why i choose social work essay

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Bringing The Meaning in Life: Why I Want to Be a Social Worker

• Categories: Career Goals Social Work

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Words: 964 |

Published: Apr 15, 2020

Words: 964 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Table of contents

Personal experience as a driving force, embracing flexibility as an asset, the perfectionist's dilemma, works cited.

• Humphrey, C. (2011). Social work, social justice and human rights: A structural approach to practice. Policy Press.
• Mathiasen, H., & Larsen, L. B. (2016). Core social work values and ethics: A critical review of the literature. Social Work Education, 35(1), 11-25.
• National Association of Social Workers. (2017). Code of ethics. NASW Press.
• Payne, M. (2014). Modern social work theory. Oxford University Press.
• Reamer, F. G. (2013). Social work in a digital age: Ethical and risk management challenges. Social Work, 58(2), 163-172.
• Ruch, G. (2010). Relationship‐based social work: Getting to the heart of practice. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
• Saleebey, D. (Ed.). (2013). The strengths perspective in social work practice. Pearson.
• Schiele, J. H. (2014). Social workers' attitudes toward self-disclosure in the therapeutic relationship. Social Work, 59(2), 145-153.
• Todd, S., & Bohan, J. S. (2013). Online social work: Is it for everyone?. Journal of Social Work Education, 49(2), 212-226.
• Vourlekis, B. S., & Greenfield, E. A. (2015). Ethical considerations in geriatric social work. In Handbook of geriatric social work (pp. 325-341). Wiley.

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Why I Chose Social Work

by Eunice Amante | Oct 5, 2017 | Education , Inside Word 2017 | 1 comment

I am currently surrounded by what seems like a sea of assignments and surviving off of the caffeine running through my veins. It has not been an easy week to say the least.

Daydreaming about my short visit to Wellington during the mid-sem break

There will be times where you’ll be so overwhelmed with assignments, work, life and the amount of tabs open on your screen that you’ll start to question why you’re doing what you’re doing. In these moments I’ve found that the only thing that keeps me from giving up is my dream of being a social worker.

Buying plants is my idea of self care.

Social work is one of those career pathways that everyone ‘sort of’ knows what it is, but ‘sort of’ don’t. The common depiction of social workers is that they’re the heartless people who take children away from their parents. They’re the ones who bring the bad news. On the other extreme people may view social workers as people who work as martyrs to help save people in poverty for very little pay. The low pay is true, the other stuff not so much.

According to the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW), social work is a “profession that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people.” Yes, it is broad and a little bit confusing. Essentially social workers walk alongside and advocate for people during tough times. Our job is to empower people and assist them to become autonomous.

My BSW gals

These two make a full day of uni bearable

Social work is a very broad profession. You can work in many different sectors such as: health, justice, community, children and family, education, and business among other things.  These areas in which social workers practice can sometimes overlap. To give you a better picture, a social worker in the health sector can work at Starship Children’s Hospital. They may be involved in walking alongside a family whose child is diagnosed with an illness. As a social worker you could help them by referring them to a support group, finding them financial assistance and making sure they have the resources to deal with the changes. Working at Starship would mean holding knowledge about the health sector as well as working with children and families. Another social worker may work within the community, advocating for better living conditions. This may lead to involvement with politics. Studying social work can lead to other career pathways such as counseling, psychology, teaching and corrections. The variety of options are endless within the social work profession.

Passing out food during a missions trip in the Philippines (2014).

I knew I wanted to be a social worker before I even truly knew what it was. I was 12 years old. All I knew at the time was that I wanted to help people (children especially), but I didn’t know how. I originally wanted to work in the medical field as a doctor until I released you had to study cadavers (I don’t do well with blood lol). Then I volunteered at a children’s foster care event; that changed my whole world. Seven years has past and I’ve definitely learned a lot more about social work since then.

My twelve year old self apparently also wanted to be a model lol.

