Why do you want this job?

[Interviewee1001]

I have an interview coming up. (Yay!) On paper, I’m very over qualified for it, but to be fair, my experience was 10 years ago. I know from informal pre-application chats that the prospective employer can’t get their heads around why I’m applying to them rather than going for something more high powered directly in my original profession.

The truth is jobs in my original profession/specialism are rare as hens’ teeth outside London and my 10 years old experience, whilst it might sound impressive to a non-specialist, is pretty worthless in the field because of the time that’s passed.

I’ve applied for this job and this company because it’s a job I believe I can really make a difference in and do well, it doesn’t involve 12-18 hour days and (and this is the really important part!) this company have hugely family friendly policies. Great flexitime, no issues with wfh, easy to request and be accepted onto annualised hours or term time only contracts once you’re in etc etc.

What the hell do I say to the question in interview “why do you want to work here?” All of the above is true... but I feel if I say any/all of it, I don’t sound committed.... but then I think, why have family friendly policies if people aren’t supposed to admit to finding them attractive?

I’m tying myself in knots preparing for this one seemingly simple question - any ideas?

You need to use flattery. It's not about you and how great it is for you. Make it all about them.

You have such a great reputation as an employer, I know I will enjoy the role and it gives me a real opportunity to make a difference. I love learning and feel I will be well supported here and you (hiring manager) have come across today as very fair minded and a great person to work for. Bit more flattery about the specifics of the role and how it's such a great role/hugely influential/strategic and so on.

Best of luck!

Can you find something that they do in particular, read up on it and show real enthusiasm?

When I interview I'm always impressed by people who know exactly what I do (which projects they manage or clients they work with - whatever's appropriate) and have an intelligent and interested conversation about it.

If you know the field it won't sound forced because you do presumably want to do whatever it is they do, you can just develop a particular fondness for their particular thing.

They're asking this to check you have read up about the company. They want you to wow them with your preparation efforts, and ask intelligent, probing questions about things that aren't answered on their website.

You already answered your own question - it's a job that you 'really feel you can make a difference in and do well'. I'd tell them that it's genuine and from the heart.