Why Do You Want to Work Here?” The Answer That Gets Offers (8 Strong Examples)

This question looks simple—but it’s a deal-breaker.

Interviewers aren’t asking because they want compliments. They’re checking:

• Did you do any real research?

• Do you understand the role?

• Does your motivation match what the team needs?

If your answer sounds generic (“I love your company”), you blend in.
Let’s fix that with a simple framework and copy-ready scripts.

Related (build a strong opening): Tell me about yourself (90-second framework)
(Add your FixNest Post #001 link here.)

The real meaning of the question

“Why do you want to work here?” is basically:
“Why us + why this role + why you… right now?”

Your job is to connect those three in a clean, confident way.

The 3-part formula (Company → Role → You)

Use this structure every time:

1) Company (specific):
“I’m excited about [specific product/mission/team focus].”

2) Role (match to their need):
“This role stands out because it focuses on [key responsibility from the job description].”

3) You (proof):
“I’ve done [relevant experience], and I can bring [2 strengths] to help with [their goal].”

Copy-paste 60-second script

“I’m interested in your company because [specific thing you genuinely respect].
This role caught my attention because it’s focused on [top 1–2 responsibilities].
In my recent work, I’ve [proof of relevant impact], so I’m confident I can help your team [deliver outcome].

I’m especially excited about [one detail from the conversation or the job posting], and I’d love to contribute.”

What NOT to say (these kill offers)

Avoid answers like:

• “I just need a job.”

• “Your company is famous.”

• “The pay looks good.”

• “I love your culture” (with zero specifics)

• “I want to grow” (without explaining how this role enables that)

You can want stability and growth—just don’t say it in a way that sounds random. 

8 strong answers (friendly examples you can adapt)

1) Mission-driven (but not cringe)

Use when: the company has a clear mission you can name
Script:
“I’m drawn to your company because of the focus on [mission]. What I like is how it shows up in real work—especially [specific product/service/team focus]. This role is exciting because it’s directly tied to [responsibility], and I’ve built strength in [relevant skill]. I’d love to contribute by bringing [strength #1] and [strength #2] to help the team [goal].”

2) Product-first (specific = powerful)

Use when: the product is public and easy to reference
Script:
“I’m excited about the product direction—especially [specific feature/use case]. This role stands out because it focuses on [role responsibility], which matches my experience in [proof]. I think I can help by improving [outcome] through [your approach].”

3) Team/problem fit (sounds mature)

Use when: you understand what the team is solving
Script:
“What interests me is the problem space: [team challenge]. This role is appealing because it’s about [responsibility] and making decisions with [quality/speed/customer impact]. I’ve handled similar situations where I [proof], so I’m confident I can help the team move faster and cleaner.”

4) Growth (without sounding like you’ll quit in 6 months)

Use when: you want growth but must sound stable
Script:
“I’m looking for a role where I can grow in [specific skill] while delivering real results. This role fits because it involves [key responsibility], and I already have a base in [proof]. I’m excited because I can contribute immediately and keep leveling up in a way that helps the team.”

5) Culture (only if you can prove you understand it)

Use when: you can name specific work behaviors
Script:
“I’m interested in how your team works—especially the emphasis on [example: clear ownership, written communication, customer obsession, operational excellence]. That matches how I operate. In my last role, I supported that style by [proof], and I’d love to bring the same habits here.”

6) Customer impact (simple and strong)

Use when: the company is customer-facing
Script:
“I like roles where the work directly improves the customer experience. This position is compelling because it focuses on [responsibility that impacts customers]. I’ve done similar work where I [proof], and I’d be excited to help your team deliver a smoother experience.”

7) Learning the right “next chapter” (not random curiosity)

Use when: you’re pivoting slightly
Script:
“I’m making a focused move toward [new area] because I’ve enjoyed the parts of my work that involved [relevant tasks]. This role is a great fit because it combines [responsibilities] with the chance to grow in [skill]. I can bring [transferable strengths] and ramp quickly because I already have experience with [proof].”

8) Short recruiter-screen version (30–40 seconds)

Use when: the call is quick
Script:
“I’m interested because [one specific company reason]. This role stands out because it focuses on [top responsibility]. I’ve done [relevant proof], so I can bring [two strengths] to help the team [goal].”

Make your answer “specific” in 5 minutes (no deep research needed)

Before the interview, write 3 bullets:

1. Company: one product/service/team focus you can name

2. Role: one responsibility you can quote from the posting

3. You: one proof line (impact, result, or example)

That’s enough to sound prepared and different from 90% of candidates.

Related (if you’re also preparing tough questions): Greatest weakness (9 safe answers)
(Add your FixNest Post #004 link here.)

Quick checklist (before you say it out loud)

• Did I mention something specific about the company?

• Did I connect to the role responsibilities?

• Did I give proof (not vibes)?

• Can I say it in 60 seconds without rushing?

FAQ

Should I mention salary here?

No. Keep this answer about fit and motivation. Salary comes later.

What if I don’t know much about the company?

Use what you can: product category, customer type, role responsibilities. Then ask one smart question at the end of the interview.

Can I reuse the same answer for every company?

Use the same structure, not the same words. Swap the “Company” and “Role” lines each time.