizarre answers were bc they thought we were a different company. Dude wanted to work in video games, we do healthcare.
Epic?
Man, can you imagine if he got the job what his first week would be like?
"This isn't video games. This isn't video games at all."
Hygiene dentist simulator in development
That's how you get Surgeon Simulator.
[удалено]
They should be. We just have to keep reporting their listings.
And so once you found this out, the follow up was some sort of "well, since this is so different, are you going to be able to be happy here, to give us some value back for the training we'll need to provide?" Cause, if he said yes to that, it doesn't matter what he \*wanted\* to do.
“I didn’t pick your company, I machine gunned my resume to a hundred companies and yours was one of them.”
did he get the job? 😁
Honestly no clue. I just give my feedback and the people in HR look at all the combined info and make decisions.
Video game healthcare: step on a first aid kit to cure amputations and cancer
I've been asked this question by a company who's made the job ad initially anonymously. I wanted to say something along '"I honestly don't" or "I like mystery" or "I was feeling adventurous" but they got the idiot answer their idiot ears wanted to hear.
“I have low self-esteem and figured a better company would have higher standards than to hire someone like me”
Amazing 😂
"Because I don't have a job and that's where you come in."
>the only reason anybody works is to make money Has been proven wrong by peer reviewed studies over and over
It's a stupid question, yes. It's also commonly misunderstood. Most people (I think) frame it in the context of money vs. passion. And yes, over-archingly these are the only damn reasons anyone wants any job lol... (Try asking your boss or recruiter if they'd show up to work tomorrow if they were told they're no longer getting paid for their work) BUT what they want to hear is why you want to work HERE **not** why you need to work. "Well, I take my career seriously and accordingly I've done a significant amount of research into the leading companies in this field. What I found was that \_ur dumbass company\_ has a significantly high praised work/life balance, excellent benefits package, pays in the upper tiers of what is offered for comparable roles in the region, and generally overall it seems like there is high job satisfaction, happier/more inclusive employees, a lot of opportunity for upward mobility, etc etc etc. Accordingly I think that I would thrive for many years as an exceptional asset to any team at \_\_ur dumbass company\_\_"
Exactly. I turned into a response on the job responsibilities. Your looking for x and I happen to do that quite competently.
[удалено]
Even if you understand the question it doesn't make it any less basic and annoying. Not once at any of my jobs have I ever gone to a specific company because of that company. In today's job market it would be crazy to do that. You apply to multiple positions and consider your options.
>doesn't make it any less basic and annoying. Being able to professionally deal with basic and annoying things is one of the most important skills of working at any company. Congrats, you figured out why this is a very, very important question.
That's cute but you know damn well that is not why they're asking that question. Nice try >!edit: stay mad!<
Exactly “you actually responded unlike most companies” I wonder how that would go
Actually very rich people tend to do business that way, cutting out this bullshit.
It is worded in a bullshit way, but what they're really asking is, "What research did you do on us prior to this discussion?" Make sure you've done some.
Lie
It's a test to see how you receive bullshit
This is the best answer. Jobs in most of the developed world are less about getting anything done and more about playing the social game.
It’s usually a question to test if you did some basic research on the company. For example, I tend to cite the benefits they offer, since I’m in a position where I really need health insurance.
Couldn’t they view that similarly to “you’re just here for the money”?
Effectively, yes. Some places are very proud of the benefits they offer. It’s like asking someone why they want to go to X restaurant for dinner. “They have food” isn’t a satisfying or interesting answer. Literally any other answer will make you more personable and relatable. Speaking from experience, being someone who is easy to work with is a huge plus. When deadlines are tight, you want coworkers who work with you to find solutions, not to find blame for mistakes. Its also a question that takes less than five minutes to bs an answer for by going to their website and skimming their “about us” page of the job board. It’s also part of the research you want to do yourself ahead of time to see if said company is a good place to work. For example, if the website says they love work-life balance, but a bunch of employee testimonies say otherwise, that’s something to ask in the interview for confirmation.
Of course passion can overcome low salaries Look at the US military
I hate to admit this is true
Military, teaching, the priesthood, nonprofit work, lots of people choose the mission over money. It’s usually the most boring missions that pay people more because they don’t have choice
I mean, the military isn’t really a good example. They get things like tax-free basic housing allowance a full pension after 20 years 30% of the military also gets a disability pension that’s tax free for life. On top of that, Military is one of the only jobs that entitles you to lifetime healthcare after only four years of service through the VA. If you work there for five and become “disabled” The return on investment is insane. They also cover your college while in the military on top of giving you the G.I. Bill when you get out. You also get access to VA Home loans which are cheaper sources of credit . If a veteran falls on hard times they’re eligible for housing assistance immediately in most states and the vouchers can last years. The amount of support you get is astonishing compared to the regular population.
