Ask HN: What do you answer to “Why do you want to work here?” questions • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: What do you answer to “Why do you want to work here?” questions

#11

Post by orakem » Sun, Jan 17, 2021, 11:41 PM UTC

Jugurtha wrote: post #7

> In those cases, what do you answer? And how do you come up with that answer? I am not talking about generic silicon valley answers like "making the world a better place", but actual targeted answers. The answer is in your question, in my opinion. Targeted answer . The underlying assumption is that you are asked this during an interview after your "job hunting", which means that you have applied to that company, whi…

> The answer is in your question, in my opinion. Targeted answer. The underlying assumption is that you are asked this during an interview after your "job hunting", which means that you have applied to that company, which should mean that you have read about it, looked at what they're doing, and was interested in joining them.

I have seen many companies ask this question when you are submitting a written application as well.

Re: Ask HN: What do you answer to “Why do you want to work here?” questions

#12

Post by softwaredoug » Mon, Jan 18, 2021, 2:21 AM UTC

I always give an honest answer. Often I am also learning about them from the interview. Because, after all you are interviewing them as well. You’re NOT sure you want to work there yet :)

My first job I was curious because they were located in a college town, not a big city, and lots of friends worked there. The company had a long history > 100 years (which I was learning about on the interview). That long engineering legacy was another reason I appreciated before accepting the offer.

My last job, while I was more senior, I reached out to them and said in my email why I might want to work there. But that was just my initial sense. I also spent time learning about the people and the company and my role. I was asking them “why do you want me” in the same way I was asking “why do I want them”.

Re: Ask HN: What do you answer to “Why do you want to work here?” questions

#13

Post by Jugurtha » Mon, Jan 18, 2021, 9:22 AM UTC

orakem wrote: post #11

Jugurtha wrote: post #7

> In those cases, what do you answer? And how do you come up with that answer? I am not talking about generic silicon valley answers like "making the world a better place", but actual targeted answers. The answer is in your question, in my opinion. Targeted answer . The underlying assumption is that you are asked this during an interview after your "job hunting", which means that you have applied to that company, whi…

> The answer is in your question, in my opinion. Targeted answer. The underlying assumption is that you are asked this during an interview after your "job hunting", which means that you have applied to that company, which should mean that you have read about it, looked at what they're doing, and was interested in joining them. I have seen many companies ask this question when you are submitting a written application…

Yes, but even with those that don't, doing it upstream with a "motivation letter" works if hiring is done by humans.

Re: Ask HN: What do you answer to “Why do you want to work here?” questions

#14

Post by andix » Mon, Jan 18, 2021, 12:08 PM UTC

Think about what they would like to hear. And then pick something from that, that you agree with and could identify with.

If they don't tell you what's important for them, ask them during the interview.

Re: Ask HN: What do you answer to “Why do you want to work here?” questions

#15

Post by PEOPLEgetoff » Mon, Jan 18, 2021, 3:45 PM UTC

I think you can focus your answers to specifics like the company’s overall core values and reputation. These can also include non-position related things like the company’s community involvement, outreach programs, marketing campaigns, training programs…anything.. anything that you may find about the company that intrigues you and draws you in.