Advocating women’s rights at the Women’s March

I chose to be a social worker because I want to empower people, battle social injustice and create a positive difference. Everyone I have met taking a Bachelor’s in Social Work entered into the profession for similar reasons. I definitely didn’t go into social work for the money, if you can’t tell, social workers are really under payed. In fact, a lot of people discouraged me from pursuing social work because of the low income, but my passionate hard head didn’t care. I do, however, care that there are families unable to afford housing, children going to bed on empty stomachs and people fleeing their homes because of war and persecution.

During my stay at the Village of Hope orphanage in Bohol, these hugs gave me life.

I want to be a social worker because everybody needs help sometimes.  I long to help people see their strengths when they can only see their weaknesses. I want to lend my ears to those who have no one else.  I yearn for people to see their potential and worth when they may have been told otherwise. I want to help provide families with necessary knowledge and resources to flourish. I desire to give marginalized people a voice. I chose social work because I am motivated by the belief that by empowering one person at a time it becomes a ripple effect into the world.

That is my ‘why.’

– Eunice

If you want to learn more about the BSW at UoA:  https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/find-a-study-option/bachelor-of-social-work-bsw.html

If you want to feel inspired:  http://confessionsofabanshee.com/what-it-really-means-to-be-a-social-worker/

Hey Eunice, your desire to help others is a strong inspiration to some of us. I have always desired to have some sort of fulfillment in my line of work, but that has alluded me until Recently when i stumbled on an article which really changed my outlook on life. I have taken the necessary steps to set a career path in the social work field. though am 32 years, i still believe it is better late than never. Continue the good work you are doing. I guess some of us are solidly taken the educational steps to join the team of social workers out there.

God bless you.

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Why I Want to Be a Social Worker, Essay Sample

Essay about my passion and purpose as a social worker.

It has been a long journey for me, but I have finally accepted that I want to be a social worker. After much deep reflection and consideration, I have realized that this career path best suits my values and passions. This essay, which I have written using a custom essay writing service , will explore why I want to become a social worker, what skills and qualities make me well-suited for the profession, and how I plan to use my knowledge in the service of others. 

Why I Want to Be a Social Worker 

First and foremost, my passion for helping those in need is why I want to become a social worker. From a young age, I’ve always been passionate about helping people. I have always had an insatiable curiosity about the world and its people. As I grew older, my passion for helping others turned into a desire to pursue a career as a social worker. It perfectly combines my love for people, my compassionate nature, and my dedication to social justice. 

Whether it’s providing financial assistance or offering emotional support – it all matters. By becoming a social worker, I will be able to use my experience and education to directly help people who are struggling with various issues such as poverty or mental health problems. 

What is Social Work? 

Social work is a profession that focuses on improving the welfare of individuals and communities by providing counseling, advocacy, education, and other services. Trained professionals known as social workers provide assistance to individuals from diverse backgrounds such as children, families, immigrants, elderly persons, victims of abuse or neglect, veterans, and homeless individuals, to help them achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives. They provide support services such as case management; counseling; referrals; crisis intervention; advocacy; community outreach; and education. 

Skills Which a Social Worker Should Possess

There are many different jobs within the field of social work, but they all require knowledge of the law, psychology, and sociology. Social workers must be compassionate, caring individuals who can put themselves in another person’s shoes. They must be able to understand what it feels like not having food or shelter, or even just having someone to talk to when things get tough.

I have witnessed firsthand the struggles that some people face in their lives, including poverty, homelessness, and mental health issues. Seeing the impact of these issues on people’s lives has made me want to help in any way I can.

A Social Worker Plays a Really Crucial Role in Society

Social workers are essential parts of any community. They are always there when people need them most, and they always do what they can to ensure they get the care they need. Social workers also make sure that people have access to all kinds of services, such as mental health care or substance abuse treatment services if needed. By working in this position, you can help improve many people’s lives in your community!

Exploring My Calling to Become a Social Worker 

I want to be a social worker because I believe everyone has the potential to lead fulfilling lives regardless of their circumstances. By working with vulnerable populations – such as marginalized groups or those facing poverty or displacement – I can help empower them to make positive changes in their lives and create better futures for themselves. 