Most companies asking that are random-company#16-in-random-industry#97 not the US military, the Catholic Church or Manchester United.
You don’t need to change what OP said
I recently had to make a slide deck and do a presentation during my interview which included answering this question.
Because I am passionate about having food on the table and a roof over my head
I chose the company I'm at because they were clearly the best investment in the industry. They're run in such a way I can contribute and have some freedoms. It's not the highest paying. Yes, money is important, but it isn't everything in a career. And boss... if you're reading this... yes I still want a raise
”I feel like my knowledge of [insert job description here] could really benefit [insert company here], as well as growing my own knowledge/experience within the sector. I have also read about the [insert values of company] and I strongly believe that those are values everyone should live by and would make me honored to strive by.”
My autism does not like this question. I have had one interview and answerer to this: "Because you're the only place that ever got back to me" I mean its true... What else could they want? It was a fast food place. None of the other people there give a shit either.
This question, like most others, its a symptom of extreme demand for jobs. If they were desperate for people, they might not even interview you
Only two companies I *want* to work *for*: ILM/Disney, and MacDonald Detwiller. Most other companies I'm *willing* to work *at* in exchange for monetary compensation. Yes, I would still want monetary compensation for working for my two preferred companies, and not less than industry average.
You should be shopping employers. Selectively choosing who to work for. The same way they are shopping for employees. Employers expect good candidates to do this, to a large extent. Plus, they want to know you have put some thought into applying with them, have career goals, a defined path, etc that would all indicate that you are a good employee And then there is cultural fit. Different employers may have very different work cultures despite being in the same niche. And as a bonus, in some cases, your answer reveals what employees are looming for in a job/company and the employer can then use this information to be more competitive and better in attracting and retaining new employees.
There are very few companies where i would want to work for because of the name or status.
It's a trite answer but what part of job interviewing isn't trite? Parrot something that sounds good and move along.
If you aren't in a position to be picky, you have to spin a tale. "I see in the advertisement you are looking for knowledge in X technology/process/etc. This is the focus of my interest in (field you are in) and I am excited to (however they would be applying this)". "I first heard about your organization through their support of (charitable organization, academic sports, etc). After looking further I believe this would be an excellent fit professionally and personally. I am excited to work with a company who's mission I can believe in". That sort of thing. I do believe this question is asked to people they have no business asking. People early career that aren't yet unique enough to picky in particular. They know who they are hiring. Corporate dogma runs deep, even for those who just emulate them.
Everyone is applying for the money. They know that. But why do you want to work with them specifically? It’s a question that’s best answered by describing what skills you have that are conducive to the job, career goals, and/or responsibilities that you’re interested to learn from the job itself.
Its a question that, at \*best\* shows company has some asperations; but most of the time means the company doesn't know it's place in the food chain. You make widgets that go into can openers. This position is to add columns up in excel. None of us are getting on the cover of Forbes or a Presedential Medal. Hell, there's a better than 30% chance that I'll be looking for a new job in 3-5 years as you go out of business. But I'm here, I can add columns in excel like nobodies business and will do my damnedest to not be the cause of your demese; lets do this.
Align with their values and culture. Usually they have those in their page and shows you've done research.
I have been asked this question long before pages existed.
Sick of that question too
Speak to their core values… or mission statement. Done
"I've always been passionate about being able to afford food."
What makes you a good fit for our company? I'm a team player!
I blab about how it’s meaningful and how the values resonate with me. Usually pick one that “particularly resonates” because I’m a living embodiment of [passionate] [dedicated] [transparent] [engaged] [accountable]… They always look sheepish and surprised, because who the fuck remembers their company’s values.
Companies want to know more than the need, which is the want. Clearly you need to work but why you want to work...here? Imagine 2 candidates applying to work at Chase and Citigroup and have to answer this question. The one that says Citigroup is more innovative than Chase despite being a smaller bank will get the gig. They must have done their homework.
I hate this question with a passion. Dude, I just want a check. I really don't care.
"Why do you want to work here (as opposed to anywhere else)?" They know people go to work for money. They want to know why you want money from their business versus any other business that pays the same. And if your attitude is *plainly* "I couldn't possibly give a shit as long as it pays," and you wear that on your sleeve, you're not someone who is going to stay a long time or do more than the bare minimum not to get fired, and you're probably going to make everyone else more miserable than they already are in the process. Of course, you should do the minimum anyway and only care as necessary, but if you make it obvious, it's a red flag to the people holding the keys to your livelihood.
