Interview Advice

How To Answer – Why Do You Want To Join Our Company?

Published on by Lakshita Sharma

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Learn how to answer 'Why do you want to join our company?' confidently by showing your research, alignment with values, and enthusiasm for the role.

This should reflect genuine interest and an alignment with the values of the company. Demonstrate your research into their work culture, opportunities for growth, and achievements. Relate your skills, experience, and career goals to your value proposition for them. Be specific, confident, yet focus on a mutual benefit for both you and the company.

 

Introduction

A very common question in any job interview is, "Why do you want to join our company?"-and your answer can play a major role in the employer's decision. The question provides insight into your motivation and interest in the company's organisation, culture, values, and goals. In essence, it tells them whether you want a job, period, or if you want to grow with their company. An appropriate response goes beyond such generic statements to showing what impressed you about the company, how your skills address their needs, and how joining them extends your long-term career path. Such thoughtfulness not only exudes confidence but also sets one apart from other candidates.

 

Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question?

Interviewers ask, "Why do you want to join our company?" to understand whether you are genuinely interested in their organisation or are just applying everywhere for any job that comes your way. This helps them judge how motivated you are, how committed you are to a long-term association with the company, and how well you have researched their company. Employers want people who will fit in with their culture and values and share their vision, and contribute toward growth rather than job-hopping. It also tells them how clearly you understand the role and whether your goals align with the company's goals. A strong and meaningful answer will reflect enthusiasm, clarity, and preparedness, proving you are the right person to be a part of the team.

 

What the Recruiter is Looking for in Your Response

This question can be asked by a recruiter when assessing how well you fit in and if you have an actual interest in the role. They want to understand whether you have taken your time to research their organisation, know their values, and understand what makes them different from others. More specifically, through your answer, they look for motivations, passion, and clarity on why their company would be the right place for one's career development.

 

Common Mistakes Candidates Make

Here are the most common mistakes candidates often make when answering “Why do you want to join our company?” :

  • Providing generic or copy-paste answers

           Saying things like "Because your company is very good" or "I need a job" shows no research or genuine interest.

  • Talking only about salary or benefits

           You look uncommitted and self-centred when focusing on pay, perks, or location alone.

  • Not researching the company

           It seems that candidates do not care enough to prepare when they don't say anything specific about the company.

  • Being Too Long or Confusing

           Over-explaining without structure can make your response seem unclear and unprofessional.

  • Not connecting your skills to the role

           Many candidates do not show how their experience or strengths fit the requirements of the position.

  • Speaking negatively about previous employers

           Complaining about past jobs gives a bad impression and raises questions about attitude.

  • Sounding desperate instead of confident

           Statements like "I really need this job" show desperation rather than value and capability.

 

How to Structure a Perfect Answer: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start with Company Research

  • First and foremost, comment on anything particular about the company: its mission, values, culture, achievements in recent times, or any innovative projects it is working on.
  • This shows you've done your homework and are genuinely interested
  • Example: I really admire your company's focus on sustainable solutions within the tech industry…

2. Align Your Skills and Experience

  • Connect your skills, qualifications, and experiences with what the company is looking for.
  • Emphasise how you can contribute to their goals.
  • Example: …and with my experience in project management, I believe I can contribute to streamlining your upcoming product launches.

3. Mention Career Growth and Learning Opportunities

  • Demonstrate that you are thinking about your long-term development and how the company fits into your career path.
  • It indicates ambition and loyalty.
  • Example: I am also excited for the opportunity to learn from your talented team and grow professionally.

4. Keep It Positive and Genuine

  • Avoid negative comments about past employers or sounding desperate
  • Be confident, enthusiastic, and professional.

5. End with Mutual Benefit

  • Conclude your answer by showing how both you and the company can benefit from your joining.
  • For example, I am confident that my skills and commitment can contribute to the achievement of the company's objectives while permitting me to grow in a dynamic atmosphere.

 

Dos and Don’ts While Answering

Answering the question effectively will necessarily set you apart in an interview. Here is a clear guide on what to do and what to avoid.

Dos

  • Do Your Research: Know the mission, culture, recent achievements, and projects of the company before the interview.
  • Connect Your Skills: Highlight how your experience, strengths, and career goals relate to the role.
  • Do Show Enthusiasm: speak with real interest and positivity about the company and the opportunity.
  • Be Specific: Use concrete examples rather than statements like It’s a great company.
  • Do focus on mutual benefits: Explain how your contribution is going to help the company and how you are going to grow professionally.


Don'ts

  • Don't make salary or perks your focal points: this makes you appear self-centred and less committed.
  • Don’t Give Generic Answers: Refrain from set expressions such as “I need a job” or “I’ve heard good things about your company."
  • Don't Criticise Previous Employers: Speaking negatively about past jobs is a red flag.
  • Don't Sound Desperate: Phrases like "I really need this job" show dependency rather than value. Don’t Ramble: Your response should always be clear, concise, and structured.

 

Final Thoughts

Your thoughtful response to this question, "Why do you want to join our company?", can make a big impression at your interview. Do your homework on the company, relate your skills to the position offered, and express genuine enthusiasm. A well-prepared and confident response not only highlights your value but leaves a positive impression with the recruiter that endures.

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