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Discussion on: "Why do you want to work for us?" - Interview Question (Demystified)

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davelsan profile image
David Velasco • Edited

Disclaimer: I'm not a recruiter or HR professional.

I'm with Sorin on this. IMO the answer to this question in most cases has questionable value.

I understand the interviewer is looking for a good fit, and so should the candidate. To ascertain this I believe there are better methods.

Two examples, without trying to be comprehensive:

  • Fitness for a specific role is to ask about soft skills and technical competence. It will be apparent whether the candidate has cultivated an interest for the skills required. If this is the case, chances are it is a good choice.

  • Fitness for the company's goals and core principles is to ask about personal interests, motivations, and passions. I should be able to tell whether someone is telling the truth, especially if I too believe and am committed to those same values.

Of course nothing is so black and white. Thankfully we still have humans conducting the interviews.

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skaytech profile image
skaytech

Agreed mostly. The only caveat is maybe I wouldn't give the same leverage to senior profiles. Your argument sits fairly with junior Devs. However, having said that your next point resonating Gary's comment to rephrase the question sounds more likely to be the path forward.