The 3-Part Formula to Nailing "Why Do You Want to Work Here?" (Without Sounding Desperate)

How to Answer "Why Do You Want to Work Here?" (And Actually Get the Job)

"Why do you want to work here?" is one of the most annoying questions in the interview playbook.

It feels like a trap. You’re sitting there, maybe sweating through your shirt a little, thinking, "I want to work here because I need money to pay rent and buy groceries." Or, if you’re an international student on an F-1 visa, your internal monologue is screaming, "Because I have a ticking clock on my work authorization and I need a company that sponsors H-1B visas!"

But you can’t say that. We know that, and you know that.

Here’s the real deal: This question isn't just a hoop to jump through. It’s actually your best opportunity to separate yourself from the hundreds of other applicants who are just copy-pasting generic answers they found on page one of Google. Whether you’re a career pivoter feeling like an imposter, a recent grad fighting for your first break, or an international student racing against time, nailing this answer is how you turn your "underdog" status into a competitive advantage.

At Wonsulting, we’ve helped thousands of underdogs land offers at top-tier companies like Google, Deloitte, and Goldman Sachs. We’ve seen exactly what works (and what definitely doesn't). This guide isn't about giving you a script to memorize; it's about teaching you the strategy to construct an answer that is authentic, impressive, and impossible to ignore.

‍

Why Interviewers Actually Ask This Question (It’s Not What You Think)

To give a great answer, you first have to understand the game you’re playing. Why do hiring managers ask this? It’s not because they want you to stroke their ego and tell them how amazing their company is. They are looking for specific signals that de-risk their hiring decision.

Hiring is expensive and risky. When an employer asks, "Why are you interested in this position?", they are trying to answer three hidden questions about you:

1. Have you done your homework?

Most candidates apply to jobs using the "spray and pray" method: sending out generic applications to 50 companies a day. When an interviewer asks why you want this job, they are testing to see if you actually know what the company does. Did you research them? Do you understand their product? Or are you just looking for any job?

If your answer could apply to any other company in the industry (e.g., "I love that you value innovation"), you’ve failed the test.

2. Are you going to stay?

This is huge, especially if you look like a "flight risk" on paper. If you’re a career pivoter, they might worry you’ll hate the new industry and leave. If you’re overqualified, they might worry you’ll get bored. They want to know that your career goals align with what the company can offer long-term. They want to hear that you see a future there, not just a paycheck for the next six months.

3. Do you fit the "vibe"?

This is about culture add, not just culture fit. Do you understand their mission? Do you care about the problems they are solving? For example, if you’re applying to a health-tech startup, do you actually care about patient outcomes, or are you just there for the tech stack?

The Underdog Advantage: If you come from a non-traditional background, this is where you win. A candidate with a "perfect" resume might be arrogant and under-prepared. You, the underdog, can show up with deep research and genuine passion that proves you’ll work harder and care more than the person who went to an Ivy League school.

‍

The Wonsulting Formula: How to Structure Your Answer

You don't need to be a smooth-talking extrovert to nail this. You just need a system. We break down the perfect response into a three-part framework. Think of it as "The Bridge": you are building a bridge between their company and your career.

Step 1: The "Company Hook" (20-30% of your answer)

Start with something specific about the company that excites you. This proves you’ve done your research. Don't just look at the "About Us" page. Dig deeper.

• Recent News: Mention a recent product launch, a funding round, or an article you read about them.
• Mission & Values: Connect with why they do what they do.
• Product/Service: Mention your experience using their product or why you admire their position in the market.

Bad Example: "I want to work here because you are a market leader in technology." (Boring. Generic. Could be Apple, Microsoft, or a toaster company.)

Good Example: "I’ve been following [Company] since you launched the new AI-driven analytics dashboard last quarter. I was impressed by how you solved the user latency issue that competitors are still struggling with..."

Step 2: The "Personal Connection" (30-40% of your answer)

Now, pivot to yourself. Why does that specific thing matter to you? This is where you connect their mission to your background.

• Skill Alignment: "That focus on data-driven decision making aligns perfectly with my background in financial analysis..."
• Shared Values: "I’ve always been passionate about democratizing education, which is why your mission to make coding accessible resonates with me..."
• Your Story: "Coming from a non-traditional background in hospitality, I’ve learned that customer experience is everything, which is why your customer-centric approach appeals to me."