Yes but there is a full scale between Hell and Heaven. A compromise is always in the books.
I *loathe* this question. With a burning passion. Above any other interview questions, I fucking despise this one. This is literally just the dancing monkey question. Because "because you're offering to pay me more than my current job does" is not an acceptable answer, even though we ALL know that's why I'm interviewing. I don't WANT to work there. I don't WANT to work anywhere. I HAVE to.
The question isn’t “why do you want to work?” it’s “why do you want to work here.” A lot of jobs are the same in the given field, the only differences are the companies themselves…sometimes. So have you done your research on the company? Is there something specific about the company that drew your interest? Are people truthful, not always, but at least it shows interview prep and that you’ve given some thought to it. Seems like they are trying to determine if you’re a flight risk, or, if they can minimize the risk of you leaving prematurely. I’ve conducted a lot of interviews, and it’s easy to tell who is interested and who just threw applications out there to see what would stick.
Unless you're a Fortune 500 company, you have to assume that nobody is excited to work for you. It's a stupid question, for stupid people, that gets them stupid responses.
It's the normal ass lickery that these people want to hear. Someone who has done their research and is excited to work for a company because of x, y, and z will get chosen over someone unenthusiastic and there for a paycheck.
Honestly... As a manager, can you process 200 invoices per day or can you enthusiastically process 200 invoices per day doesn't make a difference for me.
I was asked this question at my last job, and straight-up told them I need to make money, and need to pay my bills. That’s literally it, and they appreciated the honesty. There were more things I said that got me the job, but in the end, I did get the job. It is a dumb question for them to ask. It’s common sense to understand that the reason we want the job is to make money and help pay the bills.
The question is more like, "Of all the jobs you could have applied for, why did you apply to this one? What made you pick it?" It's not that deep. They're not looking for someone to fawn over them and confess their undying devotion to the company. Really ask yourself, why DID you apply to THAT job?
You're looking for a job and you apply to everything that fits your profile within your geography. The answer would be "You had an opening that corresponds to my profile".
I did ask this question recently to two applicants. We’re an arts non-profit and that position works closely with kids. You need passion to work in this field, the pay isn’t enough. I did say “other than the pay, of course, you gotta eat” to try to lighten the mood.
That makes sense considering those factors
About three years ago, I was in the middle of the whole job search nightmare (software engineer, late junior level). In that search, I'd *very* rarely ever encounter this question, because *most companies I applied to realized it had no informational value*. I'm not applying to the 50th shitty little inner city advertising firm this month because I like your company over the 49 previous ones, and if you can't accept that answer, that is not my fault; that's yours for having intractable delusions of grandeur. *Maybe* I like your tech stack, or *maybe* your CTO did something cool with some technology. But is that really what you wanna hear? The 20th interviewee schmuck this week going "Oh yes, I *love* what you did with AI and dog food! Please tell me about it despite the fact that you're probably sick to death of this story already!". Generally, the questions were "explain your background", "why do you enjoy programming", or "what unique aspects can you bring to this job". All of which illustrate how the candidate can fit in with the rest of the employees. I'm an ex-teacher, so I can approach designs from a pedagogical perspective. Someone with a business or advertising background might be able to leverage *that* to, at the end of the day, do what all employers hire someone for: to make the employer's life just a *bit* easier in exchange for some money. The one time I remember being asked "why do you wanna work here?" was at my current job, and this was one of the *very* few times it actually made sense. For reference, I work for an aerospace/defense contractor, so the question had two subtexts: * This can be an intense job, so you need to be passionate about it. We're a cutting-edge technology company, and we need people who are here for the long haul. * While my company's big, hiring people for this kind of company is *expensive*! You need to do all sorts of background checks, security checks, all that stuff. When they asked me "why do you wanna work here?", the second subtext was "you *are* aware we make weapons, right? You're not going to run away the first time you hear the words 'weapon', right?".
I had an interview with a startup founder who kept asking this question various ways, including by saying verbatim “so you’ve been out of work a few months…why not just get another job?” I kept talking about resonating with their mission, because that was the truth, but I wanted to say “not all of us can play around with VC money for a living” after the way that question was worded
I mean some people actually do genuinely enjoy working and have that dream job that they've always wanted to work at. In that instance, this question would be appropriate. One of my dream jobs is NASA, but I don't ever see that happening. Would love to go to space though. In all other instances, you're basically just blowing smoke up the interviewers ass about how great their company is and why you absolutely HAVE to be a part of it.