By the way, I am committed to advocating for social justice initiatives that combat racism and unequal access to resources throughout our society. Through my training as a social worker, I will be able to gain the skills necessary to advocate for these causes effectively. 

Why I am Appropriate for This Job

In addition to my passion for helping people, I want to become a social worker because of the qualities that make me an ideal candidate for the job. As someone with strong interpersonal skills and an innate ability to understand people from different backgrounds and life experiences, I believe that these traits will serve me well when it comes time to interact with clients individually. 

Conclusion                 

All in all, becoming a social worker has been one of my life-long aspirations because it allows me to combine my love for people with my commitment to advocating for social justice initiatives. With this essay, I have attempted to explain why being a social worker is essential and why this career path resonates deeply with me – my passion for helping others and the satisfaction of impacting someone’s life. If you share these values, perhaps you should consider becoming a social worker too!

Tips and Tricks on Writing an Essay About a Social Worker 

Writing an essay about a social worker is both a rewarding and challenging task. It can be difficult to capture the complexity of the social work profession in one essay, but it is definitely possible. Here are some tips to help you write a personal statement essay that accurately portrays the work of a social worker. 

Research Carefully 

Before you start writing, it’s important to do your research. Look into what social workers do on a daily basis, their roles, and their responsibilities. Understanding these aspects will ensure that your essay accurately reflects the work of a social worker. 

Organize Your Ideas 

Once you have done your research, it’s time to organize your ideas into a cohesive structure. Start by creating an outline that clearly states the main points you want to cover in your essay and also includes any relevant facts or quotes that may be useful for supporting information. This will help ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to another and allows for easy reading for your audience.  

Be Clear & Concise 

When writing about social work, there is no need for lengthy explanations or unnecessarily complicated language – stick with straightforward sentences that get the point across without being too verbose or convoluted. Be sure to edit your work carefully, too; even small spelling errors can detract from the overall quality of your essay.

Why Someone Might Want to Become a Social Worker

Social work is a profession dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities improve their well-being and quality of life. Social workers play a critical role in advocating for vulnerable populations and providing support and resources to those in need. Here are some of the key reasons why someone might want to become a social worker:

Note that these are just some of the reasons why someone might want to become a social worker. Social work is a challenging but deeply rewarding profession that requires a strong commitment to helping others and promoting social justice.

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News and Support

Why did you choose social work.

Ask a social worker for the reason they chose the social work profession and the standard answer is “I want to help people.”  I think this is the expected answer.  This is what the person asking wants to hear because it validates their impression of social workers and social work.  Social workers are soft, bleeding hearts, want to save the world types.  Their impression is read on their faces and in their tone as they respond, “Oh, well, that must be very rewarding.”  Then the subject changes.

None of us would dare say we went into social work to make money.  That statement would probably send listeners into a fit of hysterical, belly laughter.  As a matter of fact, we would probably start laughing before finishing the sentence.  No one, however, would laugh if a doctor or lawyer made that statement.

I think that many of us chose social work because of the good feeling that we get when we help someone.  There are other reasons, as well, based on our skills, abilities and interests.  Some chose the profession because of strong problem solving abilities.  Others chose the profession because of exceptional analytical skills.  Still others chose social work because of their proficiencies in verbal and written communication.

Do our skills have a positive influence on others?  Yes!  Does our collective ability create a powerful force in the community around us?  Absolutely!

What would happen if our response to the question was answered more definitively?  We would educate the public regarding the skillset, the complexity and the extensive nature of the work and of the social work profession.  We could also transform opinions regarding the assets contained within the profession.  Here are a few examples of answers to the big question.  Statements directly related to our skillset need to be a part of our daily conversations.