Step 3: The "Future Value" (30-40% of your answer)

Finally, bring it home by explaining how this combination—their company + your skills—will create value for them.

• Impact: "I’m excited to bring my experience in project management to help your team scale these new features efficiently."
• Growth: "I see this role as the perfect place to apply my Python skills while contributing to a team that is reshaping the fintech landscape."

‍

Tailoring Your Answer for Your "Underdog" Status

One size does not fit all. Depending on your background, you need to tweak your strategy to address the specific anxieties a hiring manager might have about your profile.

For the Career Pivoter (e.g., Teacher to Tech)

You might feel like an outsider, but you have a "secret weapon": transferable skills. Your answer needs to bridge the gap between your past and their future.

• The Strategy: Don't apologize for your past; leverage it. Explain how your unique background gives you a perspective that traditional candidates lack.
• The Script Angle: "While my background is in education, I’ve spent the last five years breaking down complex concepts for diverse audiences. I want to work here because your EdTech product suffers from high churn due to user confusion. I’m interested in this Customer Success role because I can use my teaching background to create onboarding materials that will actually retain customers."
• Why it works: You aren't just "interested." You're offering a solution to a problem based on your unique history.

For the F-1 Visa Holder (OPT/CPT Students)

If you are an international student, your "Why do you want to work here?" answer carries extra weight. You are racing against a clock, and you need a company that sees you as a long-term investment, not a temporary hire.

• The Strategy: Focus heavily on stability, loyalty, and long-term growth. Employers fear international students will leave or that the visa process is too hard. Show them you are here to build a career, not just fill a gap year.
• The Script Angle: "I am looking for a role where I can build a long-term career and grow with a company over the next 5-10 years. I’ve followed [Company]’s expansion into the APAC region, and with my background in that market combined with my US education, I see a unique opportunity to contribute to your global strategy. I want to work here because you value global perspectives, and I’m ready to commit to a team where I can make a lasting impact."
• Why it works: You signal that you are thinking in terms of "years," not "months," which soothes their fear about your visa timeline without explicitly bringing up the H-1B sponsorship logistics in the first sentence.

For the Recent Grad / Entry-Level

You don't have experience? Wrong. You have potential, hunger, and adaptability.

• The Strategy: Avoid saying "I just want to learn." Companies aren't schools; they don't want to pay you just to teach you. Frame your "learning" as "contributing while growing."
• The Script Angle: "I want to work here because [Company] is known for its rigorous engineering culture. I’ve spent my university years building apps in my spare time, but I’m ready to apply that energy to enterprise-level problems. I’m interested in this Junior Developer position because it allows me to contribute to your backend team immediately while being surrounded by the best engineers in the industry."

‍

3 Best Sample Answers (That Aren't Boring)

Here are three concrete examples of how to put this all together. Notice how none of them use the phrase "I’m a hard worker" or "I need a job."

Example 1: The "Mission-Driven" Answer (Great for Non-Profits, Health, Education)

"I’ve been following [Company] for a while, and I was really moved by your CEO’s recent post about shifting focus toward under-served communities in rural areas. My background is in social work, where I saw firsthand how lack of access creates systemic barriers. I want to transition into this Operations role because I want to take my frontline empathy and combine it with the operational efficiency needed to scale these solutions. I know I can help your team streamline the delivery process so we can reach more people faster."

Example 2: The "Product-Obsessed" Answer (Great for Tech/SaaS)

"Honestly, I’m a huge fan of your product. I’ve been using your project management tool for two years, and the recent integration with Slack changed my entire workflow. However, I’ve noticed there’s a gap in how you target freelance creatives. I want to work here because I understand that user base intimately. As a former freelancer turned Marketing Manager, I know exactly how to message the new features to drive adoption in that segment. I’m excited to join a team that builds products I actually love."

Example 3: The "Culture & Growth" Answer (Great for Corporate/Finance)

"I’m interested in this position because [Company] has a reputation for cultivating leadership from within. I spoke to [Name of employee you networked with], and they mentioned how the company supports cross-functional training. That really resonated with me. I’m someone who thrives on understanding the 'big picture,' and I want to bring my data analysis skills to a place where I can not only deliver reports but understand how those numbers impact the broader business strategy. I’m looking for a home for my career, and your culture of internal mobility tells me this is the right place."

