Answering Why Do You Want To Join Our Company (Get Tips & Samples)

“Why do you want to join our company?" It's a common query, but crafting a compelling response can feel daunting. Fear not, job seekers! This article equips you with the secrets to confidently tackling this common interview question. We'll explore essential tips, provide powerful sample answers, and guide you through the do's and don'ts of crafting your perfect response.

But wait, there's more! We'll also delve into why THIS question holds so much weight in the interviewer's eyes. So, ditch the generic answers and prepare to impress with a response that showcases your genuine interest and qualifications.

Interview Question: Why do you want to join our company?

A favourite topic of the hiring managers, this question can take many forms. Here are some of the most common ways in which this question can be posed during an interview:

Why do you want to work for us?
Why do you want to work at our company?
Why are you interested in this job?
Why do you want to join our company?
Why do you want to work here?
Why would you like to work with our company?
Why this company?
Why do you want to join us?
Why do you want to join this company?
Why do you want to work with us?

Why is this question asked?

“If you hire people just because they can do a job, they’ll work for your money. But if you hire people who believe what you believe, they’ll work for you with blood and sweat and tears”
- Simon Sinek, British Author and Motivational Speaker.

There are several combinations and permutations of this question. However, the underlying intent of all these questions remains the same - to gauge how well you have researched the company. Recruiters want to know how well your core values and skills align with the company culture and the role you are giving the interview for.

Hence, aspiring professionals must prepare a reply to "Why do you want to join our company?".

Also Read: Answering "Sell Me This Pen" Question

Answering why you want to join our company: Important Tips

1. Research the company’s website

Researching the company's website is the best way to answer the question, "Why do you want to join our company?" Interviewers ask this question primarily to determine how well you have researched the company.

When you visit the website, you should look at the company’s history, vision and mission statement, financials, blogs, etc. This will give a 360-degree look at the company.

You should visit the ‘About Us’, ‘Products and Services’ and ‘Careers’ sections of their website to get the information you are looking for. It will give you critical insights into the operations of the company.

2. Review the company’s social media profiles

Most companies are active on social media these days. They proactively post their latest developments on their social media profiles, interact with their target audience on various platforms, and share relevant information.

Some companies may even post humourous content if it aligns with the communication guidelines and is relatable for their audience.

Some common social media posts that companies may share are:

Updates on their products or services - any latest developments, new launches, special discounts, favourable reviews, etc.
Information about Employees of the Month.
Future goals of the company and how it intends to fulfil them.
News of their mergers and acquisitions.

Carefully browsing through a company’s social media profile is not just for digital marketing and social media aspirants. It can benefit all candidates, giving you a glimpse into the company culture, tone and achievements - and ultimately, a lot more confidence in answering the "why do you want to join our company” question.

3. Read the latest news articles related to the company

You can gain a lot of information about the company by reading the latest news about the company. This will give you an idea of the company’s latest struggles and achievements and help answer 'why do you want to join our company?'.

The company’s latest collaborations, financials, policies, and comparative analysis with other companies can be found if you go to newspapers. Some of the best newspapers to find this information are The Economic Times and The Hindu Business Line.

4. Carefully look at the job description

One of the best sources to form your answer is to read and reread the job description provided by the company.

Companies put a lot of effort into crafting job descriptions so that they can get the best applications for a role. So, you should leverage this document and try to read between the lines.

Your roles and responsibilities, as well as the skills required for the job, are mentioned in the job description. Grasp this document and try to think about what the company is actually looking for in a candidate who is to be selected for the role.

Apart from that, the company also gives its own introduction in the job description. So, it even tells you what you should know about the company. Try to gather as much information as possible about everything mentioned in the job description.

5. Identify how your values align with the company’s core values

The hiring managers also focus on how well you align with the company. You should identify your career goals and your core values and try to align them with the core values the company is looking for in its employees.

If possible, find examples that can support how your values align with the company’s. For example, say a company values sustainability. And you worked with your college’s Social Responsibility Committee. Then, you can talk about the work you did as part of the committee to show how your values align with the company culture.

6. Prepare a list of your favourite aspects of a job

Another way to answer this answer is to list what you like about the job. This may include some specific technical and managerial skills. You may align these prior experiences with the kind of expertise the company is looking for.

Also Read: “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?” Answer The Uncanniest Interview Question Like A Pro

Sample Answers

Here are a few sample answers to the question, "Why do you want to work with us?" that both experienced and freshers can refer to during interview prep:

Sample Answer 1:

"I've spent more than five years working in the travel industry. I've broadened my customer service experience, and I'm eager to put that knowledge to work for a worldwide corporation that values its employees and is consistently named one of the city's finest places to work. I enjoy dealing with people, and this position will allow me to put my bilingual talents to use by speaking with consumers from all over the world. My ultimate aim is to advance to a position of leadership in customer service, and I know that having the opportunity to expand my experience and enhance my abilities will help me get closer to that goal."

Sample Answer 2:

"Even though your firm has been operating for decades, you've never strayed from your aim of providing individuals with a pleasant and memorable travel experience. The business has always been forward-thinking, utilizing technology to enhance the consumer experience. Your app is one of the best travel apps, and you've received some of the industry's most prestigious honors year after year. When I started looking for a new job, I made it a point to look for firms that value ethics, generosity, and creativity, and yours is at the top of the list."