I chose social work because:

I enjoy coordinating multiple systems

I get to use my planning, managing and organizing skills

Problem-solving is my thing and I get to do a lot of that as a social worker

I can develop programs based on new technology and research

I can use my creativity in many areas within the social work profession

I want to make lots of money. (Especially true for social workers who are entrepreneurial minded)  

Why did you choose social work?  I would love to hear from you, post your answers on Twitter @Marcyline #LCSW15 , on our Facebook fan page REAL Social Workers Online Magazine or join the “Social” Social Workers Project .

8 thoughts on “ Why Did You Choose Social Work? ”

I really feel like I was BORN to be a social worker! I love helping people organize their lives:)

In Denmark an education as a ‘social advicer’ gives you the opportunity to work in many dirrerent fields – in public service, hospitals, drug treatment, prisons, private organisations. The many possibilities were very important to me. I like that every day is different and that unexpected things happen. I’m strong in communication both face to face and written. And of course I like people – everybody has got an interesting story to tell!

My chief reason for choosing the field of social work was to give back; to assist a young person feel valued, to use my gift of words to have the silence filled with wonder and with joy. I wanted to empower,to challenge the broken in spirit to soar past their adversity.

I chose Social Work as a profession because I want to help to bridge the gap of broken families together. Also to teach and help to build healthy parenting and family relationships.

I chose social work because I`m a disabled person working with disabled people and one of the socoal workers role is to change the way we solve problems and if I don`t do it then who will ?

I didn’t choose social work initially, it chose me. I went into my first job in social care over 25 years ago not really knowing what I was doing or about to experience. After about a week I realised that this was what I was meant to do all along. I have progressed in my career, gone into management and got qualified, but I still recognise that working with and for the people I work with and helping them realise their true potential is what keeps me engaged with my work.

I did not choose Social Work. It chosed me by virtue of all the Social related things I was engaged in. But my overriding goal is to give a voice to those who otherwise will not be heard ie. Children seniors refugees etc

I became a social worker because of my mother and a social worker who helped me when I was very young. I have found great enjoyment in working as a medical social worker. It was a great mix of social work, helping people and medical knowledge.

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• Faculty & Research

Why Should You Pursue an MSW Degree?

By Joseli A., BUSSW Student Ambassador

Choosing to pursue a master’s degree program is a big decision to make no matter what your professional life goals are. Your mind races with questions like:

What do I want my future to look like? 

What degree would make the most sense for me? 

How much of an impact would this degree have on my career path? 

When I was in the process of selecting a master’s program, I knew that I wanted to find a program that would allow me to work in a broad array of fields, and also give me the practical skills I would need to make a positive change in the lives of others. There is no question that other paths could have satisfied what I was looking for, but a Master of Social Work (MSW) stood out to me because it is a versatile and well-respected degree. I knew that social work’s core values in social justice would take me on a journey of discovery about both myself and society as a whole.

The social work field connects MSW graduates to employment opportunities in every population and with all systems, from small non-profits to government agencies or schools. For these reasons, I quickly refined my search to social work because I knew that an MSW would strengthen my skills and employability. 

Here are a few more reasons why I chose to pursue an MSW:

Social work is everywhere

Many studies have shown that social work is a growing field, which makes sense because it is everywhere. Social workers can be found in politics, corporations, healthcare, education, law enforcement—you name it. Social workers are also a vital asset to all work environments because we are able to bring compassion, critical thinking, strong communication, and a strength-based perspective to the workplace. We are trained to advocate for change and to improve others’ lives, whether at the macro or micro level. 

Creating positive change for a living

I personally chose an MSW because I wanted to combine my background in anthropology and psychology in a useful and practical way. I also wanted the opportunity to have variety within my job—I have never enjoyed monotony. I am passionate about confronting barriers, loopholes, oppressors, and systems. Social work provides me with a platform where I can directly address these issues and be employed to do so. 

Never-ending growth

I know some people argue that the profession is not financially fruitful, but I think that’s because they are not aware of the opportunities within the field. Given the wide range of professional options that social work provides, there is a lot of space for financial and professional growth. Seeking out licensure, professional organizations, and continuing education courses are all ways that you can keep growing in your career even after graduation. With an abundance of skills and opportunities, many social workers are able to build successful careers that they enjoy both financially and professionally. 