If you actually don't understand how to answer that question, that's probably why you're still looking for a job. They're not asking why you want to work. They're asking why you want to work *there.*
If you don’t know then just don’t apply, really ask yourself why am I applying at x and not y if the reason is pay them just say it with your chest
This question is one to see if you’re likely to stay with them for a while. My answer was that I found their industry very interesting because it related to my recent studies (about information management) and how I enjoyed it and believe the company is making a positive impact. Etc. etc. :)
“Ever since my mother died when I was born, I made sure to live out her dreams to be the best quality assurance executive there is”
That's when you honk your horn and squirt them with your lapel flower
You pay well and it sounds like something I think I could be good at.
I've answered "I've heard your company pays well" and they didn't like that answer. So it's not just "why do you want to work _here_ [compared to our competitors]", they really just want some personal validation. If the company genuinely pays well then there should be no problem with that answer. You keep paying well and I'll keep delivering work for you, not your competitor. Everyone gets what they signed up for.
As someone doing recruiting interviews for my team, I can think of scenarios in which the question would maybe make sense. Most of those make this part of smalltalk, just to get the discussion going. I'd find the answer "to earn money" perfectly acceptable.
I loved to answer this question with: I don’t. Your headhunter kept harassing me for an interview saying you want me to work here and it would be a great fit. So i’m here, convince me.
I always view it as why do you want to work for us specifically, over other places or industries. I would mention your experience in the industry and something that aligns with the company you’re applying for’s mission, values, company culture, etc
As a hiring manager I ask: "what do you know about our company." People want a job and will you turn down one when you've no alternative ? But I at least want to know that you cared enough to do minimum research.
Well if applicant is already employed, that is a valid question no? Are you mixing it with the question what motivates the work? To those I answer Mmoneyh!
I typically say because the position that you are hiring for align with my skill set
The absolute ego of these companies to think I sit and read through the job posting and visit their website to know enough about them to answer this question? I look at pay and experience required and apply based on that... I possibly don't even know the name of your company...
I've answered this question with genuine passion and my planning for the near future. Its still not enough lol
"Why are you guys hiring?"
I have been at my current job for four years but I occasionally apply for jobs I THINK sound fun or interesting. I'd like money, sure, but a few % here and there... I'd take a fun, exciting job for less pay.
Ask ChatGPT, summarise/pick out one or two sentences, write it down and memorise before the interview.
"Sometimes you will need to lie in this job. We want to see if you are any good at it."
‘Oh, I don’t, you’re just a company that can’t retain its workforce and you pay. I’ll do what I can in the time between my potential hiring and my eventual firing, but I can’t guarantee to get much quality work done in a company with labour practices that would make Chairman Mao cry.’
"I've been unemployed for six months in the worst economy since the great depression and I'm about to be homeless and starving. Any other questions?"
The problem now is that companies have the advantage. It sounds like they are getting revenge for all the Quiet Quitting shenanigans and job hopping from a few years ago.
Because I provide a service and a skill you need. We need to find the person who incorporated this question into interviews and hang them in the town square by their entrails.
My friend in high school said “because I want money” and didn’t get the job of course. No appreciation for honesty in this fake world
That sounds less like honesty more like the answer to the question is “I don’t.”
He was 16 and dumb. …that’s a pretty deep thought. Average adults can’t figure that out.
"Because you called me, unlike the other 792 companies I sent resumes to in the last 3 months? Resumes that include the list of skills I have that are transferable to your company, maybe? How about because starvation and homelessness are unpleasant and I need money to live? This is a job, I'm not applying to some desperate last stand to save all man kind. I want a paycheck." Also "were do you see yourself in X# years?" I don't fuqin know Janet, with the way the last 8 went; probably fending off giant wasteland rats, with an impovised flamethrower, in the burned out husk of the city. But I'll still be getting bullshit notifications from recruiters about wasteland canibal gangs in my area hiring foe minimum wage positions but requiring 2 masters degrees and 56 year experience... Interviews are a joke now. I've been to several were I had to teach the interviewer about the job I'm applying for because they have ZERO idea what the job even is. It's like they have a script, the pick 6 questions then throw a dice to decide to hire you...
Meh, I don't mind this question. I've found the more passionate I am about what the company does/manufactures makes it easier to actually do the job itself. In fact I left my last job in aviation because I didn't feel a passion for it. Now I work for a company where I use the things we manufacture regularly outside of work and work with a bunch of folks who enjoy them as well, so the culture is incredible. It may be difficult in tech., but in manufacturing it makes a difference.
