By Shakhnoza Raimjonova; Skokie, Illinois

“Why do you want to work here?” Most international students who apply for a job get this question asked during a face-to-face job interview.

So, imagine, you are at an interview and you are asked “Why do you want to work here?, how would you answer this question? If you search this topic online, there are numerous suggestions to provide ideas on how to address this. For instance, Chris McGoff, the founder of The Clearing, Inc., answers to present to the interviewer. Let’s look through them together as they may be beneficial to you in the future.

Keyword: Training and Development

“I have heard the work is challenging and that your company truly invests in providing training and development of its staff.”
If you are going to respond in this way, that means you value the group of interviewers giving you challenging assignments. And of course you will show that you want them to invest in your development.

Keyword: Corporate Culture

“I have heard about your company’s great team and positive corporate culture.”
Do you prefer to answer like that? Then you want them to make sure your peers are people you appreciate and want them to make sure you become part of corporate culture you value.

Keyword: Advancement

“I see your company is growing and creating much opportunity for advancement.”
Is this response in you have in mind? In this case, you want the company to provide opportunities for your advancement within your area of expertise as well as grow your area of responsibility.

Keyword: Mission and Vision

(to Chris Mc Goff’s perspective, this is a perfect response):
“Simple really. I have read your mission and vision. I have gleaned information about you and your company through social media, engaging my professional network, and exploring other publicly available information. As a result, I think I can clearly state four things and I would like you to validate my thinking.”
Perfect! This answer shows that you are not there to obtain something for yourself. You are there, well researched and offering specific ways you are able to give value to them.

If you choose this way, they will have positive thoughts about you and discover your skills further more:

  • Solid communication skills.
  • Diligent. Work hard and creatively to understand our situation.
  • Knows at least the basics of social media.
  • Has and actively manages a professional network.
  • Understands our business and our goals and vision.
  • Realizes what’s at stake should we fail and the possibilities afforded us when we succeed.
  • Understands what is making our path hard.
  • Has made a compelling case that he or she has some or part of what we need to be successful.

Read More

When You Choose to Study Abroad
Writing an Eye Catchy Cover Letter
Do The Research If You Care About Your Career
School Social is Fun, Isn’t it?