Sample Answer For Freshers: “Why Do You Want To Work For Our Company?”

Job interviews can be stressful, yet crucial in a country like South Africa, where an alarming number of young people are unemployed.

Landing a job interview is already an accomplishment, as many recruitment managers have admitted that they can look at a CV for a few seconds before they decide to read or toss it.

“Why do you want to work for us?” is a common stumbling block for candidates. Rosie, a career coach who runs the Bad*ss YouTube channel, says that this is a deal-breaker question.

‘’Companies ask this question to gauge your enthusiasm and your knowledge of the business and the role. They are wanting to make sure that you want to work there, not just anywhere,’’ she says in the video.

What not to say according to the recruitment expert:

• Don’t make it all about you and how you like the perks or benefits that come with the job. Instead, talk about what you would bring to the company and where your strengths would shine.
• Be creative and original. Avoid using clichés.
• Do not give a lengthy answer. Show that you can communicate succinctly (briefly and clearly).

What to say to the interviewer:

• Make your response 80% related to the company, what they need and the value you can add to the organisation. The remaining 20% should be about your personal career goals. Give clear examples of these.
• Show that you understand what they need. Go over the job description with a fine tooth comb so that you know exactly what the company is looking for.
• Your response be about three minutes long.

“Why do you want to work for our company?”

A very common interview question. This is similar in spirit and intention to “How can you contribute to this organisation?” above. Your answer can, therefore, also be similar (provided they ask you one or the other, not both)

It intends to see if your career goals and ambitions are a match for the company’s goals. Did you research the company? Do you understand what the role demands and can you deliver what is needed?

Don’t be flippant or rude in your answer, things like:

“There aren’t many jobs around right now, and this company seems pretty good, so I thought I’d apply”

-or-

“The job doesn’t seem too demanding and the pay is ok”

You need to show that you want the job, have the skills and experience needed, and that you are delighted to have the opportunity of an interview.