How to answer “why do you want to work here”

TL;DR

To connect with employers when they ask "why do you want to work here," lead with a short personal origin story and link it directly to this specific role — then show you've researched the company and how you'd add value — instead of just listing descriptive adjectives or values like integrity and honesty.

Insights

Start with a concise origin story: a personal passion or past experience that explains why this company and this role genuinely appeal to you. Research shows this builds rapport and human connection far better than reciting adjectives or values, and experts suggest linking that story directly to the position you're applying for so the two feel like a natural match.

From there, make the match concrete:

1. Show you've researched them — name something specific about the company (what they do, their mission, a product, how they work) that ties back to your story.
2. Tie it to the role — connect it to what the job involves and where you want your career to go, so it's clearly this job, not just any job.
3. Point to the value you'd add — a quick line on how your skills fit what they need. Keep it specific and genuine; don't lead with salary or "I need a job."

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