One of the most common questions during a job interview is, “What makes you excited to work here?” At first glance, this might seem like an easy question to answer, but it’s crucial to provide a response that not only expresses your genuine enthusiasm but also highlights how well you understand the company, its culture, and the role you’re applying for.
In this article, we’ll break down why interviewers ask this question, what they’re looking for in your response, and how you can craft a strong, compelling answer that will make you stand out from the competition.
Why Do Interviewers Ask, “What Makes You Excited to Work Here?”
The question “What makes you excited to work here?” is designed to assess several things:
- Genuine Interest in the Company
Interviewers want to see if you’ve done your homework and understand the company’s mission, values, and work environment. A well-informed answer shows that you’ve put thought into your decision to apply. - Alignment with Company Culture
Employers are keen to hire candidates who will fit well within the team and the company culture. Your excitement about working at their company reveals whether your values and passions align with the company’s goals. - Motivation and Enthusiasm
Your excitement gives the interviewer insight into your level of enthusiasm and motivation for the role. A candidate who is passionate about the job is likely to perform better and stay committed longer. - Understanding of the Role
This question also helps employers gauge how well you understand the responsibilities and expectations of the role. Your excitement should show that you’re eager to take on the challenges that come with the job. - Personal and Professional Growth
Interviewers are also interested in whether the position will help you grow. Your excitement about learning new skills, tackling new challenges, and advancing in your career speaks to your long-term potential at the company.
How to Answer the Question “What Makes You Excited to Work Here?”
Answering this question requires a mix of enthusiasm, research, and a clear understanding of both the company and the role. Let’s break down how to create an effective response:
1. Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to research the company. This doesn’t just mean reading the “About Us” page on their website. Dig deeper to learn about:
- Company Values: What is the company’s mission? What do they prioritize (e.g., innovation, sustainability, diversity)?
- Work Culture: Is the environment collaborative? Do they value creativity and problem-solving?
- Recent Achievements or Projects: Has the company recently launched a new product, or are they involved in any exciting initiatives?
- Leadership: Who are the leaders? What is their vision for the company?
The more you know about the company, the more specific and genuine your answer will sound.
2. Tie Your Skills and Experiences to the Role
Your excitement should also come from the role itself. Review the job description carefully and identify the key responsibilities. Think about the aspects of the job that align with your skills, passions, and career goals.
- Example: If you’re applying for a marketing role, you might be excited about the opportunity to create engaging content or lead creative campaigns.
- Example: For a tech role, your excitement might come from working with the latest technology or solving complex challenges.
3. Mention Company Culture and Teamwork
It’s important to emphasize how you resonate with the company culture. Whether it’s the work environment, opportunities for growth, or the team dynamic, showing that you align with the company’s values will make your answer more persuasive.
- Example: “I’ve read that your company fosters a collaborative work environment, which is important to me because I thrive when working with a team that shares knowledge and learns together.”
4. Be Authentic and Enthusiastic
Your enthusiasm should come across in your tone, but also in your choice of words. The excitement should be genuine, so focus on what excites you about the company and the position. If you’re excited about the company’s mission or values, make sure you express that.
- Example: “I’m really excited by your company’s commitment to sustainability. As someone who is passionate about environmental issues, I’m eager to contribute to a company that shares my values and is actively making a difference.”
Sample Answers to “What Makes You Excited to Work Here?”
Here are a few tailored sample answers based on different industries and job roles to give you a better idea of how to respond:
1. For a Marketing Position
- Answer:
“I’ve been following your company’s work for a while, and I’m really impressed with your innovative approach to marketing. Your recent campaign for [product/service] was particularly inspiring because of how you leveraged digital platforms to engage with a younger audience. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to a creative and forward-thinking team, where I can use my skills in content creation and digital marketing to help build on the success of campaigns like this one.”
2. For a Software Development Role
- Answer:
“What excites me about the opportunity to work at [Company] is your commitment to developing cutting-edge technologies. I have a strong passion for coding, and I’m particularly excited by the chance to work on your new project involving [specific technology]. I’ve worked with similar technologies in the past and I’m eager to bring my skills to a company that is always at the forefront of innovation. Additionally, I appreciate your emphasis on continuous learning, and I look forward to the opportunities for growth in your development team.”
3. For a Customer Service Position
- Answer:
“I’m excited to work at [Company] because of your dedication to delivering exceptional customer experiences. I’ve read about your focus on putting customers first and providing personalized solutions, and I truly believe in this philosophy. In my previous roles, I’ve enjoyed helping customers solve problems and ensuring they have a positive experience with the brand. I’m eager to bring my strong communication skills and passion for customer service to a company that values customer satisfaction as much as I do.”
4. For a Sales Role
- Answer:
“What excites me about this role is the opportunity to work for a company with such a strong reputation in the industry. I admire your focus on building lasting relationships with clients, and I’m excited about the prospect of contributing to that mission. I thrive in sales because I enjoy the challenge of identifying solutions that meet clients’ needs. With your product’s unique value proposition, I believe I can make a meaningful impact by helping your customers achieve their business goals.”
What Not to Say When Answering “What Makes You Excited to Work Here?”
While it’s essential to be positive and enthusiastic, there are a few pitfalls you should avoid when answering this question:
1. Vague or Generic Responses
Avoid generic answers that could apply to any company. Responses like, “I’m excited to work here because I need a job” or “I just want to gain experience” will not impress the interviewer.
- Example to Avoid: “I’m excited about the opportunity to work here because I’ve heard great things about the company.”
- Why: This doesn’t show genuine interest in the specific company or role. It’s too vague and doesn’t demonstrate that you’ve done your research.
2. Focusing Solely on Compensation or Benefits
It’s natural to be interested in salary and benefits, but your answer should not focus primarily on these factors. If your excitement seems to stem only from what you can gain, it may give the wrong impression.
- Example to Avoid: “I’m really excited because the salary and benefits package is great.”
- Why: While compensation is important, employers want to know that you’re passionate about the work itself and the company culture.
3. Speaking Negatively About Previous Employers
Even if you’re leaving a previous job due to dissatisfaction, avoid speaking negatively about your past employers or colleagues. This makes you appear unprofessional and may raise concerns about your attitude.
- Example to Avoid: “I’m excited to leave my current job because the work environment is terrible.”
- Why: Focus on the positive aspects of the new opportunity rather than criticizing your past employer.
How to Structure Your Answer
Here’s a simple structure you can follow when answering this question:
- Start with research: Mention something specific about the company or its mission that excites you.
- Tie it to your skills or interests: Explain how your skills, experiences, or passions align with the role and the company.
- End with enthusiasm: Conclude with a statement of enthusiasm, showing your eagerness to contribute.
Sample Answer Structure (Table)
| Step | Example Answer |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Mention Company | “I’ve been following your company’s recent expansion into international markets, and I’m impressed by your commitment to sustainable growth.” |
| Step 2: Tie to Skills | “My background in global marketing campaigns and my passion for environmental sustainability would allow me to contribute to your mission.” |
| Step 3: Show Enthusiasm | “I’m excited about the opportunity to help further expand your brand and contribute to making a positive impact on a global scale.” |
Final Thoughts
When answering the question “What makes you excited to work here?”, the key is to show that you’ve done your research, understand the role, and are genuinely enthusiastic about the company and what it stands for. Make sure your answer connects your personal interests, skills, and values with the company’s mission and culture. Doing so will not only demonstrate that you’re a good fit for the company, but it will also show that you’re motivated and eager to contribute from day one.
Good luck with your interview, and remember: the more genuine your excitement, the more likely it is that you’ll make a lasting impression!