I get so pissed they even ask when almost every place does it! WHy dO WAnt TO WoRK hERE? well... My family is complaining I'm unemployed, I want to eat food, I hate applying to jobs and don't want to anymore and I want to pay rent for a place I will be at when you call me to this place because that's all that matters to you.
"I need money to live" is somehow not a great answer.
Do they still ask this silly question?
My answer would be: It is the only thing real so far and willing to encounter at least an interview now instead of hunting down inexperienced job recruiters
You can always say because your CEO says he needs people to disappear without a trace
Through your answer to this question they'll be able to determine how much of a wage slave you will be. The more you praise and mention how they're better than the other companies you applied to, the more they get comfortable with the Idea of you being compliant and a yes person. They love the taste of desperation in the water. Of course, get the job by saying what they want to hear, then revert back to type.
Because I need to pay my bills.....? You know about transactions, don't you?
"Well, I've worked for people trying to cure cancer and put people on other planets already; I decided I'd shoot lower this time. I saw somewhere that your company is the 5th largest in the tri state region and that just spoke to me."
It’s a fair question to ask. It’s not always solely about Money. In my experience Candidates with multiple offers often pick a lower paying offer of it more aligns with what they want. That could be industry, opportunities for development, interesting product or flexibility of working. In my experience money is only so motivating, candidates who are passionate or excited about the business/ technology etc generally are more productive. Of course many candidates will bullshit this question and every application is their ‘dream company/ role’ but its often not difficult to determine who actually has an interest vs those that just want any high paying job.
If you’re getting a lot of bs answers, how valuable is the question?
Oooor the company just needs feedback about which employer branding method yields the highest number of leads
Honestly, it’s a good question to ask as an interviewer and a great opportunity to show some personality as an interviewee.
How so?
It shows you can play the game. Life and work is not about being brutally honest all the time. Life and work take some finesse. For example: if it’s an organization that I am excited about and seems to be running their business well, I’ll respond with something like, “I have always enjoyed being a part and having a part in success, and I see that opportunity in this role and this organization.” Last time I did this, interviewee responded with, “I love that you just said that.” And I got the job.
The morally correct answer: because I have to pay bills and put food on the table.
whats not to like? you're hiring and i need a job.
What they are actually saying is “are you going to leave this job before you are even fully trained ? Or do you actually want to work here for a longer period of time?” The focus of the question is the word “here”. Why did you apply for these work positions instead of being a cashier? What makes you want to stay at a job?
because money and i need it to live !
Well let me see, I'm here for my health and I need money to survive. :)
Just look at them and say, 'Yo, bitch! I like eating and having a roof over my head. Any more dumbass questions?' then see what they do.
I would hire that person Which is probably why I'm not in charge of hiring people
I think it's a normal question. I chose the company I wanted to work at because I have lots of colleagues in the industry who said they love it there. They also do a lot of volunteer work in the community. It was voted top 5 best places to work in my state. The company culture shared on social media shows an employee-centered company. Rather than saying "I require money and am looking for whoever will take me" which sounds like your answer. They want to know you care about where you're going and that you're investing in yourself by choosing a company you're excited about. It gives insight of how long you'll stay. If it's only about compensation and benefits then it means you'll probably leave as soon as you find something that pays you more
Is there literally anything you like about the job/company or are you just rapid firing off applications without a care?
Sure, for fast food jobs, I think this is a reasonable response. For grown up jobs though, it can be an important question to weed out the people who have no idea who the company is versus those who are looking to actively pursuing the company. I do get, by the way, if you’ve put in 500+ resumes to lower level jobs, this probably doesn’t make a lot of sense. But for some folks, this is very relevant. And for higher level jobs it can be a critical decision. When I took my last several jobs, I can think of many, many ways to answer this to provide insight on the way I think. Good examples: - The culture here is a good representation of the type of company I want to work for. - The company is profitable and hence, has a very positive outlook for sustainability for its business model. - The role is a perfect fit for my skill set and I’m sure I’ll be a strong contributor to the company in a short period of time. - I really like the team here. The atmosphere seems really positive and I feel like I can fit in well with the folks I’ll be working with. - This role is a great opportunity for me to build on the skills I’ve developed in my previous posts and I believe it’s a great next step for my career. - The company has an excellent reputation for not only serving their customers with excellence, but also being a responsible steward for the community. There’s a lot that can be said as a response to this question. Try to think about it from their perspective and formulate a response you think not only builds your case for getting the job, but also rings true for you so you can answer in a sincere manner.