At the end of the day, the decision about what masters program to pursue comes down to what makes the most sense for you. As you think about which program best suits you, just remember that an MSW is a versatile degree that opens many doors to a successful and impactful future.

Return to Student Ambassadors Main Page

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10 Best Sample Answers to “Why Do You Want to Work in Our Company?”

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10 Best Sample Answers to “Why Do You Want to Work in Our Company?” was originally published on WikiJob.

If you’ve been invited to an interview, you can expect to be asked some variation of the question, “Why do you want to work in our company?”. People often dismiss this as a trick question, or assume that the interviewer is only looking to hear how great the company is. Yet it is arguably the most significant question an interviewer can ask you.

It is also extremely difficult to answer well. This article will outline exactly what your interviewer is looking for, typical mistakes candidates make, how to prepare your answer and similar versions of the question.

Why Do You Want to Work in Our Company? – What Is the Interviewer Really Asking?

When you are faced with the question ‘Why do you want to work in our company?’ you may feel overwhelmed. However, your interviewer isn’t going to ask you to recite all of their industry awards from memory. Nor do they want you to feed them empty compliments.

The interview is about you. Your interviewer wants to know:

• Why you are perfect for the role
• What motivated you to apply
• How you will fit into the company’s culture
• Whether you understand the company’s strategy and commercial goals
• Whether you are likely to stay at the company for a long time

You need to structure your answer in two parts:

• Why do you want this particular job?
• Why do you want to work at this particular company?

We will unpick these questions below, but first, let’s look at some example answers from job experts:

Why Do You Want to Work in Our Company Sample Answers

Use the below examples to help you pull together your own answer. Remember to structure your answer in two parts, and bear the above points in mind.

Example Answer 1

I applied for the position of E-commerce Marketing Assistant because I am looking to kick-start my career in digital marketing.

As a graduate specialising in digital marketing, I have expertise in promoting online brand awareness.

Whilst at university, I volunteered for a charity by promoting regular bake sales. I used social media to garner attention and boost sales. In fact, our Students’ Initiative raised the highest amount for the charity in four years.

I want to work for [company] because I am interested in your product, a meal plan subscription service. As a keen foodie who is always too busy to cook, I have an in-depth understanding of your target audience.

Why this answer is good:

• They linked their skills and interests to the job role.
• They understood the company’s product and explained why they want to work for this particular company.
• They backed up their answer with examples.

Example Answer 2

Two years ago I spent six weeks volunteering with disabled children in Vietnam. This inspired me to train as a teacher because I firmly believe that education is a right every child deserves.

I want to start my Post-Qualification Employment at this school because it has an excellent reputation for ensuring no child is left behind. You have an outstanding Special Educational Needs policy and the teachers here are passionate about encouraging every student to reach their individual potential. This is all reflected in your annual performance scores.

• They explained their reasons for wanting the position and backed this up with examples.
• They gave reasons for admiring the school and demonstrated they share the same values.
• They have done their research by mentioning specific policies.

Example Answer 3

I am drawn to this position of Media Sales Assistant because I am interested in the marketing side of medicine. My degree is in medical biochemistry, so I am knowledgeable about the medical industry and the principles of ethics that are relevant to medical advertising.

I want to work here because [company] has an impressive reputation for working with the major medical journals, and you offer an excellent opportunity to develop expertise within the medical advertising sector.

I understand [company] is looking to grow its client base. I am a very sociable person so I would love communicating daily with clients and building new client relationships.

• They linked their skills to the job role.
• They outlined why they are interested in the position.
• They stated why they want to work for this company in particular.

Example Answer 4

Ever since I was a small child, I have loved math. I was the kid in school who would ask for extra math homework and I used this passion to help guide my choice when it came to exams and college choices.

Now that I am fully qualified as an accountant, I am hoping to direct my passions in a way that is beneficial to others. I feel that your company and this junior position will be the best ways for me to grow in knowledge about the industry as well as enable me to launch a successful career.