‍

Common Traps to Avoid (Please Don't Say These)

Even smart people say dumb things when they’re nervous. Here is a list of "red flags" that will get your resume thrown in the trash.

1. The "Generic Flattery" Trap

• Don't Say: "Because you are a great company with a great culture and everyone knows you are the best."
• Why: You could say this about anyone. It shows zero research. It sounds lazy.

2. The "What's In It For Me?" Trap

• Don't Say: "Because you pay well, have free lunch, and great benefits."
• Why: We all want to get paid. But if that’s your only reason, the hiring manager knows you’ll leave the second someone offers you $5k more. Focus on what you give, not just what you get.

3. The "Desperation" Trap

• Don't Say: "I really need a job and I’ve applied everywhere."
• Why: Confidence sells. Desperation repels. Even if you have applied everywhere, you need to make them feel special. You chose them just as much as they are choosing you.

4. The "Stepping Stone" Trap

• Don't Say: "I see this as a great stepping stone for my future career."
• Why: No hiring manager wants to hear that you are using them as a practice round. They want to hear that you want this job, not the job you hope to get three years from now at a different company.

‍

How to Use AI to Prepare Your Answer (Work Smarter, Not Harder)

If doing deep research on every company sounds exhausting, that’s because it used to be. But you’re living in the future, and you have tools that can do the heavy lifting for you.

You can use AI tools to shortcut the research phase without sacrificing quality. This is exactly why we built WonsultingAI.

1. Research in Seconds: Instead of reading 20 pages of a company's website, you can use tools to summarize their recent news, mission, and values. Look for:

• "What are [Company]'s core values?"
• "What recent challenges is [Company] facing?"
• "Who are [Company]'s main competitors?"

2. Practice with InterviewAI: Knowing the answer is one thing; saying it out loud without sounding like a robot is another. InterviewAI allows you to practice this specific question. It listens to your response and gives you feedback on your content, tone, and delivery. It’s like having a career coach in your pocket.

3. The Networking Hack: The best "Why do you want to work here?" answers often reference a current employee. "I spoke to Sarah in Accounting, and she told me..." Use NetworkAI to find people at the company, send them a personalized message, and get that insider info that makes you sound like an insider before you even get the job.

‍

You’ve Got This!

Answering 'Why do you want to work here?' is your moment to shine. It's the part of the interview where you stop being a resume and start being a person with goals, passion, and a plan.

Remember, you aren't begging for a favor. You are a professional offering a solution to their problems. Whether you are an F-1 student fighting for sponsorship, a boot camp grad proving your skills, or a seasoned pro looking for your worth, your story matters.

Don't let the corporate jargon intimidate you. Do your research, find your connection, and build that bridge.

If you’re still feeling stuck or want to make sure your answer is bulletproof, check out the Wonsulting Job Search Hub or give InterviewAI a spin. We’ve helped thousands of underdogs turn interviews into offers. You’re next.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if I don't actually care about the company?

This is common. Sometimes you just need a job. The key is to find one thing you can respect or appreciate. Maybe they have a strong training program. Maybe they are stable. Maybe their product is reliable. You don't have to be "in love" with the company, but you must be "interested" in the professional opportunity it represents. Focus on the role and the industry if the company itself isn't exciting.

How long should my answer be?

Keep it under 2 minutes. The ideal length is usually 60 to 90 seconds. Enough time to cover the "Company Hook," "Personal Connection," and "Future Value," but short enough that you don't start rambling.

Should I mention salary as a reason?

Generally, no. In the early stages of an interview (recruiter screen or hiring manager), focusing on money can make you seem transactional. Save the salary talk for the negotiation stage—which, by the way, is Stage 5 of the Wonsulting Job Search Framework. For the "Why do you want to work here?" question, stick to culture, mission, impact, and skills.

What if the company has bad reviews on Glassdoor?

If you’re asked why you want to work there despite bad press, be honest but diplomatic. "I’ve read various opinions, but I’m impressed by the resilience the company has shown and the new direction leadership is taking. I prefer to form my own conclusions, and my interaction with your team so far has been very positive." This shows maturity and critical thinking.

Can I use the same answer for every company?

Absolutely not. This is the one question you must tailor. Recruiters can smell a copy-pasted answer from a mile away. If you use the same generic "I love your culture" line for a bank and a tech startup, you will likely get rejected by both. Tailoring takes time, but it drastically increases your conversion rate from interview to offer.