Sample Answer 3:

"I've been a long-time user of your goods. The cutting-edge technology and excellent user experience it provides continuously impress me. I experienced a problem a few months ago and contacted customer service. I spoke with a professional who was helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. At the time, I recall thinking to myself that your organization must be a fantastic place to work. When I spotted the opportunity for a Product Manager, I chose to learn more about your company's beliefs and culture, which confirmed my instinct that this is the place where I'd like to work. I'd like to advance my career at a company that values user experience and innovation."

Sample Answer 4:

"I'm amazed by your company's commitment to its employees' growth and development. One of my friends works in your marketing department, and she has complimented this organization for years for its wonderful employee care. I'm seeking a company that encourages and challenges its people to achieve their full potential as professionals. According to my study, you invest in your employees' education through education reimbursement, onsite training, and mentorship programs. Furthermore, you have a strong track record of industry leadership. This is a company where I'd be proud to advance my career."

Sample Answer 5:

“Employee testimonies show that your organization is consistently ranked as one of the finest places to work in the country. This company's commitment to growing its personnel through tools, training, and education has resulted in a creative and productive environment of professionals who are passionate about their work. As a result, you've produced some of the most stunning marketing campaigns I've ever seen. I'd like to be a part of such a dedicated group.”

What NOT to do when answering, “Why This Company?”

Avoid mentioning negative things about your current or previous employer: Focus on the positive aspects of the company you are interviewing with.
Stay away from generic answers: Tailor your response to show why this specific company stands out to you.
Don't focus solely on salary or benefits: Show genuine interest in the company's values, culture, and mission.
Avoid mentioning short-term gain: Demonstrate your long-term commitment and enthusiasm for the role.
Provide clear reasons for wanting to join the company: Be specific about what attracts you to this particular organization.

Conclusion

It’s common to get nervous before interviews or flustered by an unexpected question. However, considering that why you want to join our company is one of the most common job interview questions, you must prepare for it in advance.

Hopefully, these tips, sample answers and a list of things to avoid will help you prepare for your job interview. Best of luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do employers ask, "Why do you want to join our company?"

Employers ask this question:

Gauge the candidate’s genuine interest in the company and the role
Understand how much research the candidate has done about the company
Assess the alignment between the candidate’s career goals and the company’s objectives
Determine if the candidate’s values and work style fit with the company culture

2. What should candidates research before answering this question?

Candidates should research:

The company’s mission, vision, and values
Recent news, achievements, and initiatives
Products, services, and target market
Company culture and work environment
Opportunities for growth and development
Employee reviews and testimonials

3. How should candidates structure their answer to this question?

A well-structured answer typically includes:

A brief explanation of the candidate’s interest in the industry or field
Specific reasons why the candidate admires the company (e.g., reputation, innovation, culture)
How the candidate’s skills, experiences, and career goals align with the company’s needs and opportunities
Enthusiasm and genuine interest in contributing to the company’s success

4. What are some common mistakes to avoid when answering this question?

Common mistakes include:

Giving generic answers that could apply to any company
Focusing solely on personal benefits (e.g., salary, perks) without mentioning what the candidate can contribute
Failing to mention specific aspects of the company that the candidate finds appealing
Providing overly lengthy or irrelevant details

5. How can candidates tailor their answers to different companies?

Candidates should:

Highlight specific aspects of each company that resonate with them (e.g., unique projects, company culture, market position)
Mention any personal connections or experiences related to the company’s products or services
Align their career aspirations with the company’s goals and future directions
Show enthusiasm for the company’s mission and how they can contribute to it

6. How important is it to show enthusiasm in the answer?

Showing enthusiasm is very important. Employers want to hire candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity and who will be motivated and engaged. Enthusiasm also demonstrates that the candidate has a positive attitude and a strong interest in contributing to the company’s success.

7. What if the candidate has multiple reasons for wanting to join the company?

If candidates have multiple reasons, they should prioritize and articulate the most compelling ones. Keeping the answer focused and concise is important while ensuring it covers the key points effectively. The candidate can mention additional reasons briefly if they are relevant and add value to the answer.

8. How can candidates incorporate their long-term career goals into their answer?

Candidates can incorporate their long-term career goals by:

Discussing how the role and company align with their career aspirations
Mentioning opportunities for growth and development within the company
Highlighting specific skills or experiences they wish to gain and how these will help them achieve their long-term goals
Showing that they see a future with the company and are committed to contributing over the long term

9. Should candidates mention anything negative about their current or previous employers in their answer?

No, candidates should avoid mentioning anything negative about their current or previous employers. This can be perceived as unprofessional and may raise concerns about the candidate’s attitude and ability to handle workplace challenges positively. Instead, candidates should focus on the positive aspects of the new opportunity and why it excites them.

By understanding these FAQs, candidates can craft a thoughtful, well-researched, and enthusiastic response to the question, "Why do you want to join our company?" This helps demonstrate their genuine interest and fit for the role, increasing their chances of making a positive impression on the interviewer.

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Gurpreet Saini

Sr. Associate Content Writer

An avid reader and an ambitious traveller, I like to curate stories. The instinctive desire to explore the unchartered territories of the unknown and unseen inspires me to find wonder in the cosmos. I find solace in the embrace of nature, and hope to create an environment of peace wherever I go.