• The background information indicates that this is a long-term passion of yours and something you are very interested in
• States qualifications
• Talks about growing within the company which indicates long-term plans

Example Answer 5

When I was a teenager, my dog got really sick. My parents couldn’t afford to pay for visits to the vet, so I researched and studied everything that I could to help improve the situation.

Through my research and actions, my dog eventually got better. This inspired me to study to become a vet and I am passionate about providing affordable and free veterinary care to people who desperately want to provide for their animals but are unable to.

I feel that your service here at the shelter is exactly what I am looking for to help provide treatment to as many animals as possible.

• Talks about strengths such as the ability to use initiative
• Shows the potential employer that you have researched them before your interview

Example Answer 6

Every step of the way throughout my career, I have known how important it is to learn from people who have more experience and expertise than I do. This is why, when I began looking to take the next step in my career, I researched your company.

What you do here, in terms of marketing, is bigger than anything I have tackled before. It is also the logical next step for me. Your reputation for nurturing and building up individuals to help them find and grow their strengths is exactly what attracted me to the role.

• The background shows that you are willing to learn and grow as a person and an employee
• Shows that you have researched the employer
• Talks about what attracted you to the role and how you think this will help you as an employee and an individual

Example Answer 7

I have been a doctor within a hospital setting for several years now. Although I have loved treating patients and the atmosphere that a hospital setting brings, I feel that it is time for a challenge.

I feel that moving into general practice will provide a wider variety of patients and help me to maintain the level of patient care that I want to provide.

This particular practice is well known for patient satisfaction and I feel that I would be a valuable member of the team.

• It talks about your background and expertise
• It states what it is that you hope to gain through your new role
• It talks about what you can bring to the position

Example Answer 8

Your company is well known in the business world for its ability to nurture individuals and help them to reach their full potential. It is especially well-known for helping those who may not have had the opportunity to attend university and gain formal qualifications. This is why I think that I would be a good fit here.

Although I don’t have all of the formal qualifications, I have worked to expand my knowledge and create a foundation in this area. I feel that I can lend my skills well to this role and the nurturing environment will help me to improve across all areas.

• It shows the employer that you have researched their company and understand their values
• By talking about the things that you have taught yourself, you are showing that you are motivated and keen to learn new skills
• You are explaining how you feel that a role within the company could be beneficial to you.

Example Answer 9

I am passionate about providing a customer service experience that leaves the customer smiling and means that they are more likely to return.

This store, in particular, is widely recognized for its exceptional customer service. I feel that our values are similar and this is an environment I would be very happy working in.

• It talks about your strengths
• It speaks about how your values align with those of the company
• It paints the company in a positive light
• It talks about how you can have a positive impact on the company

Example Answer 10

I have been watching this company for quite a while now, admiring the work that you do and keeping an eye on changes in the industry. You always seem to be ahead of the curve, so I have used your work as inspiration to keep me motivated.

Everything that I have learned so far has been self-taught and when I saw that you had a vacancy available I knew that I had to apply. I feel that I would fit well with the work ethic and values here, adding my personal style to the team dynamic.

More than anything, working here would be a dream and a culmination of years of quietly watching from the sidelines.

• It shows that you have had an interest in the company for a while and understand what it is that they do
• It talks about how the values of the company have already helped you in the past and how you would anticipate this to carry on in the future
• It shows that you have been waiting for an opportunity to join the company

How to Prepare for the Question “Why Do You Want to Work in Our Company?”

Now you know how not to answer, it’s time to prepare your best response to ‘Why do you want to work here?’. Here are some tips:

1. Think About Why You Want This Job in Particular

Research the role and figure out why it interests you. Think about how the job description matches your skill set, ambitions and what you genuinely like most about the business.

For example, some of these may apply:

• The responsibilities of the role align with your personal interests. Ensure you can link what interests you about the job role to specific examples. For example, if you are applying for the role of Editorial Assistant at Love Knitting Magazine, you could mention that you are a prolific knitter and you edited a student magazine at university.
• Opportunities for progression. For example, internal qualifications, networking opportunities or management training schemes.
• You want to work in a professional, team-oriented environment which values collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• You love analytical and logical problem-solving.

Example answers related to why you want the job:

• “I want to work here because this organization’s values align with my own. I’m impressed with the work you do to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of care. I believe that this is a place where I can make a meaningful contribution to the healthcare field while also growing and developing my skills.”
• “This role is an excellent fit for my skills and experience. I am confident that I have the necessary technical skills and knowledge required for the role, and I’m excited about the opportunity to take on new challenges and responsibilities.”
• “I’m excited about the opportunity to work with a team of highly skilled and dedicated healthcare professionals. From my research on this organization, I can see that you place a strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork, and I believe that this is an environment where I can thrive and make a positive contribution.”

2. Think About Your Career Goals and How They Align With the Company’s

A short-term career goal might be to gain more experience in customer service. Whereas a long-term goal might be to aspire to a management position. Make sure your career goal is relevant to the job role.

Here are some examples of how you can link your career goals with the company’s objectives:

• For the role of Product Designer – The company makes a product which has inspired you to enter the industry and your career goal is to design similar products.
• For the role of Healthcare Assistant – You are passionate about providing exceptional healthcare and you always aspire to improve your level of care. This is also a value prioritised by the company.
• For the role of Private Client Paralegal – You value developing close professional relationships with clients and your goal is to build a legal career in private client work.

Example answers related to your career goals:

• “I want to work here because I believe this company is at the forefront of innovation in the industry, and I’m passionate about being a part of a team that’s shaping the future of healthcare. This aligns with my career goal of continuously learning and growing while contributing to an organization’s success.”
• “I’m excited about this opportunity because I believe that working for this company will help me achieve my career goal of becoming an expert in my field. The company’s reputation for providing high-quality care and emphasis on continuous learning aligns with my personal and professional goals.”
• “I’m eager to work for this company because I believe it offers excellent career development opportunities. My career goal is to advance into a leadership role, and I know that this company has a track record of promoting from within and investing in their employees’ growth.”

3. Think About Why You Want to Work at This Company in Particular

Make sure you read the company’s website and any news articles you can find. A company’s blog can also be useful, since it will list important projects the company has worked on and focus on topics which are of value to the company.

If you have any connections within your network who have worked with the company, it’s also a good idea to speak with them to find out more about the company from someone who has experienced it first-hand.

Some other ideas to think about when undertaking your research are:

• Why you admire the company – Is it a front-runner in developing a ground-breaking software? Or is it one of the only companies in the country which specialises in aviation law? Make sure your reasons are specific to demonstrate you have done your research.
• Has the company undertaken any projects that particularly interest you, and why? – As well as the company’s blog, check whether they have listed any case studies on their website which provide more insight into the work they do.
• Can you identify the company’s short and long-term objectives? – A short-term objective might be to reward employees who volunteer for the company’s corporate social responsibility programme. A long-term objective might be a target for the number of annual employee hours dedicated to corporate social responsibility.
• What are the company’s values? – For example, a bank might foster a culture of sustainable lending. Or a healthcare organisation might promote their staff’s caring and attentive approach to their work.

Example answers related to the company:

• “I’m excited about working for this company because of its excellent reputation in the industry. I believe that working for a well-respected and established organization will give me access to opportunities and experiences that will help me grow my career.”
• “I’m passionate about the company’s mission to improve patient outcomes and provide high-quality care. This is a purpose that resonates with me, and I’m eager to be a part of a team that’s making a positive impact on people’s lives.”
• “I want to work here because I’ve heard great things about the company culture and the supportive work environment. I believe that working in a positive and collaborative atmosphere will allow me to perform at my best and contribute meaningfully to the team.”

Why Do You Want to Work in Our Company? – Five Typical Mistakes Candidates Make

Before delving into how you answer the ‘Why do you want to work here?’ question, here is some advice on how not to approach it.

Most interviewers will not appreciate a humorous answer. It makes you appear insincere or suggests that you don’t know how to answer the question.

I’m only here for the money.

You look like you could use my help.

2. Ambiguity

The interviewer doesn’t want to hear vague compliments about how their company “looks really cool”. Ambiguous answers will indicate that you haven’t done any research on the organisation or thought about why you want the job at all.

I just think the work looks fun.

3. Not Relating Your Answer to the Job or Company

It is surprising how often candidates forget to mention the job they are applying for altogether.

I liked your website.

You have bean-bag chairs in the break area, which is a nice touch.

4. Being Too Honest

Even if you’re just here for the money, don’t confess this to your interviewer. Never lie, but keep your answer focused on the job role and why you would be a great addition to the company.

I need to pay the rent somehow.

This isn’t my dream job, but it seems tolerable.

5. Saying You Don’t Know

If you cannot come up with a single reason why the company should hire you, they probably won’t.

“Why Do You Want to Work in Our Company” Similar Questions: How They Are Different

There are many variations of the ‘Why do you want to work here?’ question that you may be asked at interview. Here are some examples of similar questions which ask the same thing:

• “Why do you want this job?”
• “What are you looking for in your next job?”
• “Why did you apply for this position?”

However, make sure you listen carefully to the question you are being asked; some will require a different answer than you first expect. Never repeat a pre-prepared response without listening carefully to the question. For example:

“What qualities can you bring to this role?”

This question differs because it focuses less on what you personally think about the role. Instead, talk about your specific achievements and how you can apply your skills to the job.

Example answer:

As well as my ability to manage and administer pension claims, I have a unique background in data management and analysis.

For example, in my previous role, I was part of a project recording and analysing the causes of delayed pension payments. This led to the implementation of improved payment administration policies. I will be looking for opportunities to use my skills within this role.

This answer is good because the candidate has specified a unique skill which will set them apart from the other candidates and backed it up with an example.

“Why should we hire you?”

This question is used to single out the very best of the qualified candidates. We have a whole article about this one question .

The interviewer wants to know:

• Whether you will do the job better than everybody else.
• Whether you will fit into the company’s culture.

It differs from the ‘Why do you want to work here?’ question because it is less about your personal interest in the job and more about what you can do for the company.

Come up with at least three reasons you stand out from the crowd. For example:

• You have experience in this industry;
• Your past achievements demonstrate a proven track record;
• You have relevant awards;
• You have relevant qualifications or further education;
• Your soft skills (such as communication skills) are especially strong (and proven);
• You have specific technical skills (such as knowledge of certain programming languages).

I have over 8 years of experience working with clients to deliver successful projects. As part of this, I have developed great relationships with my clients and other team members.

This contributes to my ability to manage teams and get results. Last year I led a team that won an industry award for a national project.

“How are you a good fit for this company?”

This question differs because it focuses on your understanding of the company’s culture and what skills you can contribute.

Ensure you research the company and its values. Think about how your own goals and values coincide. Then answer the question by:

• Describing your interpretation of the company’s culture.
• Explaining how you fit into that culture (including specific examples).

Here are some ideas to think about when interpreting the company’s culture:

• Does the company value collaboration?
• Does the company value internal progression?
• Are there any mentoring schemes?
• What is the company’s attitude to work/life balance?

I love that [company] promotes supportive attitudes in its employees. At my current job, we also have a culture of support, especially when a tight deadline is coming up.

For example, I recently worked two weeks’ overtime to help a colleague compile the civil disclosure for a massive fraud case.

I love how stimulating and exciting that kind of work can be. Therefore, I think I will fit in well within your team where everyone comes together to work to similar tight deadlines.

Final Thoughts

Preparing to answer interview questions can be daunting, but follow the advice in this article and you will arrive at your interview prepared to impress. Remember:

• Research the company and the position thoroughly.
• Structure your answer in two parts: first, outline why you want the job. Then outline why you want to work at the company.
• Be enthusiastic and back up all your reasons for wanting the job with specific examples.